HA Req 3: Fundamental Emergency Operations: Thermal Safety (Passive Survivability) During Emergencies – Above Green

(Required)

Maximum + Minimum Temperature Management for Mission-Critical and/or Fundamental Community Service Organizations (see HA Requirement 2.0 for definitions) Except as noted below:

During periods of grid-provided power and fuel outages, provide operable windows and/ or non-powered natural ventilation and passive cooling and/or provide adequate power to operate ventilation fans and/or provide active cooling adequate to maintain indoor temperatures at or below 103 degree heat index in hot seasons. In cold seasons, provide passive heating and/or heat retention strategies and/or back-up power and fuel that maintain interior building temperature at or above 50 degrees.

Note: Temperatures must be maintainable for the duration set forth in HA Req. 2.0 in Table 1 without grid supplied power or fuel.

For Hospitals and Nursing homes:

Maintain an 81 degree F heat index maximum during the hot season, 71 degree F minimum during the cold season (required by federal law for nursing homes).

General residential buildings, facilities and areas:

Maintain a maximum 90 degree F heat index temperature during the hot season.

All commercial buildings that do not fall into the mission-critical or Fundamental Community Service Organization category must maintain an interior temperature of not more than 103 degrees F heat index. These requirements are waived should the outside temperature rise to be higher than 103 degrees F on the Heat Index.

Maximum + Minimum Temperature Management for facilities “Safe Zone” for Shelter-in-place Emergencies

During periods of grid-provided power and fuel outages maintain the temperature(s) and conditions identified above in a portion of the facility identified as a “Safe Zone” Providing at least 20 square feet of space per regular occupant. For hospitals and similar facilities provide 30 square feet of space per regular occupant. Meet all minimum local, state, or federal regulatory criteria that may exceed this criteria for specific occupancy and use types.

Manage other space to prevent freezing of water

Refer to Appendix A of this document for guidance on natural ventilation
The SET method can be used as an equivalent method to Heat Index on a case by case basis. Please see detailed guidance on using the SET method in Appendix B to this document.
OSHA Report on Safe Working Conditions in Extreme Heat
Federal Law Regulating Temperature in Medicaid and Medicare Facilities