SECTION 554.363. Elevators for New Facilities

A facility providing resident-use areas, such as bedrooms, dining rooms, or recreation areas, or resident services, such as diagnostic services or therapy services, located on other than the main entrance floor must provide at least one elevator that complies with the requirements of ASME A17.1.

(1) Number of elevators.

(A) When one to 60 resident beds are located on any floor other than the main entrance floor, a facility must provide at least one hospital-type elevator.

(B) When 61 to 200 resident beds are located on any floor other than the main entrance floor or when major inpatient services are located on a floor other than those containing resident beds, a facility must provide at least two elevators, one of which must be hospital-type.

(C) When 201 to 350 resident beds are located on any floor other than the main entrance floor, or when major inpatient services are located on a floor other than those containing resident beds, a facility must provide at least three elevators, one of which must be hospital-type.

(D) A facility with a capacity of more than 350 resident beds must determine the number of elevators required from a study of the facility plan and the estimated vertical transportation requirements.

(E) Elevator service may be reduced, with the approval of HHSC, for those floors that provide only partial inpatient services.

(2) Cars and platforms. Cars of hospital-type elevators must have inside dimensions that will accommodate a resident bed and attendants and must be at least five feet wide by seven feet six inches deep. The car door must have a clear opening of not less than three feet eight inches.

(3) Leveling. Elevators must be equipped with an automatic leveling device of the two-way automatic maintaining type with an accuracy of 1/2 inch.

(4) Operation. Elevators, except freight elevators, must be equipped with a two-way special service switch to permit cars to bypass all landing button calls and be dispatched directly to any floor.

(5) Accessibility provisions. Elevator controls, alarm buttons, and telephones must be accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(6) Protection from fire. Elevator call buttons, controls, and door safety stops must be of a type that will not be activated by heat or smoke. Door openings must meet the requirements of the NFPA 101 for protection of vertical openings.

(7) Field inspection and tests. Inspections and tests must be made and the facility must be furnished written certification that the installation meets the requirements set forth in this section and all applicable safety regulations and codes.

Source Note: The provisions of this §554.363 adopted to be effective March 22, 2018, 43 TexReg 1646; transferred effective January 15, 2021, as published in the Texas Register December 11, 2020, 45 TexReg 8871