The Office of the State Fire Marshal recently received a question about the use of personal refrigerators in resident rooms under the life safety code. The Fire Marshal posed the question to CMS and received the following information.
Q: We are aware that personal refrigerators are allowed in nursing facilities. We are now getting questions concerning the size of the refrigerator. Dorm size, small apartment size, or full size? Since there is nothing in the regulations that address size we are looking for direction.
A: The facility must ensure, under LSC regulations that the resident room has an adequate electrical system, such as proper outlets to allow the connection of a refrigerator without overloading the electrical system. It would seem that the size would depend on the size of the room and the type of electrical system wiring. I would say that dorm size is probably best. Remember that refrigerators should not be powered by a power strip. It is the responsibility of the facility to evaluate the adequacy of the electrical system under the new K-tags that require assessment of the receptacles, and the main and feeder circuit breakers.
