Transcript
Seniors and People with Disabilities Cindy Hannum Authorized Signature Topic:
Information Memorandum Transmittal Number: SPD-IM-06-001 Issue Date: 01/03/2006
Provider Information
Subject: Bathroom Fan Alert Applies to (check all that apply): All DHS employees Area Agencies on Aging Children, Adults and Families County DD Program Managers
County Mental Health Directors Health Services Seniors and People with Disabilities Other (please specify): 24 Hour Residentail Providers and Adult Foster Home Providers
Message: Please read the attached information regarding the use of fans in bathrooms. If you have any questions about this information, contact: Contact(s): Roy Olson Phone: 503-947-4232 Fax: 503-373-7274 E-mail:
[email protected]
DHS 0080 (02/04)
Fire Safety in 24 Hour Residential and Adult Foster Homes Recently a defective bathroom fan caused a serious fire in one of our group homes. We have also received two or three other reports of minor fires in bathroom exhaust fans. Therefore, this letter is to alert you to a potential problem and provide some recommendations. Inspection: Bathroom fans should be inspected monthly. • Fans that are exceptionally noisy should be replaced. If the fan sounds abnormal, find out why. • Dirty fans should be cleaned. Make sure the fan blades are not covered with lint or dust. • Non-operating fans should be investigated for cause. A bad switch or bad motor may be the cause and should be replaced. Operation: • Avoid unnecessary continuous operation. Extended operation of a bathroom fan may cause it to overheat, resulting in a fire. • Most bathroom fans should be able to exhaust the bathroom in 15 to 30 minutes time. Recommendations: • Replace questionable fans – noisy or mal-functioning fans. • Make sure replacement fan is the correct size for the bathroom. Multiply the length times the width times 1.1. This will give you the approximate cubic feet per minute (CFM) required for the size of room. • Replace fan switch with a timer type switch that will automatically shut off. I would recommend the 60-minute type that sell for less than $20.00.
DHS 0080 (02/04)
