The Section for Long-Term Care Regulation will be releasing a series of Life Safety Code Information.
Today’s subject is:
Does Life Safety Code allow candles in a certified facility?
Facilities may not use candles with wicks for décor. If a facility chooses to use candles as décor, the candle shall not have a wick, and the wick must be pulled out. It is not acceptable to have the wick cut flush to the candle.
Facility staff may use lit candles for a birthday celebration, but facility staff must continually supervise the candles while lit.
If a facility uses candles for religious purposes, these lit candles must be supervised 24/7 or be in a different occupancy with a 2-hour wall that separates it from the rest of the facility. The facility has the option to utilize an electric candle when it is not possible or practical to supervise the lit candles.
Please feel free to reach out to your regional office with any questions.