Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Practice Test

What requirement must be present for taps that reach temperatures of 125°F or higher?

1. Manual shut-off valve

2. Locking mechanism

3. Automatic temperature control

4. Warning sign prominently displayed

The correct answer is: Locking mechanism

The requirement for taps that reach temperatures of 125°F or higher is that they must have a locking mechanism. This is a crucial safety measure to prevent scalding incidents, particularly in environments like residential care facilities where elderly individuals may be more vulnerable to burns and injuries due to high water temperatures. The locking mechanism ensures that water cannot be easily accessed at dangerously high temperatures, providing an additional layer of protection for both residents and staff. In the context of safety regulations, installations that can lead to potentially harmful conditions must have safeguards in place, which is why the locking mechanism is emphasized in this scenario. This requirement aligns with best practices for maintaining a safe living environment for elderly residents, who may have compromised sensitivity to temperature or impaired mobility that could prevent them from reacting quickly if they encounter hot water.