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Based on staff interviews and observations on the day of the survey, it was determined that HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota failed to properly maintain the fire sprinkler system. This condition could cause the fire sprinkler system to fail during a fire situation, thus endangering the occupants of the facility. Reference NFPA 25 (1998 Edition) 5.4.1.3 "Inspection, testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems."

The findings include:

During the Life Safety tour with designated staff representatives, it was observed that a number of sprinkler heads throughout the facility were debris and dust laden and showed evidence of foreign materials attached to the heads. From 10:45 a.m. through 12 Noon on the December 14, 2010, it was observed by the Inspector and the Facilities Maintenance Manager that a number of Quick Response pendant type heads were loaded with lint and foreign materials. Reference: NFPA 25 (1998 Edition) Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems: 5.2.1.1.1.: " Sprinklers shall not show signs of leakage, shall be free of corrosion, foreign materials, paint and physical damage; and shall be installed in the proper orientation." Observed areas with debris or attached foreign materials included: Patient Rooms #200, #201, #205, #206, #221, #277, #279, and #214
(loaded/debris/dust heads); Soiled Utility Rooms First and Second Floors (plastic debris attached to heads); Respiratory Therapy Office 2nd Floor (debris laden head); Second Floor Shower Room (debris laden head); Medical Records First Floor (debris laden head); Dietary Prep Line (debris laden head); Dining Room West Side (debris laden head); and Speech Therapy Office Rehab Room First Floor (debris laden head).

Based on observations and staff interviews conducted during the survey, it was determined that this facility did not comply with the specific requirements of NFPA 101 ( 2000 Edition); NFPA 70- National Electrical Code and the NFPA 99 (1999 Edition).

The findings include:

It was observed that a number of in-use two-to-three prong adapters and extension cords failed to meet the requirements of NFPA 70, National Electric Code and NFPA 99 (1999 Edition) Health Care Facilities. Reference: NFPA 99 (1999 Edition): 8.5.2.1.7.: " Adapters and Extension Cords:" 8.5.2.1.7.1: Adapters and extension cords meeting the requirements of 8.4.1.2.5 shall be permitted to be used. 8.5.2.1.7.2: Three- to- two prong adapters shall not be permitted. 8.5.2.1.7.3: The wiring shall be tested for all of the following: (1) Physical integrity; (2) Polarity; and (3) Continuity of grounding at the time of assembly and periodically thereafter." Observed areas with in-use non-hospital grade multi-plugged adapters and in-use extension cords adapters included: Patient care equipment double plugged to charge Education Office area; Refrigerator appliance double plugged piggy-backed Education Office Conference area; Holiday lighting decorations double plugged and piggy-backed into adapters and extension bars noted in 2nd Floor Rehab area and Main Lobby Christmas tree at entrance.