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Based on document review and interview with the Director of Maintenance, it was noted that the facility failed to maintain documentation on the exercising of the main and feeder breakers. Not exercising as required by the manufacturer can lead to corrosion among other issues which can cause delay or the inability to transfer power in a time of emergency. The facility also failed to prohibit the use of electrical strips (surge protectors) in patient care areas. The use of surge protectors and extension cords allow the possibility of overloading the wiring dedicated to the outlet which can cause a fire hazard. Electrical fires can start in the walls or attic where it can go undetected, giving the hazard time to spread without being identified, placing the entire facility at risk.

The findings include:
During document review with the Director of Maintenance on 8/13/2013 at 11:30 am, it was found that the proper documentation for maintenance and testing was not being kept in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. 9.1.2 for the exercise of the Main and Feeder Breaker. During interview of the Director of Maintenance at that time, it was confirmed that the exercise had not been done at that time but actions would take place to correct the situation.


During the facility tour with Director of Maintenance that began on 8/13/2013 at 1:00 pm, it was found that there were electrical strips in the Operating rooms (Medical Equipment Plugged in). This is not in accordance with NFPA 99 - 3.2.1.2 or NFPA 1. Conducted an interview with the Director of Maintenance at that time and he confirmed the violations.

NFPA 99 - 3.2.1.2
2. Minimum Number of Receptacles. The number of receptacles shall be determined by the intended use of the patient care area. There shall be sufficient receptacles so as to avoid the need for extension cords or multiple outlet adapters.

NFPA 1 - 11.1.5
Extension cords shall not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

Based on document review and interview with the Director of Maintenance, it was noted that the facility failed to maintain documentation on the exercising of the main and feeder breakers. Not exercising as required by the manufacturer can lead to corrosion among other issues which can cause delay or the inability to transfer power in a time of emergency. The facility also failed to prohibit the use of electrical strips (surge protectors) in patient care areas. The use of surge protectors and extension cords allow the possibility of overloading the wiring dedicated to the outlet which can cause a fire hazard. Electrical fires can start in the walls or attic where it can go undetected, giving the hazard time to spread without being identified, placing the entire facility at risk.

The findings include:
During document review with the Director of Maintenance on 8/13/2013 at 11:30 am, it was found that the proper documentation for maintenance and testing was not being kept in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. 9.1.2 for the exercise of the Main and Feeder Breaker. During interview of the Director of Maintenance at that time, it was confirmed that the exercise had not been done at that time but actions would take place to correct the situation.


During the facility tour with Director of Maintenance that began on 8/13/2013 at 1:00 pm, it was found that there were electrical strips in the Operating rooms (Medical Equipment Plugged in). This is not in accordance with NFPA 99 - 3.2.1.2 or NFPA 1. Conducted an interview with the Director of Maintenance at that time and he confirmed the violations.

NFPA 99 - 3.2.1.2
2. Minimum Number of Receptacles. The number of receptacles shall be determined by the intended use of the patient care area. There shall be sufficient receptacles so as to avoid the need for extension cords or multiple outlet adapters.

NFPA 1 - 11.1.5
Extension cords shall not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.