HospitalInspections.org

Based upon observations; the facility does not provide the required separation and or fire resistant ratings for hazardous areas. The door is not self closing and latching. This could allow smoke and fire to pass through a rated opening.

Findings include:

At approximately 0930 hrs. on 23 Aug 2013 , it is observed that the rated door labeled " Medical Air Room" has a broken hinge does not latch.

Combustible storage in mechanical rooms and access to egress obstructed.

It was observed on 23 Aug 2013 at approximately 1000 hours, that access to service equipment and access to egress was obstructed by combustible and noncombustible storage in the ground floor mechanical room area. These deficiencies occurred in the electrical mechanical room and in the main chiller mechanical room.

The Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code states:

315.1 Storage in Buildings: Storage of combustible materials in buildings shall be orderly. Storage shall be separated from heaters or heating devices by distance or shielding so that ignition cannot occur.

315.2.2 Means of Egress: Combustible materials shall not be stored in EXITS or EXIT enclosures.

315.2.3 Equipment Rooms: Combustible materials shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms or electrical equipment rooms.

605.3 Working Space and Clearance: A working space of not less than 30 inches in width, 36 inches in depth and 78 inches in height shall be provided in front of electrical service equipment. Where the electrical service equipment is wider than 30 inches the working space shall not be less than the with of the equipment. No storage of any material shall be located within the designated working space.

These observations were witnessed by the local municipality's authority having jurisdiction(AHJ) and the facility's interim maintenance director.