HospitalInspections.org

Based Generator Testing Log Book review and interview, it could not be determined the generator had run for 30 consecutive minutes for each month or inspected weekly from January 2010 to July 2011. The failed practice had the potential to affect the health and safety of patients, staff, and visitors because the ability of the generator to provide emergency power to the Life Safety features (emergency lighting, exit signs, fire alarm and sprinkler systems) of the building was not tested to assure operation in the event of normal power loss. The failed practice had the potential to affect all patients admitted to the facility, staff, and visitors, and 37 of 37 patients on the first day (07/26/11) of the survey. The findings follow:

A. Review of the Generator Testing Log Book on 07/26/11 at 1240 revealed on the dates of the monthly load test, either a single hour meter reading or the time of day the test began was recorded. A second recording hour meter reading or the time of day at the end of the test was not recorded. Therefore, the length of the test could not be determined (30 minutes minimum). There was also no documentation of weekly inspections recorded in the log book.
B. In an interview on 07/26/11 at 1300, the Plant Operations Director verified there was no further generator documentation available for review.

Based Generator Testing Log Book review and interview, it could not be determined the generator had run for 30 consecutive minutes for each month or inspected weekly from January 2010 to July 2011. The failed practice had the potential to affect the health and safety of patients, staff, and visitors because the ability of the generator to provide emergency power to the Life Safety features (emergency lighting, exit signs, fire alarm and sprinkler systems) of the building was not tested to assure operation in the event of normal power loss. The failed practice had the potential to affect all patients admitted to the facility, staff, and visitors, and 37 of 37 patients on the first day (07/26/11) of the survey. The findings follow:

A. Review of the Generator Testing Log Book on 07/26/11 at 1240 revealed on the dates of the monthly load test, either a single hour meter reading or the time of day the test began was recorded. A second recording hour meter reading or the time of day at the end of the test was not recorded. Therefore, the length of the test could not be determined (30 minutes minimum). There was also no documentation of weekly inspections recorded in the log book.
B. In an interview on 07/26/11 at 1300, the Plant Operations Director verified there was no further generator documentation available for review.