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Based on observations, the facility failed to maintain safe fire practices. Doors leading to the corridor must not be obstructed or blocked from the ability to be closed. Doors wedged or blocked open can allow smoke or fire to easily travel into the exit egress endangering safe travel out of the building in an emergency situation.

The findings include:
During facility tour with Maintenance Staff from 8/18/2014 at 2:20 PM, it was found that the Emergency Room lobby door (opening to the corridor) was propped open with a door stop. It was also found that the corridor door to the dinning room next to the kitchen was also propped open with a door stop. NFPA 101 18.3.6.3 & 19.3.6.3

Based on document review, the facility failed to maintain proper testing and proper documentation for the emergency lighting. Testing of the emergency light helps to ensure emergency lighting in emergency conditions. Failure of emergency lighting may endanger all of the occupants within the facility.

The findings include:
During the document review with the Maintenance Director on 8/18/2014 at 11:30 am, it was found that testing of the emergency lights were not being performed or documented. Emergency lights must be tested for 30 sec. monthly and 90 min. annually. Documentation of the tests must be maintained. NFPA 101- 7.9 and 19.2.9.1

Based on observations, the facility failed to follow regulations concerning space heaters. Improper or improper use of space heaters increase the chances of a fire situation endangering all within the facility.

The findings include:
During the facility tour on 8/18/2014 at 2:00 PM, it was found that heaters which achieve temperatures over 212 degrees were located in the laboratory office and the Director of Nursing's office. Director of Maintenance removed the heaters at the time of discovery and stated that the issue would be addressed to all staff members. NFPA 19.7.8

Based on records review and interviews, the facility failed to provide testing of equipment and appliances used for patient care. Failure to conduct these tests could result in malfunction, electric shock or electrocution to the residents or staff.

The findings include:
During document review on 8/18/2014 at 11:45 AM with the Director of Maintenance, it was found that patient care equipment had not been tested for over a year. During interview with Director of Maintenance and Administrator at that time, it was stated that a new contract had been signed by the board 2 weeks prior to survey and that scheduling with the contractor would happen immediately.

Testing of electric equipment and appliances shall be in accordance with NFPA 99 (2005 edition) 8.4.1.3 Testing Requirements - Fixed and Portable., and 8.4.2.2 Cord- and Plug-Connected - Portable Equipment., and 8.4.2.2.1 Patient Care Area. According to 8.4.2.2.1.1; " The leakage current for facility-owned appliances (e.g. housekeeping or maintenance appliances) shall not exceed 500 ìA in the following situations: (1)When they are used in a patient care vicinity, (2) When they will, in normal use, contact patients. " , and 8.5.2.1.2.1; " The facility shall establish policies and protocols for the type of test and intervals of testing for each appliance. " , and 8.5.2.1.2.2; " All appliances used in patient care areas shall be tested in accordance with 8.4.1.3 or 8.4.2.2.1.1 before being put into service for the first time and after repair or modification. Patient-care-related electrical appliances shall be retested at intervals determined by their normal location or area of normal use, but not exceeding the intervals listed below: (1) General care areas - 12 months, (2) Critical care areas - 6 months, (3) Wet locations - 6 months. "

Based on observations, the facility failed practice general electrical safety. The facility did not prohibit the use of electrical strips (surge protectors) in patient care areas or the improper usage of them in non-patient 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. The facility also failed to complete required receptacle testing. 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 the facility tour with Director of Maintenance that began on 8/18/2014 at 1:00 PM, it was found that there was an electrical strip in a patient care area (outpatient care). It was also found that there were surge protectors/extension cords plugged into another surge protector/extension cord in the kitchen office. There was also a surge protector with unapproved items (anything with a motor or heating element) plugged into it in the DON's office. This is not in accordance with NFPA 99 - 3.2.1.2 or NFPA 1. The Director of Maintenance confirmed the violations and stated that they would be corrected immediately.

During document review with maintenance staff on 08/18/2014 at 11:05 am, it was found that the required receptacle testing for proper ground, polarity, and tension nor the documentation of those tests were being maintained according to NFPA 99 (1999) 4.3.3.2. documentation states that it was last done in may of 2013.

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.