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1795 HIGHWAY 64 EAST

ANAMOSA, IA 52205

Fire Alarm System - Installation

Tag No.: K0341

Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to maintain the smoke detectors in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association 72. This deficient practice effects one of the four smoke zones and could effect all residents. The facility has a certified capacity of 22 with the current census of 11 residents.

Finding include:

Observation and interview on 9/5/19 at 11:59 a.m., revealed a missing smoke detector located in the room with the fire alarm panel (Mechanical Room). Maintenance Staff A verified these findings.

Fire Alarm System - Installation

Tag No.: K0341

Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to maintain the smoke detectors in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association 72. This deficient practice effects two of the four smoke zones and could effect all residents. The facility has a certified capacity of 22 with the current census of 11 residents.

Finding include:

Observation and interview on 9/5/19 from 11:59 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., revealed the following deficiencies with the fire alarm system:

1.The smoke detector in the E/F Pod by Exam Room #15 was too close to the ceiling diffusers.
2. There was not a smoke detector located in the room with the fire alarm panel (Mechanical Room).

Maintenance Staff A verified these findings.

Fire Alarm System - Testing and Maintenance

Tag No.: K0345

Based on interview and record review, the facility did not provide and maintain documentation as required or provide complete annual testing of the fire alarm system in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2010 edition, 14.6.2.4, 14.3.1, and 14.4.5. The deficient practice of not providing complete and verifiable documentation on the inspection, testing, and maintenance of the fire alarm system does not ensure proper operation and prompt repair affecting all occupants. This facility had a capacity of 22 and a census of 11 residents at the time of the survey.

Findings include:

Record review and interview on 9/5/19 at 11:41 a.m., revealed the fire alarm documentation did not have the individual horn, horn strobe and door hold open devices listed on the report, only the relay switches. This deficient practice was confirmed by Maintenance Staff A at the time of exit.

Fire Alarm System - Out of Service

Tag No.: K0346

Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to provide a complete outage policy for the fire alarm system. This deficient practice effects all residents, staff and visitors in the building. The facility has a certified capacity of 22 with the current census of 11 residents.

Findings include:

Record review and interview on 9/5/19 at 11:36 a.m., revealed the fire watch policy did not specify the watch was "continuous" and completed by a dedicated person. Maintenance Staff A verified this finding.

Sprinkler System - Out of Service

Tag No.: K0354

Based on interview and record review, this facility did not assure that a complete policy is in place regarding the procedures to be taken in the event that the sprinkler system is out of service for more than 10 hours in any 24-hour period in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2011 edition, Chapter 15. Lack of complete written policies and procedures could result in staff failing to implement interim safety measures in the event of an emergency. This deficient practice affected all occupants of the building. This facility had a capacity of 22 and a census of 11 residents at the time of the survey.

Findings include:

Record review and interview on 9/5/19 at 11:10 a.m., of the fire watch procedures revealed the facility did not have a complete policy regarding the procedures to be taken in the event that the sprinkler system was out of service for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period. The policy failed to have the following information included in their policy as required by NFPA 25, 2011 Edition (Chapter 15):



15.3 Tag Impairment System.
15.3.1* A tag shall be used to indicate that a system, or part thereof, has been removed from service.
15.3.2* The tag shall be posted at each fire department connection and the system control valve, and other locations required by the authority having jurisdiction, indicating which system, or part thereof, has been removed from service.
15.4 Impaired Equipment.
15.4.1 The impaired equipment shall be considered to be the water-based fire protection system, or part thereof, that is removed from service.
15.4.2 The impaired equipment shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
(1) Sprinkler systems
(2) Standpipe systems
(3) Fire hose systems
(4) Underground fire service mains
(5) Fire pumps
(6) Water storage tanks
(7) Water spray fixed systems
(8) Foam-water systems
(9) Fire service control valves

15.5.1 All preplanned impairments shall be authorized by the impairment coordinator.

15.5.2 Before authorization is given, the impairment coordinator shall be responsible for verifying that the following procedures have been implemented:
(1) The extent and expected duration of the impairment have been determined.
(2) The areas or buildings involved have been inspected and the increased risks determined.
(3) Recommendations have been submitted to management or the property owner or designated representative.
(4) Where a required fire protection system is out of service for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period, the impairment coordinator shall arrange for one of the following:
(a) Evacuation of the building or portion of the building affected by the system out of service
(b)*An approved fire watch
(c)*Establishment of a temporary water supply
(d)*Establishment and implementation of an approved program to eliminate potential ignition sources and limit the amount of fuel available to the fire
(5) The fire department has been notified.
(6) The insurance carrier, the alarm company, property owner or designated representative, and other authorities having jurisdiction have been notified.
(7) The supervisors in the areas to be affected have been notified.
(8) A tag impairment system has been implemented. (See Section 15.3.)
(9) All necessary tools and materials have been assembled on the impairment site.

15.6.1 Emergency impairments shall include, but are not limited to, system leakage, interruption of water supply, frozen or ruptured piping, and equipment failure.

15.6.2 When emergency impairments occur, emergency action shall be taken to minimize potential injury and damage.

15.6.3 The coordinator shall implement the steps outlined in Section 15.5.

15.7 Restoring Systems to Service. When all impaired equipment is restored to normal working order, the impairment coordinator shall verify that the following procedures have been implemented:

(1) Any necessary inspections and tests have been conducted to verify that affected systems are operational. The appropriate chapter of this standard shall be consulted for guidance on the type of inspection and test required.
(2) Supervisors have been advised that protection is restored.
(3) The fire department has been advised that protection is restored.
(4) The property owner or designated representative, insurance carrier, alarm company, and other authorities having jurisdiction have been advised that protection is restored.
(5) The impairment tag has been removed.


Maintenance Staff A confirmed the findings during the exit conference.

Sprinkler System - Out of Service

Tag No.: K0354

Based on interview and record review, this facility did not assure that a complete policy is in place regarding the procedures to be taken in the event that the sprinkler system is out of service for more than 10 hours in any 24-hour period in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2011 edition, Chapter 15. Lack of complete written policies and procedures could result in staff failing to implement interim safety measures in the event of an emergency. This deficient practice affected all occupants of the building. This facility had a capacity of 22 and a census of 11 residents at the time of the survey.

Findings include:

Record review and interview on 9/5/19 at 11:10 a.m., of the fire watch procedures revealed the facility did not have a complete policy regarding the procedures to be taken in the event that the sprinkler system was out of service for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period. The policy failed to have the following information included in their policy as required by NFPA 25, 2011 Edition (Chapter 15):

15.3 Tag Impairment System.
15.3.1* A tag shall be used to indicate that a system, or part thereof, has been removed from service.
15.3.2* The tag shall be posted at each fire department connection and the system control valve, and other locations required by the authority having jurisdiction, indicating which system, or part thereof, has been removed from service.
15.4 Impaired Equipment.
15.4.1 The impaired equipment shall be considered to be the water-based fire protection system, or part thereof, that is removed from service.
15.4.2 The impaired equipment shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
(1) Sprinkler systems
(2) Standpipe systems
(3) Fire hose systems
(4) Underground fire service mains
(5) Fire pumps
(6) Water storage tanks
(7) Water spray fixed systems
(8) Foam-water systems
(9) Fire service control valves

15.5.1 All preplanned impairments shall be authorized by the impairment coordinator.

15.5.2 Before authorization is given, the impairment coordinator shall be responsible for verifying that the following procedures have been implemented:
(1) The extent and expected duration of the impairment have been determined.
(2) The areas or buildings involved have been inspected and the increased risks determined.
(3) Recommendations have been submitted to management or the property owner or designated representative.
(4) Where a required fire protection system is out of service for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period, the impairment coordinator shall arrange for one of the following:
(a) Evacuation of the building or portion of the building affected by the system out of service
(b)*An approved fire watch
(c)*Establishment of a temporary water supply
(d)*Establishment and implementation of an approved program to eliminate potential ignition sources and limit the amount of fuel available to the fire
(5) The fire department has been notified.
(6) The insurance carrier, the alarm company, property owner or designated representative, and other authorities having jurisdiction have been notified.
(7) The supervisors in the areas to be affected have been notified.
(8) A tag impairment system has been implemented. (See Section 15.3.)
(9) All necessary tools and materials have been assembled on the impairment site.

15.6.1 Emergency impairments shall include, but are not limited to, system leakage, interruption of water supply, frozen or ruptured piping, and equipment failure.

15.6.2 When emergency impairments occur, emergency action shall be taken to minimize potential injury and damage.

15.6.3 The coordinator shall implement the steps outlined in Section 15.5.

15.7 Restoring Systems to Service. When all impaired equipment is restored to normal working order, the impairment coordinator shall verify that the following procedures have been implemented:

(1) Any necessary inspections and tests have been conducted to verify that affected systems are operational. The appropriate chapter of this standard shall be consulted for guidance on the type of inspection and test required.
(2) Supervisors have been advised that protection is restored.
(3) The fire department has been advised that protection is restored.
(4) The property owner or designated representative, insurance carrier, alarm company, and other authorities having jurisdiction have been advised that protection is restored.
(5) The impairment tag has been removed.


Maintenance Staff A confirmed the findings during the exit conference.