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Based on observation the facility failed to ensure proper installation of the sprinkler system by removing the ceiling tiles in the basement area. This deficient practice could result in the delayed or lack of response from the sprinkler system in the event of a fire.

Findings include:

At 1:20 p.m. it is observed in the basement area that all ceiling tiles have been removed from the ceiling due to water damage. The sprinkler heads in this area are standard pendant style heads. The removal of the ceiling tiles creates a greater than 12 inches distance between the sprinkler deflector and the ceiling. Staff member A was present and acknowledged the findings.

Review of the following NFPA standard revealed: 2010 NFPA 13, 8.6.4.1.1.1 Under unobstructed construction, the distance
between the sprinkler deflector and the ceiling shall be a minimum of 1 in. (25.4 mm) and a maximum of 12 in. (305 mm) throughout the area of coverage of the sprinkler.

Based on observation, record review and interview the facility did not begin fire watch procedures as the policy is written as required for implementation when the fire sprinkler system is out of service or impaired for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period. This deficient practice would prevent proper notification of insurance carrier, the alarm company, property owner or designated representative, and other authorities having jurisdiction as required. This would also prevent notification and proper response of the fire protection systems in the event of a fire emergency.
Findings include:

During the inspection on 1/29/19 it is observed at 1:22 p.m. that the facility did not go into fire watch after the sprinkler system was impaired due to the removal of all ceiling tiles in the basement. The ceiling tiles were removed on approximately January 7th due the water damage from a sewage pipe leak. The facility was instructed to begin fire watch procedures until the ceiling tiles can be replaced. Staff member A was present and acknowledged the findings.

Review of the following NFPA Standard revealed: Sprinkler System Impairments. Sprinkler impairment procedures shall comply with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. 2012 NFPA 101, 9.7.6

Review of the following NFPA Standard revealed:

15.1 General.
15.1.1 Minimum Requirements.
15.1.1.1 This chapter shall provide the minimum requirements for a water-based fire protection system impairment program.
15.1.1.2 Measures shall be taken during the impairment to ensure that increased risks are minimized and the duration of the impairment is limited.

15.2 Impairment Coordinator.
15.2.1 The property owner or designated representative shall assign an impairment coordinator to comply with the requirements of this chapter.
15.2.2 In the absence of a specific designee, the property owner or designated representative shall be considered the impairment coordinator.
15.2.3 Where the lease, written use agreement, or management contract specifically grants the authority for inspection, testing, and maintenance of the fire protection system(s) to the tenant, management firm, or managing individual, the tenant, management firm, or managing individual shall assign a person as impairment coordinator.

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* Preplanned Impairment Programs.
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 Emergency Impairments.
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
2011 NFPA 25, Chapter 15

Review of the following NFPA Standard revealed: 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. 2011 NFPA 25, 15.5.2

Review of the following NFPA Standard revealed: Emergency impairments shall include, but are not limited to, system leakage, interruption of water supply, frozen or ruptured piping, and equipment failure. When emergency impairments occur, emergency action shall be taken to minimize potential injury and damage.
The coordinator shall implement the steps outlined in Section 15.5. 2011 NFPA 25, 15.6.1, 15.6.2 & 15.6.3

Review of the following NFPA Standard revealed: 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 2011 NFPA 25, 15.7

Based on observation and staff interview, the facility did not ensure that electrical wiring and equipment is installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. This deficient practice does not ensure prevention of an electrical fire or electric shock hazard.

Findings Include:

During the survey it is observed at 1:25 p.m. an open wire splice in the ceiling where a florescent lighting fixture is hanging.
Staff member A was present and acknowledged the findings.


Review of the following NFPA Standard revealed: Electrical wiring and equipment shall be in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, unless such installations are approved existing installations, which shall be permitted to be continued in service. 2012 NFPA 101, 9.1.2
(C) Covers. All pull boxes, junction boxes, and conduit bodies shall be provided with covers compatible with the box or conduit body construction and suitable for the conditions of use. Where used, metal covers shall comply with the grounding requirements of 250.110. 2011 NFPA 70,
314.28