HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation the facility failed to ensure that all corridors remained clear and unobstructed. The census at time of survey was five patients. Findings included:
Observation during all days of the survey revealed five wheelchairs positioned in the corridor that provided egress from the emergency department. The corridor was approximately eight foot in width and the wheelchairs blocked approximately one-third of the width of the corridor. Near the entrance of the emergency department were a portable scale and another item approximately six foot in length in the corridor.

Based on record review the facility failed to ensure that the sprinkler system was tested and inspected according to requirements of the Life Safety Code 2000 edition. Findings included:
Records provided by the facility for the sprinkler inspection and testing revealed four sheets labeled laboratory, medical records, anti-freeze loop and storage room and dated 1/27/10. Each sheet indicated monthly and quarterly inspections which were blank. The section for annual inspections had been completed.
The sections for quarterly and semi-annual testing were blank. The section for annual testing varied for each section. The report for the sections of storage room, records and laboratory indicated that a main drain test (required annually) had the box for not applicable (N/A) checked and the only tests with yes in the box were for operation of the control valves and backflow preventer as being tested.
Chapter 9-2.6 of the 1998 edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code 25 states that a main drain test shall be conducted annually at each water based fire protection system riser to determine whether there has been a change in the condition of the water supply piping and control valves.
Chapter 9-2.7 states that all water flow alarms shall be tested quarterly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Chapter 9-2.8 states that gauges shall be inspected monthly to verify that they are in good condition and that normal pressure is being maintained.
Chapter 9-2.8.2 states that gauges shall be replaced every five years or tested every five years by comparison with a calibrated gauge.
9-3.2.3 states that all valves shall be inspected weekly.

Based on observation the facility failed to ensure sufficient separation between the laundry area, identified as a hazardous area, and a wooden structure used for storage of paper records immediately outside this area. Findings included:
Observation during tour on 8/23/10 revealed a wooden storage structure eight foot from the exterior edge of the laundry area. The exterior of the hospital (laundry area) is composed of large windows and block construction. The interior of the wooden storage structure contained boxes of paper records and was illuminated by electric lighting supplied by wiring run from the laundry's exterior wall to the shed. The interior of the shed has no fire alarm system to notify occupants of the hospital of a fire or smoke condition in the wooden storage structure.
The proximity of the combustible building and its' contents to the hospital presented a fire hazard and did not have sufficient separation from the building to protect the occupants from a potential fire hazard or to be considered a separate structure. The exterior of the building was not of sufficient rating to prevent spread of fire from this wooden storage structure.
Chapter 8.2.1 of the 2000 Life Safety Code published by the National Fire Protection Association states that where the building or facility includes additions or connected structures of different construction types, the rating and classification of the structure shall be based on either of the following:
(1) Separate buildings if a 2-hour or greater vertically-aligned fire barrier wall in accordance with NFPA 221 exists between the portions of the building.