HospitalInspections.org

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1. Based on the observation of all doors opening onto the corridor on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to maintain a corridor door's resistance to the passage of smoke. Findings include:

At the Nurses' Station First Floor the corridor door next to the Medication Prep Room had an unsealed approximately ¼" diameter hole above the hardware latch set.


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2. Based on the observation of all doors opening onto the corridor on 10/20/2014, the facility failed to maintain corridor doors with a means suitable for keeping the door closed. Findings include:

The door latch at CT Room corridor failed to keep the door closed in the frame.

Failure to maintain the doors opening onto corridor increases the risk of death or injury due to fire/smoke.

The deficiency impacted 2 of 6 smoke compartments. Building is licensed for 100 residents.
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Review of 2000 NFPA 101, 19.3.6.3.2 Doors shall be provided with a means suitable for keeping the door closed that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. The device used shall be capable of keeping the door fully closed if a force of 5 lbf (22 N) is applied at the latch edge of the door. Roller latches shall be prohibited on corridor doors in buildings not fully protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 19.3.5.2.
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1. Based on the observation of all 5 smoke barriers on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to maintain smoke barriers that had at least a one half hour fire resistance rating and resisted the passage of smoke. Findings include:

Observation revealed the following smoke barriers with unsealed penetrations:
a. Unsealed penetration of several gray and light gray wires in the smoke barrier at the Doctor's Dictation Room.
b. Unsealed layer of sheetrock located between a metal duct and the corridor wall above ceiling in the smoke barrier at the smoke doors across from Dietary.
c. Unsealed penetration of 2" sprinkler pipe, blue wires and gray wires in the smoke barrier at the Restroom next to CT.


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d. The smoke barrier at Day Surgery had 3 unsealed penetrations of conduits used as sleeves.
e. The smoke barrier at Surgery Director Office had an unsealed penetration of a conduit.

Failure to maintain the smoke barriers increases the risk of death or injury due to fire/smoke.
The deficiency impacted 6 of 6 smoke compartments. Building is licensed for 100 patients.
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2000 NFPA 101, 8.3.6.1
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Based on the observation of all the exit discharges on 10/20/2014, the facility failed to provide reliable means of egress to the public way. Findings include:

An all weather surface was not provided to the public way, for the Northeast Stairwell.

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NFPA 101, 7.1.10.1

NFPA 101, A.7.1.10.1
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Based on the observation of all exit discharge lighting on 10/20/2014, the facility failed to provide continuous illumination of means of egress. Findings include:

The Northeast Stairwell was not provided with a light fixture at the exit discharge.

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NFPA 101, 19.2.8 and 7.8.1.2 Illumination of means of egress shall be continuous.
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1. Based on the observation of documentation on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to provide current documentation of the annual testing of the backflow preventers installed in fire protection system piping. Findings include:

During the review of documentation, the facility presented the most recent inspection report for the testing of the backflow preventers which was dated 02/13/2013.

2. Based on observation on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to maintain the automatic sprinkler piping free of external loads by materials either resting on the pipe or hung from the pipe. Findings include:

Observation above the ceiling revealed external loads resting on the following automatic sprinkler pipes:
a. Outside room 103 several blue and black wires were observed resting on the automatic sprinkler piping.
b. At the Radiology Room 3 several blue wires and a flex wire resting on the automatic sprinkler piping.


33932

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3. Based on observation on 10/20/2014, the facility failed to maintain the 5 year replacement and/or 5 year calibrating of the gauges on the automatic sprinkler system. Findings include:
The water gauge on the sprinkler system riser was observed having a date of 2007.

The deficiency impacted 6 of 6 smoke compartments. Building is licensed for 100 residents.
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Review of 1998 NFPA 25, 9-6.2.1* All backflow preventers installed in fire protection system piping shall be tested annually in accordance with the following: (a) A forward flow test shall be conducted at the system demand, including hose stream demand, where hydrants or inside hose stations are located downstream of the backflow preventer. (b) A backflow performance test, as required by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be conducted at the completion of the forward flow test.

Review of 1998 NFPA 25, 2-2.2* Pipe and Fittings. Sprinkler pipe and fittings shall be inspected annually from the floor level. Pipe and fittings shall be in good condition and free of mechanical damage, leakage, corrosion, and misalignment. Sprinkler piping shall not be subjected to external loads by materials either resting on the pipe or hung from the pipe.
Review of 1998 NFPA 25, 2-3.2* Gauges. Gauges shall be replaced every 5 years or tested every 5 years by comparison with a calibrated gauge. Gauges not accurate to within 3 percent of the full scale shall be recalibrated or replaced
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Based on observation on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to conduct the monthly "quick check" of kitchen hood's automatic extinguishing system. Findings include:

Per observation the facility failed to document the required monthly inspections on the kitchen hood's automatic extinguishing system.

This deficiency impacted 1 of 6 smoke compartments.
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Review of 1998 NFPA 17A, 5-2.1 Inspection shall be conducted on a monthly basis in accordance with the manufacturer's listed installation and maintenance manual or the owner's manual. As a minimum, this " quick check " or inspection shall include verification of the following: (a) The extinguishing system is in its proper location. (b) The manual actuators are unobstructed. (c) The tamper indicators and seals are intact. (d) The maintenance tag or certificate is in place. (e) No obvious physical damage or condition exists that might prevent operation. (f) The pressure gauge(s), if provided, is in operable range. (g) The nozzle blowoff caps are intact and undamaged. (h) The hood, duct, and protected cooking appliances have not been replaced, modified, or relocated.
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Based on observation on 10/20 and 21/2014, while testing the fire alarm system the facility failed to maintain the smoke dampers. Findings include:

1. The smoke damper failed to close upon activation of the fire alarm system in the barrier by Cardiac Cath and Special Procedures Lab First Floor.


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2. Per observation air flex duct without a smoke damper and access panel was observed penetrating the smoke barrier in the Clean Utility Room across from room 103. The surveyor could not verify and no documentation was provided that the facility was fully ducted.

This deficiency impacted 2 of 6 smoke compartments. Failure to maintain the air ducts penetrating the smoke barriers increases the risk of death or injury due to fire.
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Review of 1999 NFPA 90A, 3-3.5.1 Smoke dampers shall be installed at or adjacent to the point where air ducts pass through required smoke barriers, but in no case shall a smoke damper be installed more than 2 ft (0.6 m) from the barrier or after the first air duct inlet or outlet, whichever is closer to the smoke barrier.
Review of 1999 NFPA 90A, 2-3.4.1 A service opening shall be provided in air ducts adjacent to each fire damper, smoke damper, and smoke detector. The opening shall be large enough to permit maintenance and resetting of the device.
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1. Based on the observation and interview on 10/21/2014, the 1975 facility failed to provide a smoke venting system for the three windowless OR's. Findings include:

Per observation and interview the facility failed to provide a smoke venting system for the three windowless OR's.

2. Based on observation on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to maintain the battery-powered emergency lighting unit for OR #2. Findings include:

Per observation the battery-powered emergency lighting unit for OR #2 failed to illuminate when tested.

3. Based on observation on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to maintain the automatic smoke doors at Surgery's Director's Office. Findings include:

Per observation, of two sets of the "power-assisted manual operation" smoke doors at Surgery Director's Office one set of the these doors remained in the automatic mode failing to go into manual mode during the testing of the fire alarm.

This deficiency impacted 2 of 6 smoke compartments.
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Review of 1970 NFPA 56A and 1999 NFPA 99, 5-4.1.2 Supply and exhaust systems for windowless anesthetizing locations shall be arranged to automatically vent smoke and products of combustion.
Review of 1999 NFPA 99, 5-4.1.3 Ventilating systems for anesthetizing locations shall be provided that automatically (a) prevent recirculation of smoke originating within the surgical suite and (b) prevent the circulation of smoke entering the system intake, without in either case interfering with the exhaust function of the system.
Review of 1999 NFPA 99, 5-4.1.4 The electric supply to the ventilating system shall be served by the equipment system of the essential electrical system specified in Chapter 3, " Electrical Systems. "
Review of 1999 NFPA 99, 5-6.1.1 Ventilating and humidifying equipment for anesthetizing locations shall be kept in operable condition and be continually operating during surgical procedures (see A-5-4.1).
Review of 1999 NFPA 99, 3-3.2.1.2 All Patient Care Areas. 5. Wiring in Anesthetizing Locations. e. Battery-Powered Emergency Lighting Units. One or more battery-powered emergency lighting units shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Section 700-12(e).

Review of 2000 NFPA 101, 19.3.7.6 Doors in smoke barriers shall comply with 8.3.4 and shall be self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 19.2.2.2.6. Such doors in smoke barriers shall not be required to swing with egress travel.

Review of 8.3.4.3* Doors in smoke barriers shall be self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 7.2.1.8 and shall comply with the provisions of 7.2.1.

Review of 7.2.1.9.2 Doors Required to Be Self-Closing.
Where doors are required to be self-closing and (1) are operated by power upon the approach of a person or (2) are provided with power-assisted manual operation, they shall be permitted in the means of egress under the following conditions: (1) Doors can be opened manually in accordance with 7.2.1.9.1 to allow egress travel in the event of power failure. (2) New doors remain in the closed position unless actuated or opened manually. (3) When actuated, new doors remain open for not more than 30 seconds. (4) Doors held open for any period of time close - and the power-assist mechanism ceases to function - upon operation of approved smoke detectors installed in such a way as to detect smoke on either side of the door opening in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. (5) Doors required to be self-latching are either self-latching or become self-latching upon operation of approved smoke detectors per 7.2.1.9.2(4). (6) New power-assisted swinging doors comply with BHMA/ANSI A156.19, American National Standard for Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors.
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1. Based on the observation on 10/22/2014, the facility failed to maintain part of the electrical system. Findings include:

An electrical junction box with an under sized cover plate (which left wires exposed) was observed above the ceiling across from the Mechanical Room.

This deficiency impacted 1 of 5 smoke compartments. Failure to maintain the safe operation and maintenance of the electrical system increases the risk of injury or death due to fire.
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Review of 1999 NFPA 70, 370-25 Covers and Canopies In completed installations, each box shall have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy.
Review of 1999 NFPA 70, 410-12 Outlet Boxes to Be Covered In a completed installation, each outlet box shall be provided with a cover unless covered by means of a fixture canopy, lampholder, receptacle, or similar device.


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2. Based on the observation of the electrical wiring and equipment on 10/20/2014, the facility failed to prohibit an appliance from being plugged into a surge protector (extension cord). Findings include:

a. The ER doctors sleeping room had a microwave and a refrigerator plugged into a surge protector.
b. The CT breakroom had a microwave was plugged into a surge protector.

Failure to maintain the electrical wiring increases the risk of death or injury due to fire/smoke.

The deficiency impacted 6 of 6 smoke compartments. Building is licensed for 100 residents.
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Review of 1999 NFPA 70, 400-7 and 400-8, HCFA Transmittal Notice 22-99, and Interpretative Guidelines for F 0323 Extension cords should not be used to take the place of adequate wiring in a facility. If extension cords are used, the cords should be properly secured and not be placed overhead, under carpets or rugs, or anywhere that the cord can cause trips, falls, or overheat. Extension cords should be connected to only one device to prevent overloading of the circuit. The cord itself should be of a size and type for the expected electrical load and made of material that will not fray or cut easily. Electrical cords including extension cords should have proper grounding if required and should not have any grounding devices removed or not used if required.
Power strips may not be used as a substitute for adequate electrical outlets in a facility. Power strips may be used for a computer, monitor, and printer. Power strips are not designed to be used with medical devices in patient care areas. Precautions needed if power strips are used include: installing internal ground fault and over-current protection devices; preventing cords from becoming tripping hazards; and using power strips that are adequate for the number and types of devices used. Overload on any circuit can potentially cause overheating and fire. The use of ground fault circuit interruption (GFCIs) may be required in locations near water sources to prevent electrocution of staff or residents.
Review of 1999 NFPA 70, 400-7 and 400-8, and HCFA Transmittal Notice 22-99 The 1984 edition of the National Electric Code restricts the use of extension cords to temporary short term uses. It is the policy of HCFA to prohibit non-circuit breaker protected extension cords in health care. The limited use of circuit breaker protected power strips is acceptable, provided the current is limited to 15 amps or less, and no major appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, or heating units are connected to the power strip.

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1. Based on the observation of all doors opening onto the corridor on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to maintain a corridor door's resistance to the passage of smoke. Findings include:

At the Nurses' Station First Floor the corridor door next to the Medication Prep Room had an unsealed approximately ¼" diameter hole above the hardware latch set.


33932


2. Based on the observation of all doors opening onto the corridor on 10/20/2014, the facility failed to maintain corridor doors with a means suitable for keeping the door closed. Findings include:

The door latch at CT Room corridor failed to keep the door closed in the frame.

Failure to maintain the doors opening onto corridor increases the risk of death or injury due to fire/smoke.

The deficiency impacted 2 of 6 smoke compartments. Building is licensed for 100 residents.
_______________

Review of 2000 NFPA 101, 19.3.6.3.2 Doors shall be provided with a means suitable for keeping the door closed that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. The device used shall be capable of keeping the door fully closed if a force of 5 lbf (22 N) is applied at the latch edge of the door. Roller latches shall be prohibited on corridor doors in buildings not fully protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 19.3.5.2.
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1. Based on the observation of all 5 smoke barriers on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to maintain smoke barriers that had at least a one half hour fire resistance rating and resisted the passage of smoke. Findings include:

Observation revealed the following smoke barriers with unsealed penetrations:
a. Unsealed penetration of several gray and light gray wires in the smoke barrier at the Doctor's Dictation Room.
b. Unsealed layer of sheetrock located between a metal duct and the corridor wall above ceiling in the smoke barrier at the smoke doors across from Dietary.
c. Unsealed penetration of 2" sprinkler pipe, blue wires and gray wires in the smoke barrier at the Restroom next to CT.


33932

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d. The smoke barrier at Day Surgery had 3 unsealed penetrations of conduits used as sleeves.
e. The smoke barrier at Surgery Director Office had an unsealed penetration of a conduit.

Failure to maintain the smoke barriers increases the risk of death or injury due to fire/smoke.
The deficiency impacted 6 of 6 smoke compartments. Building is licensed for 100 patients.
_______________

2000 NFPA 101, 8.3.6.1
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Based on the observation of all the exit discharges on 10/20/2014, the facility failed to provide reliable means of egress to the public way. Findings include:

An all weather surface was not provided to the public way, for the Northeast Stairwell.

____________


NFPA 101, 7.1.10.1

NFPA 101, A.7.1.10.1
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Based on the observation of all exit discharge lighting on 10/20/2014, the facility failed to provide continuous illumination of means of egress. Findings include:

The Northeast Stairwell was not provided with a light fixture at the exit discharge.

________

NFPA 101, 19.2.8 and 7.8.1.2 Illumination of means of egress shall be continuous.
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1. Based on the observation of documentation on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to provide current documentation of the annual testing of the backflow preventers installed in fire protection system piping. Findings include:

During the review of documentation, the facility presented the most recent inspection report for the testing of the backflow preventers which was dated 02/13/2013.

2. Based on observation on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to maintain the automatic sprinkler piping free of external loads by materials either resting on the pipe or hung from the pipe. Findings include:

Observation above the ceiling revealed external loads resting on the following automatic sprinkler pipes:
a. Outside room 103 several blue and black wires were observed resting on the automatic sprinkler piping.
b. At the Radiology Room 3 several blue wires and a flex wire resting on the automatic sprinkler piping.


33932

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3. Based on observation on 10/20/2014, the facility failed to maintain the 5 year replacement and/or 5 year calibrating of the gauges on the automatic sprinkler system. Findings include:
The water gauge on the sprinkler system riser was observed having a date of 2007.

The deficiency impacted 6 of 6 smoke compartments. Building is licensed for 100 residents.
_______________

Review of 1998 NFPA 25, 9-6.2.1* All backflow preventers installed in fire protection system piping shall be tested annually in accordance with the following: (a) A forward flow test shall be conducted at the system demand, including hose stream demand, where hydrants or inside hose stations are located downstream of the backflow preventer. (b) A backflow performance test, as required by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be conducted at the completion of the forward flow test.

Review of 1998 NFPA 25, 2-2.2* Pipe and Fittings. Sprinkler pipe and fittings shall be inspected annually from the floor level. Pipe and fittings shall be in good condition and free of mechanical damage, leakage, corrosion, and misalignment. Sprinkler piping shall not be subjected to external loads by materials either resting on the pipe or hung from the pipe.
Review of 1998 NFPA 25, 2-3.2* Gauges. Gauges shall be replaced every 5 years or tested every 5 years by comparison with a calibrated gauge. Gauges not accurate to within 3 percent of the full scale shall be recalibrated or replaced
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Based on observation on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to conduct the monthly "quick check" of kitchen hood's automatic extinguishing system. Findings include:

Per observation the facility failed to document the required monthly inspections on the kitchen hood's automatic extinguishing system.

This deficiency impacted 1 of 6 smoke compartments.
__________

Review of 1998 NFPA 17A, 5-2.1 Inspection shall be conducted on a monthly basis in accordance with the manufacturer's listed installation and maintenance manual or the owner's manual. As a minimum, this " quick check " or inspection shall include verification of the following: (a) The extinguishing system is in its proper location. (b) The manual actuators are unobstructed. (c) The tamper indicators and seals are intact. (d) The maintenance tag or certificate is in place. (e) No obvious physical damage or condition exists that might prevent operation. (f) The pressure gauge(s), if provided, is in operable range. (g) The nozzle blowoff caps are intact and undamaged. (h) The hood, duct, and protected cooking appliances have not been replaced, modified, or relocated.
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Based on observation on 10/20 and 21/2014, while testing the fire alarm system the facility failed to maintain the smoke dampers. Findings include:

1. The smoke damper failed to close upon activation of the fire alarm system in the barrier by Cardiac Cath and Special Procedures Lab First Floor.


27382


2. Per observation air flex duct without a smoke damper and access panel was observed penetrating the smoke barrier in the Clean Utility Room across from room 103. The surveyor could not verify and no documentation was provided that the facility was fully ducted.

This deficiency impacted 2 of 6 smoke compartments. Failure to maintain the air ducts penetrating the smoke barriers increases the risk of death or injury due to fire.
__________

Review of 1999 NFPA 90A, 3-3.5.1 Smoke dampers shall be installed at or adjacent to the point where air ducts pass through required smoke barriers, but in no case shall a smoke damper be installed more than 2 ft (0.6 m) from the barrier or after the first air duct inlet or outlet, whichever is closer to the smoke barrier.
Review of 1999 NFPA 90A, 2-3.4.1 A service opening shall be provided in air ducts adjacent to each fire damper, smoke damper, and smoke detector. The opening shall be large enough to permit maintenance and resetting of the device.
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1. Based on the observation and interview on 10/21/2014, the 1975 facility failed to provide a smoke venting system for the three windowless OR's. Findings include:

Per observation and interview the facility failed to provide a smoke venting system for the three windowless OR's.

2. Based on observation on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to maintain the battery-powered emergency lighting unit for OR #2. Findings include:

Per observation the battery-powered emergency lighting unit for OR #2 failed to illuminate when tested.

3. Based on observation on 10/21/2014, the facility failed to maintain the automatic smoke doors at Surgery's Director's Office. Findings include:

Per observation, of two sets of the "power-assisted manual operation" smoke doors at Surgery Director's Office one set of the these doors remained in the automatic mode failing to go into manual mode during the testing of the fire alarm.

This deficiency impacted 2 of 6 smoke compartments.
__________

Review of 1970 NFPA 56A and 1999 NFPA 99, 5-4.1.2 Supply and exhaust systems for windowless anesthetizing locations shall be arranged to automatically vent smoke and products of combustion.
Review of 1999 NFPA 99, 5-4.1.3 Ventilating systems for anesthetizing locations shall be provided that automatically (a) prevent recirculation of smoke originating within the surgical suite and (b) prevent the circulation of smoke entering the system intake, without in either case interfering with the exhaust function of the system.
Review of 1999 NFPA 99, 5-4.1.4 The electric supply to the ventilating system shall be served by the equipment system of the essential electrical system specified in Chapter 3, " Electrical Systems. "
Review of 1999 NFPA 99, 5-6.1.1 Ventilating and humidifying equipment for anesthetizing locations shall be kept in operable condition and be continually operating during surgical procedures (see A-5-4.1).
Review of 1999 NFPA 99, 3-3.2.1.2 All Patient Care Areas. 5. Wiring in Anesthetizing Locations. e. Battery-Powered Emergency Lighting Units. One or more battery-powered emergency lighting units shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Section 700-12(e).

Review of 2000 NFPA 101, 19.3.7.6 Doors in smoke barriers shall comply with 8.3.4 and shall be self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 19.2.2.2.6. Such doors in smoke barriers shall not be required to swing with egress travel.

Review of 8.3.4.3* Doors in smoke barriers shall be self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 7.2.1.8 and shall comply with the provisions of 7.2.1.

Review of 7.2.1.9.2 Doors Required to Be Self-Closing.
Where doors are required to be self-closing and (1) are operated by power upon the approach of a person or (2) are provided with power-assisted manual operation, they shall be permitted in the means of egress under the following conditions: (1) Doors can be opened manually in accordance with 7.2.1.9.1 to allow egress travel in the event of power failure. (2) New doors remain in the closed position unless actuated or opened manually. (3) When actuated, new doors remain open for not more than 30 seconds. (4) Doors held open for any period of time close - and the power-assist mechanism ceases to function - upon operation of approved smoke detectors installed in such a way as to detect smoke on either side of the door opening in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. (5) Doors required to be self-latching are either self-latching or become self-latching upon operation of approved smoke detectors per 7.2.1.9.2(4). (6) New power-assisted swinging doors comply with BHMA/ANSI A156.19, American National Standard for Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors.
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1. Based on the observation on 10/22/2014, the facility failed to maintain part of the electrical system. Findings include:

An electrical junction box with an under sized cover plate (which left wires exposed) was observed above the ceiling across from the Mechanical Room.

This deficiency impacted 1 of 5 smoke compartments. Failure to maintain the safe operation and maintenance of the electrical system increases the risk of injury or death due to fire.
___________

Review of 1999 NFPA 70, 370-25 Covers and Canopies In completed installations, each box shall have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy.
Review of 1999 NFPA 70, 410-12 Outlet Boxes to Be Covered In a completed installation, each outlet box shall be provided with a cover unless covered by means of a fixture canopy, lampholder, receptacle, or similar device.


33932

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2. Based on the observation of the electrical wiring and equipment on 10/20/2014, the facility failed to prohibit an appliance from being plugged into a surge protector (extension cord). Findings include:

a. The ER doctors sleeping room had a microwave and a refrigerator plugged into a surge protector.
b. The CT breakroom had a microwave was plugged into a surge protector.

Failure to maintain the electrical wiring increases the risk of death or injury due to fire/smoke.

The deficiency impacted 6 of 6 smoke compartments. Building is licensed for 100 residents.
_______________

Review of 1999 NFPA 70, 400-7 and 400-8, HCFA Transmittal Notice 22-99, and Interpretative Guidelines for F 0323 Extension cords should not be used to take the place of adequate wiring in a facility. If extension cords are used, the cords should be properly secured and not be placed overhead, under carpets or rugs, or anywhere that the cord can cause trips, falls, or overheat. Extension cords should be connected to only one device to prevent overloading of the circuit. The cord itself should be of a size and type for the expected electrical load and made of material that will not fray or cut easily. Electrical cords including extension cords should have proper grounding if required and should not have any grounding devices removed or not used if required.
Power strips may not be used as a substitute for adequate electrical outlets in a facility. Power strips may be used for a computer, monitor, and printer. Power strips are not designed to be used with medical devices in patient care areas. Precautions needed if power strips are used include: installing internal ground fault and over-current protection devices; preventing cords from becoming tripping hazards; and using power strips that are adequate for the number and types of devices used. Overload on any circuit can potentially cause overheating and fire. The use of ground fault circuit interruption (GFCIs) may be required in locations near water sources to prevent electrocution of staff or residents.
Review of 1999 NFPA 70, 400-7 and 400-8, and HCFA Transmittal Notice 22-99 The 1984 edition of the National Electric Code restricts the use of extension cords to temporary short term uses. It is the policy of HCFA to prohibit non-circuit breaker protected extension cords in health care. The limited use of circuit breaker protected power strips is acceptable, provided the current is limited to 15 amps or less, and no major appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, or heating units are connected to the power strip.