HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the hospital failed to construct and maintain the building in a manner to ensure the safety of patients. Findings include:

On 7/7 and 7/8/10 a team of State Fire Marshals conducted an onsite Fire and Life Safety survey of the facility as part of this complaint investigation. The findings of that Fire and Life Safety survey resulted in the following deficiencies:

The facility failed to ensure separation walls between occupied spaces and exit corridors were capable of resisting the passage of smoke. This resulted in the potential for the passage of smoke and fire into and throughout the means of egress, which could obstruct or delay the relocation and/or evacuation of occupants. Refer to Tag K017

The facility failed to provide smoke compartments limited to not more than 22,500 square feet. This resulted in the potential for the spread of fire/smoke to other smoke compartments. Refer to Tag K023.

The facility failed to provide building service equipment in accordance with approved standards. The HVAC system in the smoke compartments in both East and West wings of sections A and D on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the hospital were using the interstitial spaces above the exit corridors as a return air plenum. This resulted in the potential for failure of building service equipment with the resultant potential for fires and related spread of fire, smoke, and toxic fire gases. Refer to Tag K067.

Refer to detailed findings listed at the K017, K023, and K067 on Form CMS-2567 issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.