HospitalInspections.org

Based on examination of the hospital smoke barrier walls, it was determined the hospital failed to maintain all portions to a one-half (1/2) hour fire rated construction. Findings include:

1. On 02/10/10 at approximately 11:30 a.m., an inspection above the lay-in-ceiling of the smoke barrier walls was conducted. At this time, unsealed/incompletely sealed penetrations were observed in the smoke barrier wall construction in the following location:

a. Near nurse station (around wires).

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 -Life Safety Code 2000 Ed.
Chapter 7 - Means of Egress
7.2 Means of Egress Components
7.2.1.9* Powered Doors.
7.2.1.9.1* General.
Where means of egress doors are operated by power upon the approach of a person or doors with power-assisted manual operation, the design shall be such that, in the event of power failure, the door opens manually to allow egress travel or closes where necessary to safeguard the means of egress. The forces required to open such doors manually shall not exceed those required in 7.2.1.4.5, except that the force required to set the door in motion shall not exceed 50 lbf (222 N). The door shall be designed and installed so that when a force is applied to the door on the side from which egress is made, it shall be capable of swinging from any position to the full use of the required width of the opening in which it is installed (see 7.2.1.4). On the egress side of each door, there shall be a readily visible, durable sign that reads as follows:
IN EMERGENCY, PUSH TO OPEN
The sign shall be in letters not less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) high on a contrasting background.

This Standard is not met as evidenced by:

Based on observation it was determined the hospital failed to arrange all exits readily accessible in the event of an emergency. Findings include:

1. During tour of the hospital on 02/09/10 at approximately 9:15 a.m., the electrically powered sliding exit door located at the front entrance was observed not to have a required "instructional sign" indicating how to open the door in the event of an emergency.

Based on documentation review it was determined the hospital failed to maintain all components of the facility sprinkler system in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 25. Findings include:

1. On 02/09/10 at approximately 10:00 a.m., four (4) quarterly sprinkler inspection reports for the previous twelve (12) month period were reviewed. These reports were prepared by Brewer and Company and indicated on the reports that the gauges on the sprinkler system had been calibrated or replaced within the past five (5) years. However, there was no date on the reports nor a service record on the gauges to verify when this requirement was completed.

Based on observation and staff interview it was determined the hospital failed to maintain all electrical wiring in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70. Findings include:

1. During tour of the hospital on 02/08/10 during the time frame of 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., electrical extension cords were observed to be in use in the following area/room:

a. Lab area.
b. Education room.

2. On 02/09/10 at approximately 10:30 a.m., an interview with the maintenance supervisor revealed that there was a circuit breaker failure in the lab area during July or August of 2009. At that time, two (2) extension cords were put into use in the lab area.

Based on examination of the hospital smoke barrier walls, it was determined the hospital failed to maintain all portions to a one-half (1/2) hour fire rated construction. Findings include:

1. On 02/10/10 at approximately 11:30 a.m., an inspection above the lay-in-ceiling of the smoke barrier walls was conducted. At this time, unsealed/incompletely sealed penetrations were observed in the smoke barrier wall construction in the following location:

a. Near nurse station (around wires).

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 -Life Safety Code 2000 Ed.
Chapter 7 - Means of Egress
7.2 Means of Egress Components
7.2.1.9* Powered Doors.
7.2.1.9.1* General.
Where means of egress doors are operated by power upon the approach of a person or doors with power-assisted manual operation, the design shall be such that, in the event of power failure, the door opens manually to allow egress travel or closes where necessary to safeguard the means of egress. The forces required to open such doors manually shall not exceed those required in 7.2.1.4.5, except that the force required to set the door in motion shall not exceed 50 lbf (222 N). The door shall be designed and installed so that when a force is applied to the door on the side from which egress is made, it shall be capable of swinging from any position to the full use of the required width of the opening in which it is installed (see 7.2.1.4). On the egress side of each door, there shall be a readily visible, durable sign that reads as follows:
IN EMERGENCY, PUSH TO OPEN
The sign shall be in letters not less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) high on a contrasting background.

This Standard is not met as evidenced by:

Based on observation it was determined the hospital failed to arrange all exits readily accessible in the event of an emergency. Findings include:

1. During tour of the hospital on 02/09/10 at approximately 9:15 a.m., the electrically powered sliding exit door located at the front entrance was observed not to have a required "instructional sign" indicating how to open the door in the event of an emergency.

Based on documentation review it was determined the hospital failed to maintain all components of the facility sprinkler system in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 25. Findings include:

1. On 02/09/10 at approximately 10:00 a.m., four (4) quarterly sprinkler inspection reports for the previous twelve (12) month period were reviewed. These reports were prepared by Brewer and Company and indicated on the reports that the gauges on the sprinkler system had been calibrated or replaced within the past five (5) years. However, there was no date on the reports nor a service record on the gauges to verify when this requirement was completed.

Based on observation and staff interview it was determined the hospital failed to maintain all electrical wiring in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70. Findings include:

1. During tour of the hospital on 02/08/10 during the time frame of 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., electrical extension cords were observed to be in use in the following area/room:

a. Lab area.
b. Education room.

2. On 02/09/10 at approximately 10:30 a.m., an interview with the maintenance supervisor revealed that there was a circuit breaker failure in the lab area during July or August of 2009. At that time, two (2) extension cords were put into use in the lab area.