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WILLOW CREST HOSPITAL
No Description Available
Tag No.: K0147
1) Based on observation and interview with staff, the facility failed to ensure the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring and equipment is in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. 9.1.2, resulting in an immediate jeopardy.
Findings include:
a) Romex wiring installed above the ceiling was not in conduit. Romex cable (Non-Metallic Sheathed or " NM " wiring) is not allowed in Institutional Occupancy. Rolled wiring used at this facility creates a fire hazard. Romex is allaowed only in family dwellings and other specific types.
b) Splices created throughout the facility was not in a J-Box. Open splices with wire nuts is a violation of NEC Article 300 - " Wiring Methods " . Section 300.15 states that " Where the wiring method is conduit, tubing, Type AC, MC, MI, NM, or other cable, a box or conduit body shall be installed at each conductor splice point, ..." at this facility, this method was not used.
c) Wiring above ceiling cavity was not supported and hung in a raceway or on hangers. Wiring was draped over plumbing, HVAC ducts, and other equipment without the use of hangers or metal race ways. Wiring not supported or in conduit can be easily pulled apart when staff is required to work in the ceiling cavity. Conduit was not installed and supported every 10 ' -0 " maximum and at least within 36 " of each outlet box and junction box. (NEC 358.30), wiring at this facility is not supported in many areas.
d) Facility could not verify that Services/ Circuits were Bonded and Grounded in accordance with Article 250.4 of the NEC 70. This surveyor was shocked while making observations which indicated and proved that metal ceiling tees/supports and a fire sprinkler pipe above ceiling came into contact with an energized conductor/ light ballast which was not grounded. This condition is a potential for fire hazard.
e) The facility failed to conduct Impedance Ground Test in Patient Care areas and failed to do receptacle testing in patient care areas in accordance with NFPA 99 1999 edition chapter 3-3.3. through 3-3.3.3.