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Based on a review of maintenance records, it was determined that the Adolf Meyer Building at the Eleanor Slater Hospital has failed to ensure that a fire alarm system required for life safety is tested and maintained, relative to the annual battery discharge test and required sensitivity testing of the smoke detectors, in accordance with NFPA 72 Guidelines.

Findings are as follows:

NFPA 72 fire Alarm Testing Frequency: Batteries Fire Alarm Systems

Discharge Test: (30 minutes) Initial Receptacle then annually thereafter.

A review of service records for the fire alarm system for the past 4 quarters revealed the annual battery discharge test has not been performed.

NFPA 72, 2010 Edition, Section 14.4.5* Testing Frequency. Sub-sections:

14.4.5.3.1 states: "Sensitivity shall be checked within 1 year after installation."

14.5.3.2 states: "Sensitivity shall be checked every alternate year thereafter.

The facility was unable to provide any evidence that sensitivity testing of the smoke detectors had been completed.

During interview on 11/2/17 at 1:00PM, the Chief Engineer and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor acknowledged the annual battery discharge test had not been performed during the past year and the required sensitivity testing for smoke detectors had not been performed during the past two years.