HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation the facility failed to ensure that all penetrations of smoke and fire barriers above the ceiling were properly protected for 3 out of 4 such barriers inspected. This affects all patients in a census of 23. Findings included:
During tour of the facility on 4/21/10 four separations rated as either one or two hour separations were inspected.
The separations were protected in the corridor with doors on electromagnetic hold opens and above with what were intended to be a solid separation above the suspended ceiling.
The separation above the two hour rated doors leading from the administration area of the hospital to the main corridor of the hospital was noted to have two areas where one inch pipes with wires passed through to the other wall. These two pipes were observed on both sides of the opening to have narrow gaps around the outside of the pipe and in the middle which were not sealed to prevent the spread of smoke and/or fire from one side of the protected opening to the other.
Above the ceiling, and over the one hour rated doors in the main corridor, a three inch pipe used to conduct wires from one side of the wall to the other, was noted to be open in the middle where the wires passed through.
The corridor separation outside the area labeled Surgery was noted to have one hour rated doors held open by electromagnetic hold open devices. Above the ceiling was noted one three inch and one four inch conduit which allowed wires to pass through from one side to the other. The space in the middle of the conduit where the wires passed through was noted to be open.
These openings were not protected with a rated material which would prevent smoke and/or fire from passing through the conduit from one side to the other above the ceiling.

Based on observation the facility failed to ensure that alcohol gel dispensers were not placed above or adjacent to a source of ignition for 6 out of 8 emergency department examination rooms. This affects all patients who utilize the emergency services department. Findings included:
Tour of the emergency department was done on 4/22/10. Observation revealed that in the six rooms that were inspected, the alcohol gel dispensers (for hand sanitation) on the inside of the room were placed within six inches above or adjacent to the light switch in the room. Three of the dispensers were placed directly above the light switch.
The light switch is a potential source of ignition for any alcohol gel (a flammable) that may contact the devices.
The 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code, published by the National Fire Protection Association, states that where alcohol based hand rub dispensers are installed they shall not be installed over or adjacent to an ignition source.