HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and staff interview, the facility did protect the medical gas storage area in accordance with NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities.

The finding was:

On the afternoon of 9/19/2011, observation inside the Medical Gas Storage Room revealed that there were 8 empty and 15 full H-size oxygen tanks not properly secured. Specifically, the chains that secured both the empty tanks and the full tanks were loose. The chains used to secure the oxygen tanks must be taut to ensure that no oxygen tanks fall to the ground which would be a potential hazard.

Concurrent interview with the Director of Engineering confirmed this finding.

Based on observation and staff interview, the facility did not comply the piped in medical gas systems as required in NFPA 99, Chapter 4.

The findings were:

1) On the morning of 9/19/2011, observation revealed that there were 2 expired H-size oxygen tanks found in room 206 and 2 expired H-size oxygen tanks found in room 306. All 4 of the tanks had an expiration date of 2008.

Concurrent interview with the Director of Engineering confirmed this finding.

2) On the afternoon of 9/19/2011, observation revealed that access to the oxygen shut-off valve panel located near room 314 was blocked by two wheelchairs. Due to the required nature of oxygen at this facility, all oxygen shut-off valve panels must be immediately accessible for staff use.

Concurrent interview with the Director of Engineering confirmed this finding.