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Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure the elevator equipment in 1 of 3 elevator equipment rooms was provided with a a means for disconnecting the main electrical power supply to the affected elevator machine room automatically upon or prior to the application of water from the sprinkler located in the elevator machine room.
ASME/ANSI A17.1 permits sprinklers in elevator machine rooms when there is a means for disconnecting the main power supply to the affected elevator automatically upon or prior to the application of water from the sprinkler located in the elevator machine room. This deficient practice could affect ten patients, staff and visitors.

Findings include:

Based on observations with the Director of Plant Operations and the Maintenance Supervisor during a tour of the facility from 11:10 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. on 08/08/13, the Elevator Machine Room near the Diabetes Education Room was provided with sprinkler protection but lacked a means for disconnecting the main power supply to the affected elevator automatically upon or prior to the application of water from the sprinkler located in the elevator machine room. Based on interview at the time of the observation, the Director of Plant Operations stated the facility has sought electric shunt trip installation quotes but acknowledged a shunt trip device for the aforementioned elevator equipment room has not been installed.