Deficiency in Power Strip Policy and Compliance
Penalty
Summary
The facility was found to be deficient in maintaining a policy for the use of extension cords and power strips during a life safety survey. On the first and second floors of the building, power strips were observed in use without visible UL listings, which are necessary to ensure compliance with safety standards. Specifically, a power strip was noted at the second-floor nurses' station, and in the first-floor conference room, two large wall-mounted monitors/screens were plugged into power strips without visible UL listings. During the document review, it was discovered that the facility did not have a policy available for the use of power strips. This lack of documentation and policy indicates a failure to adhere to the necessary safety regulations as outlined by the NFPA and other relevant codes. The absence of a policy and the use of potentially non-compliant power strips could pose a risk to the safety of the facility's environment.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved January 24, 2025 I. Immediate Corrective Action The maintenance department purchased and installed power strips having a visible ULL listing of UL1363A at the second (2nd) floor nurse station and the conference room. The Administrator developed the policy and procedure for power strips utilized in the facility. II. Identification of other Residents The Environmental Service Director toured the entire facility and no other power strips were identified that did not have a visible or proper ULL listing of UL 1363A. The facility respectfully states that once the maintenance department installed the power strips with a visible and proper ULL listing of UL1363A, no other residents were affected by this practice. III. Systemic Changes The Environmental Service Director reviewed and revised the Electrical Safety policy and procedure. All maintenance staff will receive in-service education and understand the life safety issues and the importance of ensuring compliance with the Electrical Safety Policy and Procedures with an emphasis on power strips and extension cord prohibitions. Lesson plan and attendance will be filed for validation. The Environmental Service Director will develop an audit tool to track compliance with this requirement. IV. QA Monitoring The Environmental Service Director shall utilize the audit tool to monitor that any and all power strips utilized in the facility will have a visible ULL listing and that the listing be UL 1363A. The Environmental Service Director/designee shall conduct the audits monthly for six (6) months, and quarterly thereafter. Any negative findings will be corrected immediately by the maintenance department and reported to the Administrator. All audit findings will be reported and reviewed quarterly at the QAPI committee meeting. Responsible Party: Director of Environmental Service