Obstructed Access to Fire Extinguisher
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that fire extinguishers were readily accessible and ready for use, as required by NFPA 101, 2012 Edition, Section 19.3.5.12, 9.7.4.1, and NFPA 10, 2010 Edition, Section 5.5.5.3(a). During an observation at 11:11 AM, it was noted that access to a fire extinguisher in the E-hall exit/egress corridor was obstructed by a desk, computer monitor, and a 3-tier paper tray. This deficiency had the potential to affect approximately 75 residents. The observation was confirmed in an interview at 11:15 AM with the U.S. FOIA representatives. The issue was communicated to the U.S. FOIA (b) (6) during the Life Safety Code exit conference.
Plan Of Correction
K-0355 (E) Fire Extinguishers 1. The Fire Extinguisher compromised by the desk has been corrected by having the desk removed on 1/10/2025. All resident areas are free from hazard. 2. All Fire Extinguishers in the facility have been reinspected and are ready for use, and the staff inspect the extinguisher areas to prevent this from happening in the future. All resident areas are free from hazard and all systems are operating as designed as of 1/10/2025. 3. The Maintenance Director provided education with Maintenance staff regarding monitoring Fire Extinguishers by Maintenance Staff on 1/10/2025. 4. Every quarter for a year, the Maintenance Director or designee will check Fire Extinguishers throughout the facility to ensure they are ready for use. This information will then be entered on a log and will be presented to the QAPI meeting quarterly for one year. *desk was removed clearing access to fire extinguisher-see attached photo*