Fire Alarm Box Obstruction in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that each manual fire alarm box was accessible, unobstructed, and visible, as required by NFPA 101: 2012 Edition and NFPA 72: 2010 Edition. During an observation, it was noted that one of the two fire alarm pull boxes in the facility's kitchen was blocked by a freestanding steel table. This table was being used as an extension of the dishwashing machine table and had dishes and cups on it, obstructing access to the fire alarm box. This deficiency was confirmed through an interview with the Administrator in Training (AIT) at the time of the observation. The issue was brought to the attention of the facility's administration during the Life Safety Code exit conference.
Plan Of Correction
K342 1. The facility conducted a comprehensive inspection of all fire alarm pull stations to identify and ensure that all the fire alarm pull stations are accessible, unobstructed, and visible per NFPA standards. The identified area in the kitchen was repaired on 12/23/24 by Allied Fire and Safety. The maintenance director and administrator inspected the area to ensure it meets NFPA standards. 2. All maintenance personnel were educated on the importance of maintaining an accessible, unobstructed, and visible clear path in front of any fire alarm pull stations and the impact on resident safety. All residents have the potential of being affected by this. The facility will keep detailed records of fire alarm pull stations, including dates and any issues discovered. 3. The facility conducts monthly drills to ensure staff and residents are familiar with emergency procedures, which includes fire alarm pull stations. All staff at the facility are educated annually in life safety regulations, which includes maintaining an accessible, unobstructed, and visible clear path for the fire alarm pull station. 4. The facility will conduct monthly life safety audits on all fire alarm pull stations for the next 3 months to ensure the facility is in accordance with NFPA standards. The results of these audits will be communicated with the QAPI team for the next 2 quarters. Based on the results, the QAPI team will decide to conclude or continue with these audits. The QAPI team meets on a quarterly basis.