Improper Use of Surge Suppressors in Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly monitor the use of surge suppressors, resulting in two deficiencies observed during a survey. The first deficiency was identified in the 1st floor Director of Nursing (D.O.N.) Office, where a surge suppressor was found supplying electrical power to another surge suppressor, a practice known as daisy-chaining. This was confirmed through an interview with the Facilities Director. The second deficiency was observed in the basement Medical Records Room, where a surge suppressor was supplying power to a refrigerator and a microwave, both of which are high-draw devices. This setup was also confirmed by the Facilities Director during the interview.
Plan Of Correction
1. The Maintenance Director has eliminated the daisy-chained surge suppressor powering the D.O.N. office and disconnected the surge suppressor supplying electricity to the refrigerator and microwave in the Medical Records room. 2. The Maintenance Director and relevant staff members will receive comprehensive training on NFPA 101 Standard Electrical Equipment - Power Cords and Extension Cords, with a focus on the appropriate use of power strips in patient care vicinities and non-patient care rooms. 3. The Maintenance Director/designee will conduct routine inspections of patient care vicinities and non-patient care rooms to ensure compliance with electrical equipment standards for power cords, extension cords, and surge suppressors. Monthly audits will be performed to verify ongoing adherence to these standards. 4. Findings will be reviewed at the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement meeting.