Failure to Maintain Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms in compliance with the 2016 Act 48-Care Facility Carbon Monoxide Alarms Standards Act. On December 30, 2024, observations revealed several deficiencies related to the carbon monoxide alarms. Specifically, the facility did not perform the required annual battery replacement for these alarms, which is a critical maintenance task to ensure their proper functioning. Additionally, the facility neglected to conduct the necessary testing and cleaning of the battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms. Furthermore, there was a lack of documentation regarding the Carbon Monoxide Evacuation and Alarm protocols, which are essential for ensuring the safety of residents and staff in the event of a carbon monoxide incident. These deficiencies were confirmed during an interview with the Facility Administrator and Maintenance Director.
Plan Of Correction
The Maintenance Director/Maintenance staff will be educated on the requirements of the 2016 Act 48-Care Facility Carbon Monoxide Alarms Standards Act. All carbon monoxide alarms will have their batteries replaced along with a log will be maintained to record the alarms' location and the date of the annual battery replacement. The facility will perform all the required testing and cleaning of the battery-operated alarms on a monthly basis. A log will be maintained at the facility. All current staff will be educated on the carbon monoxide evacuation and alarm protocols. Any new employees will be trained on the carbon monoxide evacuation and alarm protocols during their general orientation.