Obstructed Exit Access Corridors
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain clear and unobstructed exit access corridors on three of four floors, as required by NFPA 101 Means of Egress standards. During an observation on December 11, 2024, between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM, various items were found stored in the egress corridors. On the 4th floor, side chairs, linen carts, and bed tables were obstructing the corridor. On the 3rd floor, similar items along with a shredder container were found outside the Lounge/Dining Room. On the 2nd floor, two containers, each greater than 32 gallons, were located at the smoke doors by the Central Bath. An interview with the Director of Maintenance confirmed these findings. A follow-up observation on February 7, 2025, revealed that the obstructions on the 3rd floor and the containers on the 2nd floor had not been corrected, as confirmed by an interview with a maintenance staff member.
Plan Of Correction
Various items such as chairs, linen carts, bed tables, containers greater than 32 gallons, and the shredder container were removed from floors 2, 3, and 4 and placed in appropriate locations. The Maintenance Director or Designee will re-educate employees on the expectation of keeping areas of exit free of all obstructions such as chairs, linen carts, bed tables, containers greater than 32 gallons, and the shredder container to full use in case of emergency. The Maintenance Director or Designee & DON or Designee will do random monthly audits of all floors to ensure aisles, passageways, corridors, and exits are free of all obstructions. The Maintenance Director or Designee will present findings at the QAPI meetings for review and/or recommendations.