Failure to Address Carbon Monoxide Alarm in a Timely Manner
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, functional, and comfortable environment for its residents, staff, and the public by not addressing an alarming carbon monoxide detector in a timely manner. On the morning of February 8, 2025, the fire department was dispatched to the facility due to a possible gas or carbon monoxide leak. Upon investigation, they found elevated carbon monoxide levels in the basement, specifically in the boiler room, with readings at 87 parts per million. The fire department initiated evacuation and ventilation procedures, and the gas was shut off, which led to a rapid decrease in carbon monoxide levels. The facility's HVAC company isolated the boiler, and the residents and staff were allowed to return once normal readings were restored. Interviews revealed that the Maintenance Director was called to the facility at 8:00 A.M. by a floor nurse due to the carbon monoxide detector alarming. However, the fire department was not contacted until approximately two and a half hours later, after multiple attempts to address the alarm by changing the detector's batteries. During this time, one housekeeping aide was transported to the hospital with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, while another aide reported a headache but declined hospital treatment. The Maintenance Director admitted to not keeping documentation of carbon monoxide detector tests, and it was confirmed that there were no carbon monoxide detectors on the first or second floors where residents resided. The facility's boiler had been red-tagged previously due to non-payment of fees, and the inspection did not indicate any need for repairs at that time. The facility's policies on emergency preparedness and resident environmental quality were reviewed, highlighting the expectation for a safe and functional environment. The deficiency was investigated under Complaint Number OH00162507, indicating non-compliance with maintaining a safe environment for residents and staff.
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