Smoke Barrier Doors Blocked by Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that smoke barrier doors were properly inspected and maintained to fully close and resist the passage of smoke in one of two wings. During an observation on March 12, 2025, at 2:50 p.m., it was noted that the smoke barrier doors next to room 508 on the first floor did not close tightly. This issue was caused by the doors being blocked by a berri lift, which prevented them from closing smoke tight. An exit interview with the Administrator, Director of Maintenance, and Assistant confirmed that the doors were indeed blocked, inhibiting their ability to close properly. This deficiency was identified as a failure to comply with the requirements for smoke barrier doors as outlined in NFPA 101, which mandates that such doors must be self-closing or automatic-closing and able to resist the passage of smoke.
Plan Of Correction
1. The Bari lift was removed; doors close properly. 2. 3/13/25 3. Staff educated on not blocking doors. 4. Director of maintenance will conduct a round audit to ensure doors are clear once a week for 2 weeks.