Improper Use of Extension Cords and Power Strips
Penalty
Summary
During the Life Safety Recertification survey conducted in 2025, the facility was found to be non-compliant with NFPA 70 standards regarding the use of extension cords and power strips. Specifically, surveyors observed two unmounted power strips in use within the Dietary office located in the Kitchen. Additionally, in the Dietician's office situated in the basement, two extension cords were plugged into a power strip to power computer equipment. These observations indicate a failure to adhere to the electrical safety standards outlined in NFPA 70, which prohibits the use of extension cords and power strips in such a manner. The Director of Maintenance acknowledged the findings during the survey and indicated that corrective actions would be taken. However, the report focuses on the deficiency itself, which is the improper use of electrical systems that do not comply with the National Electrical Code. The deficiency highlights the facility's failure to ensure that electrical equipment is used safely and in accordance with established safety codes, potentially posing a risk to the safety of the facility's environment.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved March 7, 2025 1. What corrective action(s) will be accomplished for those residents found to have been affected by the deficient practice? The maintenance staff removed the two unmounted power strips in the Dietary office in the Kitchen on 3/7/2025. The maintenance staff removed the two extension cords plugged into a power strip powering computer equipment in the Dietician's office in the basement on 3/7/2025. 2. How you will identify other residents having the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice and what corrective action will be taken? The facility acknowledges that residents, visitors and staff have the potential to be affected by this practice. The facility checked all areas for the same deficiency. Any power strips or extension cord deficiencies were immediately corrected. 3. What measures will be put in place or what systemic changes you will make to ensure that the deficient practice does not recur: The facility reviewed and updated the Electrical Safety Policy and Procedures. All staff will receive additional education, and all participants will understand the life safety issues identified during the facility’s survey and the importance of ensuring compliance with the Electrical Safety Policy and Procedures with particular emphasis on power strips and extension cord prohibitions. An audit tool was developed to check for the improper use of power strips and extension cords monthly. The Director of Maintenance will utilize an audit tool to document any findings. Any issue identified. 4. How the corrective action(s) will be monitored to ensure the deficient practice will not recur? On a weekly basis, for one quarter, the Dir. Maintenance or designee will audit all areas for improper use of power strips and extension cords to ensure compliance. Any outstanding issues will be addressed immediately and reported to the Administrator. On a monthly basis, for one quarter, The Director of Maintenance or Designee will review monthly audits and report findings to Administrator. On a quarterly basis, The Director of Maintenance or Designee will report the result of the audits to the QAPI. 5. The title of the person responsible for correction of each deficiency: Administrator, Director of Maintenance.