Failure to Maintain Diesel Emergency Generator
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly maintain its diesel emergency generator in accordance with NFPA 99 standards. During a Life Safety Code recertification survey, it was found that deficiencies noted in vendor reports from routine preventative maintenance were not corrected in a timely manner. These reports, dated 12/11/2024, 6/26/2024, and 12/12/2023, indicated that the fuel lines had become hard and brittle, beginning to crack, and the cooling system hoses were also hard, brittle, and seeping slightly. Additionally, the battery cable ends were temporary repair ends instead of permanent crimp style ends. The Director of Environmental Services acknowledged awareness of these issues but stated that the facility was hesitant to make changes due to their long-term plans to build a new facility.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved May 5, 2025 Estimate received from Vendor, (NAME) Cat, to replace fuel lines, cooling system hoses, and to change temporary repair ends to permanent crimp style battery cable ends. Estimate was approved and we are awaiting vendor repair date. Milton Cat scheduled to perform repairs on generator on 4/15/2025. Maintenance employees to receive education on reviewing generator maintenance invoices and addressing maintenance concerns and repairs. The Director of Environmental Services or designee will audit the vendor report from routine preventative maintenance every 6 months, or earlier if as needed visit occurs to address repair needs. The Audit will be reviewed with the Quality Assurance and Performance Committee at the quarterly meeting following the 6-month preventative maintenance to ensure compliance.