Improper Use of Power Strips for Refrigerators and Resident Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility was found to be non-compliant with the 2011 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code Article 400.8, which prohibits the use of flexible cords and cables as a substitute for fixed wiring unless specifically permitted. During a Life Safety recertification survey, it was observed that refrigerators in the recreation office and the Director of Nursing office were plugged into power strips instead of directly into wall outlets. Additionally, in a resident room, a power strip was daisy-chained to a multiple adapter, which was then plugged into a wall outlet, with the resident's personal equipment connected to the power strip. These findings were noted on one of two resident floors and in the basement. The Director of Maintenance acknowledged the issue during an interview and stated that corrective action would be taken.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved April 11, 2025 K920 I. Immediate Corrective Action: 1. Refrigerators Plugged into Power Strips: - On 3/19/25, the Director of Maintenance immediately disconnected the refrigerators in the Recreation Office and the Director of Nursing Office from the power strips. - The refrigerators were plugged directly into wall outlets to comply with NFPA 70 standards. 2. Daisy-Chained Power Strips in Resident Room: - On 3/19/25, the Director of Maintenance immediately addressed the issue in Resident Room B-27 by disconnecting the daisy-chained power strip and multiple adapters. - The equipment was properly reconfigured with a single, correctly rated power strip, plugged directly into a wall outlet. - The resident's personal equipment was safely reconnected. II. Identification of Others: - All residents have the potential to be affected. - A facility-wide audit of all power strips and adapters in resident rooms, offices, and common areas was conducted on 3/19/25. The audit identified no additional instances of daisy-chaining or refrigerators plugged into power strips. - NO further issues were noted. III. Systemic Changes: 1. The Director of Maintenance updated the facility's Electrical Safety Policy to ensure all electrical devices, including refrigerators and personal equipment, are directly connected to wall outlets unless explicitly approved by an electrical engineer or licensed contractor. - The policy now includes strict guidelines on the proper use of power strips and prohibits daisy-chaining of power strips or adapters. 2. All staff, including maintenance and housekeeping, received an in-service on NFPA 70 electrical safety standards, focusing on proper usage of power strips, avoiding daisy-chaining, and ensuring that appliances are plugged directly into outlets where applicable. 3. The facility will ensure that all residents and or family members will be informed of the proper use of power strips in the facility by the following methods: - Maintenance Director will hang up signage around the facility and discuss by monthly resident council the appropriate methods to use power strips. - Additionally, the Maintenance Director will draft a policy/notice that will be placed at the front desk for all families to see as well as mailing/emailing to all family members this notice on the appropriate usage of power strips. IV. Quality Assurance: 1. The Director of Maintenance created an audit tool to track compliance with NFPA 70 regarding power strips, adapters, and appliance connections. - The facility will conduct monthly audits for six months of all areas to ensure that no power strips are used inappropriately or daisy chained. - The results of these audits will be reported to QAPI quarterly. V. Person Responsible: - Director of Maintenance