Failure to Ensure Continuous Illumination in Egress Pathway
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure continuous illumination in the means of egress as required by NFPA 101 standards. During a Life Safety recertification survey, it was observed that the wall-mounted light switches in the fifth-floor dining room, when turned off, extinguished all lights in the room. This room contained an emergency stairwell exit, which should have been continuously illuminated. This deficiency was noted on one of the three resident floors. During an interview, the Director of Maintenance acknowledged the issue and stated that the lights in the rooms would be continuous.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved March 14, 2025 K281 – NFPA 101 Illumination of Means of Egress I. Immediate Corrections: The manual operated wall mounted light switches in fifth floor dining room were removed, allowing all lights in the room to be on continuously. Work completed (MONTH) 4, 2025. II. Plan of Correction to identify other areas potentially affected The facility acknowledges that all residents have the potential to be affected by this practice. The Director of Plant Operations inspected all areas throughout the facility for the same deficiencies. No additional instances of non-compliant were found. Work completed (MONTH) 6, 2025. III. Systemic Changes The Policy relating to Illumination of Means of Egress was reviewed and it was determined that no changes were needed to the policy. All maintenance staff will be provided with in-service education by the Director of Plant Operations on the policy relating to Illumination of Means of Egress with a focus on the importance of ensuring that Illumination of the Means of Egress were installed and maintained in accordance with 7.8. Work completed: (MONTH) 6, 2025. IV. QA Monitoring The Director of Plant Operations will develop an audit tool to verify that Means of Egress were installed and maintained in accordance with 7.8. 1. Audits will be completed by the Director of Plant Operations monthly x 3 months, then complete quarterly thereafter. 2. Any discrepancies noted will be addressed immediately, reported to the Administrator, and to the QA Committee for tracking and trending. 3. Audit of findings will be presented to QA Committee monthly x 3 months then quarterly thereafter for evaluation and follow-up as indicated. Responsibility: Director of Plant Operations/Designee