Improper Use of Electrical Cords in Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility was found to be non-compliant with the 2011 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code Article 400.8 during a Life Safety recertification survey. Specifically, surveyors observed that power strips were daisy-chained together in the pharmacy storage room to energize computer equipment. Additionally, an extension cord was found in use in a resident room, connected to an artificial tree. These deficiencies were noted in two out of three resident buildings. Interviews with the Director of Plant Operations and a maintenance staff member confirmed the improper use of electrical cords and the intention to address the issues.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved February 28, 2025 **NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 1. The specific description of the action/activities to be taken in order to achieve correction for the residents found to have been affected by the deficient practice is: 1. The maintenance staff permanently removed the power strips from the Pharmacy storage room. 2. The maintenance staff permanently removed the power strips from the computer equipment in the room. 3. The maintenance staff permanently removed the extension cord from the SW 1 unit in resident room [ROOM NUMBER]. 2. How will The New Jewish Home (NAME) Neuman identify other residents having the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice (and implementation of action as in #1 above)? 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 deficiencies were immediately corrected. 3. What measures will be put into place or systemic changes made to ensure the deficient practice will not recur? The facility reviewed and updated the Electrical Safety Policy and Procedures. All maintenance 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. The Director of Maintenance has been assigned the responsibility for the education of staff and will provide education on life safety issues and provide additional education to the maintenance staff when power strip or extension cord issues have been identified. The facility Maintenance staff will check the facility 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 with the use of power strips or extension cords will be immediately corrected. The Administration will review the appropriate sections of the facilities Electrical Safety Policy with the residents in the monthly Resident Council Meetings. The Administration will inform the families of the appropriate sections of the facilities Electrical Safety Policy in our quarterly email to all families. The Administration will also add this information in the facilities Admission packet given to all new residents and families. 4. How will The New Jewish Home (NAME) Neuman monitor its corrective action to ensure the deficient practice being corrected will not recur (i.e. - what program will monitor the continued effectiveness of the systemic change)? The Director of Maintenance or Designee will review monthly audits for any cases of non-compliance. The Director of Maintenance or Designee will report the result of these audits to the QAPI committee on a monthly basis, as well as correction plan if warranted.