Improper Installation of Fire Extinguishers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain portable fire extinguishers in accordance with NFPA 101 standards. During a facility tour conducted on March 17, 2025, between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM, it was observed that several fire extinguishers were improperly installed. Specifically, the fire extinguishers located by room 20, room 8, the main lobby, room 30, the Emerald Nurses Station, room 45, and room 25 were all found in cabinets with the top of the handle positioned above 60 inches from the floor. This placement does not comply with the required standards for accessibility and safety. The observations were made in the presence of the Maintenance Director, who confirmed the findings during the tour. These findings were subsequently reviewed with the administrator and the Maintenance Director during an exit conference held on the same day at 3:00 PM. The report does not mention any corrective actions or plans to address the deficiency, focusing solely on the improper installation of the fire extinguishers.
Plan Of Correction
This plan of correction is submitted as required under Federal and State regulations and statutes applicable to long term care providers. This plan of correction does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of the facility, and such liability is hereby specifically denied. The submission of this plan does not constitute agreement by the facility that the surveyors findings or conclusions are accurate, that the findings constitute a deficiency, or that the scope or severity regarding any of these deficiencies cited are correctly applied. 1. The fire extinguishers noted in the fire extinguisher (FE) cabinets by room 20, by room 8, in the main lobby, by room 30, by the Emerald Nurses Station, by room 45, and by room 25 will be remounted to the required height. 2. Additional fire extinguisher locations will be reviewed for placement at the required height. 3. The Executive Director/ designee will educate the Maintenance Director on the importance of NFPA 101 Portable Fire Extinguishers specific to maintaining fire extinguisher placement at the required height and will continue to monitor in accordance with NFPA standards. 4. Any findings will be reported to the monthly QAPI Committee for further review. This plan of correction is submitted as required under Federal and State regulations and statutes applicable to long term care providers. This plan of correction does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of the facility, and such liability is hereby specifically denied. The submission of this plan does not constitute agreement by the facility that the surveyors findings or conclusions are accurate, that the findings constitute a deficiency, or that the scope or severity regarding any of these deficiencies cited are correctly applied. 1. The fire extinguishers noted in the fire extinguisher (FE) cabinets by room 20, by room 8, in the main lobby, by room 30, by the Emerald Nurses Station, by room 45, and by room 25 will be remounted to the required height. 2. Additional fire extinguisher locations will be reviewed for placement at the required height. 3. The Executive Director/ designee will educate the Maintenance Director on the importance of NFPA 101 Portable Fire Extinguishers specific to maintaining fire extinguisher placement at the required height and will continue to monitor in accordance with NFPA standards. 4. Any findings will be reported to the monthly QAPI Committee for further review.