Obstructed Fire Extinguishers Compromise Safety Compliance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain portable fire extinguishers in accordance with NFPA 10 standards, as evidenced by observations during a facility tour. Specifically, fire extinguishers were found to be obstructed in two separate locations. In the kitchen, a K fire extinguisher was blocked by a metal cart approximately three feet high and one inch away from the extinguisher. The Maintenance Director stated that the cart was placed there temporarily during dishwashing activities. In another instance, a fire extinguisher next to Room 133 was obstructed by a four-foot-high medical cart, which was about three inches away from the extinguisher. The Maintenance Director explained that the cart was being used to charge a computer. These obstructions affected 54 of 77 residents in two of three smoke compartments. The facility conducts fire extinguisher inspections in-house and has not had a vendor perform inspections or testing. The observed obstructions could result in a delay in accessing a fire extinguisher in the event of a fire, as the extinguishers were not readily accessible or visible as required by NFPA 10.
Plan Of Correction
Corrective Action Maintenance director immediately removed the obstruction (metal cart) in front of the fire extinguisher. The Dietary manager will do an in-service to the kitchen team regarding the importance of keeping the fire extinguister area clean and easily accessible. Maintenance director pulled the med cart away from the fire extinguisher immediately. DSD will in-service the nursing team regarding the importance of keeping the fire extinguishers area clear and accessible all the time. Identify Other Residents Facility will ensure that no other residents are affected by this deficient practice by ensuring that fire extinguishers in the facility are not obstructed by anything. K 353 Maintenance director in conjunction with dietary manager periodically checks the fire extinguisher in the kitchen to ensure that it is not obstructed by any equipment. Maintenance director will make sure that this deficiency is not affected in any other area by checking all other fire extinguishers at the facility. Systemic changes As a systemic change, safety committee members check the fire extinguishers at the facility randomly to ensure that there are no impediments in front of any fire extinguishers. Monitoring Process Administrator and maintenance supervisor will monitor for compliance on a quarterly basis. QA Process This plan of correction is integrated into the facility's monthly QA process. POC will review for the completeness and effectiveness. Completion Date This plan of correction will be completed on 04/18/2025.