Failure to Provide Required Fire Protection for Hazardous Area
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a wheelchair battery charger was observed in use within a resident room located in the sub-acute rehab wing. The facility failed to ensure that hazardous areas, such as those where battery charging occurs, were protected by a fire barrier with a 1-hour fire resistance rating and 3/4 hour fire rated doors, or by an automatic fire extinguishing system as required by code. The doors to these areas were also not self-closing or automatic-closing as specified by the regulations. During the survey, the environmental supervisor confirmed that residents' wheelchair batteries are charged within their rooms as needed. This practice was directly observed and verified through staff interviews. The deficiency was cited due to the lack of appropriate fire protection measures in areas where hazardous activities, such as battery charging, take place.
Plan Of Correction
K321 Hazardous Areas SS=E 1. The power chair in room 121 was unplugged immediately and relocated for charging. The resident residing in room 121 was educated that the facility will need to charge the chair in a safe area (Therapy Room). 2. Residents residing within the facility have the potential to be affected. Residents utilizing power chairs have been educated that chairs need to be charged in the Therapy Dept and not within their rooms. 3. Staff have been educated that wheelchairs cannot be charged in resident rooms but only in the Therapy Room. 4. The Maintenance Director and/or designee will audit weekly x4, monthly x3 to ensure that wheelchairs are being charged in the designated area. Findings will be reported to the QAPI Committee for further review and recommendations. The Administrator is responsible for sustained compliance.