Unsealed Wire Penetrations in Smoke Barrier
Penalty
Summary
During a facility tour, surveyors observed that one grey wire and one white wire were passing through a smoke wall without being properly sealed in the space between the drop ceiling and the building ceiling at the double corridor by room B-9. This unsealed penetration was found in an area that serves as a smoke barrier, which is required by NFPA 101-2012 to be constructed with a minimum 1/2-hour fire resistance rating and to restrict the transfer of smoke. The observation was made in the presence of the Maintenance Director, who confirmed the finding and stated he was unaware of the requirements for sealing such penetrations. The deficiency had the potential to affect five out of 46 residents in the facility. The report cites specific NFPA 101-2012 code sections that require all penetrations in smoke barriers, including those for wires, to be protected by a system or material capable of restricting smoke transfer. The failure to seal the wire penetrations in the smoke barrier constituted noncompliance with these requirements.
Plan Of Correction
K0372 Urbana Health and Rehab wishes to point out to any person who reviews this document that we do not necessarily agree with the citations with which we were cited. However, the law requires us to prepare a plan of correction for the citations regardless of whether we agree with them or not. Thus, we have prepared such a plan as noted below. Please note though, that this plan does not constitute an admission that the citations are either legally or factually correct. This plan of correction is not meant to establish any standard of care, contract, obligation, or position and Urbana Health and Rehab reserves all rights to raise all possible contentions and defenses in any civil or criminal action or proceeding. Please accept 07/30/25 as the facility's allegation of compliance date. The facility failed to ensure smoke barrier in Rm #B9 would resist passage of smoke. Step 1 Penetrations in Rm#B9 were sealed to resist passage of smoke to prevent passage of smoke creating a sealed/contained smoke compartment 6-6-25. Step 2 All resident rooms audited for penetrations by 7/15/25. Step 3 Maintenance Director educated by LNHA on the smoke barrier function of the ceiling and maintaining the integrity of the ceiling 7/15/25. Step 4 To monitor and maintain compliance, LNHA/designee will audit smoke barriers for compliance weekly for X4, then monthly X2. Results of the audits will be forwarded to the facility QAPI committee for further review and recommendation. K0374 Urbana Health and Rehab wishes to point out to any person who reviews this document that we do not necessarily agree with the citations with which we were cited. However, the law requires us to prepare a plan of correction for the citations regardless of whether we agree with them or not. Thus, we have prepared such a plan as noted below. Please note though, that this plan does not constitute an admission that the citations are either legally or factually correct. This plan of correction is not meant to establish any standard of care, contract, obligation, or position and Urbana Health and Rehab reserves all rights to raise all possible contentions and defenses in any civil or criminal action or proceeding. Please accept 07/30/25 as the facility's allegation of compliance date. The facility failed to maintain fire/smoke barrier doors by DON office and room R1. Fire/Smoke barrier door by A4 and A9 failed to close during test of fire alarm. Step 1 Maintenance Director repaired the doors by DON office and room R1 and A4 and A9 6-6-25. Step 2 Fire doors audits for compliance by Maintenance Director 6-6-25, no negative findings. Step 3 Maintenance Director educated by LNHA on the Fire/Smoke Barrier Doors by 7-15-25. Step 4 To monitor and maintain compliance, LNHA/designee will audit fire/smoke barriers doors for compliance weekly for X4, then monthly X2. Results of the audits will be forwarded to the facility QAPI committee for further review and recommendation.