Inadequate Clearance Around Breaker Panels
Penalty
Summary
During an observation conducted on May 13, 2025, at approximately 9:45 AM, it was found that the facility did not maintain the required minimum clearance of 36 inches around the breaker panels located in the maintenance office. Combustible materials were observed placed in front of these breaker panels. This situation was confirmed by both the Facility Maintenance Director and the Administrator during interviews at the time of observation. The deficiency pertains to the facility's failure to ensure that equipment using gas or gas-related piping complies with NFPA 54 and that electrical wiring and equipment comply with NFPA 70, as required by regulatory standards. The report notes that this practice could affect 16 out of 87 occupants in the event of a fire emergency.
Plan Of Correction
The facility removed the combustible and there is no longer obstructions at the front of the breaker panels. The Maintenance Director/Designee has been educated to ensure that the maintenance office will maintain a minimum of 36 inches of clearance around the breaker panel. The Maintenance Director/Designee will conduct routine rounds to ensure that the maintenance office is maintaining a minimum of 36 inches of clearance around the breaker panel and they are not obstructed. Negative findings will be corrected and forwarded to the Executive Director, and trends will be forwarded to the QAPI Committee for additional review. The Executive Director is responsible for attaining and maintaining compliance with the regulation.