Failure to Ensure Trained Staff for Manual Emergency Power Transfer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that emergency power could be transferred to maintain safe indoor temperatures in the event of a loss of primary electrical power. During a review of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and the generator/cooling plan, it was found that the facility only had a manual option to transfer power to the standby generator, which is responsible for supplying emergency power to the air conditioning system in designated cool zones. There was no evidence provided that an on-site and trained individual was available during all shifts to perform the manual transfer of power to the standby generator. This gap in staffing and training meant that, in the event of a power outage, there was no assurance that the generator could be activated promptly to maintain required temperatures for resident safety and comfort. Interviews with the Administrator and the Human Resource officer confirmed that staff had not been trained to perform the manual transfer of power. Additionally, it was stated that this training was not included as part of the emergency plan for new employee orientation. This lack of training and preparedness directly contributed to the facility's inability to meet the licensure requirement for emergency environmental control.