Improper Oxygen Cylinder Storage in Multiple Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain proper storage of oxygen cylinders in three separate storage areas. On the second floor, four oxygen cylinders were found in the RNAC office without being secured in a rack or similar device to prevent them from tipping over. Additionally, in the Siegert Hall O2 storage room on the second floor and the Buchman Hall O2 storage room on the first floor, empty or used oxygen bottles were stored in racks designated for full bottles. These deficiencies were confirmed during interviews with the administrator and maintenance supervisor. The observations indicated that the facility did not follow required protocols for segregating empty and full cylinders, nor did it ensure that cylinders were properly secured to prevent accidents. No information about specific residents or their medical conditions was provided in the report.
Plan Of Correction
Oxygen cylinders immediately placed into oxygen holders. Empty/used bottles moved to storage in used oxygen cylinder rack. Education will be provided to staff to not place used oxygen cylinders in full oxygen cylinder rack. NHA or designee will audit oxygen cylinders for appropriately placed into oxygen holders and only full oxygen cylinders placed into full oxygen cylinder rack weekly x 4 then monthly until substantial compliance achieved. The results of these audits will be reviewed quarterly by the Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement committee for further analysis and recommendation.