Use of Prohibited Space Heaters During HVAC Malfunction
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that portable space heaters were not used in resident rooms when the HVAC system malfunctioned, resulting in decreased temperatures in a section of the building. The heat malfunction affected five resident rooms, and portable space heaters were placed in four of these rooms. The Maintenance Coordinator was unable to immediately repair the heating system and did not know the origin of the space heaters, who placed them, or their subsequent removal. Room temperatures were monitored, but there was no documentation, and the lowest temperature recalled was 67 degrees Fahrenheit, though the specific room was not identified. Facility policy prohibits the use of portable space heaters in resident rooms due to fire safety concerns and compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code. The policy also requires that environmental temperatures be maintained between 71-81 degrees Fahrenheit, with specific interventions if temperatures fall outside this range. Staff interviews confirmed that the heat outage was due to a faulty gas valve and that the heating system was eventually repaired by a contractor. The use of space heaters in resident rooms was in direct violation of facility policy and regulatory requirements.