Failure to Complete Required Fire Alarm System Sensitivity Testing
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain its fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 101 and NFPA 72 standards. During a record review with the Regional Maintenance Director, it was found that the biennial smoke detector sensitivity testing did not include 11 out of 73 smoke detectors. Additionally, the repairs inspection report did not indicate that the smoke detectors were sensitivity tested, nor did it provide the results of such testing. The annual fire alarm report listed 23 duct detectors in the inventory, but the duct detector differential pressure testing documented 24 duct detectors tested, and the smoke detector sensitivity testing only included 22 duct detectors, leaving two duct detectors untested for sensitivity. These discrepancies were identified through a combination of record review and staff interviews. The Regional Maintenance Director acknowledged the findings during the review. The records failed to demonstrate that all required smoke and duct detectors underwent the necessary sensitivity testing as mandated by the applicable codes and standards. The deficiency affects all residents and staff in the affected smoke compartments, as the fire alarm system is a critical component of the facility's safety infrastructure. The findings were reviewed with both the Administrator and the Regional Maintenance Director at the exit conference, and photographic evidence was obtained to support the observations.
Plan Of Correction
Corrective Action for Affected Residents: All smoke detectors and duct detectors identified as not sensitivity tested or inconsistently documented will be addressed/tested. The facility will be coordinating with the licensed fire alarm vendor to: complete sensitivity testing on the 11 of 73 smoke detectors that were not tested during the biennial testing dated. Complete sensitivity testing on the two (2) duct detectors that were not included in prior sensitivity testing. Reconcile and correct discrepancies between: smoke detector sensitivity testing reports, duct detector differential pressure testing reports, and annual fire alarm inspection reports. Identification of Other Residents Potentially Affected: A 100% review of fire alarm testing records was conducted to ensure all devices are included and properly documented. Measures to Prevent Recurrence: Maintenance leadership will be re-educated on NFPA 72 sensitivity testing requirements and the importance of reconciling all fire alarm testing reports for consistency and completeness prior to acceptance. Monitoring / Quality Assurance: Annual testing will be verified by the Maintenance Director and reviewed by the Administrator during Life Safety reviews. Corrective Action for Affected Residents: The facility will correct the identified sprinkler system deficiency to ensure consistent and reliable fire protection within the affected smoke compartment. Specifically, the two (2) sprinkler heads in the Main Lobby that were identified as standard response sprinklers were scheduled for replacement. These sprinkler heads will be replaced with quick response sprinkler heads to ensure uniform sprinkler response characteristics throughout the area. Replacement will be completed by a licensed fire sprinkler contractor, and documentation will be maintained on-site. Identification of Other Residents Potentially Affected: To identify any additional areas that may be affected. Corrective Action for Affected Residents: All smoke detectors and duct detectors identified as not sensitivity tested or inconsistently documented will be addressed/tested. The facility will be coordinating with the licensed fire alarm vendor to: complete sensitivity testing on the 11 of 73 smoke detectors that were not tested during the biennial testing dated. Complete sensitivity testing on the two (2) duct detectors that were not included in prior sensitivity testing. Reconcile and correct discrepancies between: smoke detector sensitivity testing reports, duct detector differential pressure testing reports, and annual fire alarm inspection reports. Identification of Other Residents Potentially Affected: A 100% review of fire alarm testing records was conducted to ensure all devices are included and properly documented. Measures to Prevent Recurrence: Maintenance leadership will be re-educated on NFPA 72 sensitivity testing requirements and the importance of reconciling all fire alarm testing reports for consistency and completeness prior to acceptance. Monitoring / Quality Assurance: Annual testing will be verified by the Maintenance Director and reviewed by the Administrator during Life Safety reviews.