Failure to Post Oxygen Storage Hazard Signage in Medication Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to post cautionary and safety signage indicating the storage of oxygen and the potential hazard on the outside of three out of four oxygen storage locations, specifically in the medication storage rooms on the 100-300 hall, 400-600 hall, and 700 hall. Observations revealed that while oxygen cylinders were stored in separated racks within these rooms and signage inside the rooms indicated where full and empty tanks should be placed, there was no signage on the outside of the rooms to alert staff or visitors to the presence of stored oxygen. Staff interviews confirmed that there were no oxygen warning signs posted at these storage locations, and staff members did not recall seeing any such signage in the building. The DON and Director of Operations both stated that the facility was smoke free and that warning signs for oxygen were posted only at the main entrance and at the front and back entrance doors, but not at the specific storage rooms where oxygen tanks were kept. The Administrator acknowledged awareness of the lack of cautionary signs outside the medication storage rooms after being informed of the issue. No information was provided regarding any residents directly affected or any incidents resulting from this deficiency.