Unsecured Oxygen Cylinders and Disorganized Oxygen Storage Area
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to accident hazards and inadequate environmental safety involving oxygen (O2) equipment. During facility rounds, one emergency oxygen E tank that was not in use was observed left free-standing on the floor in the corner of a resident room, not secured in a sturdy portable cart. An LVN confirmed that the tank was not in use, was not secured, and had been left on the floor, and stated that E tanks should be secured in a metal portable cart for safety when not in use. The DON later stated that nursing staff should not leave E tanks on the floor in resident rooms when not in use and that staff were responsible for placing E tanks in a cart or rack for safety. In addition, surveyors observed the oxygen supplies storage room in one building and found it cluttered and unorganized, with several room air concentrators and their long electrical cords on the floor, and five E tanks stored free-standing on the floor, not secured in portable carts or metal racks. Clean and used oxygen equipment were not stored in separate areas within this room. The LVN confirmed these observations, stating that all E tanks should be placed in a metal rack or portable stand and that the room should be organized to allow safe staff access in emergencies. Review of the facility’s “Fire Safety and Prevention” policy indicated that storage rooms should be kept clean at all times, oxygen cylinders should be stored in racks with chains, sturdy portable carts, or approved stands, oxygen cylinders should never be left free-standing, and oxygen cylinders should not be stored in any resident room or living area.
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