Failure to Maintain Sprinkler System Testing and Fire Drill Documentation
Summary
Surveyors identified deficiencies related to the facility’s failure to maintain and test its automatic sprinkler and associated fire protection systems in accordance with NFPA 101 and NFPA 25. During record review between 9:15 AM and 1:30 PM with the Maintenance Director, the facility was unable to provide documentation that an annual flow test had been performed on the on-site fire hydrant as required. The Maintenance Director acknowledged that the facility failed to provide documentation that this annual hydrant flow test was completed. Further record review during the same time period showed that the facility also lacked documentation of the required five-year gallons-per-minute (GPM) testing of the fire hydrant. In addition, the facility could not produce records showing that a five-year internal inspection of the fire riser had been performed. The Maintenance Director acknowledged the absence of documentation for the five-year internal riser inspection. Surveyors also found that the facility failed to provide documentation that a five-year hydrostatic test of the Fire Department Connection (FDC) had been completed. Separately, the surveyors reviewed fire drill records and determined that the facility did not have documentation of required fire drills for each shift per quarter. Specifically, fire drills were missing for the third shift of the first quarter of one year and for the second and third shifts of the last quarter of the prior year. The Maintenance Director acknowledged that the facility failed to provide documentation that these fire drills were performed.
Plan Of Correction
The five year gallon per minute testing was completed on [R] The five year internal inspection was performed on the riser on [R] The five year hydrostatic testing was performed and completed on [R] The five year gallon per minute testing on the fire hydrant was completed on [R] The facility has determined that all residents have the potential to be affected. An in-service education program will be conducted by the administrator. The administrator will conduct for a period of three months a random audit of completed documentation. The five year gallon per minute testing was completed on [R] The five year internal inspection was performed on the riser on [R] The five year hydrostatic testing was performed and completed on [R] The five year gallon per minute testing on the fire hydrant was completed on [R] The facility has determined that all residents have the potential to be affected. An in-service education program will be conducted by the administrator. The administrator will conduct for a period of three months a random audit of completed documentation.
Penalty
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to maintain required inspection and testing of its automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA standards. Record review showed only one documented sprinkler inspection within the prior year, and no additional inspection records were produced despite multiple requests during the survey. The Maintenance Director confirmed that no other sprinkler inspection documentation was available, indicating that ongoing required inspections were not documented for all residents in the facility.
Failure to Maintain Required Sprinkler System Inspection Documentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly maintain its automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 101 (2012) and NFPA 25 (2010), affecting all 67 residents in the building. During record review on 03/25/26 beginning at 8:45 A.M., surveyors found only one documented sprinkler inspection within the previous 12 months, dated 04/23/25. Additional documentation of required inspections was requested at the entrance conference at 8:40 A.M., and again at 9:35 A.M. and 10:10 A.M., but no further records were provided by the time of exit. An interview with the Maintenance Director confirmed that there were no other sprinkler inspection records available, verifying the lack of documented ongoing inspection and maintenance of the sprinkler system. No specific resident medical histories or conditions at the time of the deficiency were described in the report.
Plan Of Correction
1.Based on record review, observation and interview, no residents experienced negative outcomes related to sprinkler system deficiencies. The facility failed to ensure sprinkler system inspection, testing, and maintenance were completed and documented in accordance with NFPA 25. Findings included lack of complete inspection documentation within the required timeframe and identified physical deficiencies (including missing escutcheon plates). 2.The Medical Director was notified by LNHA on 03/26/2026 that the facility failed to ensure sprinkler system inspections, testing, and maintenance were completed and documented in accordance with NFPA 101 and NFPA 25 requirements. 3.Sprinkler system inspection, testing, and maintenance will be completed by a contracted fire protection vendor on or before 04/30/2026. This will include implementation of a full Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) program in accordance with NFPA 25 (2010 Edition), including but not limited to: Completion of a full annual sprinkler system inspection in accordance with NFPA 25 §13.6.2.1. Quarterly testing of waterflow alarm devices and supervisory signals. Monthly and/or weekly inspection of control valves, gauges, and system condition as applicable. Five-year internal pipe inspection (obstruction investigation) if due. Inspection of all sprinkler heads to ensure no damage, corrosion, paint, loading, obstruction, or missing escutcheon plates. Verification that all components are installed correctly and maintained in reliable operating condition. All identified physical deficiencies (including missing escutcheon plates and any additional deficiencies discovered during inspection) will be corrected on or before 04/30/2026. A comprehensive facility-wide sprinkler system inspection will be completed to ensure no additional deficiencies exist. All inspection, testing, and maintenance activities will be placed on an automatically recurring schedule by Administrator/designee to ensure ongoing compliance. 4.Documentation of all sprinkler system inspection, testing, and maintenance activities will be maintained onsite and readily available at the time of survey. The Maintenance Director/designee will conduct routine audits to verify completion of required inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) activities. Compliance will be reviewed in QAPI every quarter and as needed to ensure ongoing systemic compliance. 5.LNHA educated Maintenance Director on 03/26/2026 regarding the requirements for maintaining the facility's fire suppression equipment, as well as ensuring required completion of backflow device testing; and required escutcheon plates to sprinkler heads.
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