Non-GFCI Outlets Near Sinks Pose Electrical Hazard
Summary
The facility failed to ensure compliance with the National Electric Code NFPA 70, 2011 edition, by not installing ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) type outlet receptacles within six feet of sinks, which could potentially create an electrical hazard. This deficiency was observed during a facility tour conducted over several days, where outlet receptacles not of the GFCI type were found in resident rooms P436, M409, M401, and throughout all five resident floors. These observations were made in the presence of the Director of Maintenance, who acknowledged the issue.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved December 31, 2024 1. What corrective actions will be accomplished for those residents found to have been affected by the deficient practice? a. No residents were identified as affected by the deficient practice. b. To comply with 2011 NFPA 101, the observed electrical outlets in rooms P346, M409, M401, and other identified resident floors will be converted to approved GFCI outlets by the Engineering Staff. 2. How would you identify other residents having the potential to be affected by the same deficient practice and what corrective action will be taken? a. The facility respectfully states that all residents have the potential to be affected by the deficient practice. b. The Engineering staff performed an inspection throughout the facility to ensure that all electrical outlets are located within 6 feet of any water source. All identified outlets that are not compliant will be converted to approved GFCI outlets. 3. What measures will be put in place or what systemic changes you will make to ensure that the deficient practice does not recur? a. The Director of Engineering reviewed and revised the facility policy on Electrical Outlet Testing to include, “GFCI to be used within 6 feet of water source.” b. All Engineering staff will be informed and educated regarding the revised policy on Electrical Outlet Testing. The education will include proper installation, usage, and testing of GFCIs. c. A copy of the attendance will be maintained for reference and validation. 4. How the corrective actions will be monitored to ensure the deficient practice will not recur, i.e., what quality assurance program will be put into practice: a. The Director of Engineering will include in the Environment of Care audit tool to inspect and test all GFCI receptacles. b. Audits will be performed monthly by the Engineering staff to ensure compliance. c. Any issues identified by the audit will be corrected immediately by the Engineering Department. d. Audit findings will be presented to the QA Committee quarterly for evaluation. 5. Completion Date: (MONTH) 7, 2025 Responsible Person: Director of Engineering
Penalty
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