Electrical Equipment - Power Cords and Extension Cords
Power strips in a patient care vicinity are only used for components of movable patient-care-related electrical equipment (PCREE) assembles that have been assembled by qualified personnel and meet the conditions of 10.2.3.6. Power strips in the patient care vicinity may not be used for non-PCREE (e.g., personal electronics), except in long-term care resident rooms that do not use PCREE. Power strips for PCREE meet UL 1363A or UL 60601-1. Power strips for non-PCREE in the patient care rooms (outside of vicinity) meet UL 1363. In non-patient care rooms, power strips meet other UL standards. All power strips are used with general precautions. Extension cords are not used as a substitute for fixed wiring of a structure. Extension cords used temporarily are removed immediately upon completion of the purpose for which it was installed and meets the conditions of 10.2.4.
10.2.3.6 (NFPA 99), 10.2.4 (NFPA 99), 400-8 (NFPA 70), 590.3(D) (NFPA 70), TIA 12-5
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Observations:
Name: HANOVER SURGICENTER - Component: 10 - Tag: 0920
Based on observation and interview, it was determined the facility failed to monitor the use of surge suppressors, affecting the entire component.
Findings include:
1. Observation on December 21, 2023, at 11:35 AM, revealed a surge suppressor supplying electrical power to a portable space heater, within the Business Office.
Interview with the Administrator on December 21, 2023, at 11:35 AM, confirmed the portable space heater was plugged into a surge suppressor.
| | Plan of Correction - To be completed: 12/28/2023
Immediate action was taken at the time of observation to unplug the space heater from the surge suppressor and plug the space heater directly into a wall outlet. To prevent reoccurrence the business office staff have been educated that if a space heater is used, it must be plugged into a wall outlet. To monitor on-going compliance, during monthly environmental rounds, all space heaters in the business office will be checked. Results of environmental rounds will be shared at Patient Safety Meetings and Quality Meetings.
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