

With so many areas to focus on within compliance, you’re probably wondering where to start or where to really focus improvements on.
With that in mind, we’re taking a look at the top 10 common fire and life safety citations at senior living organizations today, to give you a look into what inspectors are specifically watching out for.
Read through the list to get a head start on areas to look out for and ways technology can help you stay ahead.
(Data pulled from 2021 CMS report)
What is covered: The inspecting, testing and maintenance of automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems, in accordance with NFPA 25.
Common problems:
What is covered: Hazardous areas are protected by a fire barrier having 1-hour fire resistance rating (with ¾ hour fire rated doors) or an automatic fire extinguishing system in accordance with 8.7.1 or 19.3.5.9.
Common problems:
What is covered: Corridor and hallway doors must be built to block smoke. Specifically, doors protecting corridor openings in other than required enclosures of vertical openings, exits or hazardous areas resist the passage of smoke and are made of 1¾ inch solid-bonded core wood or other material capable of resisting fire for at least 20 minutes. Doors in fully sprinklered smoke compartments are only required to resist the passage of smoke.
Common problems:
What is covered: The generator or other alternate power source and associated equipment is capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Maintenance and testing of the generator and transfer switches are performed in accordance with NFPA 110.
Common problems:
What is covered: Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Specifically, 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.
Common problems:
What is covered: Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1/2-hour fire resistance rating.
Common problems:
What is covered: Have simulated fire drills held at expected and unexpected times under varying conditions. Fire drills must include the transmission of a fire alarm signal and simulation of emergency fire conditions.
Common problems:
What is covered: Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems, in accordance with NFPA 70 and 72.
Common problems:
What is covered: Provide properly protected cooking facilities, in accordance with NFPA 96.
Common problems:
What is covered: Keep aisles, corridors, passageways, accesses and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Common problems:
A CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) can really simplify your compliance processes and give you a leg up when it comes to documentation.
For example, a CMMS like TheWorxHub helps you manage:
Sources:
https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/CMS-Forms/CMS-Forms/downloads/cms2786R.pdf
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