We’ve all seen videos of people so consumed with looking at their cell phones that they walk into walls, into objects or even into potentially dangerous situations (like traffic). Every now and then, it’s important to stop and look up and by “up” we mean all the way up at your ceiling. Our teams have noticed a number of opportunities in organizations where obvious environmental risks are on the ceiling and staff are often unaware of their presence.
Typically, these risks include:
- Evidence of water leaks – be observant for stains and evidence of water intrusion. This can be a source of mold/infection.
- Damaged sprinkler heads – dust/rust build up on sprinkler heads can delay activation. Missing escutcheon plates (the metal ring around the sprinkler base) open up a gap in the ceiling membrane allowing heat/smoke to escape into the over ceiling space delaying sprinkler activation.
- Gaps in the ceiling membrane – misaligned drop ceiling tiles or lack of sealed penetrations of wires into the ceiling with greater than a 1/8 inch gap can allow smoke and heat to escape in the event of a fire and affect other spaces.
- Dirty air vents/filters – buildup of dust and debris can provide a source of infection risk. A recent survey noted extreme buildup of dust on an air return vent directly over a kitchen food prep area.
Leaders should ensure staff are trained on being observant for environmental risks associated with the ceiling and how to report discrepancies. Ensure that environmental rounds include the ceiling as a focus area. Share opportunities with staff so they have real examples. Don’t forget to look up.
Please contact us for questions or more information at 704-573-4535 or info@courtemanche-assocs.com.
Courtemanche & Associates specializes in Healthcare Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance Consulting Services. With over 30 years of being in business and 100+ years of healthcare experience amongst our consulting team, we are ready to assist with your accreditation and regulatory compliance needs.
