Failure to Ensure Proper Water Temperature for Laundry Disinfection
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to obtain accurate water temperature readings and did not ensure that the water used to wash soiled linens in both washing machines met the required temperature according to facility policy. During observations and interviews, it was revealed that the laundry staff did not check the thermometer for the water temperature, and the maintenance supervisor confirmed that the thermometer was broken and the water heater was turned off, resulting in water temperatures between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The maintenance supervisor also stated that the water temperature should have been set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit to properly disinfect the linens, but the actual temperature was only between 72-74 degrees Fahrenheit during the washing of two loads of white linens. Further interviews indicated inconsistent practices, as another laundry staff member reported a thermometer reading of 130 degrees Fahrenheit and mentioned checking but not logging a temperature of 146 degrees Fahrenheit earlier that day. The administrator and infection prevention nurse both confirmed that the washing machines should operate at high temperatures to effectively kill bacteria and pathogens on the laundry. Review of the facility's policy confirmed that the hottest available water should be used for washing linens, but this was not consistently followed, as evidenced by the low water temperatures and lack of proper monitoring.