Failure to Use Appropriate PPE and Cover Clean Laundry During Transport
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper infection prevention and control practices in the handling of both soiled and clean laundry. Observations showed that a laundry aide transported clean resident clothing in an uncovered metal cart and carried multiple shirts by hand and on her arm into resident rooms. The clean clothing was not protected from dust or dirt during transport and delivery. The laundry aide confirmed that this was the standard practice and that the carts used did not have covers. The Ancillary Department Manager also acknowledged that the carts in use were not laundry carts and lacked covers, and that clean laundry was not being adequately protected during transport. Additionally, the facility did not ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) was used when sorting soiled laundry. The laundry aide reported that only gloves were used during sorting, and there was no PPE such as gowns or aprons available nearby in the soiled laundry area. The Infection Preventionist and Ancillary Department Manager were both unsure if gowns were required, despite the facility's policy stating that at a minimum, a disposable apron and gloves should be worn when handling soiled laundry. The policy also directed that clean clothes should be transported and stored in a manner that reasonably protects them from dust and soil, and that clean linen carts should be covered at all times during storage and distribution.