Failure to Perform Hand Hygiene Between Handling Soiled and Clean Dishes
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a dietary aide was observed operating the dish machine and handling both soiled and clean dishes without performing appropriate hand hygiene. The aide wore gloves, but one glove was torn, and she did not change gloves or wash her hands after handling soiled plates before touching clean dishware. The aide also touched clean utensils, including tongs, with the same contaminated gloves. These actions occurred while the aide was behind in food service, and she admitted to not following proper procedures due to time constraints. She stated she was aware of the correct protocol, which includes changing gloves and washing hands between handling dirty and clean items, and that she had been trained on these procedures. Further interviews with the dietitian and kitchen supervisor confirmed that staff are not permitted to handle dirty dishes and then touch clean dishes without removing gloves and washing hands in between. The dietitian also clarified that wearing multiple pairs of gloves is not an acceptable practice and that torn gloves should be changed immediately. The administrator was interviewed and indicated unfamiliarity with the specific dishwashing procedures followed in the facility. The observed practices had the potential to affect all residents receiving an oral diet.