Failure to Maintain Safe Smoking Area and Proper Disposal of Smoking Materials
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its established policy regarding the safe disposal of cigarette butts and paper trash in the secured unit smoking area. During an observation, it was noted that the ashtray contained both cigarette butts and empty cigarette boxes, while the red fire can also contained paper trash and cigarette butts, with evidence of burned ash. Facility policy required that paper trash and cigarette butts be disposed of separately to prevent fire hazards, and that the smoking areas be checked and maintained daily by housekeeping and maintenance staff. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of clarity and adherence to responsibilities for maintaining the smoking area. A CNA stated that staff supervising residents during smoke breaks should ensure no paper is disposed of in ashtrays or fire cans. However, a housekeeper reported she was unaware that the smoking area was her responsibility, as she had only been cleaning inside the facility since starting a month prior. The housekeeping supervisor confirmed that her department was responsible for the area and acknowledged recent staff turnover, indicating a need for retraining. The administrator also confirmed that both housekeeping and maintenance were responsible for daily checks and proper disposal practices, as outlined in facility policy and the Smoking Area Monitoring Schedule.