Failure to Clean Dryer Lint Trap as Required
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a safe environment when the Laundry Aide (LA) did not properly clean the lint trap in Dryer #3, resulting in a thick accumulation of lint. During an observation and interview in the laundry room, the LA stated that she cleaned the dryer lint trap every two hours, as required by facility policy. However, upon inspection, a thick layer of lint was found covering the entire trap. A review of the Laundry Lint Cleaning Log revealed that entries were signed ahead of the scheduled cleaning times, rather than after the task was completed, indicating inaccurate documentation of the cleaning process. Further interviews with the LA confirmed that the log should only be signed after the lint was actually removed, and the LA acknowledged that the amount of lint present could become a fire hazard if not addressed. The Housekeeping Supervisor also confirmed that the LA should have followed the policy requiring lint removal every two hours. The facility's policy and procedure, dated March 8, 2013, specifies that all lint must be removed from dryers every two hours and at the end of each shift.