Failure to Maintain Safe and Clean Smoking Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its established smoking policy for the designated smoking area. During an observation, surveyors found two red-tipped cigarette butts on the sidewalk near the door to the smoking area, despite a posted sign instructing not to throw cigarette butts on the ground. Additionally, a used white tissue was found in the red metal can intended for cigarette disposal. The facility's smoking policy requires that ashtrays be emptied only into designated receptacles and that safe smoking practices be maintained. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of consistent monitoring and enforcement of the smoking area’s cleanliness and safety. The Social Services Director, responsible for supervising a smoke break, did not notice the cigarette butts or tissue during her oversight. The Housekeeping Supervisor and Maintenance Assistant both stated they were responsible for keeping the area clean, but acknowledged that trash and cigarette butts were sometimes left unattended. The Administrator confirmed that staff were expected to ensure proper disposal of cigarette butts and trash to maintain fire safety, in accordance with facility policy.