Failure to Maintain Kitchen Freezer in Safe Operating Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the kitchen walk-in freezer in safe operating condition, as observed during a kitchen tour when significant ice buildup was found on the evaporator and water was dripping onto food boxes stored below. The Dietary Manager relocated affected food items and confirmed the need for maintenance intervention. However, the Director of Maintenance and Regional Manager of Maintenance were initially unaware of the issue, stating that kitchen staff had not informed them. Later, it was revealed through a review of facility communications that the Dietary Manager had reported the issue via the manager chat, but the Director of Maintenance did not check the freezer at that time and subsequently forgot about the request. Further investigation identified a crack in the freezer's condenser and a separation in the outside wall, which allowed hot air to enter and caused the water leakage. The Director of Maintenance later acknowledged being informed of the problem but did not act promptly. Additionally, the facility was unable to locate a policy regarding expectations for equipment repair, despite the Plant Operations Director's job description outlining responsibility for maintaining equipment and responding to work order requests.