Failure to Maintain Sanitary Laundry Conditions Resulting in Cross-Contamination Risk
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the laundry area in a sanitary manner, resulting in the potential for cross-contamination of residents' clothing and linens. Observations revealed a thick, dark greyish substance coating the ceiling, pipes, and a large industrial fan in the laundry room. Clean clothes, blankets, sheets, and pillowcases were found uncovered and coated with dust and debris. The fan, also covered in dust, was blowing directly onto clean laundry. Additionally, a window in the laundry room was covered with dust and broken glass, further exposing clean laundry to contamination. There was only one apron available as PPE, which was itself coated with dust and debris, and no other PPE was present. No separate designated hazardous container was available; instead, a trash can was being used for biohazardous materials. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of awareness regarding the need to cover clean laundry and the proper use of PPE. The Housekeeping Manager and Laundry Aide both confirmed that cleaning of the ceiling and pipes was not being performed as required, and the Laundry Aide reported never seeing these areas cleaned. The Director of Nursing/Infection Preventionist stated she was unaware of the laundry room's condition. Requested cleaning logs for the laundry room were not provided, indicating a lack of documentation and oversight in maintaining sanitation standards in the laundry area.