Failure to Maintain and Document Chiller Maintenance Leads to Unsafe Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain essential equipment, specifically the chiller (air conditioning system), in accordance with its own policies and procedures. Surveyors observed that the chiller, which was installed the previous year, repeatedly shut down due to low water flow caused by dirt and debris accumulation. Maintenance staff reported that the water filter and strainer were frequently clogged with rust-colored debris and other materials, resulting in the chiller shutting off multiple times during the inspection. Intake vents throughout the facility were also found to be completely covered in dust, debris, and cottonwood remnants. Despite the maintenance staff's efforts to clean and restart the chiller, the system continued to experience operational issues, and portable AC units were in use while building temperatures remained above 80°F. Additionally, the facility failed to document any maintenance activities related to the chiller, despite staff stating that filters were changed weekly and chemicals were added monthly as part of regular maintenance. When asked, the Maintenance Director admitted to not having any records of chiller maintenance. The facility's preventive maintenance policy requires the maintenance department to maintain a preventive maintenance program and document equipment work orders and repairs, but this was not followed. These failures affected all 108 residents in the facility at the time of the survey.