Failure to Maintain Functional Air Conditioning Results in Uncomfortable Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain air conditioning units in good repair on the second and third floors, resulting in uncomfortably high temperatures in both hallways and several resident rooms. Observations revealed that the second-floor hallway temperature reached 84°F and the third-floor hallway reached 85°F. Multiple resident rooms on both floors had air conditioning units that were not functioning properly and were blowing warm air. In one room, a blanket was found placed under the air conditioner to soak up water dripping from the unit. These conditions affected a total of 127 residents residing on the second and third floors. Interviews with facility staff indicated that the Maintenance Director had only recently started working at the facility and was in the process of addressing some of the malfunctioning air conditioners. The Corporate Maintenance Director stated that the expected temperature range for resident rooms is 68-78°F and that maintenance is typically performed twice a year. However, the Corporate Maintenance Director was not made aware of the high temperature issue until the day of the survey. The facility's job description for the Maintenance Director includes responsibilities for maintaining equipment and promptly reporting facility damage.