Failure to Maintain Clean and Safe Laundry Area Due to Inadequate Lint Trap Cleaning
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe and clean environment by not thoroughly cleaning the lint screens in the laundry room dryers. During a tour of the laundry area, multiple dryers were observed with overfilled and bulging lint traps, as well as copious amounts of lint on the floor beneath the filter traps. One dryer, though out of order, also contained a full lint trap. The laundry aide confirmed that lint traps are supposed to be cleaned at scheduled times throughout the day but admitted that the cleaning had not been performed as required on the day of observation. The aide acknowledged the importance of cleaning lint traps for both effective drying and fire prevention. The Maintenance Director stated that laundry aides are responsible for cleaning the lint traps at specific times during their shifts and that training is provided on this task. The facility's job descriptions and maintenance policy require staff to maintain equipment and cleanliness in accordance with safety regulations. Despite these policies, the observed failure to clean lint traps as scheduled created an environment that was not adequately safe or clean for the residents, staff, and public, potentially affecting all 93 residents in the facility.