Failure to Maintain Safe and Clean Laundry Area
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain a safe and clean environment in the laundry area. Specifically, large pieces of paint were found peeling off around and above the dryers in the dryer-maintenance access room. Additionally, multiple fluorescent light fixture covers were broken and hanging, with one cover located above the clean laundry hanging counter and another above the clean laundry delivery carts. Paint was also observed flaking off the ceiling above the clean laundry delivery carts. These conditions were directly observed by surveyors during their inspection. Interviews with facility staff confirmed awareness of these issues. Maintenance staff indicated that the flaking paint was not considered a significant problem due to the enclosure of dryer elements and electrical components. However, administrative and housekeeping staff acknowledged that peeling paint and broken light covers, especially above clean linen and laundry areas, were unacceptable. Facility policy requires that all areas be maintained in a clean, orderly, and safe manner, free from hazards such as peeling paint and broken fixtures.