Dirty Fan Used in Dish Drying Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a fan blowing directly on clean dishes in the kitchen was free of dust and debris, which had the potential to affect all 18 residents. During an observation, a dietary aide was seen washing dishes and allowing them to air dry near a dishwasher while a small oscillating fan, visibly covered in dust and debris, was blowing directly onto the clean, wet dishes. The dietary aide acknowledged the fan was dirty and was unsure who was responsible for cleaning it or when it was last cleaned. Interviews with the dietary director, infection preventionist, assistant administrator, and administrator revealed that none were aware of the fan's condition or its use in the dish drying area. The dietary director believed the fan had been cleaned recently but noted that the air conditioner contributed to dust buildup. The infection preventionist and assistant administrator both stated they were unaware of the fan's use and expressed concerns about its appropriateness in the clean dish area. The facility's dish machine policy specifically prohibited the use of air circulation devices, such as fans, in the dish drying area.