Failure to Remove Hazardous Liquids from Resident Access
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to remove access to hazardous liquids, including hand sanitizer and perfume, in areas accessible to a resident with a documented history of alcohol use disorder and recent hospitalization for ingesting hand sanitizer. Multiple observations revealed that hand sanitizer bottles were left unattended on top of medication carts, at the nursing station, and on counters within resident reach. Additionally, a bottle of perfume was found in an open cabinet accessible to residents. These hazardous items remained accessible despite the known risk posed by the resident's behavior. Interviews with staff confirmed awareness of the resident's history of drinking hand sanitizer, with staff stating that wall-mounted dispensers had been emptied for this reason. However, staff also acknowledged that hand sanitizer bottles should not be within resident reach and should be stored securely. One staff member indicated there was no specific policy regarding keeping hazardous chemicals, such as hand sanitizer, out of resident access. The facility's failure to secure these substances resulted in continued exposure of the resident to accident hazards.