Failure to Maintain Safe Operation of Kitchen Gas Stove
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain essential kitchen equipment in safe operating condition, specifically the gas stove, where the pilot light for one of the burners repeatedly went out and allowed gas to leak. Observations showed that the back right burner’s pilot light was not staying lit, requiring staff to use a striker to ignite the burner directly. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the vent in the ceiling would blow air toward the pilot light, causing it to extinguish, and acknowledged that this had been a persistent issue over many years. The Dietary Manager was unable to recall when the issue was last reported to maintenance, though she stated maintenance had been made aware previously. The Maintenance Director confirmed awareness of the problem, noting that gas would continue to run if the pilot light was out, and recognized the potential fire hazard. The Administrator stated there was no facility policy for maintaining equipment and was not aware of previous attempts to resolve the issue. The deficiency was identified through observations, interviews, and record review, with staff acknowledging the ongoing nature of the problem and the lack of a clear maintenance protocol or resolution.