Unsecured Chemicals and Sharps in Resident Areas
Penalty
Summary
Multiple unsecured areas containing hazardous chemicals and sharps were observed throughout the facility, including the north and south units, soiled laundry room, and central supply room. On several occasions, doors to shower rooms, utility rooms, and storage areas were found propped open or unlocked with no staff present. Inside these areas, chemical cleaning agents, razors, scissors, and other potentially dangerous items were accessible to residents. Cabinets intended to secure these items were also found unlocked or lacking locks altogether. Staff interviews confirmed that these items should have been secured and that the rooms should have remained locked for resident safety. Facility policies required chemicals and sharps to be stored out of residents' reach and never left unattended. Despite these policies, observations revealed that chemicals, razors, and other hazardous items were left within reach in unlocked or unattended rooms. Staff acknowledged the failure to secure these items, citing broken locks and lack of cabinet locks as contributing factors. These actions and inactions resulted in the facility failing to maintain a safe environment free from accident hazards, as required by regulation.