Failure to Maintain Kitchen Evaporative Cooler per Manufacturer Guidelines
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the evaporative cooler located in the kitchen in safe operating condition by not performing the manufacturer's recommended preventive maintenance. During an observation, the evaporative cooler was found blowing air directly onto clean dishes and toward the stove cooking area. The Maintenance Director stated that filters are changed every six months but was unable to provide maintenance records for the unit, and filter cleaning or replacement was not documented. A review of the facility's policy and procedure, as well as the manufacturer's maintenance instructions, revealed that monthly checks, cleaning, and documentation of air filters and other components were required. The Maintenance Director acknowledged that the preventive maintenance tasks outlined in the manufacturer's instructions, such as cleaning pads, checking the water distributor, and keeping the water tank clean, were not being performed. This lack of maintenance and documentation constituted a failure to keep essential equipment in safe working order.