Failure to Maintain Safe Water Temperatures in Resident Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain safe water temperatures in resident care areas, resulting in a hazardous environment that could have led to burn injuries. Observations by Building and Fire Inspection Safety identified water temperatures in multiple resident-accessible areas, including the East Shower Room, [NAME] Shower Room, and T Wing Hall bathroom, that exceeded the facility's policy limit of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, with some readings as high as 142 degrees Fahrenheit. Review of the Water Temperature Log over a three-month period showed that 40% of recorded temperatures in these areas were above the acceptable range, yet there was no evidence of intervention, notification to the Administrator, or re-evaluation of the temperatures to ensure resident safety. The facility's Domestic Hot Water Temperature Policy required immediate reporting of temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but this was not followed. Interviews revealed that the Maintenance Worker, who was responsible for daily water temperature checks, did not consistently recheck or document corrective actions when high temperatures were found, nor did he inform the Administrator or educate staff about the hazard. The facility President acknowledged that he had not recently monitored the water temperatures, despite being aware of issues with one of the boilers. Additionally, only certain areas were being checked for water temperature, leaving several resident room bathroom sinks untested during the reviewed period. Staff interviews confirmed that water temperatures in some areas could become hot, but no systematic approach was in place to address or communicate these hazards.