Unsafe Smoking Area and Fire Hazard Due to Improper Disposal of Smoking Materials
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe environment in the designated outdoor smoking area, as observed during a survey. Two large steel cigarette butt receptacles labeled as butt cans were found to be overfilled and overflowing onto the pavement near the kitchen exit door. Additionally, a significant number of cigarette butts were scattered on the ground, directly on top of a large accumulation of dry leaves and debris. The Director of Maintenance confirmed the presence of the overfilled receptacles and the cigarette butts on the dry leaves and debris, acknowledging the situation as a fire hazard. Review of the facility's Resident Smoking Policy indicated that residents who smoke are required to use the designated outdoor area and discard cigarette butts and matches in the appropriate receptacle. This deficiency was identified during a complaint investigation and had the potential to affect all residents, employees, and visitors who use the facility smoking areas.