Fire Hazard Created by Covering Overhead Light with Blanket in Secured Unit
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to ensure the resident environment in the secured unit living room was free from accident hazards when a blanket was observed covering the overhead light. On the date of observation, an LVN and a CNA were present in the living room with the blanket covering the light, and the LVN removed the blanket upon the surveyor's entry. The LVN acknowledged that covering the light was unsafe and stated that the CNA typically covered the light in the dining room as well. The CNA explained that the blanket was used because the overhead light could not be turned off and shined directly into a resident's room, and that the resident's door was kept open due to a history of wandering. The CNA was unsure if covering the light with a blanket was safe. The Maintenance Director confirmed that the light switch in the living room had been intentionally disconnected prior to his employment to prevent staff from turning off the light and sleeping during shifts. He stated that staff should not hang blankets over lights, as it is a fire hazard. The Administrator was unaware of the disconnected switch and agreed that covering lights with cloth is a fire hazard. The facility did not have a policy regarding covering lights with cloth or other items.