Failure to Monitor and Maintain Safe Hot Water Temperatures Resulting in Immediate Jeopardy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that staff responsible for maintaining water temperatures were knowledgeable about acceptable hot water temperature ranges, resulting in water temperatures in resident bathrooms that exceeded safe limits. Observations revealed that water temperatures at multiple resident bathroom sinks were measured between 127 and 133 degrees Fahrenheit, which is above the normal range of 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The Administrator and Maintenance Director were unaware of the correct temperature limits, and there was no documentation of water temperature checks in resident bathrooms prior to surveyor inquiry. Review of facility documents showed that monthly water temperature logs from May through July indicated consistently elevated temperatures, with no evidence of corrective action or documentation of subsequent temperature checks to confirm adjustments. The logs only included temperatures from shower and tub rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors, omitting resident bathrooms. Additionally, the Maintenance Director believed the acceptable limit was 130 degrees Fahrenheit and only sought clarification after several months of elevated readings. No interventions were implemented during this period to address the high temperatures. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of awareness regarding the risks associated with hot water temperatures, and there was no facility policy or procedure for monitoring water temperatures. Staff reported that water from the hot tap was often too hot to touch, and adjustments were made informally without documentation. The lack of knowledge, monitoring, and policy resulted in Immediate Jeopardy due to the potential for resident scalding.