Failure to Maintain Kitchen Range Hood in Safe Working Order
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the kitchen range hood in good repair, resulting in the equipment being nonfunctional for an extended period. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that the range hood had not worked for at least one to four months, during which time the kitchen would become smoky when cooking on high. Staff reported that all residents received food prepared in this kitchen. The Dietary Manager (DM) and other staff were aware of the issue, and there were occasions when the kitchen was full of smoke due to the inability to use the range hood. The Administrator acknowledged awareness of the nonfunctional range hood prior to the survey and stated that a work order and quotes for repair had been obtained. The maintenance service policy required that equipment be maintained in a safe and operable manner at all times, but the range hood remained out of service until after the deficiency was identified. The facility census at the time was 68 residents, all of whom relied on the kitchen for meals.