Failure to Maintain Clean Dryer Lint Screens and Compartments
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adequately clean and maintain dryer lint screens and compartments in the laundry area, creating a deficiency in providing a safe, clean, and well-maintained environment for all 161 residents. During a tour of the laundry area with the housekeeping supervisor, three dryers were observed; in dryer #1 the lint compartment floor was clean but the lint screen was fully covered with lint, in dryer #2 the lint compartment floor had loose lint and the lint screen was fully covered with lint, and in dryer #3 the lint compartment floor had a large amount of loose lint and the lint screen was fully covered with lint. The housekeeping supervisor stated that the lint needed to be cleaned up right away, reported that lint screens and compartments were supposed to be cleaned every shift, and acknowledged that not cleaning the lint out can cause a fire. The DON also acknowledged that failure to regularly clean dryer lint compartments poses a significant fire hazard and stated that dryer lint should be cleaned out after each load. Facility policies on Laundry Services and Resident Rights documented that laundry staff are responsible for maintaining cleanliness of the laundry room and equipment, that machines should be cleaned and disinfected at least daily, and that staff must follow policies and rules to support quality care and a safe environment. No specific residents with individual medical histories or conditions were identified in the report; the deficiency was determined to have the potential to affect all 161 residents residing in the facility at the time of the survey.
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