Failure to Control Resident Access to Insect Repellent and Germicidal Wipes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a resident environment free of accident hazards by allowing access to toxic chemicals in resident care areas. One resident with dementia and severe cognitive impairment, who was otherwise independent in mobility and self-care but had documented communication problems and impaired ability to understand and make himself understood, had a can of insect repellent (Off) on his bedside table. The can was observed among several personal items while the resident was not in the room. The DON acknowledged that residents on the hall were generally alert and oriented and that residents or their families brought items into rooms, and stated that residents had the right to a home-like environment. The Administrator reported that staff had previously removed items brought by the resident’s family and stated there was no facility policy regarding a resident having insect repellent in the room. The facility also failed to control access to germicidal wipes containing hazardous chemicals. An LVN left a container of germicidal wipes on top of an unattended cart in a resident care area while she entered a room to change a colostomy bag and again when she left the room to obtain a gown. The LVN later stated she should have secured the wipes because residents might mistake them for ordinary wipes and use them on their bodies, and noted that anything labeled “Keep out of reach of children” should be considered harmful given the presence of confused residents. The DON stated that germicidal wipes should not be left on top of carts because the chemicals could cause adverse effects if consumed or if they contacted skin, eyes, or mouth, and that containers should be stored inside the carts. The Administrator stated she was not aware of the harm the wipes could cause and confirmed there was no policy regarding storage of germicidal/disinfectant wipes. A Safety Data Sheet for the specific germicidal wipes in use identified them as causing serious eye irritation, being flammable, and potentially causing drowsiness or dizziness, and directed that they be kept out of the reach of children.
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