Failure to Maintain Safe and Sanitary Soiled Utility Room Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe and sanitary functional environment in the second-floor soiled utility room, potentially affecting all 72 residents on that unit. During a tour of the second floor, the surveyor observed that the soiled utility room door was broken, could not be closed, and was standing partially open. Inside the room, there was overflowing garbage on the floor, garbage in the sink, a biohazard box placed in the sink, and floors with visible black debris and dirt. The room also contained access to the second-floor linen chute, which the Maintenance Director stated should be locked at all times for safety. When interviewed, a housekeeping aide stated that housekeeping is responsible for cleaning the soiled utility rooms but reported that he personally did not clean them because he believed floor technicians should be responsible for ensuring the soiled utility rooms are clean. He also acknowledged that it is unsafe and unsanitary for the soiled utility room to go without being cleaned. The Housekeeping Director confirmed that the housekeeping department is responsible for daily cleaning of the soiled utility room, including removing trash, sweeping, and organizing, while floor technicians are responsible for waxing and keeping floors free of dirt and debris. The Maintenance Director reported that he had repaired the second-floor soiled utility door several times after citations from the state agency for the door not being locked, and that staff continued to break down the door when they could not access the room. The facility’s job description for the Director of Housekeeping documented responsibility for ensuring cleaning schedules are followed, supervising housekeeping personnel, and recognizing, removing, and reporting potential hazards, as well as ensuring housekeeping personnel follow established safety regulations.
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