Improper Storage of Hazardous Cleaning and Disinfecting Products
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to the facility’s failure to properly store hazardous chemicals in multiple areas, contrary to its Hazardous Materials Storage policy. On the west unit, an open container of Sani-Cloth Plus Germicidal Disposable Cloths and an open container of Sani-Hands Instant Sanitizing Wipes were observed on the floor under a desk at the nurses’ station. Product labels indicated they should be kept out of reach of children and could be hazardous if swallowed or with certain types of contact. The Executive Director confirmed these wipes should have been locked up. On the south unit, an open container of Sani-Cloth Plus Germicidal Disposable Cloths was found in an unlocked cabinet in the hallway outside the activities area; the LPN present confirmed the container was stored in an unlocked cabinet and that she did not have a key to lock or unlock it. Further observations on the south unit revealed two open containers of Sani-Hands Instant Sanitizing Wipes and an open container of Clorox Healthcare Bleach Germicidal Wipes in the nurses’ station, with the Executive Director confirming these should have been locked. In a south unit dining area, surveyors found an open spray bottle of Ecolab Lemon Lift Heavy Duty Kitchen & Bathroom Cleaner with Bleach in an unlocked cabinet under the sink, along with an open container of Sani-Cloth Germicidal Disposable Cloths and an open container of Clean-n-Mean Waterless Hand Cleaner in an unlocked cabinet above the sink. The Director of Plant Operations confirmed these items should have been locked. Safety Data Sheets for these products documented potential for eye and skin irritation, respiratory irritation, drowsiness or dizziness, and health hazards if ingested or if contacting the eyes. The facility’s policy stated that hazardous materials, including cleaning and disinfecting products, should be stored in a secure storage unit or container when not in immediate use. This deficiency had the potential to affect 28 independently mobile and cognitively impaired residents on the west and south units, within a total facility census of 106 residents.
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