Improper Storage of Soiled Linen and Trash Receptacles
Summary
During a Life Safety Code Survey conducted from January 6 to January 14, 2025, a deficiency was identified in the facility's handling of soiled linen and trash receptacles. Specifically, on January 7, 2025, a large blue receptacle filled with bags of dirty laundry was observed stored in the basement egress corridor outside the laundry room. This receptacle measured approximately 3.5 feet long by 2.5 feet wide by 2.5 feet deep, equating to 163 gallons, which exceeds the 32-gallon limit for storage in an unprotected area. The Maintenance Director acknowledged the issue and stated he would instruct staff to move it inside the laundry room. On January 8, 2025, the same large blue receptacle, along with a similar receptacle containing bags of trash, was again observed in the same location. A laundry staff member explained that the laundry bin is stored in the hall until it is full and ready to wash. This practice violates the regulations requiring such receptacles to be stored in a protected hazardous area, as outlined in 10 NYCRR 415.29(a)(2), 711.2(a)(1), and 2012 NFPA 101: 19.7.5.7.1(3), 19.3.2.1.5.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved February 7, 2025 1. The facility removed the 163-gallon dirty laundry receptacle and bags of soiled laundry and a similar sized receptacle containing trash from the basement egress corridor outside the laundry room. 2. All areas of the facility have the potential to be affected. The facility will conduct a full building audit to determine if there were any other dirty laundry or trash receptacles larger than 32 gallons not stored in a protected hazardous area. 3. The maintenance department, the housekeeping department, and the administrator will be educated on the requirement to not store soiled linen or trash in a receptacle larger than 32 gallons in capacity unless located in a room protected as a hazardous area when not attended. An audit tool will be utilized to audit the basement and facility hallways to ensure that soiled linen and trash containers are stored in compliance with NFPA 101. 4. The facility will utilize the soiled linen and trash containers audit weekly x 4 and then monthly x 3. Results of the audits will be brought to the QAPI meeting for review. The Director of Housekeeping/Designee is the responsible party.
Penalty
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