Q: I have been asked a question if a (nursing home) resident can have a clothes iron in their room? I said no and would check on it. What do you think?
A: While there is not a specific code or regulation preventing a nursing home resident to use a clothes iron, it does present a specific hazard since it can get very hot. If you allowed it, a surveyor could likely cite you for an unsafe environment, which does seem logical. But if you allowed the resident to use the clothes iron with supervision by one of your staff, that would seem to be acceptable (at least by me). Whatever you decide to do, you should have a policy and/or risk assessment on it.
Brad Keyes, CHSP, is the owner of KEYES Life Safety Compliance, and his expertise is in the management of the Life Safety Program, including the Environment of Care and Emergency Management programs.
Every Detail Matters: A Patient's Story of Healing, Hope and Healthcare Facilities
Enhancing Safety at Hennepin Healthcare with a Screening System
The Landes Group Completes Acquisition of Encore Medical Center
What Managers Miss in Small and Mid-Sized Cooling Units
Preparing Healthcare Facilities for Cockroach Risks