Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 559 - DAY ACTIVITY AND HEALTH SERVICES REQUIREMENTS › Subchapter C - FACILITY CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES › Section 559.43 - Sanitation

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) General.
(1) Wastewater and sewage must be discharged
				  into a state-approved municipal sewage system; any exception such as an on-site
				  sewage facility must be as approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental
				  Quality or authorized agent.
(2)
				  The water supply must be from a system approved by the Public Drinking Water
				  Section of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or from a system
				  regulated by an entity responsible for water quality in that jurisdiction as
				  approved by the Public Drinking Water Section of the Texas Commission on
				  Environmental Quality.
(3) Waste,
				  trash, and garbage must be disposed from the premises at regular intervals in
				  accordance with state and local practices. Excessive accumulations are not
				  permitted. Outside containers must have tight-fitting lids left in closed
				  position. Containers must be maintained in a clean and serviceable
				  condition.
(4) The building and
				  grounds must be kept neat and free of refuse, litter, extraneous materials, and
				  unsightly or injurious accumulations.
(5) The facility must make every effort
				  possible to guard against insects, rodents, rainwater, and other conditions
				  adversely affecting a sanitary environment or the well-being of the
				  client.
(6) A pest control program
				  must be provided by qualified facility staff or by contract with a licensed
				  pest control company. The least toxic and least flammable effective chemicals
				  must be used. Documented evidence of routine efforts to remove rodents and
				  insects must be maintained.
(7) The
				  facility must be kept free of offensive odors, accumulations of dirt, rubbish,
				  dust, and hazards. Floors must be maintained in good condition and cleaned
				  regularly; walls and ceilings must be structurally maintained, repaired, and
				  repainted or cleaned as needed. Storage areas, attics, and cellars must be free
				  of refuse and extraneous materials.
(8) There must be complete, separate, and
				  adequate rest room facilities for men and women. Toilets must be provided as
				  necessary to meet the needs of the clients; however, there must be not less
				  than one toilet and one lavatory for every 15 clients or fraction thereof. A
				  urinal may be substituted as the third required toilet in the men's bathroom.
				  Multiple toilets must be compartmented. All toilets must be equipped with grab
				  bars. Lavatories must be provided with hot and cold water, soap, and individual
				  towels. A minimum of one bathing unit must be provided. Facilities licensed on
				  or after May 1, 1999, must provide a minimum of one bathing unit that does not
				  interfere with the use of the restroom by other clients. Each tub or shower
				  must be in an individual room or enclosure that provides space for the private
				  use of the bathing fixture, for drying and dressing, and for the client and
				  attendant.
(9) All bathrooms,
				  toilet rooms, and other odor-producing rooms or areas for soiled and unsanitary
				  operations must be ventilated to the exterior for odor control; the use of
				  windows is not permissible.
(10) In
				  kitchens and laundries, there must be procedures that prevent cross
				  contamination between clean and soiled utensils and clean and soiled
				  linens.