Texas Administrative Code › Title 25 - HEALTH SERVICES › Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES › Chapter 265 - GENERAL SANITATION › Subchapter E - MINIMUM STANDARDS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH FOR STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE LICENSED THERAPEUTIC CAMPS › Section 265.72 - Primitive or Wilderness Camps (Therapeutic)

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
Primitive campsites shall be maintained and operated in a
					 safe and healthful manner.
(1)
				  Drinking water used at primitive camps and on hikes and trips away from
				  permanent campsites shall be from a source known to be safe (free of coliform
				  organisms) or shall be rendered safe before used in a manner approved by the
				  Texas State Department of Health. An adequate supply of water, under pressure
				  where possible, shall be provided at the cooking area for hand washing, dish
				  washing, food preparation, drinking, etc.
(2) Primitive campsites which are not
				  provided with approved toilet facilities shall have a separate toilet area
				  designated for each sex at a minimum ratio of one toilet seat per 15 persons.
				  Slit trenches or cat holes with a readily available supply of clean earth
				  backfill or other disposal methods approved in writing by the Texas State
				  Department of Health shall be utilized for the disposal of human excreta in
				  these area. Toilet areas shall be located at least 150 feet from a stream, lake
				  or well and at least 75 feet from a campsite, tent, or other sleeping or
				  housing facility.
(3) Solid wastes
				  which are generated in primitive camps should be disposed of at an approved
				  sanitary landfill or similar disposal facility. Where such facilities are not
				  available, solid wastes shall be disposed of daily by burial under at least two
				  feet of compacted earth cover in a location which is not subject to inundation
				  by flooding. Burning is not recommended.
(4) All food and drink shall be of safe
				  quality and stored in such a way as to prevent spoilage. Only the foods which
				  can be maintained in a wholesome condition with the equipment available shall
				  be used at primitive camps. Perishable foods shall be refrigerated where
				  possible. Where ice and ice chests are used, adequate ice shall be provided,
				  meats and other highly perishable foods shall not be stored over 24 hours, and
				  ice chests shall be drained to prevent accumulation of water from melted
				  ice.
(5) Hot water and detergent
				  shall be used to wash all food utensils after each meal at primitive campsites.
				  Where group dishwashing is practiced, all utensils shall be immersed for at
				  least two minutes in a lukewarm chlorine bath containing at least 50 ppm of
				  available chlorine at all times. Where chlorine is used, a three compartment
				  vat or three containers are required for washing, rinsing, and
				  immersion.
(6) No dish, receptacle,
				  or utensil used in handling food for human consumption shall be used or kept
				  for use if chipped, cracked, broken, damaged, or constructed in such a manner
				  as to prevent proper cleaning sanitizing.
(7) Disposable or single use dishes,
				  receptacles, or utensils used in handling food shall be discarded after one
				  use.
(8) Eating utensils shall not
				  be stored with foods or other materials and substances and shall be stored in
				  clean dry containers.
(9) Persons
				  who handle food or eating utensils or both for the group shall maintain
				  personal cleanliness, shall keep hands clean at all times and shall thoroughly
				  wash the hands with soap and water after each visit to the toilet. They shall
				  be free of local infection commonly transmitted through the handling of food or
				  drink and free of communicable disease.
(10) Food shall be stored in clean and dry
				  containers that provide protection from insects, rodents, and wildlife.
				  Hazardous substances, medicines, etc., shall not be stored in containers with
				  food.