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The work environment creates unique sanitation issues related to the number of people regularly using facilities, wet processes, the use of toxic substances, and the need to wash hands prior to eating. Keeping workplaces clean and sanitary is important to employees’ health and well-being. To the extent the nature of the work allows, keep all workplaces, storerooms, personal service rooms, and passageways clean, orderly, and sanitary. Be sure cleaning and maintenance activities do not create harmful exposures of their own. Where harmful exposures could occur, perform cleaning activities efficiently to avoid those exposures.
Scope
California’s sanitation standard is largely the same as federal OSHA’s sanitation standard, with a few small differences.
Cal/OSHA’s sanitation requirements apply to all employers providing permanent places of employment. There is an exception for mobile crews or normally unattended work locations if employees have readily available potable water for drinking, and readily available transportation or another effective way to get to nearby toilet facilities and washing facilities. Click the following links to view applicable requirements.
Citations
California: Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 7, Group 2, Article 9, Section 3360. Scope and Application
California: Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 7, Group 2, Article 9, Section 3362. General Requirements
California: Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 7, Group 2, Article 9, Section 3363. Water Supply
California: Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 7, Group 2, Article 9, Section 3364. Sanitary Facilities
California: Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 7, Group 2, Article 9, Section 3365. Toilet Rooms
California: Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 7, Group 2, Article 9, Section 3366. Washing Facilities
California: Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 7, Group 2, Article 9, Section 3367. Change Rooms
Federal: 29 CFR 1910.141
A summary of the additional requirements includes the following:
- Prohibit food or beverages from being stored or consumed in a toilet room or in any area exposed to a toxic material.
- Ensure the number, size, and location of food waste receptacles encourages their use and doesn’t result in overfilling.
- Keep all places of employment clean to the extent that the nature of the work allows.
- Keep restrooms and washrooms clean and sanitary.
- Provide potable water for drinking, washing, and cooking. In addition, ensure that all outlets for water that are not suitable for drinking are clearly identified.
- Provide body soap or other appropriate cleansing agents convenient to showers (when applicable).