15A NCAC 18A .2818. LAVATORIES

(a)  In child care centers, lavatories shall be easily cleanable, in good repair, and kept free of storage.  Lavatories shall be mounted at an appropriate height to accommodate the children, or otherwise made accessible.  Any lavatory may be used for handwashing as specified in 15A NCAC 18A .2803, except for flush-rimmed sinks and those with an attached operable drinking fountain.

(b)  Lavatories shall be equipped with hot and cold water or tempered water provided through mixing faucets or pre‑mixing devices which provide water in the temperature range specified in Rule .2815(e) of this Section.

(c)  Lavatories shall be cleaned and disinfected with each change of use, as needed and at least daily.  A disinfecting solution as set out in 15A NCAC 18A .2801(7) shall be used for this purpose.  A testing method shall be made available to ensure compliance with the prescribed bleach solution concentration.  To achieve the maximum germ reduction with bleach, the cleaned surfaces shall be left glistening wet with the bleach solution and allowed to air dry or be dried only after a minimum contact time of at least two minutes.  Products registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as hospital grade germicides or disinfectants or as disinfectants for safe use in schools, child care centers, institutions and restaurants are also approved disinfectants, provided the manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheets are kept on file at the child care center and the instructions for use are followed.

(d)  Liquid soap and disposable towels or other hand-drying devices shall be provided at every handwash lavatory area.

(e)  Handwash signs shall be posted at every handwash lavatory area.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110-91;

Eff. July 1, 1991;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2006; January 1, 2006; February 1, 1995.