Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 481 - Inspections and Appeals Department
Inspections Division
Chapter 60 - Minimum Physical Standards for Residential Care Facilities
Rule 481-60.10 - Service Area

Universal Citation: IA Admin Code 481-60.10

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, September 18, 2024

(1) Definition of a service area. The size of a service area shall depend upon the number and types of beds within the supervised unit. A service area shall contain the following rooms or areas: (III)

a. Dietetic service area,

b. Janitor's closet,

c. Laundry area,

d. General storage area,

e. Mechanical room,

f. Maintenance shop,

g. Yard equipment storage area.

(2) Dietetic service area.

a. Detailed layout plans and specifications of equipment shall be submitted to the department for review and approval before the new construction, alterations, or additions to existing kitchens begin. (III)

b. The dietetic service area shall provide food serving facilities for residents and staff outside the food preparation area. (III)

c. The dishwashing area shall be provided with mechanical dishwashing equipment. Either conventional or chemical dishwashing equipment may be used. (III)
(1) Where conventional dishwashing equipment is used, the hot water system shall be designed to supply hot water at 110° Fahrenheit to 120° Fahrenheit. (III)

(2) A three-compartment pot and pan sink shall be provided for ware washing that provides and maintains hot water at 110° Fahrenheit to 115° Fahrenheit for washing and 170° Fahrenheit to 180° Fahrenheit for sanitizing, or a two-compartment sink shall be provided for soaking and washing utensils, with easy access to a dish machine that must be large enough for sanitizing all sizes of utensils used. (III)

(3) Machines (single-tank stationary rack, door-type machines and spray-type glass washers) using chemicals for sanitation may be used, provided that:
1. The temperature of the wash water shall not be less than 120° Fahrenheit. (III)

2. Chemicals added for sanitation purposes shall be automatically dispensed. (III)

3. The wash water shall be kept clean. (III)

4. Utensils and equipment shall be exposed to the final chemical sanitizing rinse in accordance with manufacturers' specifications for time and concentration. (III)

5. The chemical sanitizing rinse water temperature shall be not less than 75° Fahrenheit nor less than the temperature specified by the machine's manufacturer. (III)

6. Chemical sanitizers used shall meet the requirements of 21 CFR 178.1010. (III)

7. A test kit or other device that accurately measures the parts per million concentration of the solution shall be available and used. (III)

d. The dietetic service area shall be designed to provide a separation of the clean and dirty areas and to eliminate intermingling of the two types of activities. Food preparation and service areas are regarded as clean areas. (III)

e. A hand-washing sink shall be provided in the dietetic service area. In facilities licensed for eight beds or fewer, the sink shall be adjacent or convenient to the dietetic service area. (III)

f. There shall be refrigerated storage for at least a three-day supply of perishable food. (III)

g. There shall be available storage for at least a seven-day supply of staple food. (III)

h. Provisions for maintaining sanitary waste disposal and storage shall be provided on the premises. (III)

i. Where meals are provided by a health care facility or by a commercial food service, the preparation, storing and serving of the food and the utensil sanitizing procedures shall meet the requirements of these rules. (III)

j. Mechanical ventilation shall be provided in food storerooms to maintain temperatures and humidity at a level appropriate for the type of food being stored. (III)

(3) Janitor's closet.

a. A janitor's closet shall be provided for storage of housekeeping supplies and equipment, including a floor receptor or service sink. (III)

b. The door to the janitor's closet shall be equipped with a lock. (III)

c. Locked storage shall be provided for chemicals. (III)

(4) Laundry area.

a. In the laundry area, a work flow pattern shall be established in which soiled linen is not transported through the clean area to the soiled area. Two distinct areas physically separated, not necessarily by a wall, are required. (III)

b. A hand-washing sink shall be located in the laundry area. In facilities licensed for 15 beds or fewer, a hand-washing sink located adjacent to the laundry area may meet this requirement. (III)

c. Where linen is processed onsite, the following shall be provided (III):
(1) A clean, dry, well-lighted laundry processing room with equipment sufficient to process seven days' needs within the workweek.

(2) A soiled linen holding area.

(3) A clean linen area.

(4) Linen cart storage.

(5) Lockable storage for laundry supplies.

(6) One janitor's closet or alcove in the immediate vicinity of the laundry.

d. The laundry room in any facility not using off-site processing but serving more than 20 residents shall contain no less than 125 square feet of available floor space. (III)

e. Where linen is processed off the site, the following shall be provided (III):
(1) Soiled linen holding room.

(2) Clean linen receiving, holding, inspection, and storage area.

(5) General storage areas.

a. General storage areas totaling not less than 10 square feet per bed shall be provided. Storage areas are not required to be located in the same area. (III)

b. The equipment storage room space may be included in this general area, but is not required to be located in the same area. (III)

c. Storage areas for linens, janitor's supplies, sterile nursing supplies, activity supplies, library books, office supplies, kitchen supplies, and mechanical plant accessories shall not be included as part of the general storage area and are not required to be located in the same area. (III)

d. Thirty percent of the general storage area may be provided in a building outside the facility, readily and easily accessible by the personnel. (III)

(6) Mechanical, electrical, and maintenance areas. The following areas shall be provided (III):

a. Boiler room or mechanical room and electrical equipment room. (III)
(1) These rooms may be used for noncombustible material storage.

(2) Any noncombustible material shall not be stored close to or hinder access to any fuel-fired equipment or electrical panels.

(3) These areas shall not be included in calculating the 10 square feet per bed for general storage areas, as required under paragraph 60.10(5)"a."

b. Yard equipment storage may be provided in a separate room or building for yard maintenance equipment and supplies. This shall not be included in the general storage area.

c. No portable fuel-operated equipment shall be housed inside a facility unless it is separated by at least a two-hour fire separation approved by the state fire marshal's office.

d. Rooms containing heating or cooling equipment shall be locked.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Iowa may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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