Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
A.
Requirement: Facilities shall develop and implement written policies that
ensure a safe and sanitary environment for personnel and residents at all
times.
B. Cleaning:
(1) General: The facility shall be kept clean
and free from offensive odors, accumulations of dirt, rubbish, dust, and safety
hazards.
(2) Floors: Floors and
carpeting shall be kept clean. Polishes on floors shall provide a non-slip
finish. Carpeting or any other material covering the floors that is worn,
damaged, contaminated or badly soiled shall be replaced, repaired or
cleaned.
(3) Other surfaces:
Ceiling and walls shall be kept clean and in good repair at all times. The
interior and exterior of the buildings shall be painted or stained as needed to
protect the surfaces. Loose, cracked, or peeling wallpaper or paint shall be
replaced or repaired.
(4)
Furnishings: All furniture and other furnishings shall be kept clean and in
good repair at all times.
(5)
Combustibles in storage areas: Attics, cellars and other storage areas shall be
kept safe and free from dangerous accumulations of combustible materials.
Combustibles such as cleaning rags and compounds shall be kept in closed metal
containers.
(6) Grounds: The
grounds shall be kept free from refuse, litter, and wastewater. Areas around
buildings, sidewalks, gardens, and patios shall be kept clear of dense
undergrowth.
C. Poisons:
All poisonous compounds shall be clearly labeled as poisonous and, when not in
use, shall be stored in a locked area separate from food, kitchenware, and
medications.
D. Garbage:
(1) Storage containers: All garbage and
rubbish shall be stored in leak-proof, nonabsorbent containers with
close-fitting covers, and in areas separate from those used for the preparation
and storage of food. Containers shall be cleaned regularly. Paperboard
containers shall not be used.
(2)
Disposal: Garbage and rubbish shall be disposed of promptly in a safe and
sanitary manner.
E. Linen
and towels: Linens shall be handled, stored, processed, and transported in such
a manner as to prevent the spread of infection. Soiled linen shall not be
sorted, rinsed, or stored in bathrooms, residents' rooms, kitchens, food
storage areas, nursing units, common hallways.
F. Pest control:
(1) Requirement: The facility shall be
maintained reasonably free from insects and rodents, with harborage and
entrances of insects and rodents eliminated.
(2) Provision of service: Pest control shall
be provided when required for the control of insects and rodents.
(3) Screening of windows and doors: All
windows and doors used for ventilation purposes shall be provided with wire
screening of not less than number 16 mesh or its equivalent, and shall be
properly installed and maintained to prevent entry of insects. Hinged screen
days when in use.
(4) With other
inhalation equipment such as intermittent positive pressure breathing
equipment, the entire resident breathing circuit, including nebulizers and
humidifiers, shall be changed at least every seven days.
