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 265.71 - Permanent Camps
Universal Citation: 25 TX Admin Code ยง 265.71
Current through Reg. 49, No. 38; September 20, 2024
The camp shall be so located as to promote at all times the health, safety, and well-being of persons accommodated.
(1) Housing site.
(A) All campsites shall be well drained and
free from depressions in which water may stand. Natural sinkholes, pools,
swamps, or other surface collectors of water within 200 feet of the periphery
of the camp shall be either drained or filled to remove the still surface
water. Mosquito breeding shall be prevented in such area containing water not
subject to such drainage or filling.
(B) Housing shall not be subject to or in
proximity to conditions that create or are likely to create offensive odors,
flies, noise, traffic, or any similar hazards.
(C) Grounds within the housing site shall be
free from debris, noxious plants (poison ivy, etc.) and uncontrolled weeds or
brush.
(D) The housing site shall
provide a space for recreation reasonably related to the size of the facility
and the type of occupancy.
(2) Water supply.
(A) When drinking water supply system is to
be established for a camp, plans are to be submitted to the Texas State
Department of Health for review and approval prior to construction thereof. All
water systems serving camps are to be constructed in conformance to the Board
of Health's current "Rules and Regulations for Public Water Systems' and
maintained and operated in accordance with the following minimum acceptable
operating standards, which are based upon state statutes, regulations, and good
operating practices.
(B) The use of
a common drinking cup shall not be permitted.
(C) The camp shall be connected to an
acceptable existing public water supply system if at all possible. Should a
camp have its own source of water supply, then the following requirements are
to be met:
(i) Water systems serving camps
shall submit a minimum of four water samples each month the camp is in
operation to the Texas State Department of Health or one of its regional
laboratories for bacteriological analysis (be sure to check with the laboratory
to see what days of the week they will accept these samples).
(ii) Annually every camp shall submit a
1/2-gallon water sample for chemical analysis and, in addition, an eight-ounce
sample collected in a glass bottle for iron and manganese
determination.
(iii) A minimum
chlorine residual of 0.2 ppm must be maintained throughout the distribution
system at all times. In this connection, a chlorine test kit should be obtained
so the chlorine residuals can be checked. Test results should be
recorded.
(iv) When repairs are
made to existing mains or when new main extensions are provided, they must be
disinfected by water department personnel using such amounts of chlorine or
chlorine compounds as to fill the repaired or new mains and appurtenances with
water containing 50 ppm chlorine. After the water containing this amount of
chlorine, which is greater than that normally present in drinking water, has
been in contact with the pipe and appurtenances at least 24 hours, the water
shall be replaced with water to be transported normally, and samples of water
from the new or repaired main submitted to laboratories for bacteriological
examination so as to be assured that the disinfection procedure was effective.
When it is necessary to return repaired mains to service as rapidly as
possible, doses may be increased to 500 ppm and the contact time reduced to 1/2
hour.
(v) A supply of calcium
hypochlorite disinfectant shall be kept on hand for use when making repairs and
repairing line breaks.
(vi)
Continuous efforts shall be made by camp personnel to locate possible
interconnections between privately owned water systems and the camp water
system. As these undesirable interconnections are located, they shall be
eliminated so as to prevent possible contamination of the water supplied by the
camp water facilities. Water lines and sanitary sewers shall be installed no
closer to each other than nine feet, nor closer than 10 feet to septic tank
drainfields.
(vii) All dead-end
mains should be flushed at monthly intervals or more frequently if necessary to
maintain water quality.
(viii) No
tile or concrete sanitary sewers or septic tanks shall be allowed within a
distance of 50 feet, and no cesspool or septic tank open-jointed drainfields
shall be allowed within a distance of 150 feet of the well.
(ix) Copies of well material setting data,
geological log, sealing information (pressure cementing and surface
protection), disinfection information, bacteriological sample results, and a
chemical analysis report of a representative sample of water from the well
shall be kept on file.
(x) No
physical connection between the distribution system of a camp water supply and
that of any other supply shall be permitted unless such other water is of safe
sanitary quality and the interconnection is approved by the State Department of
Health.
(3) Excreta and liquid waste disposal.
(A)
Adequate and safe sewerage facilities with flush toilets shall be provided if
water supply is available. Raw or treated liquid waste shall not be discharged
or allowed to accumulate on the ground surface.
(B) Where public sewer systems are available,
all facilities for disposal of sewage or wastewater shall be connected
thereto.
(C) Where public sewers
are not available, a subsurface septic tank-seepage system or other type of
liquid waste treatment and disposal system shall be provided. If wastewater
plant is to be utilized and discharge is to occur, a waste control order must
be secured from the Texas Water Quality Board.
(D) Where water supply is not available,
sanitary-type privies or portable toilets shall be provided. All such
facilities shall be constructed as required by the Texas State Department of
Health. Privies, if provided, shall be constructed according to standards set
forth in the department's "Texas Community Sanitation Handbook," and maintained
so to prevent access of flies and animals to the contents therein, to prevent
fly breeding, and to prevent contamination of water supply.
(E) All facilities provided for excreta and
liquid waste disposal shall be maintained and operated in a sanitary manner to
eliminate possible health or pollution hazards.
(4) Housing.
(A) Housing shall be structurally sound, in
good repair, maintained in a sanitary condition, and shall provide protection
to the occupants against the elements.
(B) Housing shall have flooring constructed
of rigid materials, smooth finished, readily cleanable, and so located as to
prevent the entrance of ground and surface water.
(C) Each habitable room shall be adequately
ventilated.
(D) Therapeutic camps
shall have an annual pressure test for all gas pipes, to be performed by the
local gas company or a licensed plumber.
(E) A balcony, upper story, attic, or loft is
not recommended for sleeping or group assembly and can only be used when
recommended minimum safety requirements for emergency exits are met (two or
more exits remote from each other; exits to ground level by stairs, not
ladders; one or more exits by outside stairs; walls with well-secured handrails
or guards on both sides of stairs, minimum width of 36 inches for stairs;
minimum width of 34 inches for doorways giving access to stairs; doors that
swing open in direction exit travel; a landing, at least as wide and as long as
the door width, between door and stairs).
(5) Screening.
(A) All outside openings shall be protected
with screening of 16 mesh or less.
(B) All screen doors shall be tight, in good
repair and equipped with self-closing devices.
(6) Heating.
(A) All living quarters and service rooms
shall be provided with properly installed, operable heating equipment capable
of maintaining a temperature of at least 68%A1F if during the period of normal
occupancy the temperature in such quarters falls below 68%A1F.
(B) Any stoves or other sources of heat
utilizing combustible fuel shall be installed and vented in such a manner as to
prevent fire hazards and a dangerous concentration of gases. No portable
heaters other than those operated by electricity shall be provided. If a solid
or liquid fuel stove is used in a room with wooden or other combustible
flooring, there shall be a concrete slab, insulated metal sheet, or other
fireproof materials on the floor under each stove, extending at least 18 inches
beyond the perimeter of the base of the stove.
(C) Any wall or ceiling within 18 inches of a
solid or liquid fuel stove or a stovepipe shall be of fireproof material. A
vented metal collar shall be installed around a stovepipe, or vent passing
through a wall, ceiling, floor, or roof. Such vent or chimney shall extend
above the peak of the roof.
(D)
When a heating system has automatic controls, the controls shall be of the type
which cut off the fuel supply upon the failure or interruption of the flame or
ignition, or whenever a predetermined safe temperature or pressure is exceeded.
All steam and hot water systems shall be provided with safety devices arranged
to prevent hazardous pressures and excessive temperatures.
(E) All heating equipment shall be maintained
and operated in a safe manner to eliminate possibilities of fire.
(7) Electricity and lighting.
(A) All housing sites shall be provided with
electric services when available.
(B) When available, each habitable room and
all common use rooms, and areas such as laundry rooms, toilets, privies,
hallways, stairways, etc., shall contain adequate ceiling or wall-type light
fixtures. At least one wall-type electrical convenience outlet shall be
provided in each individual living room.
(C) When available, adequate lighting shall
be provided for the yard area, and pathways to common use facilities.
(D) All wiring and lighting fixtures shall be
installed and maintained in a safe condition.
(8) Toilet facilities.
(A) Toilets shall be constructed, located,
and maintained so as to prevent any nuisance or public health hazard.
(B) Privies shall be located at least 150
feet from a stream, lake, or well and at least 75 feet from a sleeping or
housing facility.
(C) Water closets
or privy seats for each sex shall be in ratio of not less than one such unit
for each 15 occupants, with a minimum of one unit for each sex in common use
facilities.
(D) Separate toilet
accommodations for men and women shall be provided. If toilet facilities for
men and women are in the same building, they shall be separated by a solid wall
from floor to ceiling. Toilets shall be distinctly marked "Men' and
"Women.'
(E) Urinals, constructed
of nonabsorbent materials, may be substituted for men's toilet seats on basis
of one urinal or 24 inches of trough-type urinal for one toilet seat up to a
maximum of 1/3 of the required toilet seats. The wall and floor or space to a
point of one foot in front of the urinal lip and four feet above the front and
at least one foot to each side of the urinal shall be faced with nonabsorbent
material. Privy structures and pits shall be flyproof. Privy pits shall have
adequate capacity for the required seats.
(F) Common use toilet facilities and privies
shall be well lighted and ventilated and shall be clean and sanitary.
(G) An adequate supply of toilet paper shall
be provided.
(9) Washrooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
(A)
Bathing and handwashing facilities, supplied with hot and cold water under
pressure, shall be provided for the use of all occupants. These facilities
shall be clean and sanitary and maintained in good repair.
(B) There shall be a minimum of one
showerhead per 15 persons. Showerheads shall be spaced at least three feet
apart, with a minimum of nine square feet of floor space per unit. Adequate dry
dressing space shall be provided in common use facilities. Shower floors shall
be constructed of nonabsorbent, nonskid materials and sloped to properly
constructed floor drains. Separate shower facilities shall be provided for each
sex. When common use shower facilities for both sexes are in the same building,
they shall be separated by a solid nonabsorbent wall extending from the floor
to ceiling or roof, and shall be plainly designated "Men' or "Women.'
(C) Lavatories or equivalent units shall be
provided in a ratio of one per 15 persons.
(D) If laundry service is not otherwise
provided, laundry facilities supplied with hot and cold water under pressure
shall be provided for the use of all occupants. Laundry trays or tubs shall be
provided in the ratio of one per 25 persons. Mechanical washers may be provided
in the ratio of one per 50 persons in lieu of laundry trays, although a minimum
of one laundry tray per 100 persons shall be provided in addition to the
mechanical washers.
(10) Swimming pools. New swimming pools shall be constructed in accordance with Texas State Department of Health design standards and all pools shall be maintained and operated as required by local regulations and the standards of the Texas State Department of Health for swimming pools. (See "Texas Sanitation & Health Protection Law") and "A Training Course in Swimming Pool Operation" available from the Texas State Department of Health.)
(A) There shall be one unit of water safety
equipment for each 2000 square feet of water surface area.
(B) The outdoor swimming pool shall have a
fence. All entrances and exits to outdoor and indoor pools shall be closed and
locked when not in use. Machinery rooms shall be locked to prevent children
from entering.
(11) Sleeping facilities.
(A) Bedding provided by
the operator shall be clean and sanitary. All bedding shall be laundered or
otherwise sanitized between assignment to different employees.
(B) Linens shall be changed as often as
required for cleanliness and sanitation, but not less frequently than once a
week.
(C) Bedwetters shall have
their linens changed as often as they are wet.
(D) Clean mattresses and mattress covers
shall be provided.
(E) Adequate
personal storage area shall be available for each child to separate his
clothing from other children's personal belongings.
(F) Boys and girls shall not share the same
sleeping unit.
(G) The operator
shall insure that a separate bed, bunk, or cot is available for each person.
Double-deck beds are permissible, but triple-deck beds are prohibited. Beds
shall be spaced in a manner which will provide a walk space on at least one
side and at least one end of each bed.
(12) Food sanitation.
(A) Food shall be from approved sources and
shall be properly identified.
(B)
Milk products shall be pasteurized.
(C) Food shall be protected from
contamination.
(D) Thermometers
shall be placed in refrigeration facilities.
(E) Potentially hazardous foods shall be
stored at proper temperatures.
(i)
Refrigerated food shall be stored at 45%A1F or below.
(ii) Frozen food shall be stored at 0 degree
Fahrenheit or below.
(iii) Hot
foods shall be held at 140%A1F or above.
(F) The handling of food shall be minimized
through the use of utensils.
(G)
Fruits and vegetables shall be properly washed prior to use.
(H) Food and food containers shall be covered
and stored off the floor and on clean surfaces. Refrigerated food shall also be
covered.
(I) Sugar shall be served
in closed dispensers or packaged.
(J) Poisonous and toxic materials shall be
properly identified, stored separately from food, and properly used. Poisonous
polishes shall not be used on eating and cooking utensils.
(K) Persons with wounds or communicable
diseases shall be prohibited from handling food.
(L) Food handlers shall practice good
hygienic practices.
(M) Food
handling equipment shall be properly designed, installed, and
maintained.
(N) Tableware and
kitchenware shall be clean to sight and touch.
(O) Eating and cooking ware shall be washed
and sanitized in accordance with the "State Sterilization Law.' Where the
chlorine method of sanitizing is used, a three compartment vat is
required.
(P) Food contact surfaces
shall be clean.
(Q) All eating and
cooking ware shall be properly stored. Single service articles shall be
properly stored, handled, and used only once.
(R) Toilet facilities for the kitchen area
shall be properly equipped and maintained.
(S) Flies, rats, roaches, and other pests
shall be controlled.
(T) Floors,
walls, and ceilings shall be kept clean and in good repair.
(U) Adequate lighting shall be provided and
shall be properly protected from breakage.
(V) The kitchen area and cooking equipment
shall be properly vented.
(W) Pets
shall not be allowed in the food storage, preparation, or dining
area.
(13) Garbage and other refuse.
(A) Durable, clean containers
of adequate size and tight fitting lids shall be conveniently located to each
housing unit for storage of garbage and other refuse. When mechanical equipment
is available, bulk type containers may be used. When containers of 32 gallon
capacity are used, a minimum ratio of one container per 15 persons is
required.
(B) Provisions shall be
made for collection of refuse at least twice a week, or more often if
necessary. The disposal of refuse, which includes garbage, shall be in
accordance with requirements of the Texas State Department of Health.
(C) Storage facilities and areas shall be
maintained in a sanitary condition.
(14) Insect and rodent control.
(A) A vector control program shall be
maintained to insure effective control of all insects and rodents in buildings
and on the premises.
(B) If
chemical control is needed to supplement good sanitation practices, proper
pesticides should be used in strict accordance with label
instructions.
(15) Farm and domestic animals.
(A) Horses and other
animals maintained in any camp shall be quartered at a reasonable distance from
any sleeping, living, eating, or food preparation area.
(B) Stables and corrals shall be located as
to prevent contamination of any water supply. Manure shall be removed from
stalls and corrals as often as necessary to prevent a fly problem.
(C) Horses, dogs, or other domestic animals
or pets shall not be permitted on a bathing beach or in the water in the area
used for waterfront activities.
(D)
All dogs, cats, and other warm-blooded pets owned or under the supervision of
an occupant of any camp shall be currently vaccinated against rabies in
compliance with the law of Texas.
(i) Written
records shall be kept on the type of vaccinations and the date of
vaccinations.
(ii) The premises
shall be kept free of stray domestic animals.
(E) Dogs and other small animal pets and
their quarters shall be kept clean and free of ectoparasites. Pens should be
cleaned daily but not less than each 24 hours and droppings properly disposed
of.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Texas 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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