Environmental Health and Housekeeping

(A) Waste Disposal and Garbage Disposal. (1) Suitable sanitary procedures and equipment shall be provided for the collection, storage and disposal of all wastes and garbage. All accumulated soiled dressings, that do not meet the definition of infectious or physically dangerous medical or biological waste as set forth in 105 CMR 180.000: State Sanitary Code, Chapter VIII, and other wastes, and all garbage not disposed of by mechanical means shall be stored, both indoors and out-of-doors, in sanitary, rodent-proof, leak-proof, fire-proof, non-absorbent, watertight containers with tight-fitting covers. (3) Wastes and garbage shall be stored and disposed of at proper intervals in a manner to prevent fire hazard, contamination, transmission of disease, a nuisance, a breeding place for flies and insects, or feeding place for rodents. (4) Garbage and wastes shall be stored in areas separate from those used for the preparation, storage and service of food. (5) Equipment for proper cleaning and disinfection of these containers each time they are emptied during all seasons shall be provided. (B) Laundry and Linen Sanitation. All facilities shall provide appropriate procedures, staff and equipment to assure sufficient clean linen supplies and the proper sanitary washing and handling of linen and the personal laundry of residents. (2) Handling of Soiled Linen and Laundry. (a) Soiled linen shall be placed in washable or disposable containers, transported in a sanitary manner and stored in separate, well-ventilated areas in a manner to prevent contamination and odors. (b) Soiled linen shall not be permitted to accumulate excessively in any area of the facility. (c) Soiled linen shall be handled and stored in such a manner as to prevent contamination of clean linen. Equipment or areas used to transport or store soiled linen shall not be used for the handling or storing of clean linen. (d) Soiled linen shall not be sorted, laundered, rinsed or stored in bathrooms, resident’s rooms, kitchens or food storage areas. (e) Handwashing facilities with hot and cold running water, soap dispenser and paper towels shall be available in the laundry area where soiled linen is handled or sorted. (f) Personal laundry of residents or staff shall also be collected, transported, sorted, washed and dried in a sanitary manner, separate from bed linens. (3) Handling of Clean Linen. (a) Clean linen shall be sorted, dried, and folded in an area separate from soiled linen and in a sanitary manner. (b) Clean linen shall be transported, stored and distributed in a sanitary manner. (c) Clean linen and clothing shall be stored in clean, dry dust-free closets on each floor easily accessible to the nurses’ station and such closets shall not be used for any other purpose. (d) When feasible, arrangements shall be made for residents to have a safe and convenient place to wash out and dry a small amount of personal laundry. (4) Laundry personnel shall be appropriately uniformed and adequate storage space shall be provided for the storage of their street clothing. (C) Housekeeping and Maintenance. All facilities shall provide sufficient housekeeping and maintenance personnel to maintain the interior of the facility in good repair and in a safe, clean, orderly, attractive and sanitary manner free from all accumulation of dirt, rubbish and objectionable odors. (2) Nursing, dietary, and other personnel providing resident care shall not be assigned housekeeping duties. (3) A separate janitor’s closet and housekeeping equipment shall be provided for each floor. Janitor’s and housekeeping closets shall be separate from, and shall not open off, utility rooms or toilets. (4) All housekeeping and maintenance equipment shall be provided and stored in janitors’ closets or other suitable storage areas; they shall never be stored in lavatories, bathrooms, utility rooms, halls or stairs. In facilities providing Level I, II or III care, the janitors closet shall be adequately lighted and ventilated and shall contain slop sink or floor receptor with hot and cold running water. (5) Housekeeping equipment and cleaning supplies shall include an adequate supply of wet and dry mops (improvised mops are not permitted), mop pails, brushes, brooms, at least one vacuum cleaner, cleaning cloths and other cleaning supplies. (6) Housekeeping and maintenance equipment shall be kept clean, in good condition and maintained in a sanitary manner. Wet mops, dusters and cleaning cloths shall be laundered daily, dry mops twice a week. Floors, walls and ceilings shall be cleaned regularly; halls and ceilings shall be maintained free from cracks and falling plaster. (8) Deodorizers shall not be used to cover up odors caused by unsanitary conditions or poor housekeeping. (9) Storage areas, attics and cellars shall be kept safe and free from accumulations of extraneous materials such as refuse, furniture and old newspapers or other paper goods. Combustibles such as cleaning rags and compounds shall be kept in closed metal containers including those used in residents activities. (10) The grounds shall be kept free from refuse and litter, and areas around buildings, sidewalks, gardens and patios kept clear of dense undergrowth, snow and ice. (11) A pest control program shall be provided by maintenance personnel of the facility or by contract with a pest control company. Insecticides and rodenticides shall be stored in non-resident and non-food service and storage areas. (12) Windows and doors shall be properly screened during the insect breeding season, and harborages and entrances for insects shall be eliminated. (13) All windows, including combination windows, shall be washed inside and outside at least twice a year. (D) Pets. (1) Pets or other types of animals shall not be allowed in areas used for preparation, serving or storage of food; laundries or rehabilitation services units. (2) All pets shall be adequately fed, sheltered and maintained in a sanitary manner. (3) An ADA qualified service animal is permitted in rehabilitation service units.