Like most states, West Virginia’s hand washing sink regulations apply to businesses across a variety of sectors. Unlike some states, though, West Virginia takes a “hands-off” approach to the guidelines. The rules may default to national models to define the regulations or have loose definitions and rules for what a handwashing sink must have.
With a mix of standards, business owners may struggle to figure out what does and doesn’t apply to them. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your company complies.
West Virginia’s Administrative Code includes general sanitation guidelines, which set the minimum standards for handwashing sinks throughout the state. While there are only a few, it is a starting point to understand what a handwashing station must have:
The West Virginia Food Establishments Rule (64 CSR 17) governs all retail food establishments, including, but not limited to:
Revised in 2023, it adopted the 2013 FDA Model Food Code, national model standards that outline what retail food establishments should do to keep staff and customers safe and healthy. However, West Virginia’s rules don’t dictate specific handwashing sink regulations or requirements. Instead, it relies on the Code’s standards to define what retail food establishments should and shouldn’t do. Therefore, handwashing sinks in West Virginia retail food service and retail food establishments must:
What’s more, oversight of all food establishments is given to the West Virginia Department of Public Health (WVDPH), but enforced at the local level.
Like permanent food establishments, temporary food establishments are overseen by the WVPHD but subject to local permit and inspection requirements. In West Virginia, a temporary food establishment is one that runs at a fixed location for no more than 14 consecutive days as part of a single event, like a:
No matter what kind of temporary food establishment (food truck, concession stand), it must have a valid permit issued by the local health department prior to the event.
Every temporary food establishment must have an accessible and convenient hand washing station for each vendor that includes:
Gravity hand washing systems are acceptable as long as they have a turn spout.
West Virginia farmers’ markets are overseen by a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and the Public Health Department. Every market must register annually with the WVDA and get a food establishment permit from the local health department.
If a vendor is giving out samples or doing chef demonstrations, the market must have a handwashing station that, at a minimum, has:
Cottage food providers are subject to the same regulations and oversight as farmers’ markets, meaning they must have handwashing stations that meet the above requirements. However, cottage food manufacturers must also wash their hands:
Like food establishments, tattoo studios are regulated by the WVDPH and overseen by local health departments. And also like food establishments, Chapter 16 outlines the rules and regulations for tattoo studios, but as part of 16-38-4.
All tattoo studios must have at least one handwashing sink for customers, but must also have handwashing sinks exclusively for artists. If multiple artists share one workspace, each artist must have their own handwashing sink. Each sink must:
Body piercing studios are subject to the same oversight as tattoo shops, but with slightly different handwashing sink rules. These facilities must have at least one sink in the restroom with:
In the studio area, handwashing sinks must have:
If a room has two work stations for artists, they can share one handwashing sink.
Temporary and mobile body piercing studios (like at a festival or fair) are also subject to hand washing sink guidelines. Each work area must have hand sanitizer and a hand washing sink exclusively for artists that has:
Child care facilities are overseen by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Division of Early Care and Education. The regulations state that a handwashing sink must be used only for hands and must be located in the diaper change area. Staff must wash their hands:
West Virginia’s handwashing sink regulations are broad and not overly detailed. While that gives business owners the freedom and flexibility to create a handwashing sink station, ensuring you meet the stated standards can be challenging. That’s where an Ozark River Manufacturing portable sink can help.
Our sinks have hot and cold running water, wastewater containers, and wrist-operable faucets. All of our models are ready to go right out of the box. Simply unpack, fill the tanks, plug it in, and have instant access to safe handwashing. Many models have integrated components like soap dispensers and paper towel holders, making them perfect for:
Check out our full line of portable sinks or contact us today and discover how Ozark River Manufacturing’s solutions can support your business.
Ozark River Manufacturing designs and delivers top-quality, NSF-certified portable sinks. Since 2006, our inventive and bold team has ensured health compliance with quick-connect tanks and instant hot water. With over 55 models, we provide solutions for every need, backed by exceptional customer support and timely delivery. Healthy people matter, and we make a positive impact every day.
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