Hand Washing Regulations – New York

Food service establishments know that cleanliness is critical to the dining experience. From mopping the floors to clearing tables quickly, a clean restaurant will attract more patrons and get better reviews.

Hand washing, in particular, is an essential part of maintaining cleanliness. Not only does it help prevent cross-contamination between foods, but it also prevents the spread of disease among customers and staff.

Hand washing regulations in New York exist to keep everyone safe and healthy, and apply not only to traditional vendors but also to many food trucks and mobile vendors.

New York Regulations for Handwashing Facilities and Equipment

New York hand washing regulations state that food service workers must have easy access to a handwashing sink in food preparation areas. But what exactly does that mean?

For starters, every kitchen must have hand washing stations that are only for hands. Employees can’t use a dishwashing sink or food prep sink for handwashing because they might spread bacteria from their hands to the food or dishes. And they can’t wash their hands in a food prep or dishwashing sink because bacteria in the sink could end up on their hands.

This handwashing facility has to be within 25 feet — or 10 paces — of where food is prepared. Additionally, there can’t be a door or any other obstruction between the workers and the handwashing facilities. So, larger kitchens may need multiple handwashing sinks in the food preparation area.

Providing a sink within 25 feet of all food contact surfaces can be a costly and messy proposition, not to mention you may have to close the restaurant while the work is happening. However, a sink without plumbing (AKA a portable sink) that has hot and cold water is an excellent alternative to traditional plumbing. It’s a fraction of the cost and can help you comply with New York hand washing regulations.

All handwashing facilities, including bathroom sinks, must have running hot and cold water and have proper water pressure. Alternatively, handwashing facilities can use tempered potable water. If a handwashing sink uses an automatic faucet, the water flow must run for at least 15 seconds before shutting off.

In addition to hand-washing soap, every hand washing sink has to provide a way to dry hands. Air dryers are acceptable, as are hand towels, but they must be disposable towels, like single-use paper towels. Common towels are not acceptable. If you provide single-use towels, the handwashing station must have nearby waste receptacles.

Finally, all handwashing facilities must post signs reminding employees to wash their hands before returning to work. The handwashing signs must be in English and any other languages necessary for staff to understand the importance of hand washing.

These regulations also apply to New York mobile food vendors that prepare foods. So, food cart and food trucks portable sinks are a must. Vendors who serve only ready to eat food may not need to provide handwashing facilities.

Hand Washing Procedures for Employees

In addition to providing appropriate hand washing facilities, New York regulations require restaurants to train food service workers on proper hand washing procedures.

While employees should always wash their hands after using the bathroom, there are many other times employees are required to wash their hands on the job. This includes:

• Before starting work
• Before putting on gloves to handle food
• After touching raw foods, specifically raw meat, fish, and poultry
• After clicking, mopping, sweeping, or taking out the trash
• After using the telephone
• After smoking, eating, or drinking
• After sneezing
• Aftering touching their hair or face
• When switching between tasks (like chopping vegetables, then preparing meat)

Staff must wash their hands and exposed parts of their arms using the following handwashing steps:

• Wash hands and arms with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Rub hands vigorously with soap
• Clean between fingers and under nails
• Rinse with clear water
• Dry thoroughly

Additional Hand Washing Regulations for Food Service Workers in New York

Employees can wear disposable gloves when preparing food or serving ready to eat food (like prepackaged salad), but they must wash their hands before putting gloves on. If the gloves are damaged or become contaminated, employees must get a new set of gloves and rewash their hands before putting the new set on.

Jewelry is allowed while working in the kitchen, but the only allowable items are a medical alert bracelet and smooth rings. Any other type of hand or arm jewelry is prohibited.

Enforcement and Penalties

The local health department may conduct in-person inspections to ensure restaurants follow all hand washing regulations. Failing to meet any or all of the regulations can result in fines and penalties.

Compliance includes maintaining records of hand washing training provided to staff and having the correct handwashing signs posted around handwashing facilities.

Additional Hand Washing Regulations for Childcare Facilities

To help keep staff and children healthy, New York has childcare-specific handwashing and hand washing sink regulations:

• Training potties must be washed and disinfected after every use in a sink that isn’t used for handwashing.
• Hand washing sinks must provide hot and cold water, but the hot water can’t be hotter than 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Facilities must provide a child height portable sink, liquid soap dispensers, and air dryers or single-use paper towels.
• A portable sink with hot and cold water should be nearby where diaper changes happen.

Ozark River Manufactures New York-Compliant Portable Handwashing Sinks

Ozark River Manufacturing can help New York businesses meet New York’s handwashing regulations. Our portable sinks are perfect for an array of industries and meet state and local health codes, including:

• Bars
• Beauty, Day Spas, & Wellness
• Commercial
• Construction & Job Sites
• Daycare
• Classrooms
• Events, Concerts, & Weddings
• Farms & Barns
• Restaurants & Food Service
• Garages & Workshops
• Healthcare & Clinics
• Patio & Home Use
• Retail Stores
• Science Labs
• Tattoo Shops

Contact us today to see how our portable sinks can help keep staff healthy and your business running smoothly.