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Nevada’s hand washing sink regulations apply to a range of industries throughout the state. Interestingly, while the regulations seem broad and perhaps vague, a closer reader shows that the hand washing sink regulations are specific and have few exceptions.
What do those regulations say, and how do they apply to your business? This guide breaks it all down.
Nearly every facility in Nevada that’s subject to handwashing sink regulations is overseen by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH). They are the state authority responsible for creating and enforcing a wide range of health regulations, including inspecting establishments, issuing operating permits, and approving exceptions to the regulations.
The DHHS retains jurisdiction over the entire state, particularly in rural locales or places that don’t have a local health department. Otherwise, the inspection and enforcement of hand washing sink regulations falls to local health departments.
All retail food establishments are subject to the handwashing sink regulations outlined in Chapter 446 of the Nevada Administrative Code. Nevada uses a broad definition of “retail food establishments,” and the Code applies to:
Basically, any establishment that processes, prepares, or serves food must comply with hand washing sink regulations. Every hand washing sink must:
In rare cases, a mobile food truck or temporary food establishment can use chemically treated towelettes in place of hand washing. The exception will only be granted if there is no potable water available at the site and the exception is approved in advance by the local health authority.
In Nevada, a portable unit for service of food is a food cart that operates indoors within a fixed facility. An example would be the coffee cart that operates in the lobby of your office building. Portable units are also subject to handwashing sink regulations under Chapter 446, but with some differences:
Body art shops are also subject to handwashing sink regulations under Chapter 446 and overseen by the DHHS and DPBH. These facilities must provide one freestanding handwashing sink for every four workstations, excluding bathroom sinks.
As a rule, these handwashing sinks must be plumbed. However, DHHS and DPBH will consider portable sinks with tanks and a hot water heater on a case-by-case basis.
Daycare facilities in Nevada must also comply with handwashing sink regulations. Like food establishments, daycares are overseen by DHHS but are licensed under the Child Care Licensing (CCL) program.
Staff and children are expected to wash their hands frequently, including:
Because hand sanitizer is not an acceptable substitute for hand washing, sinks in daycare facilities must be near the diaper change area, food prep area, and bathrooms and must:
Nevada’s hand washing sink regulations apply to a broad range of industries but are enforced by the same entity. And if your business doesn’t comply with those regulations, a portable sink can help. Ozark River Manufacturing’s portable sinks have hot and cold running water, waste water tanks that are larger than the fresh water tank, and are perfect for:
Contact us today and learn more about our portable sink solutions.
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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