Hand washing sink regulations in Virginia are overseen by a web of government agencies. Though oversight and enforcement are decentralized, all businesses that are required to have a hand washing sink are subject to the same rules and regulations to ensure employees and the public stay safe and healthy.

Who Oversees Handwashing Sink Regulations in Virginia?

The Virginia Administrative Code governs all hand washing sink regulations. However, each county can set standards above and beyond the Administrative Code requirements. 

Inspection and enforcement falls to various government departments. For example, the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR) oversees tattoo shops, while childcare centers are overseen by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

Regulations for Food Service Establishments

Virginia has broad requirements for hand washing sinks in food service establishments. The Code says the business must have a hand washing sink that provides hot running water that’s at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Every sink or group of two sinks must also provide hand cleaner and a way to dry hands which can be:

• Individual disposable towels
• A continuous towel system
• A heated air dryer
• A knife or blade jet hand dryer

Businesses also have to post signs reminding employees to wash their hands before returning to work and can only be used for washing hands.

The Code also details when employees must wash their hands. That includes:

• After using the bathroom
• After coughing, sneezing, blowing their nose, using tobacco, eating, or drinking
• After touching dirty utensils
• Before and during food prep
• When switching between raw and ready-to-eat foods
• Before putting on gloves

Food Trucks Regulations

Virginia food trucks are subject to the Administrative Code but must also comply with a separate set of guidelines.

Food trucks, vending machine areas, and mobile or temporary food establishments must have a hand washing sink if they meet certain conditions, like preparing all food items in the truck. These hand washing sinks must have:

• Running hot water that’s at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Cold running water
• Dispensed soap
• Paper towels
• Signs to remind employees to wash hands
• Wastebaskets

Food trucks that are not required to have a sink can use chemically treated towelletts instead of soap and water to clean hands.

Daycare Center Regulations

The regulations for Virginia daycare centers detail when children and staff must wash their hands. Kids have to wash their hands with soap and running water or with a disposable wipe before and after eating. They can only wash their hands with soap and running water after using the toilet or coming into contact with bodily fluids.

Staff must wash their hands:

• Before and after helping a child with the toilet
• After using the bathroom
• Before and after a diaper change
• After coming into contact with bodily fluids
• Before preparing and serving food to children
• Before feeding a child or helping them with feeding

The regulations also state that if there isn’t running water, staff can use hand sanitizer to cleanse hands. However, this exception does not apply to diaper-changing areas. Those places are required to have:

• A sink with running water that’s no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit
• Soap
• Disposable towels
• Single-use gloves

Regulations for Campgrounds

Virginia campgrounds are also subject to handwashing sink regulations. However, the type of camp determines which regulations the facility follows.

Permanent campgrounds, meaning those that have established facilities, must provide potable water to campers. These campgrounds have to provide “sanitary facilities.” 

Under the Code, a sanitary facility is limited to onsite toilets, and campgrounds are not required to provide a hand washing sink. If that’s the case, they can provide hand sanitizer instead. Campgrounds with hand washing sinks must also have soap and a way to dry hands, though that method isn’t specified.

Primitive campgrounds do not have any established facilities and are often temporary. Interestingly, sinks are not required for school-age children using the grounds during summer camp, provided there are alternative ways to wash hands with soap and water.

Regulations for Virginia Tattoo Shops

Tattoo shop hand washing sink regulations ensure the artist and client stay safe. The regulations specify that each shop must:

• Have a hand-cleaning facility that the artists can get to and from without having to touch anything
• Provide hot and cold or tempered water under pressure and hand sanitizer
• Provide a mechanical hand dryer or single-use towels and a wastebasket with a cover

Artists are required to clean their hands with hot or tempered water using a germicidal soap before and after performing work. However, artists can use hand sanitizer as an alternative.

Portable Sinks to the Rescue

While businesses are not required to provide a hand washing sink in some instances, providing one makes your employees and customers feel confident that you’re doing everything you can to ensure the highest levels of hygiene and safety.

Ozark River Manufacturing portable sinks have hot and cold running water, a place for towels and soap, and are perfect for:

• 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 what Ozark River Manufacturing’s portable sinks can do for your business.