Washington Hand Washing Sink Regulations

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By Ozark River Manufacturing

November 29, 2024

Hand washing sink regulations in Washington state are governed by the Washington Administrative Code. It outlines the general guidelines businesses must follow if they are required to have a handwashing sink. Though Washington’s regulations are generally broad, they include a few Washington-specific guidelines businesses should be aware of.

Washington Regulations for Food Service Establishments

Handwashing sink regulations for all food service establishments are adopted from the FDA Food Code but have a few Washington State-specific guidelines, which include:

  • Handwashing sinks must be within 25 feet of the food preparation, food dispensing, or ware washing area
  • The sink must be large enough to wash both hands at the same time
  • The sink must dispense hot water that’s at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit

The Retail Food Code states that a retail food establishment providing free samples must provide a handwashing sink that follows the temporary food establishment rules.

Guidelines for Food Pantries

Sink regulations for food pantries fall under the regulation for food establishments. However, there are some specific guidelines these facilities must meet. Handwashing sinks must be:

  • Convenient and accessible during all food preparation and when serving unwrapped foods
  • Provide hand soap and paper towels or an air dryer
  • Separate from a produce washing sink

Food pantries also have to provide one handwashing sink in the restroom and one in the food preparation area. Staff cannot use the sink in the bathroom to wash their hands before food preparation.

Guidelines Food Trucks and Trailers

Handwashing sinks for food trucks, food trailers, and other mobile food vendors is governed by the Retail Food Code and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

The L&I regulation is simple: all food trucks must have a handwashing sink. The Food Code has more specific guidelines. The handwashing sink must be:

  • Be within 25 feet of the food prep area
  • Approximately 10 inches square and 6 inches deep
  • Provide warm running water
  • Have hot water that’s at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Provide soap and paper towels

The sink must also have a minimum five-gallon tank that keeps warm water warm and a wastewater tank large enough to hold all wastewater until it can be emptied.

Interestingly, though the Food Code outlines the specific details for a food truck sink, it’s up to L&I and local authorities to inspect, enforce, and permit all food trucks.

Sink Regulations for Daycare Centers and Facilities

Daycare facilities are also subject to handwashing sink regulations in Washington. Specifically, they must:

  • Have at least one indoor bathroom with a sink that’s for children
  • Sinks and faucets at child height
  • The faucet must provide warm running water

Facilities can provide disposable paper towels or heated air dryers to dry hands. However, all hand dryers must have a heat guard so children cannot touch the heating element and turn off automatically.

Diaper changing areas must have a sink within “arm’s reach” of staff that provides hot and cold running water. If having a sink nearby is impractical, the sink must be close enough that the employee doesn’t cross-contaminate any other area of the center before washing their hands.

A center’s food prep area must also have a hand washing sink that’s only for hands. This sink must be at least eight feet away from the food prep area and the diaper changing sink.

In some cases, providers can use hand sanitizer to clean hands. However, hand sanitizer cannot be used in place of handwashing with soap and water.

Sink Regulations for Tattoo and Body Piercing Shops

The Washington State Department of Licensing oversees tattoo and body piercing shops. The guidelines for handwashing sinks in these establishments include:

  • Every business must provide two sinks: one for equipment, one for hands
  • The equipment sink must have a sign that indicates it’s not for public use.
  • The hand washing sink must be for public use and provide hot and cold running water, single-use hand soap, and disposable towels or a heated air dryer.

The Perfect Solution

Virginia requires businesses to provide handwashing sinks to ensure employees and customers stay safe. While the regulations are broad, Virginia has several specific circumstances when a sink is necessary. When plumbing isn’t possible, a portable sink is the perfect solution.

Ozark River Manufacturing portable sinks have hot and cold running water, waste water tanks, 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.

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Ozark River Manufacturing

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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