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Nearly all handwashing sink regulations for Maryland businesses are outlined in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), outlined in Title 10, which gives the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) oversight for enforcing these regulations.
However, there are some notable exceptions to Title 10’s guidelines as well as some interesting regulatory rules that the food service industry is subject to.
Every retail and commercial food service facility is subject to handwashing sink regulations of Title 10 Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Subtitle Food, Chapter 03, Food Service Facilities.
Handwashing sinks must meet the requirements of section .18, parts K and L, Control of Sanitary Facilities, which states that sinks must:
One notable exception to these regulations is that if food is being prepared outdoors, the operator must have handwashing sinks that meet the above guidelines unless the vendor only provides beer, wine, and soda.
The MDH can waive some of the regulations for special food service facilities, including hand washing sink requirements. Under COMAR, a special food service facility is a:
Special food service facilities do not need handwashing sinks, provided the facility serves food in its original wrapper and does not prepare, wrap, or package it offsite. However, if a special facility handles food outside of the wrapper at any time, they must provide at least one handwashing sink for staff.
If the special facility has access to potable, pressurized water, the handwashing sink must meet the guidelines of section .18 K and L. If no potable and pressurized water is available, staff must have easy access to a hand washing facility that has warm water, soap, and paper towels.
In Maryland, food trucks are called “mobile food service facilities” and are “food service facilities that are mechanically, electrically, manually, or otherwise propelled vehicles operating on land or water.” Regularly moving the vehicle is a key part of the Code, in that mobile food service facilities change locations to:
All mobile food service facilities must have a sink that meets section .18 K and L guidelines. It must have hot and cold potable running water, anti-bacterial soap, and a paper towel dispenser. The hand washing sink must also be inside the unit.
Title 10 states that dairy farms must provide staff with handwashing sinks. While these sinks don’t have to meet the requirements of section .18 K and L, they must
Like dairy farms, crab meat processors in Maryland must provide handwashing sinks to staff but are subject to different regulations under Title 10.
Crab meat processors must have one hand sink for every 15 pickers in the packing area that has soap, paper towels, and pressurized hot and cold water. Operators must also supply hand sanitizer for employee use.
Nursing homes are also subject to Title 10 handwashing sink regulations. Some of the key highlights include:
The Title specifically states that nursing homes can use a mobile or portable sink in the kitchen area, provided there are written guidelines that ensure the sink is sanitized.
Maryland doesn’t license body art facilities or artists. However, body art facilities are subject to handwashing sink regulations under Title 10, .06 General Control Measures.
This part of the Title states that artists must wash their hands under soap and running water, then dry them using a single-use towel before and after every procedure.
Child care facilities are one of the few industries not overseen directly by the MDH or subject to Title 10’s handwashing sink regulations. They are regulated by the State Board of Education and are subject to Title 13A, State Board of Education, Subtitle 16, Child Care Centers.
Under these guidelines, child care facilities must provide hand washing sinks that provide cold and hot water that’s no hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Each diaper area must have a handwashing sink that’s easy for children to access without adult help.
Finally, if a child care facility serves more than snacks, there must be a handwashing sink with soap and paper towels in or near the food preparation area.
Maryland has straightforward handwashing sink regulations that apply across an array of industries. While the regulations may be simple, compliance may not. A lack of plumbing can make it difficult to install a sink that complies with section .18 K and L.
Fortunately, Ozark River Manufacturing’s portable sinks have the required elements you need in a compliant sink, like gooseneck spouts, hot and cold running water, and paper towel dispensers. Our sinks are perfect for:
Contact us today to see what Ozark River Manufacturing’s portable sinks can do for 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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