Sales & Support
Wisconsin hand washing sink regulations are outlined in the Wisconsin Administrative Code and apply to a wide array of businesses and schools, like public pools, campgrounds, and hotels and motels. Most, but not all, of these businesses are subject to regulation and enforcement from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.
All retail food establishments are overseen and regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), Division of Food & Recreational Safety. The Department works with local government agencies to license and inspect food and retail food establishments statewide, including:
The Wisconsin Food Code is based on the FDA 2020 Food Code, which outlines hand washing sink regulations for food establishments. The Code was updated in 2021, and new handwashing sink regulations took effect in Wisconsin in January 2024.
All food establishments in Wisconsin must have hand washing sinks that meet these guidelines:
While these minimums are still in effect, the updated rules established additional guidelines for handwashing sinks in food establishments.
The old Code allowed food establishments to use four-compartment sinks. While generally used for dishwashing, the first sink, the pre-wash or pre-scrape sink compartment could be used for hand washing. To comply with the Code, the establishment had to prove they minimized the risk of cross-contamination from the dishwashing compartments to the handwashing compartment. They could install a shield or divider between the first sink and the others or provide sanitizing test strips to ensure the first sink was clean enough for hand washing.
The new Code removed this. While four-compartment sinks are still allowed for dishwashing, all newly constructed food establishments, as well as those that extensively remodel, can no longer use the first compartment of a four-compartment sink for hand washing. These establishments must install dedicated handwashing sinks.
However, establishments that already have a four-compartment sink that meets the old guidelines can continue using that sink for handwashing as long as they don’t remodel. But if the establishment fails an inspection, they will likely have to install dedicated handwashing sinks to pass a future inspection.
The update also eliminated the use of hand-operated faucets. New establishments or those replacing hand washing sinks must install a hands-free faucet. The faucet can have paddles that are easily operated with an elbow or knee, for example, or be an automatic faucet as long as water flows for at least 15 seconds before shutting off.
Current establishments can keep their hand-operated faucets unless they remodel their building or fail an inspection. Then, they may need to install hands-free faucets.
Mobile food establishments, like food trucks, could use chemical towelettes to clean hands when hand washing sinks weren’t easily available, and food exposure was limited, like only serving prepackaged foods.
The update removed that guidance and established new rules. While some mobile establishments can continue to use chemically treated towelettes in certain circumstances, most have to have a handwashing sink that’s:
The type of mobile food establishment dictates the kind of handwashing sink you must have, specifically the potable water tank:
| Mobile Establishment Type | Tank Size |
| Push Cart | 5-gallon tank |
| Serves only prepackaged foods | 10-gallon tank |
| Full-service (does food prep and wash dishes) | 40-gallon tank |
The mobile food establishment is also required to have a waste water tank that’s 15% larger than the “clean” water tank.
Wisconsin bars are also food establishments, whether they are a standalone bar or part of a restaurant, or in a hotel.
Interestingly, any establishment that dispenses food must have a handwashing sink, and in Wisconsin, ice is considered food. Therefore, all bars must provide a convenient handwashing sink for staff, but it doesn’t have to be at the bar. It can be nearby, as long as it’s easy to get to.
Most — but not all — wholesale food manufacturers in Wisconsin must also adhere to DADTP’s handwashing sink regulations. Industries subject to the regulations include:
However, some businesses aren’t subject to the guidelines, like honey processors or people who can food at home and sell it at a farmer’s market.
Food processors that have to provide sinks must have hand washing sinks with hot and cold water, soap, and at least one method to dry hands. If there are paper towels, there must also be a waste basket. However, food processors in facilities built after 2009 must also provide handwashing sinks that:
Child care facilities in Wisconsin are regulated by the Department of Children and Families and are also subject to handwashing sink regulations.
There are two locations where a child care facility must have a handwashing sink. The first is in the sick child room. That room must have a sink with hot and cold running water.
The second is every classroom where a diaper change happens. That sink must have hot and cold water, with the hot water no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and cannot be used for food prep or washing dishes.
Children and adults must wash their hands using soap and warm running water:
While no one can use sanitizer in place of hand washing with soap and water, children under one year can have their hands wiped with a towel that has soap and warm water on it.
Tattoo and body piercing artists in Wisconsin are licensed by the Department of Safety and Professional Services. To be licensed, the tattoo and body piercing shop must follow hand washing sink guidelines.
Specifically, the facility must have at least one hand washing sink in addition to a handwashing sink in the bathroom. This handwashing sink must provide antibacterial soap and single-use paper towels. There must also be hot and cold pressurized water, though tempered water can be substituted for hot water.
Tattoo and body piercing artists who want to provide their services at a temporary facility, like a festival, can do so as long as they follow hand washing sink guidelines. This includes providing pressurized potable water that is hot or tempered.
Wisconsin’s hand washing sink regulations are detailed and extensive, particularly the 2024 updates for food establishments. While the regulations exist to protect employees and the public, updating your plumbing can be an expensive and time-consuming proposition.
Ozark River Manufacturing’s portable sinks are a code-compliant and efficient solution to meeting Wisconsin’s hand washing sink regulations. Our sinks have hot and cold running water, can be operated hands-free, and 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.
Get insights from our team and learn about innovative portable sink solutions and industry news.
Take your time but make sure to save your cart. Drop us your email and we'll take care of the rest!
