SECTION 310:675-7-15.1. Housekeeping laundry, and general storage

(a)   Housekeeping. Each facility shall have housekeeping services that are planned, operated, and maintained to provide a pleasant, safe and sanitary environment.

(1)   The facility shall employ housekeeping personnel suitable by training, experience, and in sufficient number.

(2)   Housekeeping personnel, using accepted practices and procedures, shall keep the facility free from offensive odors, accumulations of dirt, rubbish, dust and safety hazards.

(3)   Deodorizers shall not be used to cover up odors caused by unsanitary conditions or poor housekeeping practices.

(4)   Suitable equipment and supplies shall be provided for all cleaning activities and shall be maintained in a safe, sanitary condition.

(5)   Cleaning shall be performed in a manner that minimizes the spread of pathogenic organisms.

(A)   Floors shall be cleaned regularly.

(B)   Any polish used on floors shall provide a non-slip finish.

(C)   Used mop water shall not be stored in mop buckets and the mop shall be stored properly.

(6)   Housekeeping personnel shall receive effective supervision, orientation and training. Housekeeping personnel shall be skilled in the six basic functions of sweeping, mopping, dusting, cleaning, waxing, and polishing.

(7)   Resident rooms, furniture, bedding and equipment shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before use by another resident.

(8)   All garbage and rubbish not disposable as sewage shall be collected in impervious containers in such a manner as not to become a nuisance or a health hazard and shall be removed to an approved storage area at least once a day.

(A)   The refuse and garbage storage area shall be kept clean and orderly.

(B)   There shall be a sufficient number of impervious containers with tight fitting lids that are clean and in good repair.

(9)   The containers used to transport refuse within the building shall be constructed of impervious materials, be lid or door enclosed, used solely for refuse, and maintained in a clean manner. All kitchen waste, contaminated refuse, and patient room trash shall be securely bagged before placed in these containers.

(10)   Bathtubs, showers or lavatories shall not be used for laundering, cleaning of bedside utensils, mops, nursing utensils or equipment, nor for the dumping of waste water, nor for storage.

(11)   Draperies and furniture shall be kept clean and in good repair.

(b)   Laundry. Each facility shall have laundry services that are planned, operated, and maintained to provide sufficient, safe and sanitary laundering of linen, supplies, and clothing.

(1)   If the facility does not provide laundry services it shall contract with a commercial laundry service that provides these standards.

(2)   Laundry facilities shall be provided with the necessary washing and drying equipment.

(3)   Laundry equipment shall be designed and installed that complies with applicable laws.

(4)   Laundry processing and procedures shall render soiled linens and resident clothing clean, dry, soft and free of detergent, lint and soap.

(5)   Soiled laundry shall be processed frequently to prevent the accumulations of soiled linens and resident's clothing.

(6)   The facility's linen supply shall include at least two complete changes of linen for each resident bed. All linen shall be clean, sorted, and in good repair. When linen is not in use all shall be properly stored.

(7)   Soiled linen, including blankets, shall be placed in bags or impervious linen hampers/carts with lids tightly closed and shall be removed to the laundry area from the resident care unit at least every eight hours.

(8)   Sorting and pre-rinsing of all clothing shall be done in the soiled utility and laundry areas.

(9)   All soiled linen shall be enclosed in bags before placing them in the laundry chute. Laundry chutes shall be cleaned as scheduled in the facility's policy and procedure manual.

(10)   Carts and hampers used to transport soiled linen shall be constructed of, or lined with, impervious materials, which can be cleaned and disinfected after each use, and used only for transporting soiled linen. Tight fitting lids or covers shall be used.

(11)   Soiled linen and clothing shall be stored in the utility rooms and not in the halls.

(12)   All personnel shall wash their hands or use alcohol gel thoroughly after handling soiled linen.

(13)   There shall be at least one storage area for clean linen.

(c)   General storage. The facility shall provide general storage as follows:

(1)   Combustibles, such as cleaning rags and compounds, shall be in closed, metal containers.

(2)   Cleaning compounds and hazardous substances shall be labeled properly and stored in safe places. Food substances shall not be stored in the same cabinets, shelves, or in close proximity to prevent accidental selection of the hazardous substance in the place of the food substance.

(3)   Residents shall not have access to storage areas for cleaning agents, bleaches, insecticides or any other dangerous, poisonous or flammable substances.

(4)   Paper towels, tissues, and other supplies shall be stored in a manner to prevent their contamination prior to use.

(5)   Closed storage shall be provided for pillows, blankets, sheepskins, draw sheets, weight distribution pads, and pressure padding.

(6)   Equipment shall not be stored in a hallway or corridor.

(7)   No item shall be stored directly on the floor.

[Source: Added at 9 Ok Reg 3163, eff 7-1-92 (emergency); Added at 10 Ok Reg 1639, eff 6-1-93]