SECTION 265.71. Permanent Camps

The camp shall be so located as to promote at all times the health, safety, and well-being of persons accommodated.

(1) Housing site.

(A) All campsites shall be well drained and free from depressions in which water may stand. Natural sinkholes, pools, swamps, or other surface collectors of water within 200 feet of the periphery of the camp shall be either drained or filled to remove the still surface water. Mosquito breeding shall be prevented in such area containing water not subject to such drainage or filling.

(B) Housing shall not be subject to or in proximity to conditions that create or are likely to create offensive odors, flies, noise, traffic, or any similar hazards.

(C) Grounds within the housing site shall be free from debris, noxious plants (poison ivy, etc.) and uncontrolled weeds or brush.

(D) The housing site shall provide a space for recreation reasonably related to the size of the facility and the type of occupancy.

(2) Water supply.

(A) When drinking water supply system is to be established for a camp, plans are to be submitted to the Texas State Department of Health for review and approval prior to construction thereof. All water systems serving camps are to be constructed in conformance to the Board of Health's current "Rules and Regulations for Public Water Systems' and maintained and operated in accordance with the following minimum acceptable operating standards, which are based upon state statutes, regulations, and good operating practices.

(B) The use of a common drinking cup shall not be permitted.

(C) The camp shall be connected to an acceptable existing public water supply system if at all possible. Should a camp have its own source of water supply, then the following requirements are to be met:

(i) Water systems serving camps shall submit a minimum of four water samples each month the camp is in operation to the Texas State Department of Health or one of its regional laboratories for bacteriological analysis (be sure to check with the laboratory to see what days of the week they will accept these samples).

(ii) Annually every camp shall submit a one-half gallon water sample for chemical analysis and, in addition, an eight-ounce sample collected in a glass bottle for iron and manganese determination.

(iii) A minimum chlorine residual of 0.2 ppm must be maintained throughout the distribution system at all times. In this connection, a chlorine test kit should be obtained so the chlorine residuals can be checked. Test results should be recorded.

(iv) When repairs are made to existing mains or when new main extensions are provided, they must be disinfected by water department personnel using such amounts of chlorine or chlorine compounds as to fill the repaired or new mains and appurtenances with water containing 50 ppm chlorine. After the water containing this amount of chlorine, which is greater than that normally present in drinking water, has been in contact with the pipe and appurtenances at least 24 hours, the water shall be replaced with water to be transported normally, and samples of water from the new or repaired main submitted to laboratories for bacteriological examination so as to be assured that the disinfection procedure was effective. When it is necessary to return repaired mains to service as rapidly as possible, doses may be increased to 500 ppm and the contact time reduced to 1/2 hour.

(v) A supply of calcium hypochlorite disinfectant shall be kept on hand for use when making repairs and repairing line breaks.

(vi) Continuous efforts shall be made by camp personnel to locate possible interconnections between privately owned water systems and the camp water system. As these undesirable interconnections are located, they shall be eliminated so as to prevent possible contamination of the water supplied by the camp water facilities. Water lines and sanitary sewers shall be installed no closer to each other than nine feet, nor closer than 10 feet to septic tank drainfields.

(vii) All dead-end mains should be flushed at monthly intervals or more frequently if necessary to maintain water quality.

(viii) No tile or concrete sanitary sewers or septic tanks shall be allowed within a distance of 50 feet, and no cesspool or septic tank open-jointed drainfields shall be allowed within a distance of 150 feet of the well.

(ix) Copies of well material setting data, geological log, sealing information (pressure cementing and surface protection), disinfection information, bacteriological sample results, and a chemical analysis report of a representative sample of water from the well shall be kept on file.

(x) No physical connection between the distribution system of a camp water supply and that of any other supply shall be permitted unless such other water is of safe sanitary quality and the interconnection is approved by the State Department of Health.

(3) Excreta and liquid waste disposal.

(A) Adequate and safe sewerage facilities with flush toilets shall be provided if water supply is available. Raw or treated liquid waste shall not be discharged or allowed to accumulate on the ground surface.

(B) Where public sewer systems are available, all facilities for disposal of sewage or wastewater shall be connected thereto.

(C) Where public sewers are not available, a subsurface septic tank-seepage system or other type of liquid waste treatment and disposal system shall be provided. If wastewater plant is to be utilized and discharge is to occur, a waste control order must be secured from the Texas Water Quality Board.

(D) Where water supply is not available, sanitary-type privies or portable toilets shall be provided. All such facilities shall be constructed as required by the Texas State Department of Health. Privies, if provided, shall be constructed according to standards set forth in the department's "Texas Community Sanitation Handbook," and maintained so to prevent access of flies and animals to the contents therein, to prevent fly breeding, and to prevent contamination of water supply.

(E) All facilities provided for excreta and liquid waste disposal shall be maintained and operated in a sanitary manner to eliminate possible health or pollution hazards.

(4) Housing.

(A) Housing shall be structurally sound, in good repair, maintained in a sanitary condition, and shall provide protection to the occupants against the elements.

(B) Housing shall have flooring constructed of rigid materials, smooth finished, readily cleanable, and so located as to prevent the entrance of ground and surface water.

(C) Each habitable room shall be adequately ventilated.

(D) Therapeutic camps shall have an annual pressure test for all gas pipes, to be performed by the local gas company or a licensed plumber.

(E) A balcony, upper story, attic, or loft is not recommended for sleeping or group assembly and can only be used when recommended minimum safety requirements for emergency exits are met (two or more exits remote from each other; exits to ground level by stairs, not ladders; one or more exits by outside stairs; walls with well-secured handrails or guards on both sides of stairs, minimum width of 36 inches for stairs; minimum width of 34 inches for doorways giving access to stairs; doors that swing open in direction exit travel; a landing, at least as wide and as long as the door width, between door and stairs).

(5) Screening.

(A) All outside openings shall be protected with screening of 16 mesh or less.

(B) All screen doors shall be tight, in good repair and equipped with self-closing devices.

(6) Heating.

(A) All living quarters and service rooms shall be provided with properly installed, operable heating equipment capable of maintaining a temperature of at least 68° F if during the period of normal occupancy the temperature in such quarters falls below 68° F.

(B) Any stoves or other sources of heat utilizing combustible fuel shall be installed and vented in such a manner as to prevent fire hazards and a dangerous concentration of gases. No portable heaters other than those operated by electricity shall be provided. If a solid or liquid fuel stove is used in a room with wooden or other combustible flooring, there shall be a concrete slab, insulated metal sheet, or other fireproof materials on the floor under each stove, extending at least 18 inches beyond the perimeter of the base of the stove.

(C) Any wall or ceiling within 18 inches of a solid or liquid fuel stove or a stovepipe shall be of fireproof material. A vented metal collar shall be installed around a stovepipe, or vent passing through a wall, ceiling, floor, or roof. Such vent or chimney shall extend above the peak of the roof.

(D) When a heating system has automatic controls, the controls shall be of the type which cut off the fuel supply upon the failure or interruption of the flame or ignition, or whenever a predetermined safe temperature or pressure is exceeded. All steam and hot water systems shall be provided with safety devices arranged to prevent hazardous pressures and excessive temperatures.

(E) All heating equipment shall be maintained and operated in a safe manner to eliminate possibilities of fire.

(7) Electricity and lighting.

(A) All housing sites shall be provided with electric services when available.

(B) When available, each habitable room and all common use rooms, and areas such as laundry rooms, toilets, privies, hallways, stairways, etc., shall contain adequate ceiling or wall-type light fixtures. At least one wall-type electrical convenience outlet shall be provided in each individual living room.

(C) When available, adequate lighting shall be provided for the yard area, and pathways to common use facilities.

(D) All wiring and lighting fixtures shall be installed and maintained in a safe condition.

(8) Toilet facilities.

(A) Toilets shall be constructed, located, and maintained so as to prevent any nuisance or public health hazard.

(B) Privies shall be located at least 150 feet from a stream, lake, or well and at least 75 feet from a sleeping or housing facility.

(C) Water closets or privy seats for each sex shall be in ratio of not less than one such unit for each 15 occupants, with a minimum of one unit for each sex in common use facilities.

(D) Separate toilet accommodations for men and women shall be provided. If toilet facilities for men and women are in the same building, they shall be separated by a solid wall from floor to ceiling. Toilets shall be distinctly marked "Men' and "Women.'

(E) Urinals, constructed of nonabsorbent materials, may be substituted for men's toilet seats on basis of one urinal or 24 inches of trough-type urinal for one toilet seat up to a maximum of 1/3 of the required toilet seats. The wall and floor or space to a point of one foot in front of the urinal lip and four feet above the front and at least one foot to each side of the urinal shall be faced with nonabsorbent material. Privy structures and pits shall be flyproof. Privy pits shall have adequate capacity for the required seats.

(F) Common use toilet facilities and privies shall be well lighted and ventilated and shall be clean and sanitary.

(G) An adequate supply of toilet paper shall be provided.

(9) Washrooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

(A) Bathing and handwashing facilities, supplied with hot and cold water under pressure, shall be provided for the use of all occupants. These facilities shall be clean and sanitary and maintained in good repair.

(B) There shall be a minimum of one showerhead per 15 persons. Showerheads shall be spaced at least three feet apart, with a minimum of nine square feet of floor space per unit. Adequate dry dressing space shall be provided in common use facilities. Shower floors shall be constructed of nonabsorbent, nonskid materials and sloped to properly constructed floor drains. Separate shower facilities shall be provided for each sex. When common use shower facilities for both sexes are in the same building, they shall be separated by a solid nonabsorbent wall extending from the floor to ceiling or roof, and shall be plainly designated "Men' or "Women.'

(C) Lavatories or equivalent units shall be provided in a ratio of one per 15 persons.

(D) If laundry service is not otherwise provided, laundry facilities supplied with hot and cold water under pressure shall be provided for the use of all occupants. Laundry trays or tubs shall be provided in the ratio of one per 25 persons. Mechanical washers may be provided in the ratio of one per 50 persons in lieu of laundry trays, although a minimum of one laundry tray per 100 persons shall be provided in addition to the mechanical washers.

(10) Swimming pools. New swimming pools shall be constructed in accordance with Texas State Department of Health design standards and all pools shall be maintained and operated as required by local regulations and the standards of the Texas State Department of Health for swimming pools. (See "Texas Sanitation & Health Protection Law") and "A Training Course in Swimming Pool Operation" available from the Texas State Department of Health.)

(A) There shall be one unit of water safety equipment for each 2000 square feet of water surface area.

(B) The outdoor swimming pool shall have a fence. All entrances and exits to outdoor and indoor pools shall be closed and locked when not in use. Machinery rooms shall be locked to prevent children from entering.

(11) Sleeping facilities.

(A) Bedding provided by the operator shall be clean and sanitary. All bedding shall be laundered or otherwise sanitized between assignment to different employees.

(B) Linens shall be changed as often as required for cleanliness and sanitation, but not less frequently than once a week.

(C) Bedwetters shall have their linens changed as often as they are wet.

(D) Clean mattresses and mattress covers shall be provided.

(E) Adequate personal storage area shall be available for each child to separate his clothing from other children's personal belongings.

(F) Boys and girls shall not share the same sleeping unit.

(G) The operator shall insure that a separate bed, bunk, or cot is available for each person. Double-deck beds are permissible, but triple-deck beds are prohibited. Beds shall be spaced in a manner which will provide a walk space on at least one side and at least one end of each bed.

(12) Food sanitation.

(A) Food shall be from approved sources and shall be properly identified.

(B) Milk products shall be pasteurized.

(C) Food shall be protected from contamination.

(D) Thermometers shall be placed in refrigeration facilities.

(E) Potentially hazardous foods shall be stored at proper temperatures.

(i) Refrigerated food shall be stored at 45° F or below.

(ii) Frozen food shall be stored at 0° Fahrenheit or below.

(iii) Hot foods shall be held at 140° F or above.

(F) The handling of food shall be minimized through the use of utensils.

(G) Fruits and vegetables shall be properly washed prior to use.

(H) Food and food containers shall be covered and stored off the floor and on clean surfaces. Refrigerated food shall also be covered.

(I) Sugar shall be served in closed dispensers or packaged.

(J) Poisonous and toxic materials shall be properly identified, stored separately from food, and properly used. Poisonous polishes shall not be used on eating and cooking utensils.

(K) Persons with wounds or communicable diseases shall be prohibited from handling food.

(L) Food handlers shall practice good hygienic practices.

(M) Food handling equipment shall be properly designed, installed, and maintained.

(N) Tableware and kitchenware shall be clean to sight and touch.

(O) Eating and cooking ware shall be washed and sanitized in accordance with the "State Sterilization Law.' Where the chlorine method of sanitizing is used, a three compartment vat is required.

(P) Food contact surfaces shall be clean.

(Q) All eating and cooking ware shall be properly stored. Single service articles shall be properly stored, handled, and used only once.

(R) Toilet facilities for the kitchen area shall be properly equipped and maintained.

(S) Flies, rats, roaches, and other pests shall be controlled.

(T) Floors, walls, and ceilings shall be kept clean and in good repair.

(U) Adequate lighting shall be provided and shall be properly protected from breakage.

(V) The kitchen area and cooking equipment shall be properly vented.

(W) Pets shall not be allowed in the food storage, preparation, or dining area.

(13) Garbage and other refuse.

(A) Durable, clean containers of adequate size and tight fitting lids shall be conveniently located to each housing unit for storage of garbage and other refuse. When mechanical equipment is available, bulk type containers may be used. When containers of 32 gallon capacity are used, a minimum ratio of one container per 15 persons is required.

(B) Provisions shall be made for collection of refuse at least twice a week, or more often if necessary. The disposal of refuse, which includes garbage, shall be in accordance with requirements of the Texas State Department of Health.

(C) Storage facilities and areas shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.

(14) Insect and rodent control.

(A) A vector control program shall be maintained to insure effective control of all insects and rodents in buildings and on the premises.

(B) If chemical control is needed to supplement good sanitation practices, proper pesticides should be used in strict accordance with label instructions.

(15) Farm and domestic animals.

(A) Horses and other animals maintained in any camp shall be quartered at a reasonable distance from any sleeping, living, eating, or food preparation area.

(B) Stables and corrals shall be located as to prevent contamination of any water supply. Manure shall be removed from stalls and corrals as often as necessary to prevent a fly problem.

(C) Horses, dogs, or other domestic animals or pets shall not be permitted on a bathing beach or in the water in the area used for waterfront activities.

(D) All dogs, cats, and other warm-blooded pets owned or under the supervision of an occupant of any camp shall be currently vaccinated against rabies in compliance with the law of Texas.

(i) Written records shall be kept on the type of vaccinations and the date of vaccinations.

(ii) The premises shall be kept free of stray domestic animals.

(E) Dogs and other small animal pets and their quarters shall be kept clean and free of ectoparasites. Pens should be cleaned daily but not less than each 24 hours and droppings properly disposed of.

Source Note: The provisions of this §265.71 adopted to be effective January 1, 1976