SECTION 551.73. Environmental Services

(a) Pest control.

(1) The facility must be kept free of insects, rodents, and vermin. The least toxic and least flammable effective chemicals must be used. Poisons must not be stored with food products and must be under lock.

(2) Garbage and trash must be stored in an enclosed container, protected against leakage, contact with disease vectors, and access to animals. It must be stored in an area separate from those used for the preparation and storage of food and must be removed from the premises in conformity with state and local practices. A garbage or trash container must be maintained free of accumulations and coatings of garbage. A garbage storage area must be kept clean and in good repair.

(b) Storage. Storage items must be neatly arranged and placed to minimize fire hazard. Gasoline, volatile materials, paint, and similar products, excluding personal items, must not be stored in the building accommodating residents except as may be approved by the local fire marshal. Accumulations of extraneous material and refuse must not be permitted.

(c) Laundry.

(1) There must be clean linen available at all times, and in a quantity to meet the needs of the residents.

(2) Clean linen must be stored in a clean storage area, which is easily accessible to staff.

(3) Soiled linen and clothing in a large facility must be transported or stored in approved containers or bags.

(A) Soiled laundry storage must be in a separate, well ventilated area and must not be permitted to accumulate in other areas of the facility.

(B) A soiled bag or container must not be used to convey clean linens.

(C) Soiled linens must not be sorted, laundered, rinsed, or stored in bathrooms, resident rooms, corridors, kitchens, or food storage areas.

Source Note: The provisions of this §551.73 adopted to be effective July 1, 1996, 21 TexReg 5328; transferred effective May 1, 2019, as published in the Texas Register April 12, 2019, 44 TexReg 1883; amended to be effective February 24, 2022, 47 TexReg 787