SECTION 259.239. Furnishings for Inmate Housing Areas

(a) Bunks. Bunks shall be fire resistive and securely anchored. The mattress surface of the bunk shall measure not less than 2' 3" wide and 6' 3" long.

(b) Toilets and Lavatories. Detention type toilets and lavatories shall be provided in cells and day rooms. Based on design capacity, each cell and day room shall provide 1 toilet and lavatory capable of providing drinking water for each group or increment of 8 inmates.

(c) Showers. Shower areas shall be not less than 2' 6" square per showerhead and not less than 7' 0" high. Construction shall be of vandal resistive materials and should be of materials which resist the action of soap and water. Drying areas of not less than 2' 6" square sloped to a drain should be provided adjoining the shower entrance. Based on design capacity, each day room, unless otherwise approved by the Commission, shall provide 1 shower for each group or increment of 12 inmates.

(d) Tables and Seating. Tables and seating shall be constructed of materials which will resist vandalism. They shall be fire resistive, securely anchored, and reasonably remote from toilet areas. Tables and benches shall be not less than 12" wide, and linear seating shall be not less than 18 continuous inches per person. Stools shall be not less than 12" in diameter. Seating height of 17" to 19" shall be provided.

(e) Privacy Shields. Inmate toilet and shower areas in dormitories, multiple occupancy cells, single occupancy cells, holding cells, and day rooms shall be equipped to restrict viewing from persons outside the cell and staff areas in direct supervision designs. Privacy shields shall extend from about 15" above the finished floor to about 5' high and shall be securely anchored.

(f) Mirrors. Mirrors shall be constructed of unbreakable material. Mirrors shall be provided above lavatories in day rooms and separation cells.

Source Note: The provisions of this §259.239 adopted to be effective December 12, 1994, 19 TexReg 9376; amended to be effective December 29, 1997, 22 TexReg 12789; amended to be effective February 4, 1999, 24 TexReg 591; amended to be effective October 8, 2013, 38 TexReg 6923