Washington Administrative Code

If not in use, a water tank and hose inlet and outlet fitting must be protected using a cover or device as specified under WAC 246-215-05340.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-05360, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-109, § 246-2…

(1) Except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, a water tank, pump, and hoses used for conveying drinking water must be used for no other purpose.(2) Water tanks, pumps, and hoses approved for liquid foods may be used for conveying drinking water if they are cleaned an…

A sewage holding tank in a mobile food unit must be:(1) Sized fifteen percent larger in capacity than the water supply tank; and(2) Sloped to a drain that is one inch (25 mm) in inner diameter or greater, equipped with a shutoff valve.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20…

food establishment drainage systems, including grease traps, that convey sewage must be designed and installed as specified under WAC 246-215-05205(1).[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-05405, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-10…

(1) Except as specified in subsections (2), (3), and (4) of this section, a direct connection may not exist between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food, portable equipment, or utensils are placed.(2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply…

If used, a grease trap must be located to be easily accessible for cleaning.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-05415, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-05415, filed 1/17/13, effective 5/1/13.]

sewage must be conveyed to the point of disposal through an approved sanitary sewage system, on-site sewage system, or other system, including use of sewage transport vehicles, waste retention tanks, pumps, pipes, hoses, and connections that are constructed, installed, maintained…

sewage and other liquid wastes must be removed from a mobile food unit at an approved waste servicing area or by a sewage transport vehicle in such a way that a public health hazard or nuisance is not created.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246…

A tank for liquid waste retention must be thoroughly flushed and drained in a sanitary manner during the servicing operation.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-05430, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-05430, filed …

sewage must be disposed through an approved facility or system that is:(1) A public sewage treatment plant; or(2) A sewage disposal system that is sized, constructed, maintained and operated according to law.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-…

Condensate drainage and other liquids and rainwater that are not sewage must be drained from point of discharge to disposal according to law.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-05440, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-109, § 246-2…

If located within the food establishment, a storage area for refuse, recyclables and returnables must meet the requirements specified under WAC 246-215-06100, 246-215-06200, 246-215-06235, 246-215-06260, and 246-215-06265.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-…

An outdoor storage surface for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must be constructed of nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt and must be smooth, durable and sloped to drain.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-05505, filed 12…

If used, an outdoor enclosure for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must be constructed of durable and cleanable materials.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-05510, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-05510, filed…

(1) Except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables and for use with materials containing food residue must be durable, cleanable, insect- and rodent-resistant, leakproof, and nonabsorbent.(2) Pl…

A refuse receptacle may not be located within a vending machine, except that a receptacle for beverage bottle crown closures may be located within a vending machine.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-05520, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22…

(1) Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used with materials containing food residue and used outside the food establishment must be designed and constructed to have tight fitting lids, doors, or covers.(2) Receptacles and waste handling u…

(1) An inside storage room and area and outside storage area and enclosure, and receptacles must be of sufficient capacity to hold refuse, recyclables, and returnables that accumulate.(2) A receptacle must be provided in each area of the food establishment or premises where refus…

A toilet room used by females must be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-05535, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-05535, filed 1/17/13, effective 5/1/13.]

(1) Except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, suitable cleaning implements and supplies such as high pressure pumps, hot water, steam, and detergent must be provided as necessary for effective cleaning of receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, …

(1) An area designated for refuse, recyclables, returnables, and, except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, a redeeming machine for recyclables or returnables must be located so that it is separate from food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single…

refuse, recyclables and returnables must be stored in receptacles or waste handling units so that they are inaccessible to insects and rodents.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-05550, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-109, § 246…

Storage areas, enclosures, and receptacles for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must be maintained in good repair.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-05555, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-05555, filed 1/17/13…

(1) Except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, refuse receptacles not meeting the requirements specified under WAC 246-215-05515(1) such as receptacles that are not rodent-resistant, unprotected plastic bags and paper bags, or baled units that contain materials with f…

Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must be kept covered:(1) Inside the food establishment if the receptacles and units:(a) Contain food residue and are not in continuous use; or(b) After they are filled; and(2) With tight fitting lids or…

Drains in receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must have drain plugs in place.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-05570, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-05570, filed 1/17/1…

A storage area and enclosure for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must be maintained free of unnecessary items, as specified under WAC 246-215-06565, and clean.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-05575, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22;…

(1) Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must be thoroughly cleaned in a way that does not contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, or single-service and single-use articles, and waste water must be disposed of as specified under WAC…

refuse, recyclables, and returnables must be removed from the premises at a frequency that minimizes the development of objectionable odors and other conditions that attract or harbor insects and rodents.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-…

refuse, recyclables, and returnables must be removed from the premises by way of:(1) Portable receptacles that are constructed and maintained according to law; or(2) A transport vehicle that is constructed, maintained, and operated according to law.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20…

Solid waste not disposed of through the sewage system such as through grinders and pulpers must be recycled or disposed of in an approved public or private community recycling or refuse facility; or solid waste must be disposed of in an individual refuse facility such as a landfi…

(1) Except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, materials for indoor floor, wall, and ceiling surfaces under conditions of normal use must be:(a) smooth, durable, and easily cleanable for areas where food establishment operations are conducted;(b) Closely woven and eas…

(1) The outdoor walking and driving areas must be surfaced with concrete, asphalt or gravel or other materials that have been effectively treated to minimize dust, facilitate maintenance, and prevent muddy conditions.(2) Exterior surfaces of buildings and mobile food units must b…

Except as specified under WAC 246-215-06215 and except for antislip floor coverings or applications that may be used for safety reasons, floors, floor coverings, walls, wall coverings and ceilings must be designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanabl…

(1) Utility service lines and pipes may not be unnecessarily exposed.(2) Exposed utility service lines and pipes must be installed so they do not obstruct or prevent cleaning of the floors, walls or ceilings.(3) Exposed horizontal utility service lines and pipes may not be instal…

(1) In food establishments in which cleaning methods other than water flushing are used for cleaning floors, the floor and wall junctures must be coved and closed to no larger than one thirty-second inch (1 mm).(2) The floors in food establishments in which water flush cleaning m…

(1) A floor covering such as carpeting or similar material may not be installed as a floor covering in food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, warewashing areas, toilet room areas where handwashing sinks, toilets and urinals are located, refuse storage rooms, or other area…

Mats and duckboards must be designed to be removable and easily cleanable.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-06220, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-06220, filed 1/17/13, effective 5/1/13.]

(1) Wall and ceiling covering materials must be attached so that they are easily cleanable.(2) Except in areas used only for dry storage, concrete, porous blocks, or bricks used for indoor wall construction must be finished and sealed to provide a smooth, nonabsorbent, easily cle…

(1) Except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, attachments to walls and ceilings such as light fixtures, mechanical room ventilation system components, vent covers, wall mounted fans, decorative items, and other attachments must be easily cleanable.(2) In a consumer a…

Except for temporary food establishments, studs, joists, and rafters may not be exposed in areas subject to moisture.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-06235, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-06235, filed 1/17/13,…

(1) Except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, light bulbs must be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food, clean equipment, utensils, and linens, or unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.(2) Shielded, coated, o…

Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems must be designed and installed so that make-up air intake and exhaust vents do not cause contamination of food, food-contact surfaces, equipment, or utensils.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246…

(1) Insect control devices that are used to electrocute or stun flying insects must be designed to retain the insect within the device.(2) Insect control devices must be installed so that:(a) The devices are not located over a food preparation area; and(b) Dead insects and insect…

Except where a toilet room is located outside a food establishment and does not open directly into the food establishment such as a toilet room that is provided by the management of a shopping mall, a toilet room located on the premises must be completely enclosed and provided wi…

(1) Except as specified in subsections (2) through (5) of this section, outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by:(a) Filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings;(b) Closed, tight-fitting win…

Perimeter walls and roofs of a food establishment must effectively protect the establishment from the weather and entry of insects, rodents, and other animals.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-06265, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR …

Except for machines that vend canned beverages, if located outside, a machine used to vend food must be provided with overhead protection.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-06270, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-…

Except for areas used only for the loading of water or the discharge of sewage and other liquid waste, through the use of a closed system of hoses, servicing areas must be provided with overhead protection.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-21…

Exterior walking and driving services must be graded to drain.[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and 43.20.145. WSR 21-01-122, § 246-215-06280, filed 12/15/20, effective 3/1/22; WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-06280, filed 1/17/13, effective 5/1/13.]