S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-91.2000.2014

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 11, November 22, 2024

Section 61-91.2000.2014 - Water Requirements

A. The facility shall establish written policies and procedures to prevent waterborne microbial contamination within the water distribution system.

B. The facility shall ensure the practice of hand hygiene to prevent the hand transfer of pathogens, and the use of barrier precautions (e.g. gloves) in accordance with established guidelines.

C. The facility shall eliminate contaminated water or fluid from environmental reservoirs (e.g. in equipment or solutions) wherever possible.

D. The facility shall not place decorative fountains and fish tanks in patient-care areas. If decorative fountains are used in separate public areas, the facility shall ensure they are disinfected in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and safely maintained.

E. The facility plumbing fixtures that require hot water and are accessible to patients shall be supplied with water which thermostatically controlled to a temperature of at least 100 degrees F. (37.8 degrees C) and not exceeding 125 degrees F. (51.7 degrees C.) at the fixture.

F. The facility shall have a written plan to respond to disruptions in water supply. The plan must include a contingency plan to estimate water demands for the entire facility in advance of significant water disruptions (i.e., those expected to result in extensive and heavy microbial or chemical contamination of the potable water), sewage intrusion, or flooding.

G. When a significant water disruption or an emergency occurs, the facility shall:

1. Adhere to any advisory to boil water issued by the municipal water utility;

2. Alert patients, families, employees, volunteers, students and visitors not to consume water from drinking fountains, ice, or drinks made from municipal tap water, while the advisory is in effect, unless the water has been disinfected;

3. After the advisory is lifted, run faucets and drinking fountains at full flow for greater than 5 minutes, or use high-temperature water flushing or chlorination;

4. All ice and drinks that may have been contaminated must be disposed and storage containers cleaned; and

5. Decontaminate the hot water system as necessary after a disruption in service or a cross-connection with sewer lines has occurred.

H. The facility shall follow appropriate recommendations to prevent cross connection and other sources of contamination of ice for human consumption and to prevent contamination of hydrotherapy equipment and medical equipment connected to water systems (e.g. automated endoscope reprocessors).

I. The facility shall maintain and implement policies and procedures addressing the management of failure of waste water systems.

J. Patient and staff handwashing lavatories and showers, if any, shall include hot and cold water at all times.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-91.2000.2014

Adopted by State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 06, eff. 6/26/2015; State Register Volume 48, Issue No. 06, eff. 6/28/2024.