Page 73 - Microsoft Word -Cow Book 10-06-09 final update.doc

Item 16r

HANDWASHING FACILITIES

REQUIREMENT: Adequate handwashing facilities shall be provided, including a
lavatory fixture with hot and cold, or warm running water, soap or detergent, and
individual sanitary towels, convenient to the milkhouse, milking barn, stable, parlor
and flush toilet.

Public Health Reason: Adequate handwashing facilities are essential to personal
cleanliness and minimize the likelihood of contamination of the milk. Handwashing
facilities are required in order to increase the assurance that milker’s and bulk milk
hauler/sampler’s hands will be washed.

Inspectional areas of emphasis or special problem areas may be:

1. On each dairy farm there must be a handwashing lavatory fixture convenient
to the milkhouse, toilet and the milking operations. An item could possibly be
satisfied with one handwashing sink convenient to all three locations,
however compliance of this item is judged on an individual farm basis.

For instance: Many inspectors use the "two door" method to evaluate
convenience of the handwashing facility. That is, if there are two doors
separating the handwashing facility and any one of the three areas listed
above then it may not be convenient for the user. Remember that the
handwashing facility should also be convenient for the hauler/sampler,
milker, and inspector.

2. The handwashing lavatory fixture must always be provided with adequate
soap and individual towels and must be kept clean and free of debris.

3. It must never be used as a storage area for items such as outlet valves, drink
cans, insecticide bombs, medication devices, brushes, etc.

4. Hot and cold or warm running water must be provided to the handwashing
facilities.

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