WAC 296-800-23005   Provide safe drinking (potable) water in your workplace.  

     You must:

     (1) Provide safe drinking (potable) water for employees for:

     • Washing themselves

     • Personal service rooms

     • Cooking

     • Washing premises where food is prepared or processed

     • Washing food, eating utensils, or clothing

     (2) Make sure when providing movable or portable drinking water dispensers that they are:

     • Capable of being closed

     • Kept in sanitary condition

     • Equipped with a tap

     (3) Prohibit employees from:

     • Using shared drinking cups or utensils.

     • Using open containers such as barrels, pails, and tanks that require employees to dip or pour drinking water, even if the containers have covers.

     Definition:

     • Potable water is water that you can safely drink that meets specific safety standards prescribed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations, published in 40 CFR Part 141, and 40 CFR 147.2400.

     • Personal service rooms are used for activities not directly connected with a business' production or service function such as first aid, medical services, dressing, showering, bathrooms, washing and eating.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090, § 296-800-23005, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and [49.17].050. 01-23-060, § 296-800-23005, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038, § 296-800-23005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]