Definitions of Key Terms
- Defines terms like Chemical Waste (hazardous and non-hazardous), Commercial Laundry (types such as diaper-supply, dry cleaning, laundromat, linen-supply).
- Includes definitions for Public Laundry, Operator, Sanitary Permit, Local Health Officer, and Vermin Abatement Program.
Sanitary Permit Requirements
- Establishments must secure a sanitary permit before operation, with renewal required yearly.
- New construction or alteration requires a new permit.
- Sanitary permits subject to fees, posting, and record-keeping by local health offices.
- Permits can be suspended or revoked for non-compliance.
Personnel Sanitary Requirements
- Health certificates are mandatory for all employees, to be renewed annually.
- Prescribes good personal hygiene and health practices, prohibitions (e.g., no smoking, spitting).
- Requires use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to safety standards.
Sanitary Facilities Requirements
- Water supply must meet potable standards and have adequate flow and pressure.
- Sewage must be disposed properly; effluent must meet environmental standards.
- Requires solid waste management and vermin control programs.
- Toilet, bathroom, handwashing facilities, changerooms, and lockers must meet specified minimum standards.
Construction and Building Requirements
- Must comply with National Building Code and local ordinances.
- Walls, partitions, ceilings, windows, doors, floors, lighting, ventilation and noise control have detailed minimum standards.
- Plans for construction or renovation require approval by local health officer.
Community Laundry Area Provisions
- Minimum area and stall size requirements; stalls separated by partitions.
- Stalls must have specific facilities like laundry trays, faucets, and drainage.
- Proper aisle widths and location restrictions (no direct toilet access).
Sanitary Requirements for Laundry Services
- Location must comply with zoning laws.
- Cleanliness and hygiene in laundering processes including sorting, storage, and handling.
- Use of coded marking system to prevent contamination.
- Laundry vehicles must be designed to prevent contamination and be regularly cleaned.
- Detailed laundering processes: soaking, washing, rinsing, bleaching, drying, ironing.
Special Provisions for Institutions
- Hospitals must maintain adequate clean linen stock with specified minimum cycles per bed.
- Separate handling of contaminated linen with water-soluble bags and sterilization.
- Contracted laundry services must comply with same provisions.
Special Provisions for Commercial Laundry
- Diaper-supply laundries must handle diapers separately with safe detergents.
- Linen supply laundries must avoid cross-contamination between different types of linens.
- Laundromats must have adequate machines, personnel, and customer facilities.
- Dry cleaning services must follow safety, environmental, and leak detection requirements.
Health and Safety Provisions
- Customer and employee health and comfort must be preserved.
- Linens must not be mixed between different establishments.
- Establishments must maintain minimum emergency medical supplies and facilities.
- Emergency communication and exits are mandatory.
- Prohibits use of banned chemicals and mandates pollution prevention.
Inspection and Enforcement
- Local health officer to conduct sanitation inspections quarterly or as needed.
- Inspections require mission orders and authorized inspectors.
- Sanitation rating system with categories from Excellent to Satisfactory; below 50% triggers suspension recommendation.
- Sanitary orders issued for corrective actions with grace periods; failure can lead to permit revocation.
- Operators can appeal decisions; continuous operation without permit subject to court action.
Responsibilities
- Laundry Supervisor: ensures compliance, operation efficiency, quality laundry output, and sanitation.
- Operator: complies with instructions, promotes hygiene, renews permits, supports inspections, promotes environmental protection.
- Local Health Officer: conducts inspections, issues permits, promotes education campaigns.
- Local Health Authority: supports enforcement through ordinances, resources, and directives.
Penal Provisions
- Violations punishable by imprisonment (up to 6 months), fines (up to Php 1,000), or both.
- Interference with inspectors or defacing notices are punishable.
Miscellaneous
- Separability Clause ensures that invalid provisions do not affect others.
- Repealing Clause revokes inconsistent prior rules.
- Rules become effective 15 days after official publication.
Annex: Dry Cleaning Equipment Maintenance
- Detailed procedures and schedules for maintenance of machines, filters, stills, separators, and vapor control devices.
- Emphasizes regular inspections for leaks, cleaning, lubrication, and replacement to ensure safety and environmental compliance.
- Maintenance frequency: daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly tasks outlined.