Iowa Admin. Code r. 875-29.3

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 10, November 13, 2024

Rule 875-29.3 - Toilets

(1)General.

a. Where running water and sewer or septic tank connections are reasonably available, flush-type toilets and urinals shall be maintained.

b. Chemical toilets or privies may only be used where it is impractical to install inside toilet or urinal facilities.

c. No privy, urinal, cesspool, septic tank or other receptacle for human excrement shall be constructed, maintained or used, except those maintained on moving equipment, which directly or indirectly drains or discharges over, into or upon the surface of the grounds, or into the waters of the state, either directly or indirectly, unless the contents of such urinal, cesspool, septic tank or receptacle for human excrement are subjected to some recognized sterilization treatment approved by the Iowa department of public health.

(2)Water closets.

a. Every flush toilet shall have a rim flush bowl or be so constructed as to prevent the accumulation of fecal matter on the bowl. The bowl shall be constructed of vitrified glazed earthenware, enameled metal, or other smooth-finished material impervious to moisture.

b. Every such bowl shall be so installed that the surroundings and floor space can be easily cleaned.

c. No pan, plunger or wash-out water closets are permitted except that pan or double-pan types are permitted for running facilities.

d. Every flush toilet shall have a separate hinged seat made of a material, other than metal, which does not absorb moisture or which shall be finished with varnish or other substances resistant to moisture.

(3)Urinals.

a. Every urinal shall be made of vitrified glazed earthenware, enameled metal or other smooth-finished material impervious to moisture.

b. Every urinal shall be located within a toilet room.

c. Twenty-four inches of trough urinal shall be equivalent to an individual urinal.

d. Wherever a slab urinal is installed, the floor, for a distance of not less than 24 inches in front of the urinal shall be sloped toward the urinal drain, and adequate splash guards shall be installed.

e. Every urinal shall be flushed from a water-supplied tank or through valve, and flush valves shall be installed with an approved backflow preventer Every such tank shall furnish an adequate quantity of water for each discharge for every fixture. In place of such discharge from a tank or flush valve, water may be allowed to run continuously over slab or trough urinals.

f. Clear floor space allowed for each urinal or its equivalent shall be not less than two feet in width; adequate passage shall be allowed.

(4)Chemical toilets. All chemical toilets installed must be of a type approved by the division of labor services. Containers shall be charged with chemical solution of proper strength and their contents shall be agitated daily with proper devices provided for that purpose. When containers are more than two-thirds full, the contents shall be disposed of in an approved manner, such as by burial or into a public sewer system. The stacks connecting the seats with the containers shall be cleaned as often as is necessary to keep them in a clean and sanitary condition.

(5)Incinerator toilets. An incinerator toilet may be described as containing a receptacle for toilet waste to which intense heat is applied obtained from electrical current, gas or some heat-producing agent.

a. All incinerator toilets used on railroad equipment in the state of Iowa must be of a type approved by the division of labor services.

b. The installation and method of venting must be approved by the division of labor services.

c. Clear and concise instructions must be provided by the railroad company to ensure that the units are operated correctly.

(6)Privies.

a. All privies shall be located so as to avoid contaminating any water of the state.

b. A suitable approach, such as concrete, gravel or cinder walk shall be provided.

c. Privies shall be constructed and maintained insect and rodent proof

d. Every privy shall be provided with a door and such door shall be self-closing.

e. The lids over the seats shall be so constructed as to fall into a closed position when the seat is not occupied.

f. The pit or vault shall be ventilated to the outside air by means of a stack protected at its outlet and by screens.

g. Individual seats shall be provided in accordance with the ratio hereinafter set forth.

(7)Toilet rooms -specifications for.

a. Separation.

(1) No toilet room shall have direct communication with any room in which unwrapped food products are prepared, stored, handled or sold, unless separated from said room by a self-closing door maintained in operating condition.

(2) Separate toilet facilities shall be provided for each sex, and each toilet room shall be plainly marked by a sign reading "MEN" or "WOMEN", as the case might be.

(3) There shall be no direct connection between toilet rooms for men and women. Each shall have a separate entrance, and each door leading thereto shall have an automatic closing device maintained in operating condition.

b. Compartments. Each water closet in toilet rooms containing more than one water closet, or water closets, together with one or more urinals, shall be in an individual compartment.

c.Ventilation. Every toilet room shall be adequately ventilated.

d.Lighting. All toilet facilities shall be clearly lighted at all times during working hours.

e.Heating. Except privies, every toilet room shall be kept adequately heated.

f.Screens. All windows, ventilators and other openings, shall be screened to prevent the entrance of insects. Toilet rooms shall be kept free of insects and vermin.

(8)Toilets -number required -general

a. Adequate toilet facilities shall be provided for all employees, and for each sex. Such facilities shall be conveniently located and accessible and shall be maintained in a usable and sanitary condition at all times.

b. The following table shall be used as a guide in determining the adequacy of toilet facilities.

	Number of Employees	Minimum Number of Facilities
	1 to 10 persons	1 toilet
	11 to 24 persons	2 toilets
	25 to 49 persons	3 toilets
	50 to 74 persons	4 toilets
	75 to 100 persons	5 toilets
	Over 100	1 toilet for each additional 30 persons

c. Whenever urinals are provided, one urinal may be substituted for one toilet, provided the number of toilets shall not be reduced to less than two-thirds of the number shown in the foregoing table.

(9)Toilets -supplies.

a.Toilet paper An adequate supply of toilet paper with holder shall be supplied by the employer for each toilet.

b.Sanitary napkins. In all toilet rooms used by women the company shall permit the installation of dispensing machines for sanitary napkins.

(10)Toilets -location of and type.

a. Running facilities. Flush type, chemical type or incinerator type toilets shall be provided on the following running facilities.

(1) All locomotives except when used in yard service or as unmanned auxiliary units.

(2) Baggage and express cars where employees are required to work en route.

(3) Cabooses.

b. Stationary facilities. Appropriate type toilets, according to the specifications herein, shall be provided and made accessible to all employees at the following locations:

(1) All terminals.

(2) All yard offices.

(3) All stations or depots.

(4) All freight, baggage and express offices (located on railroad property).

(5) All engine houses and shops.

(6) All bunk or section houses and section headquarters.

(7) Lunchrooms located on railroad property.

(8) All maintenance-of-way camps.

(9) Crossing watchman locations, where practicable, and where such facilities are not otherwise readily and conveniently located.

(10) All office work areas.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 875-29.3