Ohio Admin. Code 3701-25-03

Current through all regulations passed and filed through December 2, 2024

Section 3701-25-03 - Responsibility of the operator

(A) Permission to operate. No person shall operate or maintain a resident camp without a permit issued by the board of health having jurisdiction.

(B) Submission of plans. Any person who intends to construct, substantially alter or operate an existing, unpermitted resident camp shall comply with rule 3701-25-04 of the Administrative Code.

(C) Persons seeking approval to operate a resident camp shall apply to the board of health in which the business is located, on forms the board shall prescribe and provide.

(1) Initial permit to operate. Any person who intends to open a new resident camp shall apply for a permit at any time after receiving written approval of the plans for the resident camp from the board of health under paragraph (C)(1) of rule 3701-25-02 of the Administrative Code.

(2) Permit renewal. Every operator who intends to renew an approval to operate or maintain a resident camp shall apply to the board of health on or after April first of each year.

(D) The operator shall post the current permit approval in a conspicuous manner on the resident camp premises.

(E) In accordance with paragraph (D) of rule 3701-25-02 of the Administrative Code, the operator shall give the board of health access to the resident camp premises and to all records relevant to an inspection.

(F) The operator of a resident camp shall:

(1) Establish rules governing the operation and maintenance of the resident camp. The rules shall be given to the patrons upon arrival or be conspicuously posted. The rules shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) Safety requirements;

(b) Traffic control and vehicle use;

(c) Noise control;

(d) Use of hazardous materials and fire safety;

(e) Registration of all visitors; and

(f) Aquatic recreation area safety requirements, if applicable.

(2) Prevent and remove any nuisances within the resident camp;

(3) Maintain vehicular access, as appropriate, throughout the resident camp. Roads and walkways shall be maintained to provide all-weather access at all times the resident camp is in use;

(4) Designate at least one responsible adult to be on site and available at all times the resident camp is in operation;

(5) Ensure the resident camp is kept free of trash and debris;

(6) Implement insect and rodent control measures when an insect or rodent nuisance exists;

(7) Reasonably control noxious plants such as poison ivy, poison sumac and other plants that could constitute a hazard to patrons in public use areas;

(8) Require the registration of all pets and service animals that are permitted within the resident camp prior to entry. All dogs must have proof of current rabies vaccination;

(9) Promptly report cases of either domestic or wild animal bites inflicted upon any person in the resident camp to the board of health where the resident camp is located; and

(10) Promptly notify the board of health of any known cases of communicable or infectious disease and, in the event of an outbreak, comply with the orders given by the board of health.

(G) Sleeping quarters. The operator shall ensure:

(1) All sleeping quarters are:

(a) Maintained in a safe condition; and

(b) Maintained as to provide easy, unobstructed exit in case of fire or other emergency.

(2) In sleeping quarters, beds shall be arranged as follows:

(a) To allow for adequate cross ventilation;

(b) Maintain a minimum horizontal distance of five feet between the heads of the campers;

(c) Every bed shall maintain at least:

(i) Twelve inches from the floor to the bottom of the mattress;

(ii) Twenty-seven inches between the top of the lower mattress of a bunk bed and bottom of the upper bunk;

(iii) Thirty-six inches from the top of the upper mattress to the ceiling; and

(iv) Thirty inches between the sides of the beds. In instances where the thirty inch separation distance cannot be achieved, the operator may provide a permanent partition or other acceptable barrier between beds.

(d) Triple deck or higher bunks shall be prohibited.

(3) Articles of bedding and furniture when provided by the operator shall be kept clean, free of insects, pests, and rodents, and in good repair.

(a) Beds shall have mattresses or mattress covers that are impervious to moisture and easily cleanable.

(b) Bunk beds shall be equipped with guardrails attached to the upper bunks to prevent campers from accidentally rolling out of bed.

(c) Bedding shall be changed between campers, when soiled, and at least weekly, if sheets and pillowcases are supplied by the operator.

(4) Outside openings shall be protected with tight-fitting screens and kept in good repair. Screen doors shall be equipped with self-closing devices and installed to open outward.

(H) Hygiene facilities. All hygiene facilities shall be constructed in accordance with section 1210 of the Ohio building code, found in rule 4101:1-12-01 of the Administrative Code. The operator shall ensure:

(1) All toilet facilities are:

(a) Properly located in accordance with the approved plans;

(b) Maintained in a clean and sanitary condition;

(c) Provided with adequate toilet tissue at each toilet fixture;

(d) Provided with handwashing facilities;

(e) Provided with self-closing doors or modesty shields at the entrance and exits;

(f) Provided with floors that are easily cleanable, slip resistant, impervious to moisture, and self-draining; and

(g) Plainly designated and the location of toilets shall be indicated by suitable signs. During night hours all toilet facilities shall be lighted by artificial lighting.

(2) All handwashing facilities are:

(a) Equipped with water that is safe for human consumption, soap, and a sanitary hand drying method shall be provided in each camp except primitive camp areas, which shall have hand sanitizer when water is not readily accessible;

(b) Maintained in a clean and sanitary condition; and

(c) The location of handwashing facilities shall be indicated by suitable signs. The interior of these facilities shall be illuminated by artificial lighting during night hours.

(3) When shower facilities are provided they are:

(a) Equipped with water that is safe for human consumption;

(b) Maintained in a clean and sanitary condition;

(c) Provided with floors that are easily cleanable, slip resistant, impervious to moisture, and self-draining; and

(d) The location of shower facilities shall be indicated by suitable signs. The interior of these facilities shall be illuminated by artificial lighting when in use during night hours.

(I) Water supply systems. The operator shall ensure:

(1) Water of adequate quantity for human consumption is provided from:

(a) A public water system that meets the requirements of Chapter 6109. of the Revised Code and the rules adopted thereunder; or

(b) A private water system that meets the requirements of section 3701.344 of the Revised Code and the rules adopted thereunder.

(2) The water supply system and equipment is maintained in a safe and sanitary manner so as not to create a health hazard to the occupants of the camp;

(3) Adequate drainage is provided at all water service outlets; and

(4) All water hoses used for human consumption are rated for potable water use.

(J) Sewerage systems. The operator shall ensure:

(1) All sewerage systems meet the standards of Chapter 3718. or 6111. of the Revised Code;

(2) All sewerage systems are maintained in a safe and sanitary manner so as not to create a health hazard;

(3) No individual within the resident camp creates a sewage nuisance; and

(4) When the services of a registered septage hauler are utilized by the resident camp for the ultimate disposal of sewage pumped from holding tanks, a current service agreement shall be kept on file on the premises by the operator and shall include the dates of any services performed for a period of three years.

(K) Gray water recycling systems. The operator shall ensure:

(1) The gray water recycling system meets the standards of section 3718.02 of the Revised Code and the rules adopted thereunder, or Chapter 6111. of the Revised Code, as appropriate, and the following:

(a) Maintained to keep the system and the area around the system in a safe and sanitary manner and free from any nuisances or health hazards; and

(b) Easily accessible and provided with a sign indicating that the system is for gray water only and that no sewage is permitted.

(2) A resident camp that was in existence on or before September 6, 1998 is not required to comply with paragraph (F)(3)(b) of rule 3701-25-04 of the Administrative Code unless:

(a) The resident camp is substantially altered or expanded in such a manner that an approval is required under rule 3701-25-02 of the Administrative Code; or

(b) The board of health determines that the existing gray water recycling system is causing a nuisance because its location, installation, or design is not in compliance with this rule.

(3) When the services of a registered septage hauler are utilized by the resident camp for the ultimate disposal of gray water pumped from holding tanks, a current service agreement shall be kept on file on the premises by the operator and shall include the dates of any services performed for a period of three years; and

(4) All gray water recycling systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the approved plans.

(L) Solid waste storage and disposal. The operator shall ensure:

(1) The storage, collection, and disposal of solid waste is conducted so as to avoid the creation of health hazards, rodent harborages, insect breeding areas, and accidents;

(2) Solid waste stored within the resident camp is stored in durable, rust resistant, watertight, non-absorbent, and easily cleanable containers with tight fitting covers. Containers and covers are maintained in a clean condition and in good repair. Solid waste containers shall be sufficient in number and size to accommodate all solid waste generated between collections;

(3) All solid waste containers are easily accessible and emptied at least weekly unless otherwise authorized by the board of health; and

(4) A written policy for the disposal of infectious waste is kept on file at the resident camp.

(M) Electric. The operator shall ensure:

(1) All electrical work within a resident camp must be completed in accordance with section 2701 of the Ohio building code, found in rule 4101:1-27-01 of the Administrative Code or the local code, whichever is more stringent, with written certification by a licensed contractor;

(2) Written verification of the most recent permits, and any documents from a licensed contractor certifying work performed within the resident camp, are maintained on file for review by the board of health;

(3) Whenever electrical service is available to the resident camp, all public service buildings are provided with external lighting sufficient to provide illumination and visibility; and

(4) When, in the opinion of the board of health, an electrical hazard exists, the board may:

(a) Allow the operator to remove the hazard;

(b) Require written verification by a licensed contractor that a hazard does not exist; or

(c) Require written verification by a licensed contractor that proper repairs have been made to remove the hazard. Repairs that are necessary will apply only towards removing the hazard and will not be cause to renovate the entire electrical system due to other nonconforming issues with rule 4101:1-27-01 of the Administrative Code unless the licensed contractor verifies such renovation is necessary to remove the hazard.

(N) Safety. The operator shall ensure:

(1) Fire fighting equipment of the type and quantity acceptable to the state fire marshal or local fire department is readily available for use in fighting fires. All fire fighting equipment shall be maintained in good operating condition;

(2) Water recreation areas are supervised while in use and maintained when the resident camp is in operation;

(3) All programs are identified that require specialized supervision, including firearms, archery equipment, hazardous substances, and potentially hazardous equipment. All equipment for those programs shall be maintained and stored in a safe manner and in a location protected from unauthorized access and use;

(4) A designated place is provided for the care and first aid treatment of sick or injured campers. First aid equipment consisting of unused disposable gloves and a sufficient supply of materials to stop bleeding and to clean and cover minor cuts and abrasions shall be provided. Additionally, first aid kits shall be provided in the following locations where applicable:

(a) Aquatic areas;

(b) Specialized activity areas; and

(c) Food service areas.

(5) A telephone designated for emergency use and its location are available at the resident camp. A list of emergency numbers along with the address of the resident camp shall be posted at each designated phone;

(6) Hazardous substances are labeled, stored, and handled as required by applicable laws and rules, and as directed by the board of health in instances not covered by such laws and rules;

(7) All playgrounds and playground equipment are installed and maintained in a safe condition;

(8) All heating and cooling devices are installed, operated, and maintained in such a manner as to avoid fire hazards, accidents, electrical hazards, and a dangerous concentration of fumes or gases;

(9) The handling and storage of fuel oil or other flammable liquids is in compliance with the applicable standards of the current edition of the national fire protection association (NFPA) standard number thirty (NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2018 edition, which became effective on February 27, 2018);

(10) Natural hazards to life and safety are identified and controlled, whenever possible, within the resident camp; and

(11) A record is maintained of all injuries occurring within the resident camp area that require the attention of medical personnel licensed under Chapters 4723., 4730., and 4731. of the Revised Code.

Replaces: 3701-25-02, 3701-25-03, 3701-25-04, 3701-25-05, 3701-25-06, 3701-25-07, 3701-25-08, 3701-25-09, 3701-25-10

Ohio Admin. Code 3701-25-03

Effective: 1/1/2022
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 09/16/2026
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 3701.13
Rule Amplifies: 3701.03, 3701.13
Prior Effective Dates: 01/01/1972, 09/06/1998, 01/01/2015