C.3.dSewage/Sanitation Services Interruption
Policy
The facility will provide safeand effective management ofservices to residents, staff, and visitors during any sewage/sanitation malfunction or other emergency that disrupts normal sanitation processes.
Procedure
Independent of the type of sewage/sanitation services implemented at the facility, the facility should have a current Memorandum of Agreement with plumbing and/or sewer service contractor(s) to provide 24-hour emergency service if required.
- Sewage/Sanitation services
A.If provided by municipality or other multiple client off-site utility service, contact the following in event of an emergency affecting delivered sewage/sanitation services:
The Public/Private Sewer Utility Company:
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24/7 Phone: ______
B.Facilities requiring supplementary sump pumps and/or sewer ejectorswill assure that service is provided to these on a regular basis and contracts for 24/7 emergency service are arranged with local providers of service via current Memoranda of Agreement. List contact information here or refer to MOA on file.
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C.If services are provided through an on-site system, a thorough preventive maintenance program will be developed and followed to mitigate potential problems. Additionally, a current Memorandum of Agreement will be arranged for 24/7 service/repair capability with a local service/repair provider. List contact information here or refer to MOA on file.
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2.Representative Mitigation Suggestions
A.Grease and lint traps:Upon construction or renovation, all commercial institutional food preparation areas will install a grease trap on the kitchen waste line.
The grease trap must be designed in accordance with current engineering standards and will be easily accessible for cleaning.
Grease traps will be maintained by the facility to prevent a stoppage of the public sewer.
The laundry/housekeeping department is responsible to inspect the waste pan after each wash in commercial washing machines (and at least daily in household machines) for blockages or lint in order to reduce the number of blockages and stoppages that may otherwise result in sanitary sewer service interruption.
B.Obstruction to public sewers:No person will obstruct entrance to or operation of the sanitary sewer system. Existing manhole tops are to be kept free of obstruction and accessible at all times.
No building or other structure will be constructed over a sewer line or easement thereof. Fill-in or grading of a property such that storm water concentrates at a manhole will not be permitted.
Sewer drains on parking lots and property will be the responsibility of the facility maintenance department to assure that these are kept clear of debris, ice, and snow.
3.Response to Sewage/Sanitation Interruption
A.Disruption of Service
1)Notification:
a)The person-in-chargewill immediately notify the Director of Maintenance upon any utility interruption.A Utility Interruption Placardshould be immediately posted in a visible location for all staff, residents, and visitors that lists the actions required during a sewer utility interruption. Other appropriate internal notification protocols should also be developed and included in the facility Emergency Management plan and associated training and drills.
b)Staff assignment:Upon notification that utility service interruption has taken place, housekeeping and/or maintenance staff will be directed to respond and provide necessary assistance throughout the facility and to contractors restoring sewage/sanitation services.
2)Determine the nature of the interruption in service:
a)Sewer Blockages:If the facility sewer becomes blocked, the facility’s Director of Maintenance will contact a registered plumber to clear the blockage. If the blockage is found to be the responsibility of the utility provider, the facility will notify the utility provider immediately.
b)Planned Sewer Utility Services Interruptions:Utility companies will endeavor to provide the facility with notice of their intention to interrupt, postpone, or limit the supply of water or sewerage services to the facility for planned maintenance projects.The sewer utility company will also inform the facility when the interruption will occur and for how long the service is likely to be affected.
c)Unplanned Sewer Utility Interruptions: In the event of an emergency or an unplanned interruption to the facility sewerage service the sewer utility company will notifythe facility of the interruption and their estimate of time to service restoration. Utility provider will also request and define any required facility grounds or building access required in order to identify and correct the problem.
d)Sewer Overflows: Where a sewer overflow occurs on facility property because of a failure in the utility company’s system, the utility company should be notified immediately in order to minimize the damage and inconvenience to the facility.
3)Department Actions: The facility willcease operation in any affected area until the situation is corrected - this is especially identifiable in the event of sewage backing up in the kitchen, or if traffic coming into or through the facility passes throughsewage inside or outside of the building.(Examples:restrict flow of traffic into or past a bathroom where there is an overflowing toilet;restrict food preparation in kitchen areas where there is a clogged grease trap; or restrict or redirect traffic if an outdoor sewerage backup is located within the normal traffic pattern of the facility entrance)
a)Administrator/person in charge
i)Contact Maintenance Director and, if appropriate, sewer utility provider to determine cause of problem and anticipated time required for reestablishing service.
ii)Post signs and notify personnel of sewer interruption.
iii)Review policy with all departments.
b)Physical Plant/Maintenance
i)Ensure check valves on sewer lines are operating properly
ii)Contact plumbing/sewer contractor for assistance in evaluation and correction of situation if appropriate.
c)Laundry Service (if affected):
i)Distribute disposable diapers, pads, and washcloths to nursing department and collect linens not in use.
ii)Change bed linens when required.
iii)Discontinue washing clothing and linens in commercial or household size laundry washing machines.Send laundry to outside service if necessary.
d)Dining Services (if affected):
i)Switch to disposable kitchen serviceware for all meals, snacks andbeverages.
ii)Utilize pot washing (3 dip sanitizing method for cleaning any non- disposable dietary cooking preparation equipment).Do not run the dishwasher.
e)Nursing Services (if affected)
i)Utilize alternative sink and toilets if available.
ii)Distribute “wet wipes” for hands and face cleaning.
iii)Prepare bed baths using basins and water.Do not let tap run.
iv)Discontinue giving routine showers or tub baths. (Continue if medically necessary and minimize water usage to extent possible while maintaining sanitation and cleanliness consistent with acceptable practice standards)
- Length: A utility interruption of any length is of concern
a)Short, transientinterruptions may have already been resolved by the time notification is made by the facility to the sewer utility company.
b)Where a total interruption of sewer service occurs over an extended period of time, the facility may need toevacuateto a location at which sewer service is available. Dependent upon type and location of failure, refer to MOA in place with service supplier(s) capable of bringing and connecting portable sewage collection equipment. If this alternative is not possible and resident safety is in jeopardy, refer to Evacuation Plan.
*Notify the Department of Health and Senior Services of any interruption of services lasting greater than 3 hours.
- Documentation: Proper documentation will be kept at the facility of notification made to contractors, utility providers and regulatory agencies.
a)Documentation of the conditionsnoted during inspections of areas and actions taken by facility staff will be noted.
b)Conversations withpersonnel at the facility, county/localhealth department, State Health Department personnel, mediapersonnel, and public utility providers will be documented.
c)Full log of events from onset of interruption to satisfactory resolution to be maintained by person in charge or authorized designate.
112/15/2018