1. (a)

   1. (1) All plumbing systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of the latest edition of the Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65.
   2. (2) Only metal piping or piping material of a type approved by the Department of Health for corrosive wastes, etc., shall be permitted.

2. (b) Plumbing fixtures.

   1. (1) The material used for plumbing fixtures shall be nonabsorbent acid-resistant material.
   2. (2) All fixtures used by the staff and all lavatories used by patients and food handlers shall be trimmed with valves that can be operated without the use of hands.
   3. (3) Clinical sinks shall have an integral trap in which the upper portion of the water trap provides a visible seal.

3. (c) Water supply systems.

   1. (1) Systems shall be designed to supply water at sufficient pressure to operate all fixtures and equipment during maximum demand periods.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) Each water service main, branch main, riser, and branch to a group of fixtures shall be valved.
      2. (B) Stop valves shall be provided at each fixture.
      3. (C) Appropriate panels for access shall be provided at all valves where required.

   3. (3) Backflow preventers (vacuum breakers) shall be installed on:

      1. (A) Hose bibbs;
      2. (B) Laboratory sinks;
      3. (C) Janitors' sinks; and
      4. (D) All other fixtures to which hoses or tubing can be attached.

   4. (4)

      1. (A) Water distribution systems shall be arranged to provide hot water at each hot water outlet at all times.
      2. (B) Hot water at shower, bathing, and handwashing facilities shall not exceed one hundred ten degrees Fahrenheit (110°F).

   5. (5) The hot water heating equipment and storage tank or tanks shall be:

      1. (A) Fabricated of corrosion-resistant metal; or
      2. (B) Lined with noncorrosive material.

4. (d) Drainage systems.

   1. (1) Drain lines from sinks in which acid wastes may be poured shall be fabricated from an acid-resistant material.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) Building sewers shall discharge into a community sewage system.
      2. (B) Where such a system is not available, a facility providing sewage treatment shall conform to applicable local and state regulations.

5. (e)

   1. (1) All piping, except control line tubing shall be identified as to content.
   2. (2) All valves shall be tagged and a valve schedule shall be maintained at the facility for permanent record.

6. (f) Gas and vacuum systems.

   1. (1) Gas and vacuum systems if installed shall be in accordance with NFPA 99, Chapter 4.
   2. (2) In large freestanding birthing centers, a piped medical gas system shall be required and shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 99, Chapter 4.

Codification Notes: “NFPA” means National Fire Protection Association.