(b) Floors, walls, and ceilings — Utility lines.

1. (1) Utility service lines and pipes may not be unnecessarily exposed.
2. (2) Exposed utility service lines and pipes shall be installed so they do not obstruct or prevent cleaning of the floors, walls, or ceilings.
3. (3) Exposed horizontal utility service lines and pipes may not be installed on the floor.

(c) Floor and wall junctures — Coved, and enclosed or sealed.

1. (1) In retail food establishments in which cleaning methods other than water flushing are used for cleaning floors, the floor and wall junctures shall be coved and closed to no larger than one millimeter (1 mm) (one thirty-second inch (1/32”)).
2. (2) The floors in retail food establishments in which water flush cleaning methods are used shall be provided with drains and be graded to drain, and the floor and wall junctures shall be coved and sealed.

(d) Floor carpeting — Restrictions and installation.

1. (1) A floor covering such as carpeting or similar material may not be installed as a floor covering in food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, warewashing areas, toilet room areas where handwashing lavatories, toilets, and urinals are located, refuse storage rooms, or other areas where the floor is subject to moisture, flushing, or spray cleaning methods.

2. (2) If carpeting is installed as a floor covering in areas other than those specified under subdivision (d)(1) of this section, it shall be:

   1. (A) Securely attached to the floor with a durable mastic by using a stretch and tack method or by another method; and
   2. (B) Installed tightly against the wall under the coving or installed away from the wall with a space between the carpet and the wall and with the edges of the carpet secured by metal stripping or some other means.

(f) Wall and ceiling coverings and coatings.

1. (1) Wall and ceiling covering materials shall be attached so that they are easily cleanable.
2. (2) Except in areas used only for dry storage, concrete, porous blocks, or bricks used for indoor wall construction shall be finished and sealed to provide a smooth, nonabsorbent, easily cleanable surface.

(g) Walls and ceilings — Attachments.

1. (1) Except as specified in subdivision (g)(2) of this section, attachments to walls and ceilings such as light fixtures, mechanical room ventilation system components, vent covers, wall-mounted fans, decorative items, and other attachments shall be easily cleanable.
2. (2) In a consumer area, wall and ceiling surfaces and decorative items and attachments that are provided for ambiance need not meet this requirement if they are kept clean.