1. (a) Pest control.

   1. (1) The facility shall be kept free of insects, rodents, and vermin. The least toxic and least flammable effective chemicals shall be used. Poisons shall not be stored with food products and shall be under lock.
   2. (2) Garbage and trash shall be stored in enclosed containers, protected against leakage, contact with disease vectors, and access to animals. It shall be stored in areas separate from those used for the preparation and storage of food and shall be removed from the premises in conformity with state and local practices. Garbage and trash containers shall be maintained free of accumulations and coatings of garbage. Garbage storage areas shall be kept clean and in good repair.
2. (b) Storage. Storage items shall be neatly arranged and placed to minimize fire hazard. Gasoline, volatile materials, paint, and similar products, excluding personal items, shall not be stored in the building housing residents except as may be approved by the local fire marshal. Accumulations of extraneous material and refuse shall not be permitted.

3. (c) Laundry.

   1. (1) There shall be clean linen available at all times, and in a quantity to meet the needs of the residents.
   2. (2) Clean linen shall be stored in a clean storage area, which is easily accessible to the personnel.

   3. (3) Soiled linen and clothing in large facilities shall be transported or stored in approved containers or bags.

      1. (A) Soiled laundry storage shall be in separate, well ventilated areas and shall not be permitted to accumulate in other areas of the facility.
      2. (B) Soiled bags or containers shall not be used to convey clean linens.
      3. (C) Soiled linens shall not be sorted, laundered, rinsed, or stored in bathrooms, resident rooms, corridors, kitchens, or food storage areas.

Source Note:The provisions of this §551.73 adopted to be effective July 1, 1996, 21 TexReg 5328; transferred effective May 1, 2019, as published in the Texas Register April 12, 2019, 44 TexReg 1883.