Each facility shall have and implement a written plan, reviewed and approved by the commission, for the maintenance of an acceptable level of cleanliness and sanitation throughout the facility. Such plan shall provide for:

1. (1) a regular daily schedule for the work and inspections necessary to keep the facility clean; which schedule shall be assigned and supervised by jailers who have the responsibility for keeping the facility clean and making regular sanitation inspections;
2. (2) water and sewage systems not part of a public system and food preparation areas shall be inspected at least annually by health authorities and record kept for each inspection;
3. (3) adequate and safe cleaning equipment;
4. (4) water tight garbage containers with tight fitting covers in the kitchen;
5. (5) the maintenance of toilets, lavatories, showers, and other equipment throughout the facility in good working order;
6. (6) the maintenance of all counters, shelves, tables, equipment, and utensils with which food or drink comes into contact in a clean condition and in good repair;
7. (7) clean washing aids, such as brushes, dishcloths, and other hand aids used in dish washing operations and for no other purposes;
8. (8) a well ventilated place for storing and drying mops and other cleaning tools;
9. (9) the continuous compliance of the water system and sewage system with the minimum requirements for such public systems;
10. (10) the prohibition of excessive storage of food in cells and day rooms.
11. (11) a method to allow hand washing prior to meals being served in holding cells.

Source Note:The provisions of this §279.1 adopted to be effective December 20, 1994, 19 TexReg 9653; amended to be effective December 22, 1999, 24 TexReg 11520; amended to be effective April 10, 2013, 38 TexReg 2228; amended to be effective December 22, 2020, 45 TexReg 9232; amended to be effective September 14, 2025, 50 TexReg 5942.