The Hygiene Facilities Module of the Model Aquatic Health Code was released in draft form for public comment on October 31.  The comment period will be open through December 29.  To comment, please follow the review guidelines posted by MAHC (see our post on the Model Aquatic Health Code comment process for a summary of these).

This post is an overview of the module based on the PDF published for public comment.  Please visit the CDC site to download the PDF in order to make your own thorough review.

Summary of Content

This relatively brief module includes draft standards for the physical plant facilities for bathers’ hygiene. The standards specify the structure and components’ characteristics, as well as their maintenance and operations.

Within the MAHC topic matrix, this module includes:

In 4.0 Design Standards and Construction

4.10:   Hygiene Facilities (Bathhouse):  General; Location: Bathhouse Design; Fixture Requirements; Suits and Towels; Foot Baths; Sharps

In 5.0  Operation and Maintenance

5.10:  Hygiene Facilities (Bathhouse):  General; Location; Bathhouse Design; Fixture Requirements; Suits and Towels

The physical plant components in these draft standards include quite detailed descriptions of the number, function, surface type and location of hygiene facilities required for each venue.  Both plumbing and non-plumbing fixtures are specified.  An extensive list of requirements for diaper changing stations is included.

The operations section of this module refers often to “EPA-approved” sanitizers used in cleaning surfaces, shared equipment, plumbing or shared towels and suits. Many of the cleaning and sanitizing routines are stipulated for daily repetition.  Some of these standards refer to other kinds of operational matters, like how the rinse showers should be set up.

Please Share Your Comments

We are very interested in your comments on the MAHC in general, or regarding a specific module.  We’d love to hear from you!