R432-12-18. Floor, Wall, and Ceiling Finishes

(1) Floor materials shall be easily cleanable and appropriate for the location.

(a) Floors and floor joints in areas used for food preparation and food assembly shall be water-resistant, grease proof, and resistant to food acids.

(b) In all areas subject to frequent wet cleaning, floor materials may not be physically affected by germicidal cleaning solutions.

(c) Floors that are subject to traffic while wet, (such as shower and bath areas, kitchen and similar work areas), shall have a non-slip surface.

(d) Carpet and carpet pads in resident areas shall be applied with adhesive or stretched taut and maintained without loose edges or wrinkles which might create hazards or interfere with the operation of wheelchairs, walkers, or wheeled carts.

(2) Wall bases in areas subject to wet cleaning shall be coved and tightly sealed.

(3) Wall finishes shall be washable.

(a) Walls in the immediate area of plumbing fixtures shall be smooth and moisture resistant.

(b) Finish, trim, walls, and floor constructions in dietary and food preparation and storage areas may not have spaces that may harbor rodents and insects.

(4) Floor and wall openings for pipes, ducts, and conduits shall be sealed tightly to resist fire and smoke and to minimize entry of rodents and insects. Joints of structural elements shall be similarly sealed.

(5) All exposed ceilings and ceiling structures in resident and staff work areas shall have finishes that are readily cleanable with ordinary housekeeping equipment. Ceilings in the dietary area and other areas where dust fallout might create a potential problem shall have a finished ceiling that covers all conduits, piping, duct work, and exposed construction systems.