Division of Environmental Health and Sustainability

Guideline For Evaluating The Installation Of Domestic Dish Machines In Child Care Centers

Domestic dishwashers are permitted in child care centers as specified in Section 7-101(e) of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Sanitation of Child Care Centers in the State of Colorado if:

• “The water temperature in dishwashing machines equipped with a heat sanitizing cycle reaches a minimum of 150°F;”

• “The water temperature in dishwashing machines without a sanitizing cycle reaches a minimum of 155°F;” and

• “Dish volume is such that all dishes and utensils can be washed and sanitized by using not more than two complete cycles of the dishwashing machine for each of the following: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.”

Additionally, if the center is able to meet the above requirements for use of a domestic dishwashing machine, then a domestic installation method must be acceptable as stated in Section 7-101(f) of the rules and regulations:

• “Where domestic equipment is permitted and used, domestic equipment installation methods shall be acceptable provided the equipment and surrounding area are maintained in a clean sanitary condition.”

And in Section 4-301:

• “General.  All plumbing shall be sized, installed and maintained in accordance with applicable state and local plumbing codes, ordinances, regulations and standards.  Plumbing shall be designed and constructed using the “2000 Colorado Plumbing Code” (UPC) as a guideline.  Where local building departments have adopted codes equivalent or more stringent than the above, those codes shall apply.”

The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) has been adopted by the Board of Examining Plumbers as the Colorado Plumbing Code.  UPC, section 807.4 requires that:

• “No domestic dishwashing machine shall be directly connected to a drainage system or food waste disposer without the use of an approved dishwasher air gap fitting on the discharge side of the dishwashing machine.  Listed air gaps shall be installed with the flood level (FL) marking at or above the flood level of the sink or drainboard, whichever is higher.”

Domestic dishwashers that are installed with the wash chamber directly connected to the waste drain, in violation of the UPC, are also in violation of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Sanitation of Child Care Centers in the State of Colorado.  This deficiency should be noted on the inspection report and the center should be required to plumb the dishwasher correctly.

Providers should consult licensed plumbers for proper installation of dishwashers.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Division of Environmental Health and Sustainability, Institutional Environmental Health Program at (303) 692-3645.