Water & Ice: OSHA and FDA Regulations

OSHA REGULATIONS

29 C.F.R. § 1926.51 Sanitation.

Title 29 - Labor

Title 29: Labor
PART 1926—SAFETY AND HEALTH REGULATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION
Subpart D—Occupational Health and Environmental Controls
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§ 1926.51 Sanitation.

(a) Potable water. (1) An adequate supply of potable water shall be provided in all places of employment.

(2) Portable containers used to dispense drinking water shall be capable of being tightly closed, and equipped with a tap. Water shall not be dipped from containers.

(3) Any container used to distribute drinking water shall be clearly marked as to the nature of its contents and not used for any other purpose.

(4) The common drinking cup is prohibited.

(5) Where single service cups (to be used but once) are supplied, both a sanitary container for the unused cups and a receptacle for disposing of the used cups shall be provided.

(6) Potable water means water which meets the quality standards prescribed in the U.S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards, published in 42 CFR part 72, or water which is approved for drinking purposes by the State or local authority having jurisdiction.

(b) Nonpotable water. (1) Outlets for nonpotable water, such as water for industrial or firefighting purposes only, shall be identified by signs meeting the requirements of subpart G of this part, to indicate clearly that the water is unsafe and is not to be used for drinking, washing, or cooking purposes.

(2) There shall be no cross-connection, open or potential, between a system furnishing potable water and a system furnishing nonpotable water.

The average American buys four bags of packaged ice each year, 80 percent of it between Memorial and Labor Day. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates packaged ice in interstate commerce as a food, just like other foods and like other foods, packaged ice must be produced according to FDA’s regulation for Current Good Manufacturing Practices in Manufacturing,Packing, or Holding Human Food. This means that ice manufacturers must produce, hold, and transport ice in clean and sanitary conditions,monitor the cleanliness and hygiene of employees, use properly cleaned and maintained equipment, and use water that is safe and sanitary.

FDA REGULATIONS

When FDA investigators inspect packaged ice manufacturing plants, they look at such things as:

• Whether the plumbing in the facility prevents contamination of the ice water supply or

stored ice,

• Whether the water supply is safe and sanitary (e.g., water that meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for drinking water), and

• Whether the manufacturing facility and grounds are maintained in sanitary condition

Whether it's Water or Ice, B&B Ice & Water has the solution for your needs. For more information contact us at 409-727-5714 or visit our website www.bnbice.com.

We Take The Water and Ice Business Off of Your Hands!

B&B Ice provides water cooler service using filtered water and packaged Reddy Ice. Reddy Ice, a member of the International Packaged Ice Association, is the largest producer and distributor of packaged ice in the United States. Our coolers are sanitized inside and out prior to filling using NSF Certified processing. Coolers are systematically tested and verified to be bacteria free. We provide ice boxes and bag ice at your job site.

REDUCE your LIABILITY

All coolers will meet and exceed OSHA requirements which reduces possible contamination issues. Ultimate Safety seal tape is used so tampering can be recognized prior to consumption. The tape is dated and marked “Do Not Remove.” If seal tape is broken or removed the water cooler is not safe and should not be used. The employees and/or contractors can be educated on the safety of the seal tape. If the seal is broken it is not suitable for drinking and should not be utilized as potable water. Our newest safety measure is a shrink wrap cover on the spigot that is placed directly after the sanitizing process to keep airborne particles from entering during transportation of the coolers.

Reduction of:

• Liability Injury onsite while making water coolers
• Illness spread from cross contamination
• Issues associated with availability of water coolers, bottled water, ice, cups and sanitizing supplies

For more information or to schedule a presentation at your job site visit our website or call 409-727-5714.

A Tradition of Local Excellence

B & B Ice is the largest independent ice distributor in the country. We are committed to three principles: Safety, Cost Savings and Convenience.

Safety - There are major liability risks associated with handling of ice and water.

1. Unsanitary handling of ice and water can lead to E. Coli, Hepatitis A, Salmonella and Typhoid Fever

2. Poor cooler appearance and/or taste leads to decreased consumption by workers, which increases the risk of heat related illness

3. Insufficient amount of water on hand each day

4. Noncompliance with government health and safety regulations

B & B Ice is aware of these safety concerns and the effects on you and your employees. We have in place safety procedures and a process to ensure that;

1. The coolers are bacteria free

2. We meet and exceed OSHA requirements and FDA standards

3. We have a State of the Art water filtration and purification system and

sufficient coolers on site to keep workers hydrated for all you daily needs (planned or unplanned).

We also know that cost is very important to your companies survival. Therefore, we provide one low flat rate per cooler. You no longer need to worry about hidden cost of a in house operation. Such as; labor, ice, coolers, replacement parts, cleaning, increased risk of lifting injuries and storage space. A Project Manager from a local Petrochemical Plant said "...We've looked at every different scenario and we can't make our own water any better or cheaper."

We are very convenient; available seven day a week, flexible ordering system, 5 and 10 gallon size options, we offer Gatorade and Sugar-Free Sqwincher, hand held computer generated delivery tickets, professionally trained drivers, and excellent customer service.

Give us a try, you will not be disappointed! Remember - Safety, Cost Savings and Convenience. That's B & B Ice!

For more information call us at 409-727-5714 or visit our website http://www.bnbice.com/

The Clear Choice

The safety of your employees is a top priority at your firm. Considering the extreme heat we face each day, you should have enough ice cold water for your workers to drink daily.

Are you aware that OSHA's top priority this summer is a "campaign to prevent heat related illness in outdoor workers"? At B & B Ice & Water, we know how critical it is to treat ice and water as food, because they are. The FDA has regulations governing the proper handling of ice and water.

Since 1969, we have been in the ice business. In 2000 we began offering ice cold water to numerous businesses throughout our region and the intergrated refining services industry. We are often called on to speak at Safety meetings due to our expertise in preventing and treating heat related illness.

We would like to become your water provider. We offer seven (7) day a week service, multiple cooler sizes and flexible ordering. There is no minimum order and no long term contracts.

Contact us for any questions regarding the water cooler program. We are glad to assist you in providing ice & water for you and your employees. We are "The Clear Choice!"

For more information, contact us at 409-727-5714 or visit our website http://www.bnbice.com/

Hyperthermia: How to Prevent and Treat it

With temperatures rising above three digits and drought conditions worsening in the Southeast Texas area, the risk of heat related illness or hyperthermia in outside workers and athletes is more severe than ever. At B&B Ice, we understand these risks and the measures needed to be taken to prevent them. Here are some tips on how to prevent, recognize, and treat hyperthermia.


What is hyperthermia?
Hyperthermia is the overheating of the body. Hyperthermia or heat related illness occurs when our bodies can no longer transfer enough heat to keep us cool.


Prevention of Hyperthermia:
•Be aware of the National Weather Service “heat index” each day.  The “heat index” measures the risk of heat-related illness in relation to the air temperature and humidity.
•Practice heat safety measures.
•Drink plenty of water and isotonic drinks that replace electrolytes.

•Drink on a schedule. Two (2) hours before working in the heat, drink 24 oz.   of water. Drink 16 oz. of water 15 minutes before; continue drinking 8 oz. of fluids every 15 minutes while working.

•Check urine. Urine should be clear to pale yellow, and there should be a large amount if you are drinking adequately. You should urinate every 2 to 4 hours during an activity. If your output decreases, drink more fluids.

•If you must spend significant time in the sun, wear lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing. Wear a wide brimmed hat for shade.

•Stay as cool as possible. Take frequent breaks in the shade, by a fan , or in   air conditioning.  Cool your skin by spraying water over your body. Take a cool shower.

•If you have to stand for any length of time, flex your leg muscles often while   standing.

•Do not drink caffeine or alcohol. (Energy Drinks, Cokes, Tea, “Mountain Dew” are highest in caffeine.)

•Staying physically fit can help you acclimate to a hot environment.

Symptoms of Hyperthermia: 

•Heat Rash - Sweat ducts become blocked.

•Heat Cramps – Sweating causes loss of water, electrolytes, salt and minerals.

•Heat Edema – Swelling in legs and hands.
•Heat Stress – Dizziness, fainting.

•Heat Exhaustion – Working or exercising in hot weather and not drinking enough liquids.

•Heat Stroke – Body fails to regulate its own temperature. Body temperature rises often to 105 degrees.

Heat  stroke is a medical emergency, even with immediate treatment; it can be life threatening or cause serious long-term problems.


Treatment of Hyperthermia:
Emergency First Aid for heat stroke is needed immediately because this condition is life threatening.  After calling 911 or other emergency medical services, follow these First Aid steps:
•Stop your activity and rest.

•Move the person into a cool place, out of direct sunlight. 

•Remove unnecessary clothing and place the person on his/her side to expose as much skin surface to the air as possible.

•Cool the person’s entire body by sponge or spraying cool (not cold) water and fan the person to lower the person’s body temperature.

•Apply ice packs on the groin, neck and armpits.  Do not immerse the person in an ice bath.

•Drink lots of water.

•Rest for 24 hours.

As you can see, hyperthermia can lead to serious health issues or even death. By following these safety tips, hyperthermia can be prevented.


For more information on hyperthermia and heat related illness, or to request a free safety seminar at your company, visit the B&B Ice website or contact us at 409-727-5714.