The PEOSH Sanitation standard establishes minimum sanitation requirements for workplaces in New Jersey. The Standard covers general housekeeping, waste disposal, vermin control, water supply, and the availability of toilet and hand washing facilities.

It also covers the storage and consumption of food and beverages in workplaces.

The PEOSH Sanitation Standard has been adopted from the U.S. Department of Labor, Sanitation Standard (29 CFR 1910.141).

Control of Health Hazards Associated with Bird and Bat Droppings [pdf 421k]
This PEOSH Information Bulletin describes the health hazards associated with accumulated bird and bat droppings and recommends procedures to protect employees from this potentially serious respiratory hazard.

• We have mouse droppings in our office, what can be done about it?
• There is never any hand soap or paper towels in our bathroom, is this required?
• My employer won't let me eat in my laboratory, is this fair?

Q: We have mouse droppings in our office, what can be done about it?

A: The Sanitation Standard requires that employers provide a workplace that is constructed in a way that prevents the harborage of rodents (i.e., seal holes in building). Employers are also required to establish a continuing and effective extermination program where the presence of vermin is detected.

Q: There is never any hand soap or paper towels in our bathroom, is this required?

A: The Sanitation Standard requires that employers provide tepid running water, hand soap, and hand towels or dryer at each sink.

Q: My employer won't let me eat in my laboratory, is this fair?

A: Employers must not allow the consumption of food in areas that are exposed to toxic materials, such as a laboratory or workshop.