By Brad Keyes / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today

Q: What standard in the Life Safety Code prohibits storage under sinks?

A: There is no direct standard in the Life Safety Code or any of the standards the LSC references that addresses under-sink storage. 

The issue is a concern of Infection Control as waste water that drips from the sink drain pipes would contaminate any clean items stored under the sink. This is strictly an Infection Control issue… not a Life Safety Code issue. Surveyors often cite their own physical environment standards for under sink storage, because it addresses building safety, which is appropriate since contaminated waste water dripping onto clean supplies would be a safety issue. 

Brad Keyes, CHSP, is the owner of KEYES Life Safety Compliance, and his expertise is in the management of the Life Safety Program, including the Environment of Care and Emergency Management programs.