Is it necessary to have warm running water? Will existing businesses need to install hot water immediately?
The new Food Safety Standards require that a supply of warm running potable water be provided for hand washing facilities. The Food Section of the Department of Health however advises that the construction requirements of Standard 3.2.3 need not be applied retrospectively to existing businesses unless the Environmental Health Officer is aware of a particular issue at the business (e.g. the water supply is very cold in winter and staff are reluctant to wash their hands). When there are substantial renovations to be undertaken then it would be appropriate to require warm water to be provided at that time.
