02 NCAC 61 .0102             AUTHORIZED SANITIZING PROCESSES

(a)  Sanitization pursuant to G.S. 106-65.95 shall be done by one of three methods provided in the Rule: the dry heat process, the chemical method, or the washing process.

(b)  The dry heat process may be used to sanitize secondhand mattresses, innersprings, or similar covered in whole or in part by a porous material or fabric. In order to properly sanitize using the dry heat process:

(1)           To be sanitized by the dry heat method, all items to be sanitized shall be placed upon a rack or other device which provides a minimum distance of six inches from the floor and in an arrangement that provides even distribution of heat throughout the items, and placed in a sealed chamber. All items to be sanitized shall be separated a minimum distance of six inches from the walls, floors, and ceilings of the chamber and every other item being sanitized. The temperature in the chamber shall be raised to 230 degrees Fahrenheit and that temperature shall be maintained for two hours.

(2)           A thermometer accurate to within one-degree Fahrenheit shall be placed within the chamber during each dry heat process. The thermometer shall be visible and checked every 15 minutes by the operator of the chamber to ensure the chamber maintains the temperature set forth in Subparagraph (b)(1) of this Rule. Should the temperature fall below 230 degrees during the process, the dry heat process shall re-start for an additional two hours.

(c)  No product shall be used in a manner inconsistent with its labeling or instructions in the sanitization process.

(d)  The chemical method of sanitizing is authorized if performed in accordance with the requirements of this rule. Only those products evaluated and registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ('EPA') and the Division, as approved for use as disinfectants of articles of bedding shall be used. The product used must clearly state, on the label or on printed materials included on each container or package, detailed instructions for its use in disinfecting articles of bedding. No person shall use an unregistered product or use a registered product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling or these Rules in the sanitization process.

(e)  In the washing process, the bedding shall be boiled for two hours with a soap or detergent. The product is considered sanitized after drying, and the bedding shall be free from dirt, marks, stains, or other offensive odors or materials.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 106-65.107;

Eff. April 1, 1984;

Amended Eff. January 1, 1985;

Transferred from 15A NCAC 18B .0202 Eff. May 1, 2012;

Readopted Eff. January 1, 2021;

Amended Eff. December 1, 2022.