4101:6-1-24. Definitions and methods of sterilization processes required

(A) "Dry heat method" requires subjection of items of bedding, upholstered furniture, or stuffed toys in an approved chamber to a maintained temperature of two hundred thirty degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum period of two hours after required temperature has been attained. Heat may be obtained from steam, electricity, or gas. Use of gas shall require indirect heating system to eliminate possibility of igniting materials being sterilized. Space for free circulation between and around articles of bedding shall not be less than four inches.

(B) "Steam method" requires subjection of items of bedding, upholstered furniture, or stuffed toys in an approved chamber with direct steam for thirty minutes at pressure of fifteen pounds per square inch and temperature of two hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or for twenty minutes at pressure of twenty pounds and temperature of two hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit. A steam tight approved chamber shall be sufficiently strong to withstand pressure and equipped with accurate visible pressure and temperature gauges and necessary safety devices. Chamber shall provide for free circulation with minimum clearance of one inch from top, bottom and sides of articles sterilized.

(C) "Carbon dioxide method" requires subjection of items of bedding, upholstered furniture, or stuffed toys in an approved chamber with mixture of carbon dioxide nine parts and ethylene gas one part, minimum of one and sixty-five hundredths pounds of commercially prepared carbon dioxide for each one hundred cubic feet of chamber volume, for twenty-four hours at temperature of seventy degrees Fahrenheit for six hours at temperature of one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Chamber shall be completely gas tight with approved equipment for circulating gas during exposure period and exhausting gas after sterilization. Exhaust fan shall have exhaust duct with sealed joints to outside discharging above roof of building and shall not be located nearer than one hundred feet of any residence. Exhaust and air inlet valves of positive locking type shall be provided. Space for free circulation of gas between and around articles of bedding undergoing sterilization shall be at least one inch.

(D) "Spray process" requires a separate room, well ventilated to the outside, either naturally or mechanically, shall be provided and isolated from other parts of the establishment. Only substances approved by the division of industrial compliance may be used in the spray sterilization method. The material or article shall be thoroughly sprayed over all surfaces and in all crevices and corners, including the frame of articles being renovated. Any hand or power-operated spraying device may be used to apply a germicidal solution with insecticide additive. Such solution shall contain non-toxic and non-flammable crystals which can be detected with an ultra-violet lamp. Application shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Such disinfected articles shall not be removed from the said isolated room prior to a thirty minute interval after the treatment. The spraying operator is required to use an approved type mask to prevent the inhalation of chemicals, eye protectors and gloves impervious to the spray.

(E) Sterilization may be performed by other methods which are proven to be proficient to thoroughly sterilize and disinfect bedding products, upholstered furniture, stuffed toys, and materials, provided such process and equipment has been approved by the superintendent and the section of bedding of the division of industrial compliance.

(F) All treatment devices listed in paragraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of this rule shall be equipped with thermostat that can be clearly seen from outside of chamber and recording thermometer to automatically record temperature and time for each sterilization or disinfection period. Recording thermometer number shall be initialed by operator and filed in numerical order and kept for six months for examination at any time by agents of the section of bedding.

Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 4/22/2015 and 4/17/2020
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 3713.04
Rule Amplifies: 3713.09
Prior Effective Dates: 10-1-78; 5-14-82; 9-7-98

Prior History: (Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 04/17/2015 and 04/17/2020
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 3713.04
Rule Amplifies: 3713.09, 3713.051
Prior Effective Dates: 10-1-78; 5-14-82; 9-7-98)