12VAC5-421-2930: Outer openings, protected

A. Except as specified in subsections B through E of this section, outer openings of a food establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by:

1. Filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls and ceilings;

2. Closed, tight-fitting windows; and

3. Solid self-closing, tight-fitting doors.

B. Subsection A of this section does not apply if a food establishment opens into a larger structure, such as a mall, airport, or office building, or into an attached structure, such as a porch, and the outer openings from the larger or attached structure are protected against the entry of insects and rodents.

C. Exterior doors used as exits need not be self-closing if they are:

1. Solid and tight-fitting;

2. Designated for use only when an emergency exists, by the fire protection authority that has jurisdiction over the food establishment; and

3. Restricted so they are not used for entrance or exit from the building for purposes other than the designated emergency exit use.

D. Except as specified in subsections B and E of this section, if the windows or doors of a food establishment, or of a larger structure within which a food establishment is located, are kept open for ventilation or other purposes, the openings shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by:

1. 16 mesh to 1-inch (16 mesh to 25.4 mm) screens;

2. Properly designed and installed air curtains to control flying insects; or

3. Other effective means.

E. Subsection D of this section does not apply if flying insects and other pests are absent due to the location of the establishment, the weather, or other limiting condition.