B.02 Hygiene and Sanitation (National Policy)

Policy Standard

• A hygienic and sanitary environment is provided which promotes the health and well being of prisoners and staff

Performance Standards

1. Each prison has in place an approved, documented and monitored hygiene and sanitation plan for all areas of the prison which takes account of the purpose of the area and the frequency of cleaning required.
2. Prisons comply with sanitation, hygiene, health, and safety standards as defined in national and local government departmental legislation and regulations, and Departmental policies.
3. Prisons have a waste management programme which reflects local government by-laws and it conforms to relevant regulations and recommended practices.
4. Laundry practices comply with the recommendations of the NZ Textile Care Advisory Group.
5. Staff and prisoners are provided with protective clothing specific to their tasks.
6. The Prison Manager must ensure that appropriate cleaning agents and equipment are available to prisoners so that they can keep themselves, their cell or self-care unit, furniture, clothing and property clean and tidy.
7. The manufacturer's recommended specifications for the use of cleaning agents is followed.
8. Cleaning agents are clearly labelled and safely and securely stored and handled.
9. The decision to use specific cleaning agents is based on effectiveness, cost and technical advice.
10. Suitably trained staff are assigned to undertake and document monthly hygiene and sanitation inspections of the prison.
11. Hygiene and Sanitation reviews are to be undertaken by relevant external agencies every six months. The Corrections Inspectorate will monitor the external inspection reports to ensure that problems raised in the reports are being addressed.
12. Prison premises are kept free of vermin and pests.
    1. The Chief Executive may, in writing, authorise an officer or staff member (who holds a current firearms licence under section 24 of the Arms Act 1983 and in accordance with that Act) to possess, carry, or use a firearm within a specified area of the prison for the purpose of pest control; for the purposes of a specified prison industry; or for the purpose of humanely killing sick or injured animals;
    2. however the authorised officer must not possess, carry, or use a firearm in the presence of any prisoner; and
    3. firearms used for the above purposes must not be stored in a prison.
13. Prisoner cleanliness and personal hygiene conforms to local prison requirements.
14. The prison’s water supply is certified as safe and complies with any drinking water standards for the time being issued by the Ministry of Health.