05D — Handwashing facility not provided, accessible or stocked
This means a handwash sink is missing, blocked, used for something other than handwashing, or not stocked: no soap, no way to dry hands, or no hot and cold running water at decent pressure. If workers cannot wash properly, germs spread to food, so this is treated as a serious hazard. The inspector goes to every required hand sink, presses for soap, pulls for towels, runs the water, and checks the sink is clear. A spotless sink still fails if the towels are empty or it is blocked by a sheet pan, and a complete loss of running water can close the restaurant.
What the inspector looks for
Walk to each handwash sink (not the prep or dish sink). Check three things: soap dispenses, paper towels (or a working dryer) are there, and the hot tap reaches about 100°F within ~30 seconds. Also make sure nothing (bus tub, boxes, mop bucket) blocks it. Missing soap, towels, hot water, or a blocked sink fails.
Points & grade impact
Cited at 10 points — Cited at 10 (condition IV); failure to correct (Pre-Permit Serious) → 28. NYC adds every cited violation’s points into one inspection score: 0–13 = A, 14–27 = B, 28+ = C.
How to fix it
Clear and unblock the hand sink; restock soap and paper towels (or restore the dryer); restore hot and cold running water; have staff wash immediately.
How to prevent it
Provide a dedicated hand-wash station near each food-prep area and in each restroom, used for handwashing only; keep soap, towels and warm running water stocked at all times.
- ✓Keep a dedicated handwash sink near each prep area and in each restroom, used only for washing hands — never for rinsing produce or dumping mop water.
- ✓Stock soap and paper towels and confirm the hot tap reaches about 100°F; restock the moment either runs low.
- ✓Keep the sink clear at all times — no bus tubs, boxes, or mop buckets parked in front of or inside it.
- ✓If soap or towels run out mid-shift, refill on the spot; make this part of every opening and shift check.
Reference: Health Code §81.21(a)
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