R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568: RECREATIONAL CAMPS, Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7

Health Protection and Promotion Act

R.R.O. 1990, REGULATION 568

RECREATIONAL CAMPS

Note: This Regulation was revoked on July 1, 2018. (See: O. Reg. 503/17, s. 26)

Last amendment: 503/17.

Legislative History: 603/91, 292/17, 503/17.

This is the English version of a bilingual regulation.

1. In this Regulation,

“class A camp” means a camp for recreational activities consisting of one or more tents, cabins, vehicles, buildings or other structures together with the land appertaining thereto, established or maintained as living quarters with or without charge for ten or more persons, for temporary occupancy of five or more days, but does not include a camp established by a person for his or her family and guests or to a camping establishment as defined in subsection 1 (1) of Regulation 1037 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 made under the Tourism Act; (“camp de catégorie A”)

“class B camp” means a camp for recreational activities consisting of tents erected on a site together with the land appertaining thereto where sleeping, eating, cooking or other activities take place in the tents or in the open and where the tents are established or maintained as living quarters with or without charge for ten or more persons, for temporary occupancy of five or more days; (“camp de catégorie B”)

“day” means a continuous period of twenty-four hours; (“jour”)

“hazardous food” means any food capable of supporting the growth of pathogenic organisms or the production of the toxins of such organisms; (“aliment susceptible de présenter un danger”)

“operator” means every person who alone or by agents owns or operates a recreational camp; (“exploitant”)

“single-service article” means any container or eating utensil that is to be used only once in the service or sale of food; (“article jetable”)

“toilet” includes a privy; (“toilette”)

“utensil” means any article or equipment used in the manufacture, processing, preparation, storage, handling, display or distribution of food, except a single-service article; (“ustensile”)

“washbasin” includes a pail or similar portable container of sound construction. (“lavabo”)  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 1.

2. The following are classes of recreational camps:

1. Class A camps.

2. Class B camps.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 2.

Notice of Camp Opening

3. (1) Every person who intends to operate a recreational camp for the first time shall give written notice of the person’s intention to do so to the medical officer of health at least sixty days before the camp is to be opened.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 3 (1).

(2) Where an operator intends to open a recreational camp that has been closed for a period exceeding thirty days, the operator shall notify the medical officer of health of the proposed opening at least fourteen days prior to the reopening of the camp.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 3 (2).

Camp Location and Maintenance

4. Every operator shall ensure that each camp is so located and maintained as to be free from any condition that may endanger the health or safety of the campers or employees of the camp.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 4.

5. Every operator shall ensure that every person living in a camp or employed in a camp is free of any communicable disease or any infectious agent thereof.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 5.

Camp Staff

6. Every operator shall ensure that the campers in each camp are under the continuous supervision of an adult who has experience in administration and leadership in a recreational camp.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 6.

7. (1) Every operator shall ensure that one of the following persons are present in each camp:

1. A physician.

2. A registered nurse.

3. A person who is a holder of,

i. a Canadian Red Cross Society’s Standard First Aid Certificate,

ii. a St. John Ambulance Association’s Standard First Aid Certificate, or

iii. a certificate that the medical officer of health considers equivalent to a certificate referred to in subparagraph i or ii.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 7 (1).

(2) Where a physician is not in residence in a recreational camp, the operator shall ensure that the services of a physician can be obtained quickly in the case of a medical emergency.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 7 (2).

(3) Every operator shall ensure that no animal that is susceptible to rabies is brought into a camp unless the animal has been immunized against rabies at least thirty days and not more than fifteen months prior to the bringing of the animal into the camp.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 7 (3).

Camp Accommodation

8. (1) Every operator of a class A camp shall ensure that in each class A camp the floor area in the sleeping quarters is at least 3.72 square metres per camper or where single, double or triple tier bunk units are used, 2.79 square metres per camper.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 8 (1).

(2) Every operator shall ensure that where a tent is used for accommodation in a camp the number of occupants in the tent shall not exceed the manufacturers’ recommended limits.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 8 (2).

Ventilation

9. (1) Every operator of a class A camp shall ensure that each sleeping area, dining room or any other building used by campers or employees in a class A camp is provided with,

(a) natural ventilation adequate to ensure the elimination of all offensive odours; or

(b) mechanical ventilation capable of providing at least one air change per hour.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 9 (1).

(2) Every operator of a class A camp shall ensure that at least ten air changes per hour is provided in the food preparation area of each class A camp.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 9 (2).

Lighting

10. Every operator of a class A camp shall ensure that each class A camp is provided with,

(a) a minimum intensity of illumination of 100 lux in all hallways, corridors, stairways and sleeping areas;

(b) a minimum intensity of illumination of 500 lux in the kitchen; and

(c) a minimum intensity of illumination of 250 lux in all rooms other than those referred to in clauses (a) and (b).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 10.

Fire Protection

11. (1) Every operator of a class A camp shall ensure that each permanent building used for sleeping in each class A camp that has a floor area of at least 55.8 square metres and that has a sleeping room that has no exit to the outside is provided with smoke alarms.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 11 (1).

(2) Every operator of a class A camp shall ensure that each permanent building in a class A camp is equipped with a fire extinguisher in good working order.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 11 (2).

(3) Every operator shall ensure that there are written procedures that shall be used in the event of a fire in each camp and that all campers and employees of the camp are trained in the procedures.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 11 (3).

Water Supply

12. (1) Every operator shall ensure that the water supply of each camp is,

(a) obtained from a source or sources approved by the medical officer of health;

(b) sufficient to meet the requirements of the campers and employees of the camp; and

(c) potable.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 12 (1).

(2) Where the medical officer of health is of the opinion that the water supply of a recreational camp requires treatment, he or she may require the operator to treat the water in order to render it safe and sanitary.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 12 (2).

(3) Where an operator is required by the medical officer of health to treat water in order to render it safe and sanitary, the operator shall so treat the water and shall ensure that a record of the kind and method of treatment of the water supply is kept on the premises of the recreational camp for one year from the making of the record.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 12 (3).

General

13. Every operator shall ensure that each tent and building in each camp is maintained in a sanitary condition at all times and that the grounds of the camp are free of litter and refuse.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 13.

Sanitary Facilities

14. (1) Every operator shall ensure that each camp is provided with sanitary facilities in accordance with this section and sections 15 and 16.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 14 (1).

(2) At least one separate sanitary facility for each sex shall be provided for the use of campers and staff in a recreational camp.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 14 (2).

(3) A minimum of one toilet shall be provided for every ten campers of each sex in a recreational camp.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 14 (3).

(4) One washbasin shall be provided for every five campers of each sex in a recreational camp.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 14 (4).

(5) Where water-flush toilets are provided in a recreational camp, urinals may be counted as toilets for male use but the number of urinals shall not exceed 50 per cent of the number of toilets.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 14 (5).

15. (1) Every sanitary facility in a recreational camp shall,

(a) be equipped with windows and self-closing, tight-fitting doors;

(b) have all doors and windows screened against insects, rodents and vermin;

(c) be ventilated so as to eliminate offensive odours; and

(d) be kept sanitary and in good repair at all times.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 15 (1).

(2) When a recreational camp is in operation, all toilet seats shall be thoroughly scrubbed daily with a sanitizing solution.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 15 (2).

16. Every sanitary facility in a recreational camp shall be equipped with,

(a) a supply of toilet paper;

(b) a cleanable receptacle of sound construction for used towels and other refuse;

(c) a supply of soap or detergent in a dispenser;

(d) a supply of clean single-service towels or a hot air dryer;

(e) where there are water-flush toilets, a supply of hot and cold water or a supply of cold water that contains a disinfectant; and

(f) where there are privies, commercially packaged single-use moist hand towelettes or a supply of cold water that contains a disinfectant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 16.

Laundry Operations

17. Every operator shall ensure that the laundry operations in each camp are not carried on in a river, lake, stream or brook adjacent to or within the camp.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 17.

Food Preparation and Storage

18. (1) Every operator shall ensure that food in each camp is protected from contamination and adulteration and that foods not requiring refrigeration are kept in closed containers and stored in areas designated by the operator as areas for food storage only.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 18 (1).

(2) Every operator shall ensure that each camp is provided with refrigerated space adequate for the safe storage of perishable and hazardous food.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 18 (2).

(3) Every operator shall ensure that racks, shelves or pallets are provided for the storage of food in each camp and that no rack or shelf is placed less than fifteen centimetres above the floor.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 18 (3).

(4) Every operator shall ensure that the food in each camp is stored on the racks, shelves or pallets referred to in subsection (3).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 18 (4).

(5) Every operator shall ensure that in each camp hazardous food other than hermetically sealed food that has been subjected to a process sufficient to prevent the production of bacterial toxins or the survival of spore-forming pathogenic bacteria is stored, distributed, maintained, transported or displayed such that the internal temperature of the food is,

(a) 5o Celsius, or lower; or

(b) 60o Celsius, or higher,

except for such periods of time as may be necessary for the preparation, processing and manufacturing of the food.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 18 (5).

(6) Every operator shall ensure that in each camp frozen food is stored and maintained at a temperature of minus 18o Celsius or lower.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 18 (6).

(7) Every operator shall ensure that the food preparation and storage areas in each camp are so constructed, located and maintained as to provide protection against the entrance of insects, rodents, vermin, dust and fumes.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 18 (7).

(8) Every operator shall ensure that in each camp temperature controlled rooms and compartments used for the storage of hazardous food are provided with accurate indicating thermometers that can be easily read.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 18 (8).

19. (1) Every operator shall ensure that each person who handles or comes into contact with food or with any utensils used in the preparation, processing, service or storage of food in a camp,

(a) does not smoke while so engaged;

(b) is clean;

(c) wears headgear that confines the hair; and

(d) washes his or her hands before starting work and after every use of a toilet or urinal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 19 (1).

(2) Every operator of a class A camp shall ensure that every person who handles or comes into contact with food or with any utensils used in the preparation, processing, service or storage of food in a class A camp,

(a) wears clean outer garments;

(b) is free from any infectious agent of a disease that may be spread through the medium of food; and

(c) submits to such medical examinations and tests as are required by the medical officer of health to confirm the absence of an infectious agent mentioned in clause (b).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 19 (2).

(3) Every operator of a class A camp shall ensure that no person who has a skin disease performs any work that brings him or her into contact with food in a class A camp, unless the person has obtained the approval of the medical officer of health in writing before handling food.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 19 (3).

(4) Every operator shall ensure that in each camp tongs, spoons and scoops of corrosion-resistant and non-toxic material are used wherever possible where food is being prepared or served to avoid direct hand contact with food.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 19 (4).

(5) Every operator shall ensure that in each camp a basin only for hand washing is located in each food preparation area together with supplies of hot and cold water, soap or detergent in a dispenser and,

(a) clean single-service towels;

(b) a hot air dryer; or

(c) a continuous roller towel in a mechanical device and a supply of paper towels.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 19 (5).

(6) Every operator shall ensure that each food preparation area in each camp is provided with a supply of hot and cold potable water.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 19 (6).

(7) Every operator shall ensure that cloths and towels used for washing, drying or polishing utensils or cleaning tables in each camp are,

(a) in good repair;

(b) clean; and

(c) used for no other purpose.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 19 (7).

(8) Every operator shall ensure that toxic and poisonous substances required for maintenance of sanitary conditions in each camp are,

(a) kept in a compartment separate from food so as to preclude contamination of any food, working surface or utensil;

(b) kept in a container that bears a label on which the contents of the container are clearly identified; and

(c) used only in such manner and under such conditions that the substances do not contaminate food or cause a health hazard.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 19 (8).

20. (1) Every operator shall ensure that each article or piece of equipment that is used for preparation, service display, storage or transportation of food in a camp is,

(a) of sound and tight construction;

(b) kept in good repair; and

(c) of such form and material that it can be readily cleaned and sanitized.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 20 (1).

(2) Every operator shall ensure that in each camp equipment and utensils with which food comes in direct contact are,

(a) corrosion-resistant and non-toxic; and

(b) free from cracks, crevices and open seams.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 20 (2).

(3) Despite subsection (2), cutting boards, blocks, tables, bowls, platters and churns of hardwood or other materials may be used in a camp where,

(a) such equipment is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition; and

(b) the manner and conditions of their use are not a health hazard.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 20 (3).

Cleaning and Sanitizing of Utensils

21. Every operator shall ensure that utensils that are used in each camp are cleaned and sanitized in accordance with sections 23, 24, 25 and 26.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 21.

22. (1) Every operator shall ensure that equipment and facilities for the cleaning and sanitizing of utensils in each camp is used for no other purpose and consists of,

(a) mechanical equipment; or

(b) equipment for washing by hand consisting of,

(i) a three-compartment sink or three sinks, of corrosion-resistant material of sufficient size to ensure thorough cleaning and sanitizing of utensils, or

(ii) a two-compartment sink or two sinks, of corrosion-resistant material for the cleaning and sanitizing of utensils where washing and rinsing can be done effectively in the first sink and the second sink is used for sanitizing as described in subsection 25 (1), and

(iii) drainage racks of corrosion-resistant material.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 22 (1).

(2) Where the sinks referred to in subclause (1) (b) (i) or (ii) are not sufficient to effectively clean and sanitize the utensils, such additional sinks as will effectively clean and sanitize the utensils are required.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 22 (2).

(3) Subclause (1) (b) (ii) does not apply to the cleaning and sanitizing of multi-service articles or utensils that directly contact ready to eat foods.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 22 (3).

23. Utensils shall be,

(a) scraped or rinsed;

(b) cleaned;

(c) rinsed; and

(d) sanitized.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 23.

24. Where equipment for washing by hand is used in a recreational camp, utensils shall be,

(a) cleaned in a sink in a detergent solution capable of removing soil;

(b) rinsed in a second sink in clean water at a temperature not lower than 43o Celsius; and

(c) sanitized in a third sink.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 24.

25. (1) Utensils shall be sanitized by,

(a) immersion in clean water at a temperature of at least 77o Celsius or more, for at least forty-five seconds;

(b) immersion in a clean chlorine solution of not less than 100 parts per million of available chlorine at a temperature not lower than 24o Celsius for at least forty-five seconds;

(c) immersion in a clean quaternary ammonium compound solution of not less than 200 parts per million at a temperature not lower than 24o Celsius for at least forty-five seconds;

(d) immersion in a clean solution containing not less than twenty-five parts per million of available iodine at a temperature not lower than 24o Celsius for at least forty-five seconds; or

(e) immersion in any solution containing a sanitizing agent that is non-toxic and that provides a bactericidal result not less than the result provided by clause (a), (b) or (c) and for which a convenient test reagent is available.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 25 (1).

(2) A test reagent for determining the concentration of sanitizer and an accurate thermometer to determine the temperature of the sanitizing solution shall be readily available where the sanitizing takes place in a recreational camp.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 25 (2).

26. Despite sections 24 and 25, utensils, other than utensils that come into direct contact with a milk product or ready to eat food, may be cleaned and sanitized in one operation provided that,

(a) the chemical product used is designed for that purpose;

(b) the product container bears directions for use indicating optimum temperature and exposure times;

(c) the product is used in accordance with the directions for use;

(d) a test reagent is readily available on the premises to determine the concentration of the sanitizing agent; and

(e) the utensils so treated are completely rinsed with clean water.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 26.

27. (1) Every operator shall ensure that mechanical equipment for the cleaning and sanitizing of utensils in each camp is,

(a) so constructed, designed and maintained that,

(i) the wash water is sufficiently clean at all times to clean the dishes and is maintained at a temperature not lower than 60o Celsius or higher than 71o Celsius, and

(ii) the sanitizing rinse is,

(A) water that is maintained at a temperature not lower than 82o Celsius and is applied for a minimum of ten seconds in each sanitizing cycle, or

(B) a chemical solution described in clause 25 (1) (b), (c), (d) or (e); and

(b) provided with thermometers that show wash and rinse temperatures and that are so located as to be easily read.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 27 (1).

(2) An operator may use another machine or device other than the mechanical equipment referred to in subsection (1) where the machine or device will, in the opinion of the medical officer of health, effectively clean and sanitize the utensils and will result in a bacterial count on the utensils within the limits set out in section 29.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 27 (2).

28. Where food processing equipment in a recreational camp is cleaned and sanitized in-place without disassembling the equipment, the operator shall ensure that instructions respecting,

(a) the chemicals used for cleaning and sanitizing;

(b) the strength of the chemical solutions used;

(c) the length of time the equipment was exposed to the chemicals; and

(d) the procedures used for cleaning and sanitizing the equipment,

are posted in a place accessible to the person carrying out the cleaning and sanitizing.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 28.

29. Every operator shall ensure that in each camp the standard plate count from a multi-service article does not exceed 100 bacterial colonies after cleaning and sanitizing and prior to re-use when tested by an official method in accordance with the standard plate test, utilizing the swab technique.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 29.

30. Every operator shall ensure that in each camp utensils that have been cleaned and sanitized are transported and stored in such a manner as to prevent contamination.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 30.

31. Every operator shall ensure that in each camp, where a utensil is so large as to preclude washing and sanitizing by means of sinks or other machines, it is washed or scrubbed with a detergent solution, rinsed with clean water and,

(a) sprayed or rinsed with hot water or steam in a manner that creates a temperature of not less than 82o Celsius on the treated surface; or

(b) sprayed or rinsed with a chemical solution of a type described in subsection 25 (1) at double the strength that is set out in the product directions.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 31.

Disposal of Refuse

32. Every operator shall ensure that garbage and refuse in each camp is,

(a) deposited in leakproof durable containers equipped with tight-fitting or self-closing tops;

(b) removed after each meal from any room in which food is prepared, served or stored; and

(c) collected daily and stored in a sanitary manner until final disposal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 32.

Water Safety

33. Where a recreational camp has a waterfront area that is used for aquatic activities the operator shall ensure that the waterfront area is operated in accordance with sections 34, 35 and 36.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 33.

34. (1) Every waterfront area in a recreational camp that is used for aquatic activities shall be under the supervision of a waterfront director who is at least eighteen years of age and who holds one of the following qualifications that has been obtained within two years of acting as a waterfront director:

1. The National Lifeguard Service’s registered lifeguard certificate.

2. The Royal Life Saving Society’s Canada Bronze Medallion and aquatic instructor’s certificate.

3. Any of the following certificates together with two years aquatic supervision experience:

i. The Royal Life Saving Society’s Canada Bronze Medallion or higher award,

ii. The Canadian Red Cross Society Water Safety Leader or Water Safety Instructor’s certificate,

iii. The Young Men’s Christian Association’s Basic or Senior Lifesaving certificate, or

iv. A certificate that the medical officer of health considers to be equivalent to a certificate referred to in subparagraph ii or iii.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 34 (1).

(2) If the waterfront area in a recreational camp is in use, the waterfront director shall ensure that supervision is provided in accordance with the following rules:

1. Two supervisors are required if one to 25 campers are in the water.

2. Three supervisors are required if 26 to 100 campers are in the water.

3. For each additional 25 campers in the water or less where there are more than 100 campers, one additional supervisor shall be provided. O. Reg. 292/17, s. 1.

(3) Despite the supervision required under subsection (2), the waterfront director shall ensure that, where non-swimmers, mentally or physically handicapped persons or campers under five years of age are using the waterfront area in the camp, additional supervision is provided that, in the opinion of the waterfront director, is adequate having regard to the type and number of children using the waterfront area.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 34 (3).

(4) Every supervisor in a recreational camp shall be at least sixteen years of age and hold the Royal Life Saving Society’s Bronze Medallion or qualifications that, in the opinion of the medical officer of health, are equivalent to the Bronze Medallion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 34 (4).

35. Every waterfront director of a recreational camp shall ensure that the following equipment is easily accessible at the waterfront area of the camp in case of an emergency:

1. One or more buoyant rescue aids attached to a shoulder loop with a six millimetre line at least 1.60 metres in length.

2. One or more reaching poles of three metres or greater in length.

3. One or more buoyant throwing aids attached to a six millimetre line at least eight metres in length.

4. A spine board.

5. A paddleboard or boat, when any part of the swimming area is more than fifty metres from the shore.

6. First aid supplies in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of the campers that shall include,

i. scissors,

ii. triangular bandages,

iii. water resistant, sterile bandages,

iv. sterile gauze pads (fifty millimetres by fifty millimetres and 100 millimetres by 100 millimetres),

v. rolls and gauze conform bandages,

vi. waterproof adhesive tape,

vii. blankets and pillows,

viii. safety pins,

ix. tweezers,

x. ice packs,

xi. antiseptic solution,

xii. incident report forms.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 35.

36. The waterfront director of a recreational camp shall ensure that there are written instructions for emergency and operational procedures that shall be used in the event of an accident or emergency in the waterfront area and that all supervisors are trained in the procedures.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 36.

37. A reference in this Regulation to the medical officer of health means the medical officer of health of the board of health in the health unit in which the recreational camp referred to is situate.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 568, s. 37.