The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards include requirements for drinking water at work sites. This is particularly important in hot weather or wherever heat stress is an occupational issue.
Requirements include:
(1) There is a supply of water that meets the quality standards of the local jurisdiction or Federal Drinking Water Standards.
(2) The water is available at all places of employment.
(3) The water is sufficient for the number of workers and the environmental conditions (up to 4 cups or more per hour).
(4) The water is maintained an adequate temperature (50 to 60°F).
(5) The water is stored in a properly labeled container ("Drinking Water").
(6) The container is tightly closed with a tap and no source of cross contamination.
(7) The container is not connected by any means to a nonpotable water source or supply.
(8) The method of consumption is not shared between workers (not a single cup, dipper or bottle).
(9) The use of a dipper is not permitted.
(10) The water is not to be used for any other purpose than drinking.
(11) If disposable cups are provided there is a receptacle for disposing of used cups.
where:
• The term potable is derived from the Latin potus (= a drink) and indicates a beverage that is fit to drink.