§ 95.229. Bedding.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to bedding:
(1) Written local policy must specify that inmates be provided a bed, mattress (not to exclude a mattress with integrated pillow), bed sheet, pillow, pillowcase, towel and blanket. The bed must be a sleeping surface and mattress that allows the inmate to be at least 12 inches off the floor. The mattress and pillow must have a waterproof and fire retardant cover. The bed must be located in an area preapproved for residential occupancy by the Department of Labor and Industry or local code authority.
(2) Written local policy must define emergency circumstances that would require the use of temporary bedding arrangements that may not meet the requirements of paragraph (1). An inmate may not be subject to temporary bedding arrangements for a period exceeding 30 consecutive days. Temporary bedding arrangements may not be utilized by the county prison for a period exceeding 90 consecutive days.
(3) Written local policy must provide that the prison administrator has discretion to issue bedding items to or removing bedding items from an inmate when possession of those items by the inmate could compromise the order, security or safety of the prison.
(4) Written local policy must provide that each mattress and pillow is sanitized chemically or by another acceptable method and is in usable condition before reissue to another inmate. Each in-use mattress and pillow shall be sanitized at least annually.
(5) Written local policy must provide for the laundering of bed sheets, pillowcases, towels and blankets before reissue to another inmate. In-use bed sheets, pillowcases and towels shall be laundered on a weekly basis. In-use blankets shall be laundered at least quarterly.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.229 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186), and section 3(3) and (4) of the act of December 27, 1965 (P. L. 1237, No. 502) (61 P. S. § 460.3(3) and (4)).
Source The provisions of this § 95.229 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended October 10, 2008, effective October 13, 2009, 38 Pa.B. 5627. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (263835).
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