LABOR CAMP HOUSING RULES

You are entitled to a certain quality of living, no matter who you are and what you do. The following article explains what you should and should not have in your camp.

BATHROOMS AND LAUNDRY

Each camp must have 1 shower for every 10 people. This shower must be within 200 feet of each housing unit and must have a separate, private, dry dressing area. The camp is obligated to have at least 1 shower for men and 1 shower for women, or 1 shower per family. Therefore, if more than 1 family uses your shower, the shower must be clearly labeled either women or men. The camps must also be equipped with 1 hand sink for every 15 people and 1 laundry tub for every 30. All of the showers, sinks and washing machines must have both hot and cold running water and the dirty water from them must be disposed of properly. The camp also must have 1 toilet for every 15 people OR 1 non-flushing toilet for every 10. If your camp has toilets that don’t flush, the toilets must be pumped at least once per week and they must be constructed so flies cannot enter. The camp is obligated to have at least 1 toilet for men and 1 toilet for women, or 1 toilet per family. Therefore, like showers, your toilet must be clearly labeled women or men if more than 1 family uses it. All toilets must be within 200 feet of each unit and be private, well-lit, well-ventilated, and clean.

KITCHEN AND COOKING FACILITIES

Your camp is required to have adequate cooking facilities. Each camp must have either individual kitchens for each unit or a common cooking facility. In both individual kitchens and in common cooking areas, the kitchens must have at least 2 stove burners for every 5 people. Therefore, if 5 people use your cooking area, only 2 stove burners are required. However, if 6 to 10 people use your cooking area the area must have at least 4 burners. All kitchens and community cooking areas must also have a sink. If your kitchen is in your unit, the kitchen is required to have cold running water. However, in newly constructed or recently remodeled units, both hot and cold running water are required. If you use a community cooking area, the sink is required to have both hot and cold running water, regardless of if it is a new or old building. All kitchens and cooking areas are required to have adequate storage and counter spaces for storing food and preparing meals. A refrigerator is also required; its temperature should be 45 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Refrigerator doors should close properly and the interior should have proper shelves. The kitchens or cooking shelters must also be equipped with a table, chairs, and adequate lighting and ventilation.

LIVING SHELTERS

Your dwelling should be clearly numbered and in good repair. All structures should have a permanent ceiling and all steps and railings must be sturdy and safe. The units should not be overcrowded; each person is entitled to approximately 50 to 100 square feet per person. You are also entitled to at least one clothes rod per person and adequate shelving space. All sleeping units must have both a working door and a working window; both should have screens. Finally, separate sleeping areas are required for women and men, or for each family. If your family occupies a unit and you have 1 or more children who are over 6 years old, you should have a separate sleeping area for you and your spouse and a separate sleeping area for you children. If you live in a single sex dormitory, you are entitled to a single bed. Triple bunks are prohibited in both dormitories and family units.

CAMP HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES

Your camp must be clean and free from offensive odors. There should be no pesticides or farm implements stored in or near your camp. The camp operator is also obligated to clear all overgrown grass and poisonous plants such as poison ivy. All garbage should be stored in metal containers with lids. Metal containers should be built and sealed in a manner that does not attract flies or rodents. Garbage must be collected at least once a week. You should have running water within 50 feet of all units. The water must be clean and disinfected. Furthermore, all of the dirty water from the showers, sinks, and washing machines must have proper drainage systems; you shouldn’t have any stagnant water sitting in or near the camp. A fire extinguisher should be centrally located within each camp, at least 100 feet from each shelter, and fire detectors are required in all shelters and in all sleeping areas. The camp operator is also obligated to provide a recreational area for your camp.

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This article appears courtesy of Farmworker Legal Services