Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 625A - Environmental Health Specialists
Case 1: Food Establishment Violation – Improper Temperature Control
Situation
An Environmental Health Specialist inspected a restaurant and found that multiple refrigerators storing perishable foods were maintaining temperatures above 45°F, which is unsafe for certain meats and dairy products.
Relevant NAC Provisions
NAC 625A.150: EHS must enforce compliance with food safety standards.
NAC 625A.160: Safe food handling includes maintaining proper storage temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.
Board Findings
The restaurant had no calibrated thermometers.
Staff unaware of proper temperature monitoring procedures.
Outcome
Immediate corrective notice issued to restaurant.
Staff required to attend food safety training.
Follow-up inspection scheduled within 7 days.
Repeat violations could result in fines or temporary closure.
Key Lesson
Temperature control is a critical enforcement area for EHS. Failure to monitor can lead to immediate administrative action.
Case 2: Improper Sewage Disposal at a Residential Facility
Situation
A new housing development installed septic systems without proper permits. Residents reported odors and occasional backups.
Relevant NAC Provisions
NAC 625A.230: EHS must inspect wastewater and sewage systems.
NAC 625A.240: Sewage systems must comply with state design and maintenance standards.
Board Findings
Septic tanks undersized for occupancy.
Drain fields improperly graded, causing leakage onto neighboring properties.
Outcome
Developers required to halt occupancy until systems were corrected.
Fines imposed for noncompliance with construction standards.
EHS provided technical guidance for system redesign.
Key Lesson
EHS enforce both design and operational compliance for wastewater systems to protect public health.
Case 3: Swimming Pool Contamination
Situation
A public swimming pool showed elevated chlorine levels and unsafe pH, leading to skin irritation complaints from patrons.
Relevant NAC Provisions
NAC 625A.310: EHS must ensure public swimming pools maintain proper chemical balance.
NAC 625A.315: Daily monitoring and record-keeping of pool water chemistry are mandatory.
Board Findings
Pool staff had not documented daily chlorine and pH readings.
Automated chlorine feed malfunctioned and went unreported.
Outcome
EHS issued a cease-and-correct notice.
Pool reopened only after chemical balance restored and monitoring records verified.
Staff trained on proper record-keeping and chemical management.
Key Lesson
EHS monitor both operational practices and documentation. Lack of records is treated as serious as the contamination itself.
Case 4: Vector Control – Rodent Infestation at a Food Facility
Situation
A warehouse storing packaged foods was found to have a rodent infestation, with droppings observed near food pallets.
Relevant NAC Provisions
NAC 625A.400: EHS must enforce vector control, including rodents and insects.
NAC 625A.410: Food storage areas must be free from contamination and pests.
Board Findings
Facility had structural gaps in walls and doors allowing rodent entry.
No pest control program in place.
Outcome
Facility required immediate pest remediation.
Structural repairs mandated to prevent recurrence.
EHS scheduled follow-up inspections to verify compliance.
Violations documented in public health records.
Key Lesson
EHS enforce structural, operational, and environmental controls, not just immediate chemical or biological hazards.
Case 5: Hazardous Waste Handling in a Clinic
Situation
A medical clinic disposed of sharps and chemical disinfectants in regular trash instead of following hazardous waste protocols.
Relevant NAC Provisions
NAC 625A.500: EHS regulate disposal of biohazardous and chemical waste.
NAC 625A.510: Licensed disposal methods must be followed to prevent exposure or contamination.
Board Findings
Employees unaware of proper sharps containers and chemical disposal procedures.
Multiple incidents of sharps found in general waste bins.
Outcome
EHS issued formal corrective orders.
Staff trained on hazardous waste segregation and labeling.
Clinic required to contract with a licensed medical waste disposal service.
Key Lesson
EHS are responsible for education, inspection, and enforcement in clinical environments to protect workers, patients, and the public.
Case 6: Failure to Report a Public Health Hazard
Situation
A local daycare experienced a gastrointestinal outbreak, but the facility failed to notify public health authorities promptly.
Relevant NAC Provisions
NAC 625A.600: EHS must ensure timely reporting of public health threats.
NAC 625A.610: Facilities must comply with reporting requirements for communicable diseases.
Board Findings
Delayed reporting increased potential exposure to other children and staff.
EHS conducted an emergency inspection and initiated containment measures.
Outcome
Facility issued a notice of violation and mandatory compliance plan.
Staff required to complete public health and outbreak response training.
Repeat violations could result in fines or closure.
Key Lesson
Prompt reporting of hazards is essential; EHS enforce both prevention and rapid response protocols.
Summary of Key Themes in NAC 625A
Food Safety Enforcement – temperature, hygiene, storage, and documentation.
Water and Waste Management – septic systems, pool safety, and chemical balance.
Vector Control – pest management in food and residential environments.
Hazardous Waste Compliance – safe disposal and employee training.
Public Health Reporting – rapid notification of communicable disease outbreaks or hazards.
Education + Enforcement – EHS are both inspectors and trainers to ensure compliance.
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