What is the minimum temperature that water heating facilities at a required sink must provide?

The minimum temperature that water heating facilities at a required sink must provide is established to ensure safety, sanitation, and effective performance in various applications, such as food preparation and handwashing.

Setting the minimum temperature at 110 degrees Fahrenheit ensures that the water is sufficiently hot to assist in effectively killing harmful bacteria and pathogens that could pose health risks. This temperature supports proper hygiene practices while still being manageable and safe for users who may touch or interact with the water directly.

Choosing a lower temperature, such as 90 or 100 degrees Fahrenheit, may not provide adequate sanitation or bacteria control, whereas 120 degrees Fahrenheit, while safe for many uses, poses a greater risk of scalding, especially for vulnerable populations like children or the elderly. Thus, 110 degrees Fahrenheit strikes an appropriate balance between safety and effectiveness in maintaining hygiene standards as outlined in the code.