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Migrant Labor Housing--Pennsylvania Regulations
Purpose
Regulations set standards for permits, plans, sites, and camp housing. Under housing requirements, regulations cover:
- occupancy
- sleeping room contents
- cleanliness
- water supply
- plumbing
- toilet facilities
- sewage disposal
- laundry, hand-washing, and bathing facilities
- lighting and electrical
- refuse
- food service
- insect and rodent control
- first-aid and fire prevention
- exits and entrances
Other sections deal with occupants' concurrent responsibilities and obligations of owners and operators. These regulations can be found in Pennsylvania Code, Volume 7, Section 82.
Who must comply?
All employers of migrant and seasonal farm labor in Pennsylvania that provide living quarters for four or more unrelated farm workers are subject to the regulations. If an employee has been employed for less than one year, the employee is presumed to be a seasonal one, unless the employer can prove otherwise.
What do the regulations require?
1. Plans for the construction, remodeling, or alteration of farm labor camps must be approved by the governing agency before such construction, etc. may begin.
2. All seasonal farm labor camps must have a permit from the governing agency. A permit is valid for one year. Initial applications for new camps must be submitted 60 days prior to occupancy. Currently operating farm labor camps will receive a renewal application 60 days prior to the expiration of their current permit.
3. All camps must be ready for inspection by the governing agency at least 45 days prior to occupancy. Violations may cause the camp to be reinspected before a permit is issued. Continued noncompliance with regulations may cause the agency to levy fines or revoke the operating permit.
4. Upon receipt of a permit, the camp owner or operator must post the permit at a prominent location that is readily accessible.
For more information
Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services.