Cypress Municipal Code § 13-2 Mobile food preparation units generally

In addition to all other applicable provisions of the health and safety code and of this article, mobile food preparation units shall comply with the following safety requirements:

(a) Compressors, auxiliary engines, generators, batteries, battery chargers, gas-fueled water heaters, and similar equipment shall be installed so as to be accessible only from the outside of the unit.

(b) All equipment installed in any part of the unit shall be secured so as to prevent movement during transit and to prevent detachment in the event of a collision or overturn.

(c) All equipment installed within the interior of the unit, including the interiors of cabinets or compartments, shall be constructed so as to be free of sharp or jagged edges.

(d) All utensils shall be stored so as to prevent their being hurled about in the event of a sudden stop, collision or overturn. A safety knife holder shall be provided to avoid loose storage of knives in cabinets, boxes or slots along counter aisles. Knife holders shall be designed to be easily cleaned and be manufactured of materials approved by the health officer.

(e) Ceiling light fixtures shall be recessed or flushmounted and sealed and shall be equipped with safety covers approved by the health officer. The minimum clearance from the floor to the light fixture shall be at least 188 centimeters (76 inches) or the fixture shall be installed out of the traffic aisle or work area.

(f) High voltage (110 to 220 volts) electrical wiring shall be properly installed in electrical conduit with all splices or connections being made within junction, outlet or switch as to prevent the use of extension cords exceeding 183 centimeters (six feet). Outside electrical connection receptacles shall be of weatherproof design with cover.

(g) Attached, firmly anchored seats with backrests, equipped with seat belts, shall be provided for all occupants. If a jump seat in the aisleway is utilized, it shall fold in a manner that will clear the aisleway when not in use and be held with a self-latching mechanism. Seats and backrests shall be at least 35.5 centimeters by 35.5 centimeters (14 inches by 14 inches) in size. All occupants shall be seated, shall wear seat belts and shall not cook or prepare food while the unit is in motion. Signs setting forth the latter three requirements shall be posted in both English and Spanish.

(h) A first aid kit approved by the health officer shall be provided and located in a convenient area in an enclosed case.

(i) All pressure cylinders shall be securely fastened to a rigid structure of the unit. All liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) equipment shall be installed as follows:

(1) The LP gas tanks and relief valves shall be ASME-approved for intended use.

(2) Tanks shall be securely fastened and located where they will normally not be subject to damage. They may be in a body compartment or underneath the body. The tank or fittings must not protrude beyond the body.

(3) Tanks and regulators shall be separated from any open flame by a vaportight partition.

(4) When tanks are installed in a body compartment, the partitions shall be sealed off from the rest of the body with no openings to the interior except for the tubing. The following additional requirements shall be met:

a. All tank valves and fittings shall be readily accessible from outside the unit.

b. The tank safety relief valve shall be vented to the outside and directed downward.

c. The filling shall be done through an outside door to the compartment.

d. The compartment shall be vented to the exterior of the unit so as to prevent accumulation of gas.

(5) Tubing that passes through partitions shall be protected by grommets made of rubber or other approved materials.

(6) Tubing exposed to friction shall be protected against chafing.

(7) Expansion and contraction bends shall be made in the tubing between the tank and the appliance.

(8) ASME-approved LP gas tubing or standard weight pipe shall be used throughout.

(9) Protective "thread" caps shall be installed on fill-line check valves.

(10) Every appliance fueled by LP gas shall be equipped with a pilot light attachment and provided with an ASME-approved device which will automatically shut off all gas to the appliance if the pilot light should be extinguished.

(j) A minimum five B.C. rated portable fire extinguisher (UL or state fire marshal approved design) shall be installed in plain sight and within easy reach, immediately inside the front driver's door. The extinguisher shall be replaced or recharged after each use.

(Ord. No. 882, § 1, 4-13-92)

In addition to the requirements specified in section 13-2 (mobile food preparation units generally) above, mobile food preparation units, which operate at more than one location in any calendar day, shall comply with the following additional requirements.

(a) Coffee urns shall be installed in a compartment that will prevent excessive spillage of coffee in the interior of the unit in the event of a sudden stop, collision or overturn, or, as an alternative to this requirement, coffee urns shall be equipped with positive closing lids as well as perforated metal protective sleeves on the glass liquid level sight gauges.

(b) Deep fat fryers are prohibited, unless equipped with positive closing lids to contain the fat and to prevent splashing or excessive spillage in transit or in the event of a sudden stop, collision or overturn of the unit. Such lids shall be designed and constructed so as to prevent pressure buildup which could result in an explosion. All lids shall be kept positively closed while the unit is in motion. Signs setting forth the latter requirement shall be posted in both English and Spanish.

(c) Water bath or steam food insert tables shall be provided with baffles to prevent surging in transit. All such tables, as well as dry heat units, their insert food containers and similar equipment that contains hot liquids or hot foods shall have positive closing lids to contain all such liquids or foods and to prevent splashing or spillage in transit or in the event of a sudden stop, collision or overturn of the unit. Such lids shall be designed and constructed so as to prevent pressure buildup which could result in an explosion. All lids shall be positively closed while the unit is in motion. Signs setting forth the latter requirement shall be posted in both English and Spanish.

(d) An alternate means of exit in the side opposite the main exit door, or the roof, or the rear of the unit, with unobstructed passage of 61 centimeters by 92 centimeters (24 inches by 36 inches) minimum to the outside shall be provided. The interior latching mechanism shall be operable by hand without special tools or key. The exit shall be labeled "Safety Exit" in contrasting colors with at least 2.54-centimeters (one-inch) high letters.

(Ord. No. 882, § 1, 4-13-92)