Violation

California Code § 87309(a)Hazardous Item Storage

How CCLD inspectors cite this regulation, what providers do to stay clear of it, and where it appears in the public record.

Type A, seriousAffects rcfe1460 facilities cited in the last 90 days

ℹ️ Educational reference based on public CCLD inspection records. Not legal or compliance advice. Verify requirements with official sources. Full disclaimer →

Regulation text

What California Code § 87309(a) actually says

California Code § 87309(a)

Except as specified in subsection (b), the licensee shall ensure that disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisonous substances, knives, matches, tools, sharp objects, and other similar items which could pose a danger to residents are in locked storage and are not left unattended if outside the locked storage.

From the field

What providers tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

1,171 California RCFEs have been cited for this. An unattended cleaning cart or unlocked supply closet triggers a Type A citation on the LPA's first walk-through, so lock storage between every use, not just at night.

By the numbers

1460^*CCLD: facilities cited in the last 90 days
34^*CCLD: counties where this citation appeared
--^*CCLD: rank among most-common citations
Trajectory: Steady

1460 facilities were cited for this in the last 90 days. See if yours is one of them.

Check a facility

What other providers do

Common practices to stay clear of Hazardous Item Storage

Common practices shared by providers. Confirm requirements with your licensing analyst.

Common practices

Keep disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and poisonous substances in locked storage
Secure knives, matches, tools, and sharp objects away from residents
Never leave hazardous items unattended outside locked storage

What to avoid

Leaving a cleaning cart unattended in a hallway during housekeeping
Propping open a locked janitor or supply closet for convenience
Storing kitchen knives in an unlocked drawer accessible to residents

Regional record

Where this citation appeared in the past 90 days

Citation counts and rates by California county, drawn from CCLD inspection records.

Regional citations for Hazardous Item Storage, last 90 days
County	Citations	Facilities	Citation rate
Los Angeles	211	--	--
Contra Costa	124	--	--
Orange	109	--	--
Alameda	103	--	--
Sacramento	84	--	--
Fresno	57	--	--
Riverside	51	--	--
San Diego	49	--	--
San Bernardino	46	--	--
San Mateo	43	--	--

SOURCE

*CCLD: California Community Care Licensing Divisionviolation_citations2026-05-30Updated weekly

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers based on public CCLD data and regulation text. May not reflect recent changes.

What is a Title 22 Section 87309(a) hazardous item storage violation?

Title 22, Section 87309(a) requires a California RCFE to keep disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisonous substances, knives, matches, tools, and sharp objects in locked storage, and to never leave them unattended outside that storage. The rule protects residents, including those with dementia, from reaching items that can poison, cut, or burn them. It is a direct resident-safety requirement, not a paperwork rule.

How common is this violation in California assisted living?

This is one of the most-cited RCFE deficiencies in California. CCLD inspection records show 1,171 California RCFEs have been cited under Section 87309(a), with 1,503 total citations across 35 counties. Inspectors classify it as a Type A violation, meaning it poses a direct and immediate risk to residents. Los Angeles (228), Contra Costa (124), and Orange (109) counties lead the count statewide.

What happens if an RCFE is cited for unsecured hazardous items?

When an LPA finds unlocked chemicals or sharps, the facility receives a Type A citation and a Plan of Correction with a firm deadline. Type A citations are the most serious class and carry higher civil penalties than Type B, though no fixed dollar figure applies to every case. Expect a follow-up visit to confirm the items are secured. Repeated or uncorrected Type A findings draw closer CCLD scrutiny.

How do I fix or prevent a hazardous item storage citation?

Walk every resident-accessible area as an LPA would. Store cleaning carts, chemicals, and sharps in a locked cabinet or room, and never set them down unattended during cleaning. Lock the storage between uses, not just overnight. Train staff that a propped-open janitor closet or an unattended cart is an immediate violation. Add the locked-storage check to your daily opening and closing routine.

Does a hazardous item violation affect my RCFE license?

Yes. A Section 87309(a) citation becomes part of your facility's public CCLD record and stays visible to families and placement professionals. A single corrected Type A finding rarely threatens your license, but a pattern of unsecured-hazard citations signals weak safety oversight and can trigger more frequent inspections by the Community Care Licensing Division. Clearing each Plan of Correction on time keeps the record clean.

Related violations

Other citations in this regulation family

This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed residential care compliance consultant for guidance specific to your facility. Citation data is sourced from California Community Care Licensing Division public records and is refreshed regularly.

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