EHS conducts regular inspections of public and private institutions such as nursing homes, boarding homes, day care centers, public swimming pools, barber shops and hair salons. EHS responds to complaints about unsafe or unhealthful conditions in such facilities and initiates appropriate enforcement actions. Additionally, EHS investigates reports of improper disposal of medical and sewage wastes.

Information & Complaints:
(215) 685-7342
Hours: Monday - Friday
8 am - 4:30 pm

Institutional Sanitation
Nursing Homes, Boarding Homes, Child Day Care Centers, and Schools are inspected for sanitation and safety concerns. These include adequacy and safety of the water supply, proper liquid and solid waste disposal, presence of insects, rodents or other vermin, ventilation, lighting, sanitation and condition of client care areas and equipment, condition of toilet facilities and the presence of hazardous materials or other unsafe conditions in the facility. Liaison is maintained with other City and State regulatory authorities concerning environmental conditions as well as advising them of the conditions relating to their regulations.

Solid Waste
The storage, transport and disposal of medical waste from health care facilities and laboratories is evaluated to determine conformance with Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) regulations. Plans concerning the identification, packaging, labeling, length and condition of storage and removal of infectious or chemotherapeutic waste are to be submitted by hospitals, physician, dental and veterinarian's offices to assure proper handling of this material. Site evaluations are conducted. Reports of the improper handing or disposal of this waste are immediately investigated and corrected. These reports are to be submitted to (215) 685-7342 (work hours) or (215) 686-4514/4515 (holidays, nights, weekends).

Public Bathing Places
Swimming pools at apartment houses, schools, recreation centers, swimming or aquatic centers, hotels/motels, athletic clubs and certain cooperatives or condominiums are routinely inspected to determine if they are being maintained in a safe and sanitary manner in accordance with State and City regulations. Water quality samples are collected for laboratory analysis.

Swimming and wading can be fun, active, and healthy ways to spend time.  Keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy as you head for the water!  To learn more, click the below links:

Center for Disease Control & Prevention's Swim Health, Swim Safely Program

Pennsylvania Department of Health Swimming Pools & Bathing Places section

National Swimming Pool Foundation

Association of Pools & Spa Professional

Body Art Program
On February 26, 2002, the Board of Health adopted the Regulations Governing Operation and conduct of Tattoo and body Piercing Establishments.  These regulations establish sanitation and safety conditions of body art shops, professional qualifications and practices of artists, and defines a minimum age and age verification procedure of prospective clients.

There are over 36 body art shops and over 200 artists operating in the City of Philadelphia.  Each artist is required to successfully complete a bloodborne pathogen training course given by the Department.  Information regarding this course may be obtained by calling (215) 685-7342 during normal business hours.

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