Which specific area in a facility requires a supply of hot and cold running water, non-porous surfaces, and is used for preparation and/or mixing chemicals?

The selection of the dispensing area as the correct answer is appropriate because this area is fundamentally designed for handling chemicals, which requires specific conditions to ensure safety and proper functionality. Having hot and cold running water is essential for tasks such as cleaning and safely handling spills or residues when working with various substances. Non-porous surfaces are critical as they prevent the absorption of chemicals, which could lead to contamination or degradation of surfaces, and they facilitate easier cleaning procedures to maintain hygiene standards.

This area also often requires well-defined protocols for mixing chemicals responsibly, and the availability of running water supports dilution or rinsing of equipment. The combination of these features underscores the importance of the dispensing area in ensuring not just operational efficiency, but also safety in the handling of potentially hazardous materials.

In contrast, while the restroom needs a source of running water, the surfaces are typically designed for different uses and do not have the same requirements for chemical preparation. The break room, primarily intended for employee rest and meals, would not necessitate the same facilities as it does not involve chemical handling. Similarly, the storage room is focused on storing materials rather than preparing or mixing them, thus it lacks the need for hot and cold running water as well as non-porous surfaces specifically for chemical