Final answer:
Floor mounted equipment must be kept off the ground to maintain sanitation, facilitate cleaning, and prevent pest harborage. The specific distance varies based on health codes and equipment type, typically ranging from ½ inch to 6 inches.
Step-by-step explanation:
Floor mounted equipment must be kept at a certain distance off the floor, typically around ½ inch to 6 inches or more, depending on local health codes and the specific requirements of the equipment itself. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure cleanliness and to facilitate easier floor cleaning, thereby helping to prevent contamination and maintain sanitary conditions in settings such as commercial kitchens, hospitals, and laboratories. It also allows for better air circulation around the equipment and prevents pests from finding harborage.