10A NCAC 09 .0604. GENERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

(a)  In child care centers, potentially hazardous items, such as archery equipment, hand and power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, and gasoline or kerosene, whether or not intended for use by children, shall be stored in locked areas or with other safeguards, or shall be removed from the premises.

(b)  Firearms and ammunition are prohibited in a licensed child care program unless carried by a law enforcement officer.

(c)  Electrical outlets not in use which are located in space used by the children shall be covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child.

(d)  Electric fans shall be mounted out of the reach of children or shall be fitted with a mesh guard to prevent access by children.

(e)  All electrical appliances shall be used only in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. For appliances with heating elements, such as bottle warmers, crock pots, irons, coffee pots, or curling irons, neither the appliance nor the cord, if applicable, shall be accessible to preschool-age children.

(f)  Electrical cords shall not be accessible to infants and toddlers.  Extension cords, except as approved by the local fire inspector, shall not be used.  Frayed or cracked electrical cords shall be replaced.

(g)  All materials used for starting fires, such as matches and lighters, shall be kept in locked storage or shall be stored out of the reach of children.

(h) Smoking is not permitted in space used by children when children are present.  All smoking materials shall be kept in locked storage or out of the reach of children.

(i)  Fuel burning heaters, fireplaces and floor furnaces shall be provided with a protective screen attached securely to supports to prevent access by children and to prevent objects from being thrown into them.

(j)  Plants that are toxic shall not be in indoor or outdoor space that is used by or is accessible to children.

(k)  Air conditioning units shall be located so that they are not accessible to children or shall be fitted with a mesh guard to prevent objects from being thrown into them.

(l)  Gas tanks shall be located so they are not accessible to the children or shall be in a protective enclosure or surrounded by a protective guard.

(m)  Cribs and playpens shall be placed so that the children occupying them shall not have access to cords or ropes, such as venetian blind cords.

(n)  Once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment.  Debris shall be removed and disposed.

(o)  Plastic bags, toys, and toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be easily torn apart such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age, except that styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Latex and rubber balloons shall not be accessible to children under five years of age.

(p)  When non-ambulatory children are in care, a crib or other device shall be available for evacuation in case of fire or other emergency.  The crib or other device shall be fitted with wheels in order to be easily moveable, have a reinforced bottom, and shall be able to fit through the designated fire exit.  For centers that do not meet institutional building code, and the exit is more than eight inches above grade, the center shall develop a plan to ensure a safe and timely evacuation of the crib or other device.  This plan shall be demonstrated to a Division representative for review and approval.  During the monthly fire drills required by Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4), the evacuation crib or other device shall be used in the manner described in the evacuation plan.

(q)  A first aid kit must always be available on site.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(3),(6); 143B-168.3;

Eff. January 1, 1991;

Amended Eff. January 1, 1996; November 1, 1991;

Temporary Amendment Eff. October 1, 1997;

Amended Eff. February 1, 2012; July 1, 2010; December 1, 2007; April 1, 2001; July 1, 1998.