15A NCAC 18A .2826. LIGHTING AND THERMAL ENVIRONMENT

(a)  In child care centers, all rooms and enclosed areas shall be lighted by natural or artificial means.  Lighting shall be capable of illumination to at least 50 foot‑candles at work surfaces in kitchens and diaper changing areas and at children's work tables, desks and easels.  Lighting shall be capable of illumination to at least 10 foot-candles of light, at 30 inches above the floor, in all other areas, including storage rooms. Light fixtures in all areas shall be kept clean and in good repair.    Shielded or shatterproof bulbs shall be used in food preparation, storage, and serving areas and in all rooms used by children.

(b)  All rooms used by children shall be heated, cooled, and ventilated to maintain a temperature between 65°F (19°C) and 85°F (30°C).  Ventilation may be in the form of operable windows which are screened or by means of mechanical ventilation to the outside.  Windows and window treatments shall be kept clean and in good repair.  All ventilation equipment, including air supply diffusers (heating and cooling vents) and return grilles, fans, and all other ventilation equipment shall be kept clean and in good repair.

(c)  Nothing in the rules of this Section requires that outdoor storage buildings be wired with electricity or provided with heating and air conditioning.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110‑91;

Eff. July 1, 1991;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2006; February 1, 1995.