WAC 170-296-0010 Definition for Sanitizing
WAC 170-296A-7700 Washing dishes.
WAC 170-296A-7750 Food preparation area.
WAC 170-296A-1375 Private septic system--Inspection and maintenance.
WAC 170-296A-1400 Private well and water system.
WAC 170-296A-2325 Reporting notifiable condition to health department.
WAC 170-296A-3210 Communicable disease--Notice and procedure.
WAC 170-296A-3225 Exclusion of ill persons.
WAC 170-296A-3675 When handwashing is required.
WAC 170-296-3950 Pest Control
WAC 170-296A-4200 Removing recalled items.
WAC 170-296A-3975 Poisons.
WAC 170-296A-4000 Lead, asbestos and arsenic.
WAC 170-296A-4650 Bathroom floors.
WAC 170-296A-4875 Pets interacting with children.
WAC 170-296A-5175 Wading pools--Defined--Supervision.
WAC 170-296A-5200 Swimming pools defined--Barriers and supervision.
WAC 170-296A-5225 Bodies of water or water hazards on the licensed premises.
WAC 170-296A-6625 Art materials.
* - USE AND STORAGE OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES
Proposed WAC
Recommendation
Support
Life Threatening: possibly, depending on the
WAC 170-­296A-­0010 Definitions WAC 170-­296A-­0010 Definitions presence of disease-causing organisms – E. coli
"Sanitize" means to reduce the number "Sanitize" means to reduce the number … O157:H7 can cause fatal illness
… (b) Other sanitizer product if used strictly (b) Other sanitizer product if used according to manufacturer's label instructions Cost: minimal – provider can choose which sanitizing
strictly according to manufacturer's including, but not limited to, quantity used, time product to use; bleach and water is an inexpensive
label instructions including, but not the product must be left in place, acceptability for option
limited to, quantity used, time the use on particular surface to be sanitized, rinsing product must be left in place, and requirements, and adequate time to allow the Regulation Considerations: observation of product
adequate time to allow the product to product to dry; or… label or other documentation during licensing visit
dry; or… WAC Alignment:
Addition of this wording puts WAC in compliance
And
WAC 170-­296A-­7700 Washing dishes. The with 21 CFR 178.1010 – FDA requirements for
licensee or staff must wash dishes thoroughly after sanitizing solutions used on food preparation surfaces,
each use by one of the following methods: WAC 170-­296A-­7700 Washing as well as the Washington State Food Code WAC
dishes. The licensee or staff must wash (1) Automatic dishwasher; or 246-215-7-204.11.
dishes thoroughly after each use by one (2) Handwashing method, … WAC change also aligns family home WAC with
(a) If a bleach solution is used …; of the following methods: (b) If another sanitizer product is used, it must be center WAC 170-295-5040(6) which states: When you
(1) Automatic dishwasher; or an approved no-­rinse sanitizer for food contact use a product other than bleach to sanitize you must:
(2) Handwashing method, … (a) Follow the label directions for use including
surfaces. It must be used strictly according to… concentration, contact time and rinsing; and
(a) If a bleach solution is used …; (b) If another sanitizer product is used, (b) Be sure that if you use the product on food contact
surfaces and items that children might put into their
it must be used strictly according to… WAC 170-­296A-­7750 Food preparation area. (b) mouths, the label states the product is safe for food contact
surfaces.
If another sanitizer product is used, it must be And approved for use on food contact surfaces, used Additional Information:
strictly according to manufacturer's label WAC 170-­296A-­7750 Food Caring for our Children 3rd Edition (Appendix J)
preparation area. (b) If another instructions.
states: “Sanitizer - For food contact surface sanitizing
sanitizer product is used, it must be (dishes, utensils, cutting boards, high chair trays), toys that
used strictly according to children may place in their mouths, and pacifiers. 1
manufacturer's label … tablespoon of bleach + 1 gallon of cool water. Let stand for
2 minutes or air dry.
Disinfectant - For use on non-porous surfaces such as
diaper change tables, counter tops, door & cabinet handles,
toilets. ½- ¾ cup of bleach + 1 gallon of cool water
(or 1 to 3 tablespoons of bleach + 1 quart of cool water)
applied as a spray or poured fresh solution, not by dipping
into a container with a cloth that has been in contact with a
contaminated surface. Let stand for 2 minutes or air dry.”
Proposed WAC
Support
Recommendation
WAC 170-­296A-­1375 Private septic It is great that the requirement for periodic
system-­-­Inspection and maintenance. inspection was added. The way this section is worded
(1) If the licensed premises is served by also allows for local health jurisdictions to enforce
different requirements based on their particular
a private septic system (… environment. With an inspection done every three
(4) Septic system inspection and maintenance records must be kept on years, the concern is that this will give providers a
the premises and made available to the false sense of security that their septic system is okay
– there could still be a significant problem if a home
department upon request. with only a 2 bedroom septic system and 4 people
living in the house is then licensed for 12 additional
kids – this can put enormous stress on the system. It
may be okay on the day of the inspection, but begin
to fail a couple months later.
Life Threatening:
Cost:
Regulation Considerations:
WAC Alignment:
Additional Information:
Proposed WAC
Recommendation
Support
Life Threatening: depends on the type of bacteria
WAC 170-­296A-­1400 Private well WAC 170-­296A-­1400 Private well and water or chemicals in the well water. E coli O157:H7 can
and water system. (2) If there are no system. (2) If there are no local public health cause life-threatening diarrheal illness; nitrates can
local public health requirements … requirements … (b) Every three years after a license is (b) Every three years Every year after a license is cause life-threatening methemoglobinemia in infants.
issued under this chapter. The test must issued under this chapter. The test must indicate no Cost: Cost for each water test sample is about
indicate no presence of coliform presence of coliform bacteria, and "safe" levels of $20.00. Total cost for most providers with individual
wells would be about $40.00 per year. No cost to
bacteria, and "safe" levels of nitrates as nitrates as defined by the state department of defined by the state department of health (DOH). Arsenic should be tested for in certain providers served by public water systems. Providers
in areas of high arsenic in the bedrock would need to
regions of the state as recommended by the local
health (DOH). pay extra $20.00/year and may possibly need to install
health jurisdiction.
…
water treatment devices if arsenic level is high.
…
Regulation Considerations: licensor observes
water test result documentation during routine
licensing visit
WAC Alignment: Washington State Department of
Health makes the following statement: “DOH
recommends that private well owners test their drinking
water every year for coliform bacteria and nitrate…At least
twice, while you own the well we also suggest testing for
arsenic—once in summer and again in winter—to check
any seasonal influences that may occur.”
CFOC 3rd edition Standard 5.2.6.2 states: “If the
facility's drinking water does not come from a public water
system, or the facility gets the drinking water from a
household well, programs should test the water every year
or as required by the local health department, for
bacteriological quality, nitrates, total dissolved solids, pH
levels, and other water quality indicators as required by the
local health department. Testing for nitrate is especially
important if there are infants under six months of age in
care.”
Additional Information: Coliform bacteria should be
checked annually – a lot can change in a water system from
year to year (and even from month to month). For example,
a dug well may have seasonal effects on water quality
based on the height of the water table and amount of
rainfall. The water for such a well should ideally be tested
every 3 months. Also, some areas of Washington state have
pockets of naturally occurring arsenic in the ground that
affect private drinking water well.
Proposed WAC
Recommendation
Support
Life Threatening: yes – illnesses can be passed
if an individual returns to the child care too soon
WAC 170-­296A-­2325 Reporting WAC 170-­296A-­2325 Reporting notifiable notifiable condition to health condition to health department. The licensee department. The licensee must report must report a child diagnosed with a notifiable Cost: none
a child diagnosed with a notifiable condition as defined in chapter 246-­‐105101 WAC condition as defined in chapter 246-­‐105 to the local public health jurisdiction or the state Regulation Considerations: inquiry during
licensing visit; review of health plan
WAC to the local department of health. Contact the local public public health jurisdiction or the state health jurisdiction for the list of notifiable WAC Alignment: WAC 246-105 is the
department of health. Contact the local conditions and reporting requirements. immunization requirement with a list of vaccinepublic health jurisdiction for the list of preventable diseases, while WAC 246-101 is the
notifiable conditions and reporting WAC 170-­296A-­3210 Communicable disease-­-­ notifiable conditions WAC which includes the
requirements. Notice and procedure. appropriate list.
When the licensee becomes aware that he or she, a Child care center WAC 170-295-3030 (3) Children
WAC 170-­296A-­3210 Communicable household member, staff person or child in care and staff who have a reportable disease may not be in attendance
disease-­-­Notice and procedure. has been diagnosed with a communicable disease at the child care center unless approved by the local health
When the licensee becomes aware that as described in DOH WAC 246-­‐110-­‐010(4), the authority.
he or she, a household member, staff licensee must: WAC 246-110-010(4) lists both mild conditions
person or child in care has been (1) Notify: (such as conjunctivitis, lice) as well as very
diagnosed with a communicable disease (a) The local public health jurisdiction or DOH serious notifiable conditions (such as measles,
as described in DOH WAC 246-­‐110-­‐
(only for notifiable illnesses as described in DOH shigella). WAC 246-101 provides a list of
010(4), the licensee must: WAC 246-­101); notifiable conditions which must be reported to
(1) Notify: (b) DEL within twenty-­‐four hours from time the the local public health department.
(a) The local public health jurisdiction licensee receives notification of the diagnosis; CFOC 3rd Edition Standard 3.6.1.1 (e)(5): “Contact
or DOH; (c) Parents and guardians of all the children in the local health department if there is a question of a
(b) DEL within twenty-­‐four hours from care; and reportable (harmful) infectious disease in a child or staff
time the licensee receives notification of (2) Follow: member in the facility.” Also, (g): “The caregiver/teacher
the diagnosis; (a) the guidance of the local public health should contact the local health department: (1) When a
(c) Parents and guardians of all the jurisdiction in determining when a household child or staff member who is in contact with others has a
children in care; and member, staff person, or child with a notifable reportable disease; (2) If a reportable illness occurs among
(2) Follow the health plan before condition as described in WAC 246-­101 may be the staff, children, or families involved with the program;
(3) For assistance in managing a suspected outbreak…”
providing care or before readmitting readmitted to the child care; or the household member, staff person or (b) the health plan before providing care or before Additional Information: When an individual is
child into the child care. readmitting the household member, staff person or diagnosed with a reportable (notifable)
child into the child care when the illness is not one communicable disease, it is the local public
health jurisdiction that is responsible for making
of the notifiable conditions. the determination when the child or staff member
is allowed to return to the child care. The child
care’s health plan is to be followed for return
after non-reportable illnesses.
Support
WAC 170-­296A-­3225 Exclusion of ill WAC 170-­296A-­3225 Exclusion of ill persons. Life Threatening: yes – one bloody stool could
persons. The licensee's health plan The licensee's health plan includes provisions for be a symptom of a life-threatening illness
includes provisions for excluding or excluding or separating a child, staff person, or separating a child, staff person, or household member with communicable disease as Cost: none
household member with communicable described in WAC 246-­‐110-­‐010(4) or any of the Regulation Considerations: review of health
disease as described in WAC 246-­‐110-­‐ following: 010(4) or any of the following: (1) Fever of one hundred one degrees Fahrenheit plan during routine licensing visit
(1) Fever of one hundred one degrees or higher (axillary) who also have one or more of WAC Alignment: wording change aligns family
Fahrenheit or higher; (2) Vomiting that the following: home WAC with child care center WAC:
occurs two or more times in a twenty-­‐ (i) Earache; four hour period; (ii) Headache; WAC 170-295-3030 When is a child or staff
(3) Diarrhea with three or more watery (iii) Sore throat; member too ill to be at child care? (1) Your staff must
stools in a twentyfour-­‐hour period; (iv) Rash; or check all children for signs of illness when they arrive at the
(4) Rash not associated with heat, (v) Fatigue that prevents participation in center and throughout the day.
(2) You must exclude children and staff with the following
diapering or an allergic reaction; or regular activities; symptoms from care:
(5) Drainage of thick mucus and pus (2) Vomiting that occurs two or more times in a (a) Diarrhea (three or more watery stools or one bloody stool
from the eye. twenty-­‐four hour period; within twenty-four hours);
(b) Vomiting (two or more times within twenty-four hours);
(3) Diarrhea with three or more watery stools or (c) Open or oozing sores, unless properly covered with cloths
one bloody stool in a twenty four-­‐hour period; or with bandages;
(4) Rash not associated with heat, diapering or an (d) For suspected communicable skin infection such as
impetigo, pinkeye, and scabies: The child may return twenty-four
allergic reaction; or hours after starting antibiotic treatment;
(5) Drainage of thick mucus and pus from the eye; (e) Lice or nits; and
(f) Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and who also
or have one or more of the following:
(6) Open or oozing sores, unless properly (i) Earache;
covered with cloths or with bandages. (ii) Headache;
Proposed WAC
Recommendation
(iii) Sore throat;
(iv) Rash; or
(v) Fatigue that prevents participation in regular activities.
CFOC 3rd Edition Standard 3.6.1.1 (b) states:
Conditions/symptoms that do not require exclusion: (6)
Fever without any signs or symptoms of illness in children
who are older than six months...Fever (…100°F or higher
taken axillary…) is an indication of the body’s response to
something, but is neither a disease nor a serious problem by
itself…”
Proposed WAC
Recommendation
WAC 170-­296A-­3225 Exclusion of ill WAC 170-­296A-­3225 Exclusion of ill persons. persons. (continued – see above) (continued – see above) Support
(continued – see above)
CFOC 3rd Edition Standard 3.6.1.1 (d) states:
Temporary exclusion is recommended when the child has
any of the following conditions:…
(4) Fever (temperature of 101°F taken orally…or 100°F
taken axillary…) and behavior change or other signs and
symptoms (e.g. sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea).
(6) Blood or mucus in the stools not explained by dietary
change, medication, or hard stools;
(12) Impetigo, until treatment has been started;
(22) Any child determined by the local health department
to be contributing to the transmission of illness during an
outbreak.
Support
Life Threatening: potentially life threatening
WAC 170-­296A-­3675 When WAC 170-­296A-­3675 When handwashing is illnesses can be spread when handwashing is not
handwashing is required. The required. The licensee, staff and children must licensee, staff and children must wash wash their hands and follow proper handwashing completed properly
their hands and follow proper techniques: Cost: none
handwashing techniques: (1) After using the toilet (1) After using the toilet; (2) After diapering a child or assisting a child Regulation Considerations: observation during
(2) After diapering a child; with toileting; licensing visits
(3) After outdoor play; (3) After outdoor play; (4) After playing with animals; (4) After playing with animals; WAC Alignment: Aligns with child care center
(5) After touching an animal's toys; (5) After touching an animal's toys; WAC - WAC 170-295-3020: How often must staff wash their
(6) After touching body fluids; (6) After touching body fluids; hands? Staff and volunteers must wash their hands with soap and
(7) Before and after the child eats or (7) Before and after the child eatings or warm water:
participates in food activities; or participatinges in food activities; or (1) When arriving at work;
(2) After toileting a child;
(8) As needed. (8) Before and after giving medications; (3) Before, during (may use wet wipe) and after diapering a
(9) Before food preparation or service; or child;
(810) As needed. (4) After personal toileting;
Proposed WAC
Recommendation
(5) After attending to an ill child;
(6) Before and after preparing, serving, or eating food;
(7) Before and after giving medication;
(8) After handling, feeding or cleaning up after animals;
(9) After handling bodily fluids;
(10) After smoking;
(11) After being outdoors or involved in outdoor play; and
(12) As needed.
Caring for Our Children, 3rd Edition Standard 3.2.2.1
states: “All staff, volunteers, and children should follow
the procedure in Standard 3.2.2.2 for hand hygiene at the
following times: (b) Before and after: (1) Preparing food or
beverages; (2) Eating, handling food, or feeding a child; (3)
giving medication or applying a medical ointment or cream
in which a break in the skin (e.g., sores, cuts, or scrapes)
may be encountered; …
Support
WAC 170-­296-­3950 Pest Control. WAC 170-­296-­3950 Pest Control. When pests are Life Threatening: misuse of pesticide products
can lead to serious illness, injury, or death
When pests are present in the licensed present in the licensed space, the licensee must: space, the licensee must: (1) Take action to remove or eliminate pests; and Cost: less toxic methods of pest control are often
(1) Take action to remove or eliminate (2)(a) Use the least poisonous method possible; less costly than chemical measures
pests; and and or (2)(a) Use the least poisonous method (b) If chemical pesticides are used, post a notice Regulation Considerations: inquiry during
possible; or visible to parents, guardians and any other (b) If chemical pesticides are used, post interested party forty-­eight hours in advance of licensing visit
a notice visible to parents, guardians the application of pesticides you must follow all WAC Alignment: (b) is out of full compliance
and any other interested party forty-­‐
regulations cited in RCW 17.21.415. with state law. RCW 17.21.415 was intended for
eight hours in advance of the all licensed child care facilities per discussion
application of pesticides. with WSDA staff.
Proposed WAC
Recommendation
CFOC 3rd Edition Standard 5.2.8 encourages the
adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
and the use of the least toxic approach first. The
IPM recommendations in CFOC include those
items mandated by RCW 17.21.415 including use
of least toxic products, notification, establishment
of a registry, warning signs, and record-keeping.
With regard to pesticide use, this standard states:
“…facility managers should ensure that targeted, rather
than broadcast applications of pesticides are made,
beginning with products that post least exposure hazard
first…” and “Notification should be given to
parents/guardians and staff before using pesticides…”
Additional Information: for more information
about implementation of RCW 17.21.415, see
http://agr.wa.gov/pestfert/pesticides/docs/complg
uidepub075.pdf
Proposed WAC
WAC 170-­296A-­4200 Removing recalled items. The licensee must maintain equipment, toys or other items in the child care in good and safe working condition. The licensee must maintain awareness of equipment, toys or other items used in child care listed for recall by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Support
WAC 170-­296A-­4200 Removing recalled items. Life Threatening: depends on the recalled
product – some products are recalled due to
The licensee must maintain equipment, toys or infant or child deaths (e.g. drop-side cribs)
other items in the child care in good and safe working condition. The licensee must maintain awareness of equipment, toys or other items used Cost: depends on the recalled item and whether
in child care listed for recall by the U.S. Consumer there would be a replacement cost
Product Safety Commission, and must remove those items as quickly as possible once they are Regulation Considerations: inquiry and
observation during licensing visit
identified. Additional Information:
CFOC 3rd Edition Standard 5.3.1.1 states
Recommendation
“Equipment, materials, furnishings, and play areas should
be sturdy, safe, and in good repair and should meet the
recommendations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) for control of the following safety
hazards…” and.5.3.1.2 states “Staff shall, on a monthly
basis, seek information on recalls of juvenile products that
may be in use at the facility…”
Proposed WAC
WAC 170-­296A-­3975 Poisons. The licensee must: (1) Store poisons inaccessible to children and away from food. Recommendation
(1) Store poisons inaccessible to children and below and away from food. (2) The telephone number for the poison center
should be posted in a location where it is readily
available in emergency situations (e.g., next to the
telephone).
Support
Life Threatening: yes
Cost: none
Regulation Considerations: observation during
licensing visit
WAC Alignment: Washington State Food Code
WAC 246-215-7-201.11 states: Poisonous or
toxic materials shall be stored so they cannot
contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens,
and single-service and single-use articles by: (A)
separating the poisonous or toxic materials by
spacing or partitioning; and (B) locating the
poisonous or toxic materials in an area that is not
above food, equipment, utensils, linens, and
single-service or single-use articles…
Additional Information: See Below *
WAC 170-­296A-­4000 Lead, asbestos and arsenic. The licensee must take action to prevent child exposure when the licensee becomes aware that any of the following are present in the indoor or outdoor licensed space: (1) Lead based paint; (2) Plumbing containing lead or lead solders; (3) Asbestos; or (4) Arsenic or lead in the soil. WAC 170-­296A-­4000 Lead, asbestos and arsenic. The licensee must take action to prevent child exposure when the licensee becomes aware that any of the following are present in the indoor or outdoor licensed space: (1) Lead based paint; (2) Plumbing containing lead or lead solders; (3) Asbestos; (4) Arsenic in the drinking water; or (5) Arsenic or lead in the soil. Life Threatening: arsenic can lead to severe
health implications
Cost: may result in the installation of a point-ofuse or whole house treatment device depending
on the extent of the arsenic contamination.
Regulation Considerations: only needs to be
enforced in the event that arsenic is found in the
drinking water of a private well.
WAC Alignment: see arsenic in drinking water
above under WAC 170-­‐296A-­‐1400 Private well and water system.
Support
Life Threatening: can lead to spread of diseaseWAC 170-­296A-­4650 Bathroom WAC 170-­296A-­4650 Bathroom floors. (1) floors. (1) Floors in a bathroom or Floors in a bathroom or toileting area must have a causing organisms such as E. coli O157:H7,
toileting area must have a washable washable surface and be resistant to moisture. The shigella, etc.
surface and be resistant to moisture. floor must be cleaned and sanitized daily or more Cost: almost none
The floor must be cleaned and sanitized often if needed. daily or more often if needed. (a) If a bleach solution is used to sanitize, the (a) If a bleach solution is used to solution must be one teaspoon ½ cup of bleach to Regulation Considerations: measurement of
bleach/water solutions by licensing staff during
sanitize, the solution must be one one gallon of cool water or 1 to 3 tablespoons visit is possible using test strips
teaspoon of bleach to one gallon of cool bleach per quart of cool water; water; WAC Alignment: Center WAC 170-295 5040(5) states: 5) You may use a bleach solution to
Proposed WAC
Recommendation
sanitize in the following areas: (c) Bathrooms and
bathroom equipment”
Additional Information:
Caring for Our Children, 3rd Edition:
Disinfectant - For use on non-porous surfaces such as
diaper change tables, counter tops, door & cabinet handles,
toilets. ½- ¾ cup of bleach + 1 gallon of cool water
(or 1 to 3 tablespoons of bleach + 1 quart of cool water)
applied as a spray or poured fresh solution, not by dipping
into a container with a cloth that has been in contact with a
contaminated surface. Let stand for 2 minutes or air dry.
Proposed WAC
Recommendation
WAC 170-­296A-­4875 Pets interacting WAC 170-­296A-­4875 Pets interacting with with children. (3) Must make reptiles children. (3) Must make not allow reptiles and and amphibians inaccessible to the amphibians on the premises inaccessible to the children due to the risk of Salmonella. children due to the risk of Salmonella.
Support
Life Threatening: Salmonella can cause severe
illness and potentially death in young children
Cost: none
Regulation Considerations: observation during
licensing visits
WAC Alignment: Child care center WAC
currently allows for reptiles and amphibians to be
present. WAC 170-295-5170 (3) states “Reptiles
and amphibians must be in an aquarium or other totally
self-contained area except during educational activities
involving the reptile. Children five years of age or less
must not physically handle reptiles and amphibians.” The
current center WAC is not in agreement with
CDC or CFOC recommendations (see below).
Additional Information:
The following excerpts are taken from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
website:
“Young children are at increased risk for Salmonella
infection because their immune systems are still developing
and because they are more likely than others to put their
fingers or other items into their mouths. Therefore, families
with children aged 5 years or younger in the home should
avoid keeping reptiles or amphibians as pets.”
“Reptiles and amphibians should not be kept in child care
centers, nursery schools, or other facilities with children
younger than 5 years old.”
CFOC 3rd Edition Standard 3.4.2.2 states: “The
following animals should not be kept at or brought onto the
grounds of the child care facility: (h) Reptiles and
amphibians – Inclusive of non-venomous snakes, lizards,
and iguanas, turtles, tortoises, terrapins, crocodiles,
alligators, frogs, tadpoles, salamanders, and newts.”
Support
WAC 170-­296A-­5175 Wading pools-­-­ WAC 170-­296A-­5175 Wading pools-­-­Defined-­-­ Life Threatening: some illnesses which can be
spread through water can be life-threatening,
Defined-­-­Supervision. Supervision. such as E. coli O157:H7.
(1) A wading pool: 1) A wading pool: (a) Is an enclosed pool with water (a) Is an enclosed pool with water depth of two feet Cost: none
depth of two feet or less measured or less measured without children in the pool without children in the pool; and 2) Portable wading pools should not be Regulation Considerations: inquiry and
(b) Can be emptied and moved. permitted. observation during licensing visit
(2) When a wading pool on the WAC Alignment: Child Care center WAC 170premises is intended for use by the 295-5050(2) states: “You must prohibit children from
children, the licensee must: using or having access to a hot tub spa, small portable
(a) Directly supervise or have a primary wading pools, whirlpool, or other similar equipment.”
staff person directly supervise the children; Additional Information:
(b) Obtain written permission from Portable wading pools should not be permitted.
each child's parent or guardian to allow RATIONALE: Small portable wading pools do
the child to use a wading pool; not permit adequate control of sanitation and
safety, and they promote transmission of
infectious diseases (1,2). COMMENTS:
Sprinklers, hoses, or small individual water
buckets are safe alternatives as a cooling or play
activity. TYPE OF FACILITY: Center; Large
Family Child Care Home; Small Family Child
Care Home Caring for our Children 3rd
Edition
Proposed WAC
Recommendation
Support
WAC 170-­296A-­5200 Swimming WAC 170-­296A-­5200 Swimming pools defined-­-­ Life Threatening: yes – drowning deaths can be
caused when children have access to large bodies
pools defined-­-­Barriers and Barriers and supervision. (1) A swimming pool is a supervision. (1) A swimming pool is a pool that of water
pool that has a water depth greater than has a water depth greater than two feet. two feet. (2) When there is a swimming pool on the premises Cost: fence is a requirement, cost to modify a
fence to decrease any gaps would be minimal in
(2) When there is a swimming pool on the licensee must: the premises the licensee must: (a) Have a five-­‐foot high fence with no gaps larger most cases
(a) Have a five-­‐foot high fence that than 3 ½” that blocks access to the swimming Regulation Considerations: observation during
blocks access to the swimming pool; pool; licensing visit
And And WAC Alignment: Washington State Department
WAC 170-­296A-­5225 Bodies of water WAC 170-­296A-­5225 Bodies of water or water of Health Water Recreation Facilities WAC 246or water hazards on the licensed hazards on the licensed premises. (a) Make any 260-031-4(d) states “Barriers, including windows, may
not: (i) Allow passage of a four-inch diameter sphere; or
premises. (a) Make any body of water body of water in the licensed space inaccessible (ii) Have spaces between vertical members greater than a
in the licensed space inaccessible with a with a fence or a physical barrier that is at least five width of one and three-quarters inches if the distance
fence or a physical barrier that is at feet tall with no gaps larger than 3 ½” except as between the tops of horizontal members are spaced less
than forty-five inches apart.”
least five feet tall except as provided in provided in subsection (c) of this section; subsection (c) of this section; Additional Information: A gap size restriction
of 3 ½” may be better than 4” for child care
settings. In the area of preventing head
entrapments, Consumer Product Safety
Commission Outdoor Home Playground
Handbook (Publication 324) states “Be sure spaces
Proposed WAC
Recommendation
are either smaller than 3 ½ inches wide (so children can’t
put their body through or larger than 9” (so children can
slide their body and head through).” The same standard
is used for public playgrounds (Publication 325).
CFOC 3rd Edition Standard 5.1.6.6 states “All
spaces in protective barriers should be less than three and
one-half inches. If spaces do not meet the specifications as
listed above, a protective material sufficient to prevent the
passing of a three and one-half inch diameter sphere should
be provided.”
Support
WAC 170-­296A-­6625 Art materials. WAC 170-­296A-­6625 Art materials. (1) All art Life Threatening: higher risk of long-term
(1) All art materials used by children materials used by children under the age of three adverse health effects than acute poisoning risk
under the age of three must be labeled must be labeled nontoxic. Cost: none (providers can choose which art
nontoxic. (2) Art materials without a nontoxic designation materials to buy; there are many low cost
(2) Art materials without a nontoxic may be used by children age three years or older, materials that are safe)
designation may be used by children and must be used under direct supervision and Regulation Considerations: observation during
age three years or older, and must be according to the manufacturer's label. used under direct supervision and All art materials used by children in grade 6 or licensing visit – art materials are labeled when
then conform to ASTM D-4236.
according to the manufacturer's label. lower must use non-­hazardous art materials that indicate they conform to ASTM D-­4236. WAC Alignment:
CFOC 3rd Edition Standard 5.2.9.7 states “Only art
Proposed WAC
Recommendation
and craft materials that are approved by the Art and
Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) should be used in the
child care facility. Art and craft materials should conform
to all applicable ACMI safety standards. Materials should
be labeled in accordance with the chronic hazard labeling
standard, ASTM D4236.”
Consumer Product Safety Commission states
“Elementary school children should use non-hazardous art
materials that indicate they conform to ASTM D-4236.”
(see http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5016.html).
Additional Information:
Current wording suggests that children ages 3
and up may use art materials without a non-toxic
designation, which contradicts generally accepted
safety standards.
The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc.
(ACMI) states: “Children in grade six and lower and
adults who may not be able to read and understand safety
labeling should use only non-toxic materials.”
(http://www.acminet.org/Safety.htm#one). Since 1940,
ACMI has sponsored a certification program for
children’s art materials, certifying that these
products are non-toxic and meet voluntary
standards of quality and performance. ACMI’s
certification program has received the
endorsement of experts in the field of toxicology.
* - USE AND STORAGE OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES The following items should be used as recommended by the manufacturer and should be
stored in the original labeled containers:
a) Cleaning materials;
b) Detergents;
c) Automatic dishwasher detergents;
d) Aerosol cans;
e) Pesticides;
f) Health and beauty aids;
g) Medications;
h) Lawn care chemicals;
i) Other toxic materials.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be available onsite for each hazardous chemical that is on the premises. These substances should be used
only in a manner that will not contaminate play surfaces, food, or food preparation areas, and that will not constitute a hazard to the children or staff.
When not in active use, all chemicals used inside or outside should be stored in a safe and secure manner in a locked room or cabinet, fitted with a
child-resistive opening device, inaccessible to children, and separate from stored medications and food. Chemicals used in lawn care treatments
should be limited to those listed for use in areas that can be occupied by children. Medications can be toxic if taken by the wrong person or in the
wrong dose. Medications should be stored safely (see Standard 3.065) and disposed of properly. The telephone number for the poison center should
be posted in a location where it is readily available in emergency situations (e.g., next to the telephone). Poison centers are open twenty-four hours a
day, seven days a week, and can be reached at 1-800-222-1222. RATIONALE: There are over two million human poison exposures reported to
poison centers every year. Children under six years of age account for over half of those potential poisonings. The substances most commonly
involved in poison exposures of children are cosmetics and personal care products, cleaning substances, and medications (1).
The MSDS explain the risk of exposure to products so that appropriate precautions may be taken. COMMENTS: Many child-resistant types of
closing devices can be installed on doors to prevent young children from accessing poisonous substances. Many of these devices are self-engaging
when the door is closed and require an adult hand size or skill to open the door. A locked cabinet or room where children cannot gain access is best
but must be used consistently. Child resistant containers provide another level of protection. Caring for our Children 3rd Edition