Hawaii Administrative Rules
Title 17 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Department of Human Services
Chapter 891.2 - REGISTRATION OF FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES
Subchapter 8 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH STANDARDS
Section 17-891.2-68 - Environmental hazards

Universal Citation: HI Admin Rules 17-891.2-68

Current through August, 2024

The premises, both indoor and outdoor, in which a child care program is carried out shall be free of environmental hazards, shall be clean and comfortable, and shall provide for adequate space to meet the needs of the children as follows:

(1) The provider shall control rodents and insects;

(2) All entrances and exits shall be secured;

(3) The outdoor space shall be fenced or shall have natural barriers or other protective conditions to deter children from getting into unsafe areas;

(4) There shall be no open drainage ditches, wells, or holes into which children may fall;

(5) Drainage shall be adequate to prevent stagnant pools of water from accumulating;

(6) Garbage and trash shall be stored in covered containers out of reach of the children and shall be removed frequently enough to avoid creating a health hazard or nuisances;

(7) Sharp objects, household kitchen items, and tools shall be kept in a safe location and out of children's reach or shall be supervised when used safely;

(8) Poisons, drugs, harmful chemicals, and other dangerous articles such as cleaning fluid, matches, and firearms, shall be kept in a safe location, out of reach of children;

(9) Hazardous substances, including cleaning solutions, alcohol, and medication are inaccessible to children and in a closed container which are clearly labeled. Cleaning materials shall be stored in a secured area away from food preparation areas during food preparation times;

(10) All rooms used for child care shall be lighted and ventilated;

(11) Open fireplaces shall not be used. Floor heaters and all heating elements including hot water pipes shall be insulated or installed in a manner which makes the pipes inaccessible to children;

(12) Children shall be supervised when using hot water taps;

(13) Stove top controls shall not be accessible to children;

(14) Floor space shall be arranged to provide areas for active play, quiet rest, and individual activities;

(15) Indoor and outdoor structures, equipment and toys shall be sturdily constructed and furnishings that have hazardous sharp edges, rust, and splinters shall not be accessible to children;

(16) Lead based paint shall not be used on surfaces accessible to children;

(17) Provision shall be made to eliminate the hazard of electrical outlets;

(18) Electrical cords shall not cross pathways, and long cords are wrapped and secured;

(19) Poisonous plants shall be kept out of the reach of children;

(20) Pets, animals, and fowl shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary manner at all times;

(21) If a lodging house, boarding house, or other business conflicts with child care hours and responsibilities, the lodging house, the boarding house, or other business shall not be operated on the premises of the child care home;

(22) All guns and weapons, including but not limited to, hunting knives and archery equipment, and related accessories shall be locked up, and ammunition shall be secured and locked in a separate place; provided that a law enforcement officer, who is trained and certified to carry a firearm and ammunition, shall not be subject to this subsection for a law enforcement agency-issued firearm when the officer is acting in an official or authorized capacity.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Hawaii may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.