Hawaii Administrative Rules
Title 17 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Department of Human Services
Chapter 895.1 - LICENSING OF INFANT AND TODDLER CHILD CARE CENTERS
Subchapter 8 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH STANDARDS
Section 17-895.1-73 - Environmental hazards
Current through August, 2024
The indoor and outdoor premises of the child care facility shall be free of environmental hazards, shall be clean and comfortable, and shall provide for adequate space to meet the needs of the infants and toddlers as follows:
(1) The facility shall be protected against 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 infants and toddlers from getting into unsafe areas;
(4) There shall be no open drainage ditches, wells, or holes into which infants and toddlers 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 infants and toddlers and shall be removed frequently enough to avoid creating a health hazard or nuisance;
(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) Cleaning materials shall be clearly labeled and stored in a secured area which is inaccessible to the children. Cleaning materials shall be stored in a secured area away from food preparation areas during food preparation times;
(9) 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 the infants and toddlers;
(10) Children shall be supervised when using hot water taps;
(11) Stove top controls shall not be accessible by children;
(12) Floor space shall be arranged to provide areas for active play, quiet rest, and individual activities;
(13) Emergency exits shall be clear of obstructions;
(14) Indoor and outdoor structures, equipment, and toys shall be sturdily constructed and furnishings that have hazardous sharp edges, rust, and splinters are not accessible to children;
(15) Electrical outlets accessible to children shall be covered with child-resistant outlet covers;
(16) Electrical cords shall not cross pathways, and long cords shall be wrapped and secured;
(17) Furniture, equipment, and toys shall be sturdily constructed, without sharp edges, and shall present minimal hazards to the infants and toddlers; also, furniture and equipment shall be physically proportionate to the infants and toddlers' sizes;
(18) Lead based paint shall not be used or have levels greater than is recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on surfaces accessible to the infants and toddlers;
(19) Poisonous plants shall be out of reach of the infants and toddlers on the premises;
(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 any other business conflicts with the regular operation of the child care center, the lodging house, the boarding house, or other business shall not be conducted at the center; and
(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.