New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 3A - CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Chapter 56 - MANUAL OF REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN'S GROUP HOMES
Subchapter 4 - PHYSICAL FACILITY REQUIREMENTS
Section 3A:56-4.3 - Maintenance and sanitation requirements for all homes
Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 3A:56-4.3
Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024
(a) The home shall maintain all indoor areas in a safe and sanitary manner by ensuring that:
1. The home is free of moisture resulting from water
leaks or seepage;
2. All lally columns in areas used by the
children have protective padding from the floor to a height of at least 72 inches;
3. Floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces are kept clean and in good
repair;
4. Stairways are free of hazards such as boxes, loose
steps, torn carpeting or raised strips;
5. Carpeting is secured
to the floor;
6. Garbage and food receptacles are:
i. Made of durable, leakproof and nonabsorbent materials;
ii. Covered in a secure manner;
iii. Emptied to the outdoor garbage receptacle when filled; and
iv. Lined and maintained in a sanitary manner;
7. The home is free of rodent or insect infestation. If there is evidence
of rodent or insect infestation, immediate action shall be taken to remove such infestation. In the event of
an infestation of bed bugs, the home or agency shall implement an 18-month corrective action plan, with
updates submitted to the Office of Licensing every six months during this period. The home shall maintain on
file a record documenting the use of extermination services in these incidences;
8. Toilets, wash basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing are maintained
in good operating and sanitary condition;
9. All corrosive
agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in an aerosol can, and any
toxic substance are stored in a locked cabinet or in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to
children under six years of age;
10. Ventilation outlets are
clean and free from obstructions, and filters are replaced when saturated;
11. Walls are painted or otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of:
i. Excessive peeling or chipped paint; or
ii. Heavily soiled conditions;
12. All shelving is secured and not overloaded; and
13. Electrical wiring, accessories, and appliances are maintained in good
operating and safe condition:
i. Extension cords shall not be used and only
UL approved surge protection power outlet strips may be permitted; and
ii. Major appliances shall be plugged directly into a wall electrical
outlet.
(b) The home shall maintain all outdoor areas in a safe and sanitary manner by ensuring that:
1. The
building, land and outdoor play area are free from any hazards to the health, safety or welfare of the
children;
2. The outdoor play area is graded or provided with
drains to dispose of surface water;
3. The building structure is
maintained to prevent:
i. Water from entering;
ii. Excessive drafts or heat loss; and
iii. Infestation from rodents and insects;
4. The railings of balconies, landings, porches, or steps are maintained in
safe condition;
5. Garbage receptacles are:
i. Made of durable, leakproof and nonabsorbent materials; and
ii. Covered in a secure manner, maintained in a sanitary manner and located
in an outdoor area; and
6. Homes that provide outdoor
space maintain in proper condition all fencing or other natural or man-made barriers or enclosures.
(c) The Office of Licensing shall also require the home or agency to take whatever steps are necessary to correct any conditions in the home that may endanger in any way the health, safety and well-being of the children in placement.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Jersey 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.
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