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. 18, September 16, 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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