South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 114 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Article 5 - LICENSING
Subarticle 9 - RESIDENTIAL GROUP CARE FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN
Section 114-592 - Physical Environment and Safety

(a) The construction of a new facility, the conversion of an existing building for residential child care purposes, or the remodeling of a facility shall comply with all applicable local zoning regulations and local and state building and fire codes.

(b) Architectural plans for new construction or structural changes shall be approved by the appropriate authority and meet all required codes prior to construction.

(a) Group care facilities shall utilize single-family residences or single-owner properties and permanent structures.

(b) Neither mobile homes nor individual apartments or townhomes shall be licensed.

(c) If the facility will serve children under the age of six years old, it shall meet applicable lead base paint requirements, as established by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), pursuant to Section 44-53-1310, et seq., and regulation (61-85). 25 to prevent lead poisoning in children.

(a) The facility shall provide a copy of a campus map to identify all buildings, common areas, recreational space and any distinguishing features or hazards on the property.

(b) The facility shall provide a floor plan for each residential building that identifies each sleeping quarter and bathroom.

(a) The group care facility, grounds, and all structures on the grounds of the property shall be properly maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition and in a reasonable state of repair.

(b) The interior and exterior shall be free from dangerous objects and conditions, and from hazardous materials.

(c) The facility shall have adequate lighting, ventilation and proper trash and recycling disposal, if recycling is available.

(a) The group care facility shall have an adequate and safe water supply.

(b) If the facility's water supply is from a private well, the well shall be tested at least annually for bacteria and approved by the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

(c) If the facility population includes children under six years of age or expectant mothers, the water shall also be tested at least annually for lead and approved by the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

(d) The facility shall have an adequate sewage disposal system. If the facility has a private sewage disposal system, the system shall be approved by the appropriate governmental approving authority.

(e) The facility shall be equipped with a water heater sufficient to meet the needs of all children.

(f) The hot water delivered to the facility's sinks, tubs, and showers shall be no less than 100°F and shall be no more than 120°F.

(a) There shall be proper equipment for adequately heating and cooling in living, sleeping, sanitary, and working areas.

(b) Heating equipment shall be capable of maintaining a room temperature of not less than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooling equipment shall be capable of maintaining a room temperature of not more than seventy-five (75) degrees Fahrenheit.

(c) Safety barriers shall be placed around all heating and cooling sources, such as hot water pipes, wood, coal and gas burning fire places, hot water heaters, and radiators that are accessible to children to prevent accidents or injuries upon contact by the child.

(d) Rooms with toilets, bathrooms, and bedrooms without operable windows shall have adequate ventilation.

(a) Bedrooms for children shall provide a minimum of fifty square feet of space per child.

(b) Bedrooms rooms for children shall be suitable and comfortably furnished with beds that are placed at least two feet apart.

(c) Bedrooms shall have outside window exposure or auxiliary means of ventilation, both intake and exhaust, and means to egress.

(d) Each child shall have a separate bed with a level mattress long and wide enough to accommodate the child.

(e) Bunk beds shall be limited to no more than one (1) bed above the other bed.

(f) Children sleeping in the top bunk of a bunk bed shall be at least six years of age or older.

(g) The top bunk of a bunk bed shall not be used by children with conditions limiting mobility and shall have a safety rail if used by a child under eight years of age.

(h) There shall be at least five feet of space between bunk beds. The top of a mattress of a bunk bed shall be at least three feet below the lowest point of the ceiling and there shall be at least three feet between upper and lower bunks.

(i) Sleeping Conditions.

(j) Children shall not sleep in a bed with an adult under any circumstances.

(k) Children of the opposite sex who are five years of age or older shall not share a bedroom except:

(l) A child who is 18 years of age or older may not share a bedroom with a child who is under 18 years of age, unless the child who is 18 years of age or older is continuing to share a bedroom with a child he or she had already been sharing the bedroom with before turning 18 years of age.

(m) No child shall sleep in a detached unsafe building, an unfinished attic or basement, a stairway, hall, or room designated or commonly used for other than bedroom purposes.

(n) Sufficient bed coverings to include linens appropriate to the climate shall be provided.

(o) Waterproof mattresses, pillows and coverings shall be provided as needed.

(p) Bedding provided by the facility shall be clean and sanitary. All bedding shall be laundered, at minimum, between assignments to different children.

(q) Linens shall be changed as often as required for cleanliness and sanitation, but not less frequently than once a week.

(r) There shall be a quiet area in the facility well-lit, furnished and suitable for study.

(a) There shall be at least one lavatory with adequate hot and cold water for every six children, a tub or shower and one indoor flush toilet for every eight children. Multiple toilets in one area shall be in separate compartments.

(b) Separate bathroom facilities shall be provided for girls and boys over five years of age.

(c) Ventilation shall be provided with either an open screened window or functioning exhaust fan.

(d) Mirrors or non-breakable reflective surfaces shall be provided in the bathrooms at levels easily accessible to children.

(e) Easily cleanable receptacles with lids shall be available in all bathrooms.

(f) Liquid or granular soap and disposable towels or cloth towels designated for individual use shall be provided at each sink.

(a) A facility shall have as many clothes washing machines and clothes dryer as needed to adequately launder clothing for the population served.

(b) Any laundry equipment in the facility shall be installed and vented in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

(a) Facilities that utilize video monitoring are prohibited from the placement of cameras in areas where persons dress and undress.

(b) Facilities that utilize restraints must be equipped with video monitoring and must maintain video footage for a minimum of 30 days.

(c) Facilities that use utilize restraints must retain any audio associated with video footage for a minimum of 30 days.

(d) Facilities that utilize restraints must make video footage available to the Agency in an accessible format within 24 hours of request.

(a) Staff who reside on campus shall be provided with sleeping quarters separate from the children. An exception for sleeping areas will be provided for facilities with staff awake during the night.

(b) Staff shall be provided with bathroom facilities that are separate from the children.

(a) The outdoor space shall be free from hazards and litter.

(b) Outdoor walkways shall be free from debris, leaves, ice, snow, and obstruction.

(c) Children shall be restricted from unsafe areas and conditions such as traffic, parking areas, ditches, and steep slopes by a fence or natural barrier that is at least four feet high and in good repair.

(d) Outdoor recreational equipment shall be age-appropriate for the population served and meet the standards of the US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), if applicable. Recalled products listed by the CPSC shall not be accessible to children.

(e) Outdoor recreational equipment shall be made of durable, non-rusting, non-poisonous materials, and shall be sturdy and well-maintained.

(f) Stationary outdoor equipment shall be firmly anchored and shall not be placed on a concrete or asphalt surface.

(g) Swings shall be located to minimize accidents and shall have soft and flexible seats.

(h) Cushioning material such as mats, wood chips or sand shall be used under climbers, slides, swings, and large pieces of equipment. Cushioning material shall extend at least six feet beyond the equipment and swings.

(i) Slides shall have secure guards along both sides of the ladder and be placed in a shaded area.

(j) Outdoor metal equipment that is uncoated shall be located in shaded areas or otherwise protected from the sun. Staff shall check the temperature by touch prior to children playing on it.

(k) Outdoor equipment shall be arranged so that children can be seen at all times.

(l) A properly fitting bicycle helmet that is approved by American National Standards Institute, Snell Memorial Foundation, or American Society for Testing and Materials, shall be worn by each child when riding a bicycle, skateboard, roller blades, or skates. Helmets are optional for use with tricycles.

(a) Swimming pools located at the facility or used by the facility shall conform to the regulations of DHEC for construction, use, and maintenance.

(b) Swimming and wading pools shall be enclosed with protective fencing at least four feet high, secured with a safety device (i.e. latch, lock, etc.) to restrict children's access, and any method of access must be through the safety device.

(c) Swimming pools shall be equipped with a life saving device, such as a ring buoy.

(d) If the swimming pool cannot be emptied after each use, the pool shall have a working pump and filtering system.

(e) At any swimming or boating activity provided by or arranged for children, the facility must adhere to the following:

(f) The following staff to child ratios must be utilized during water activities:

(a) Each facility shall comply with the regulations and codes of the State Fire Marshal.

(b) The facility shall have an annual fire safety inspection. The results of the inspection shall be reported to the Agency.

(c) Based on the recommendations of the fire authorities, the Agency will decide as to whether the facility meets standards of fire safety for child caring purposes.

(d) A facility is responsible for any fees or related expenses for the fire inspection.

(e) A fire escape plan shall be posted in the facility in areas accessible to staff and children.

(a) Staff shall supervise children (on campus) while using equipment or tools.

(b) All equipment shall be well maintained and in good working order.

(c) Power tools shall have intact safety devices.

(d) Power tools shall be stored in a locked area not accessible to children.

(a) Healthy animals which present no apparent threat to the health and safety of the children shall be permitted, provided they are cleaned, properly housed, fed and cared for and have had required vaccinations, as appropriate. Live animals shall be excluded from areas where food for human consumption is stored, prepared or served.

(b) Animals shall not be permitted if a child in the room or area is allergic to the specific type of animal.

(c) Pens, cages, litter boxes and outside areas used by pets shall be kept clean.

(d) Animal litter and waste shall not be accessible to children.

(e) Reptiles and rodents shall not be accessible to children.

(f) Children and adults shall wash their hands after touching animals.

(g) Pets shall be vaccinated in accordance with state and/or local law.

(h) A pet suspected of being ill or infected shall be treated immediately for its condition or removed from the facility. Each pet shall be kept and handled in a manner that protects the safety and well-being of children and the pet.

(a) Poisons or harmful agents shall be kept locked, stored in the original containers, labeled and inaccessible to children.

(b) Poisons or harmful agents shall be purchased in childproof containers, if available.

(c) Pesticides shall be of a type applied by a licensed exterminator in a manner approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Pesticides shall be used in strict compliance with label instructions and should not be used while children are present. Pesticide containers shall be prominently and distinctly marked or labeled for easy identification of contents and stored in a secure site accessible only to authorized staff.

(a) Weapons, firearms, or ammunition are not permitted in the facility or on the premises. This does not apply to a guard, law enforcement officer, or member of the armed forces, or student of military science.

(b) The facility shall be effectively safeguarded against insects and rodents.

(c) Knives, lighters, matches, tobacco products and other items that could be hazardous to children shall not be readily accessible to children.

(d) State laws prohibiting minors from smoking shall be enforced. The facility shall assure that children are not exposed to second-hand smoke while at the facility or in the presence of staff.

(e) Floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors and other surfaces shall be free from hazards such as peeling paint, broken or loose parts, loose or torn flooring or carpeting, pinch and crush points, sharp edges, splinters, exposed bolts and openings that could cause head or limb entrapment.

(a) Clean and sanitary conditions shall be maintained indoors and outdoors, including indoor and outdoor recreational equipment and furnishings.

(b) The facility shall have an annual safety and sanitation inspection.

(c) Based on the safety and sanitation inspection, the Agency will decide as to whether or not the facility meets standards of safety and sanitation for child caring purposes.

(d) A facility is responsible for any fees or related expenses for the health inspection.

(a) Staff persons shall wash their hands with soap and warm running water before preparing or serving food, before assisting a child with eating, after assisting a child with toileting or diapering, before and after toileting, after administering medication, after cleaning, after assisting with wiping noses, after contact with body fluids, after contact with animals, and after using cleaning materials. Hands shall be washed even if gloves are worn to perform these tasks.

(a) All food shall be properly labeled and stored and shall be protected against contamination.

(b) The facility shall provide refrigeration units and insulated facilities, as needed, to ensure that all potentially hazardous foods are maintained at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below or 130 degrees Fahrenheit or above, except during necessary periods of preparation.

(c) Thermometers shall be accurate to plus or minus 3 degrees and conspicuously placed in the warmest area of all cooling and warming units to ensure proper temperatures.

(d) Containers of food, food preparation equipment and single service articles shall be stored at least 6" above the floor, on clean surfaces, and in such a manner to be protected from splash and other contamination.

(e) Food not subject to further washing or cooking before serving shall be stored in such a manner to be protected against contamination from food requiring washing.

(f) Single-service articles shall be stored in closed cartons or containers to protect them from contamination.

(g) Adequate hand-washing facilities, separate from food preparation sinks, equipped with hot and cold water under pressure supplied through a mixing faucet, shall be provided in the food preparation area.

(h) Hot water shall meet current health and safety regulation 61-25 for Retail Food Establishments. Facilities shall not be required to install an additional hand-washing sink in the food preparation area if, in the opinion of the health authority, the existing hand-washing facilities are adequate.

(i) Sanitary soap and towels shall be provided.

(j) Utensils, such as forks, knives, tongs, spoons, and scoops shall be provided and used to minimize handling of food in all food preparation areas.

(k) Staff shall thoroughly wash their hands and exposed areas of arms with soap and warm water in an approved hand-washing sink before starting work, during work as often as is necessary to keep them clean, e.g., after smoking, eating, drinking, or using the toilet. Staff shall keep their fingernails clean.

(l) The outer clothing of all staff shall be clean. The facility shall ensure proper hair restraints are worn to protect from falling hair.

(m) Potentially hazardous foods requiring cooking shall be cooked to heat all parts of the food to an internal temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit, with the following exceptions:

(n) Spoiled or deteriorated food shall be disposed of immediately.

(o) Prepared food shall be covered and stored at temperatures that protect against spoilage. Dry foods shall be dated and stored in rigid, covered containers or single use food storage plastic bags with a zip top closure. Food in deeply dented, bulging or leaking cans, or in cans without labels, may not be used and must be discarded. A deep dent is one into which a finger can be placed. Deep dents often have sharp points. A sharp dent on either the top or side seam can damage the seam and allow bacteria to enter the can. Discard any can with a deep dent on any seam. If a can containing food has a small dent, but is otherwise in good condition, the food should be safe to eat.

(p) Leftover food that is not served shall be marked with the date of preparation and refrigerated or frozen immediately for later use.

(q) Trash in kitchen areas shall be kept in closed, plastic lined receptacles.

(a) Tableware shall be washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use.

(b) All kitchenware and food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be washed, rinsed, and sanitized.

(c) The cooking surfaces of cooking devices shall be cleaned as often as necessary and shall be free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil.

(d) Non-food contact surfaces of all equipment, including tables, counters, and shelves, shall be cleaned at such frequency as is necessary to be free of accumulation of dust, dirt, food particles, and other debris.

(e) After sanitation, all equipment and utensils shall be air-dried.

(f) Prior to washing, all equipment and utensils shall be rinsed or scraped, and when necessary, presoaked to remove gross food particles and soil.

(g) When manual dishwashing is employed, equipment and utensils shall be thoroughly washed in a detergent solution that is kept reasonably clean, be rinsed thoroughly of such solution, sanitized by one of the following methods:

(h) Other chemical sanitizing agents may be used which have been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the health authority to be effective and non-toxic under use conditions, and for which suitable field tests are available. Such sanitizing agents, in use solution, shall provide the equivalent bactericidal effect for a solution containing at least 50 parts per million of available chlorine at a temperature not less than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

(i) A sanitizing test kit or other device that accurately measures the parts per million concentration of the solution shall be available and used.

(j) Food-contact surfaces of cleaned and sanitized equipment and utensils shall be handled in such a manner as to be protected from contamination.

(k) Cleaned and sanitized utensils shall be stored above the floor in a clean, dry location so that food-contact surfaces are protected from contamination.

(l) Clean spoons, knives, and forks shall be picked up and touched only by their handles. Clean cups, glasses, and bowls shall be handled so that fingers and thumbs do not contact inside surfaces or lip-contact surfaces.

(m) Dish tables or drain boards of adequate size to properly handle soiled utensils prior to washing and for cleaned utensils following rinsing and sanitizing shall be provided.