New Jersey Administrative Code › Title 3A - CHILDREN AND FAMILIES › Chapter 52 - MANUAL OF REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS › Subchapter 5 - PHYSICAL FACILITY REQUIREMENTS › Section 3A:52-5.3 - Physical plant requirements for all centers

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 14, July 15, 2024
(a) Indoor maintenance
				and sanitation requirements are as follows:
1. The
				center shall be free of moisture resulting from water leaks or seepage.
2. Floors, carpeting, walls, window coverings,
				ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair.
3. Stairways shall be free of tripping hazards,
				such as toys, boxes, loose steps, uneven treads, torn carpeting, raised strips, or
				uneven risers.
4. Carpeting shall be
				securely fastened to the floor.
5.
				Garbage receptacles shall be:
i. Made of durable,
				leak-proof and nonabsorbent materials;
ii. Covered in a secure manner;
iii. Emptied to the outdoor garbage receptacle
				when filled; and
iv. Maintained in a
				sanitary manner.
6. Food
				waste receptacles shall be lined and maintained in clean and sanitary
				condition.
7. The center shall be free
				of rodent or insect infestation and shall take immediate action to remove any
				infestation that may occur. The center shall maintain on file a record documenting
				the use of extermination services.
8.
				Pesticides for indoor and outdoor use shall be used in accordance with the
				manufacturer's directions and in keeping with the applicable provisions specified in
				N.J.A.C. 7:30-10, Pesticide Control Code.
i. No
				pesticides shall be applied in or around a child care center during operating
				hours.
ii. Before applying pesticides,
				all toys and non-permanent play equipment shall be removed from outdoor and indoor
				play areas.
9. Toilets, wash
				basins, kitchen sinks, and other plumbing shall be maintained in good operating and
				sanitary condition.
10. All corrosive
				agents, insecticides, bleaches, detergents, polishes, any products under pressure in
				an aerosol spray can, and any toxic substance shall be stored in a locked cabinet or
				in an enclosure located in an area not accessible to the children.
11. All windows and other glass surfaces that are
				not made of safety glass and that are located within 36 inches above the floor shall
				have protective guards.
12. Install
				window guards, with approval of the local fire official, or provide an alternative
				method to ensure that children cannot fall out of windows.
13. The center shall ensure that window blind
				cords and other cords and ropes that present risk of harm are inaccessible to
				children.
14. All balconies, rooftops,
				verandas, and all floor levels used by children that are above the first floor and
				subject the children to an open drop or atrium shall be protected by barriers
				consisting of safety glass, Plexiglas, or any other materials approved by the Office
				of Licensing. Such barriers shall extend at least five feet above the floor
				level.
15. Ventilation outlets shall be
				clean and free from obstructions, and filters shall be replaced when
				saturated.
16. Walls shall be painted or
				otherwise covered whenever there is evidence of:
i.
				Excessive peeling or chipped paint; or
ii. Heavily soiled conditions.
17. All televisions and computers shall
				be secured on a stable surface and shelving shall be secured and not be
				overloaded.
18. Ensure that microwave
				ovens, toaster ovens, and other portable devices used to heat or prepare food are
				out of children's reach, secured on a stable surface, and not in use when children
				are in the area in order to ensure the safety of children.
19. The center shall test for the presence of
				radon gas in each classroom on the lowest floor level used by children at least once
				every five years and shall post the test results in a prominent location in all
				buildings at the center, as specified in
				30:5B-5.2.
20. The center shall comply with the provisions
				specified in P.L. 1999, c.
				362 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-5.5 )
				requiring reports of drinking water tests to be posted in all buildings at the
				center when received from a water supply company or prepared by the center, for
				private wells and other non-public water sources.
21. The center shall ensure all guardrails
				accessible to children are no more than four inches apart or are otherwise protected
				to prevent head entrapment.