5.1.1.9: Unrelated Business in a Child Care Area

Child care areas should not be used for any business or purpose unrelated to providing child care when children are present in these areas.

If unrelated business is conducted in child care areas when the child care facility is not in operation, activities associated with such business should not leave any residue in the air or on the surfaces, or leave behind materials or equipment, that could be harmful to children.

RATIONALE

Some activities that leave a harmful residue are smoking, ammunition reloading, soldering, woodworking, and welding (1). Examples of materials or equipment that could be harmful are small screws, nails, and electric tools with sharp blades. Child care requires child-oriented, child-safe areas where the child’s needs are primary.

COMMENTS

Employers should inform caregivers/teachers about harmful residues or equipment that may potentially remain from unrelated business activity so that such residues or equipment can be removed.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

5.1.1.11 Separation of Operations from Child Care Areas
5.2.1.5 Ventilation of Recently Carpeted or Paneled Areas
5.2.9.1 Use and Storage of Toxic Substances
5.2.9.3 Informing Staff Regarding Presence of Toxic Substances
5.2.9.10 Prohibition of Poisonous Plants
5.2.9.15 Construction and Remodeling
5.7.0.2 Removal of Hazards From Outdoor Areas
5.7.0.4 Inaccessibility of Hazardous Equipment

REFERENCES

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. 2010. The inside story: A guide to indoor air quality. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html.