5.4.1.5: Chemical Toilets

Chemical toilets should not be used in child care facilities unless they are provided as a temporary measure in the event that the facility’s normal plumbed toilets are not functioning. Constant supervision should be required for young children using a chemical toilet. In the event that chemical toilets may be required on a temporary basis, the caregiver/teacher should seek approval for use from the regulatory health agency.

RATIONALE

Chemical toilets can pose a safety hazard to young children. Young children climbing on the toilet seat could fall through the opening and into the chemical that is contained in the waste receptacle.

COMMENTS

A chemical toilet is a toilet consisting of a seat or bowl attached to a container holding a chemical solution that changes waste into sludge (1).

TYPE OF FACILITY

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

REFERENCES

1. Dictionary.com. 2000. Chemical toilets. The American heritage dictionary of the English language. 4th ed. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/chemical toilets.