5.7.0.4: Inaccessibility of Hazardous Equipment

Any hazardous equipment should be made inaccessible to children by barriers, or removed until rendered safe or replaced. The barriers should not pose any hazard.

RATIONALE

Limiting access to hazardous equipment can prevent injuries to children and staff in child care.

COMMENTS

Examples of barriers to equipment that pose a safety hazard are structures (including fences) that children can climb, prickly bushes, and standing bodies of water. Barriers such as plastic orange construction site fencing could be used to block access. While not child proof, it is conspicuous and sends a message that it is there to prevent access to the equipment it surrounds.

TYPE OF FACILITY

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