N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:52-7.7

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 3A:52-7.7 - Environmental sanitation requirements

(a) Disinfectants shall be used as follows:

1. The center shall disinfect those items specified in (a)3 below with a solution that shall be either:

i. A commercially prepared disinfectant that indicates it kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This solution shall be used in accordance with label instructions; or

ii. A self-made solution consisting of one-quarter cup of household bleach to each gallon of water (one tablespoon per quart), which shall be prepared daily and placed in a labeled, sealed container.

2. All areas to be disinfected shall first be washed with soap and water.

3. The schedule for disinfecting shall be as follows:

i. The following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use:

(1) Washcloths made of fabric, when used for cleaning children;

(2) Thermometers;

(3) Items used by a child who becomes ill while at the center; and

(4) Sleeping mats that are not stored separately.

ii. The following items shall be washed and disinfected at least daily:

(1) Toilets and toilet seats;

(2) Sinks and sink faucets;

(3) Drinking fountains;

(4) Water table and water play equipment;

(5) Play tables; and

(6) Smooth surfaced non-porous floors in areas used by children.

iii. The following items shall be washed and disinfected at least weekly:

(1) Cribs, cots, mats, playpens, or other Office of Licensing-approved sleeping equipment; and

(2) Sheets, blankets or other coverings.

iv. Tables used by the children for eating shall be washed and disinfected before each meal.

(b) Centers that maintain outside sandboxes or play areas containing sand shall ensure that:

1. Only asbestos-free sand is used; and

2. The sand is maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.

(c) Pets shall be permitted in a center only under the following circumstances:

1. Pets kept by or located in the center, regardless of ownership, shall be:

i. Domesticated and non-aggressive;

ii. Free from disease;

iii. Vaccinated, if applicable, as prescribed by law or local ordinance. The record of the vaccinations shall be maintained on file, along with the name and address of the licensed veterinarian providing care for the pet(s);

iv. If sick, removed from the area(s) occupied by children, until the pet has been examined by a licensed veterinarian and has been diagnosed as presenting no risk to the children;

v. Effectively controlled by leash, command or cage; and

vi. Prohibited from the following areas:

(1) Areas and surfaces used for food preparation, storage, or service;

(2) Areas used for cleaning or storing of food utensils and dishes; and

(3) Toilet facilities.

2. Animal waste shall be disposed of in sealed plastic bags in the outdoor garbage receptacle.

(d) Smoking shall be prohibited in all rooms and outside play areas while such rooms and areas are occupied by children. The center shall comply with each provision of P.L. 1998, c. 35 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-5.3).

(e) For early childhood programs, the following shall apply:

1. In addition to the items specified in (a)3 above, the following equipment items or surfaces shall be washed and disinfected after each use:

i. Toilet training chairs and potty seats that have first been emptied into a toilet;

ii. Sinks and faucets used for rinsing a toilet training chair;

iii. Diapering surfaces;

iv. Toys mouthed by infants and toddlers before being given to another child; and

v. Bottles, nipples and other feeding equipment.

2. All diaper pails and lids shall be disinfected daily.

3. Centers that toilet train children shall:

i. Utilize non-porous toilets, child-size toilets, toilet training chairs (potties) or children's toilet seats for children being toilet trained;

ii. Ensure that toilet training chairs are not used in kitchens or in the immediate area where meals are being served; and

iii. Advise parents of the center's toilet training policy.

4. Poisonous plants shall not be kept in the center or in the outside play area used by the children.

N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:52-7.7

Administrative Change, 49 N.J.R. 98a.

Amended by 49 N.J.R. 413(a), effective 3/6/2017