Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation

Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation 1. A draft-free seasonally appropriate temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 78 degrees Fahrenheit shall be maintained. 2. All rooms used by children shall be heated, cooled, and adequately ventilated to maintain the required temperatures, and air exchange, and to avoid the accumulation of objectionable odors and harmful fumes. 3. Ventilation may be in the form of openable windows as specified in these regulations. 4. Areas where art and craft activities are conducted shall be well ventilated. In areas where substances are used that create toxic fumes, exhaust hood systems or other devices shall be installed. 5. Electric fans, if used, shall be mounted high on the wall or ceiling or shall be guarded to limit the size of the opening in the blade guard to less than one-half (½) inch. 6. When air-cooling is needed, draft-free cooling units shall be used. They shall present no safety hazard to the children. 7. Filters on recirculation systems shall be checked and cleaned or replaced monthly. 8. Window draft deflectors shall be provided if necessary. 9. Thermometers that do not present a hazard to children shall be placed on interior walls in every activity area at children's height. 10. Portable, open flame and kerosene space heaters are prohibited. Portable gas stoves shall not be used for heating. 11. Electric space heaters shall be UL-approved; inaccessible to children; and stable; shall have protective covering; and shall be placed at least three feet from curtains, papers, and furniture. 12. Fireplaces and fireplace inserts shall be screened securely or equipped with protective guards while in use. They shall be properly drafted. The child care facility shall provide evidence of cleaning the chimney at least once a year, or as frequently as necessary to prevent excessive buildup of combustibles in the chimney. Records of chimney cleaning shall be retained in the center files. 13. Heating units that utilize gas shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, are vented properly to the outside, and be supplied with sufficient combustion air as required by the International Fuel Gas Code. 14. If the area of the state where the facility is located does not utilize the International Fuel Gas Code, the installation and maintenance of any heating units that utilize gas shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and any local ordinances that apply. 15. It is the responsibility of the licensee to provide to the licensing authority documentation that the heating units meet the above stated standards. 16. Heating units, including water pipes and baseboard heaters hotter than 110 degrees Fahrenheit, shall be made inaccessible to children by barriers such as guards or other devices.