Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0720-15-.13

Current through October 22, 2024

Section 0720-15-.13 - DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

(1) The administrator of every PCCC shall have in effect and available for all supervisory personnel and staff, written copies of the following required disaster plans, for the protection of all persons in the event of fire and other emergencies for evacuation to areas of refuge and/or evacuation from the building. A detailed log with staff's signatures of training received shall be maintained. All employees shall be trained annually as required in the following plans and shall be kept informed with respect to their duties under the plans. A copy of the plans shall be readily available at all times in the telephone operator's position or at the security center. Each of the following plans shall be exercised annually prior to the month listed in each plan:

(a) Fire Safety Procedures Plan (to be exercised at any time during the year) shall include:

1. Minor fires;

2. Major fires;

3. Fighting the fire;

4. Evacuation procedures; and,

5. Staff functions by department and job assignment.

(b) Tornado/Severe Weather Procedures Plan shall include:

1. Staff duties by department and job assignment; and,

2. Evacuation procedures.

(c) Bomb Threat Procedures Plan (to be exercised at anytime during the year) shall include:

1. Staff duties;

2. Search team, searching the premises;

3. Notification of authorities;

4. Location of suspicious objects; and,

5. Evacuation procedures.

(d) Floods Procedures Plans, if applicable, shall include:

1. Staff duties;

2. Evacuation procedures; and

3. Safety procedures following the flood.

(e) Severe Cold Weather and Severe Hot Weather Procedures Plans shall include:

1. Staff duties;

2. Equipment failures;

3. Insufficient HVAC on emergency power;

4. Evacuation procedures; and

5. Emergency food service.

(f) Earthquake Disaster Procedures Plan shall include:

1. Staff duties;

2. Evacuation procedures;

3. Safety procedures; and,

4. Emergency services;

(2) All facilities shall participate in the Tennessee Emergency Management local/county emergency plan on an annual basis. Participation includes but is not limited to filling out and submitting a questionnaire on a form to be provided by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. Documentation of participation shall be maintained and shall be made available to survey staff as proof of participation.

Appendix A

Vehicle Safety Check

Preventive Maintenance Check List

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Appendix B

Playground Surfacing

(1) Playground Surface Materials

(a) A variety of surfaces on the playground provides flexibility and visual interest as well as enjoyment and learning experiences for children. Various play activities require or are facilitated by different surfaces. For example, concrete, asphalt, or hard-packed dirt are better than grass or sand for trike riding and hopscotch; while sand, pebbles, dirt or other "fluid" material are necessary for manipulative activities such as digging or pouring.

(b) Climbers, swings and other equipment which can take a child's feet off the ground are in a "fall zone." A fall of even six (6)" can cause injury to a small child. The fall-zone area under and around equipment where children might fall and be injured shall be covered with impact-absorbing materials which will effectively cushion the fall of a child. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (which is mentioned in these standards for additional guidance), falls from equipment onto a hard surface account for 60% to 70% of playground related injuries, and injuries from falls are responsible for over half of all deaths of children after infancy.

(c) Tricycles and other children's vehicles are not included in this fall-zone rule, although consideration should be given to placing tricycle tracks within a resilient area and/or providing helmets.

(d) Before the variety of materials is examined, another hazard should be considered. In landscaping a play area for children, make certain no poisonous plants, bushes, or grasses are used. The Department has a list of plants to avoid, or consult with your local Poison Control Center if in doubt. (A nursery may not be reliable since nurseries are not accustomed to that question.)

(e) Whether loose-fill material or a "unitary" covering is chosen as a resilient surface, it should extend far enough to cover the fall zone, or at least 4 feet and preferably six (6) feet from all sides or perimeters of equipment where children could fall or be propelled (e.g., from arc of swing or exit end of slide).

(f) Some surface materials are listed below, with advantages and disadvantages of each given, along with acceptable depth requirements. The range of depths is based on height of equipment in fall zone: the taller the equipment, the more resiliency needed. (Sources for this information are the Consumer Product Safety Commission's 1992 "Handbook for Public Playground Safety" and "Caring for Our Children", American Public Health Association/American Academy of Pediatrics [1992]). Administrators are advised to follow guidelines in one of these publications for construction, renovation and maintenance of playgrounds and playground equipment.) Other materials are not precluded; if another material is chosen, use the suggested depth for a similar material (e.g., if cocoa mulch is chosen, use the greatest depth given for wood mulch).

(2) Natural/Loose-Fill Materials

Note: Most are not easily accessible to wheel chairs.

(a) Grass: Provides color and soft appearance to play area, esthetically pleasing. High maintenance. Wears off in high-traffic areas, leaving mud or hard-packed dirt; therefore, unacceptable as a resilient surface under climbers and swings.

(b) Coarse sand: Dries fairly quickly (if good drainage system), good for manipulative activities (pouring, sifting, moving), is easily raked. (Sand play area must be apart from sand area around equipment. Sand play area must be covered when not in use and cleaned occasionally.) Depth: 6" min./Eqt. ht: 5 ft.; 12" min./Eqt. ht.: 6 ft. Moderate to high maintenance required because of need to rake when displaced and to clean occasionally. Can cause small cuts and possible eye injury if thrown. CPSC Handbook makes distinction among fine, medium, and coarse.

(c) Pea gravel: Drains well, can be played on immediately after rain, suitable for manipulative activities (in protected area away from equipment). Medium size is best (small size can be lodged in ears and noses, large size could cause injury if thrown and is difficult to walk on.) Scatters easily, not recommended for slopes. Depth: 6" to 12" depending on height of equipment. Low maintenance. Must be raked when displaced. Use caution when selecting; must be smooth "river rock."

(d) Rubber mulch: A newer product (untested as of this printing). Provides acceptable resiliency at 6" depth, drains well. Some types leave black marks or dust on skin and clothing. Some objection to heat generated by the sun and its combustibility. Low maintenance. Must be raked when displaced.

(e) Sawdust: Inexpensive and drains well when new. High maintenance, requiring a large amount for acceptable resiliency because it scatters easily and must be raked often; must be replaced often because of deterioration. Untested.

(f) Wood chips: Drain fairly well. Better drainage provided if placed over sand/dirt combination (perhaps with gravel/dirt layered system). Easily scattered, requiring occasional raking. Depth: 6" to 12" depending on height of equipment. Check for splintering. Rots, needing replacement. Moderate maintenance.

(g) Wood mulch: See wood chips for drainage information. Packs down, requiring raking. Less abrasive than sand. Depth: 6" to 12", depending on height of equipment. Rots, needing replacement on at least annual basis. Moderate to high maintenance.

(3) Unitary Products

These are of solid construction, usually rubber or rubber composition over foam mats or tiles, or they may be "poured." The CPSC "Handbook for Public Playground Safety" (1992 ed.) reads:

"Unitary materials are available from a number of different manufacturers many of whom have a range of materials with differing shock absorbing properties. Persons wishing to install a unitary material as a playground surface should request test data from the manufacturer that should identify the Critical Height of the desired material. In addition, site requirements should be obtained from the manufacturer because some unitary materials require installation over a hard surface while for others this is not required."

Their advantages are their low or no maintenance feature, consistent shock absorbency, wheelchair accessibility, and good footing. The primary disadvantage is the initial high cost; however, most are guaranteed for 5 years but may last longer. Some need to be installed by a professional--some on concrete, some on a level dirt/sand surface. (For more information, see CPSC Handbook.)

Artificial turf should not be used on playgrounds because of its lack of conformity to CPSC standards and because it causes carpet-type burns on falls.

Appendix C

Immunization and TB Requirements

In addition to the rules in Section 0720-15-.10, these rules are also required of prescribed child care centers.

(1) Immunization Rules

(a) Age-appropriate immunization against the following diseases is required for every child nine (9) weeks of age and above: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, haemophilus influenza type B, and hepatitis B (and such vaccines and medications as deemed appropriate by the Department of Health in the event of a disease outbreak).

(b) Records of children shall state whether immunizations required for care are complete, and if not complete, when future immunizations will be given. If immunizations are not continued on time by the parent, the child shall not remain in care. If a child has any known allergies, they shall be indicated in the child's health record. Foreign-born children shall also present evidence of tuberculosis screening.

(2) Requirements For Tuberculosis Screening Of Child Care Populations

PCCCs that provide care for periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours per day shall comply with the following health regulations relating to tuberculosis control:

(a) Staff

1. It is preferable that staff be screened for tuberculosis within 90 days prior to employment. However, if the situation dictates immediate hire, the staff person shall be screened for signs and symptoms of TB and obtain a mantoux tuberculin skin test no later than two (2) weeks after employment.

2. In immediate hire situations, a TB Screening Inventory shall be completed on the staff person (see attached form entitled "Child Care Staff: Tuberculosis Screening Inventory). If the results of the screening inventory are negative, the staff person may begin work while awaiting the outcome of the mantoux tuberculin skin test. If the results of the screening inventory indicate the likelihood of a positive TB infection, the applicant shall be evaluated by a physician prior to beginning employment. This evaluation may include a chest x-ray and if necessary, other specific tests. If the results of the mantoux tuberculin skin test are positive, the employee shall be evaluated by a physician prior to continuing employment. Persons requiring an evaluation by a physician shall provide documentation indicating that they are free of infectious tuberculosis.

3. Prospective or current staff who are known to have positive tuberculosis reaction shall receive a chest x-ray to rule out infectious tuberculosis. No x-ray is required for persons with documentation of completed preventive therapy. Screening for signs and symptoms of TB shall occur periodically.

(b) Children

1. Foreign-born

All foreign-born children shall present evidence of tuberculin skin test performed in the United States at any time after twelve (12) months of age. Any child with a positive tuberculin skin test shall be referred to a physician for evaluation. After the initial evaluation, future periodic screening is not required unless the child develops persistent pulmonary symptoms or there is contact with tuberculosis.

2. Native-born

Special screening of children born in the United States is not required unless there is a history of contact to tuberculosis or there are symptoms and/or physical findings suggestive of tuberculosis. If symptoms are present, the child shall be evaluated by a physician. Such children shall provide documentation indicating that they are free of infectious tuberculosis.

Child Care Staff

Tuberculosis Screening Inventory

Note: This inventory is not a self-evaluation. This form is to be completed by PCCC administrative personnel.

Name:______________________________ Status: (circle one:) Applicant Employee

Any child care applicant/employee with the following symptoms should be evaluated promptly for TB:

_____ persistent cough (i.e., a cough lasting three weeks or more), especially in the presence of other signs or symptoms compatible with active TB such as:

_______ weight loss

_______ night sweats

_______ bloody sputum

_______ anorexia

_______ fever

If the above symptoms are indicated, the individual should not begin or continue employment until a diagnosis of TB has been excluded or until the person is on therapy and a determination has been made that the individual is noninfectious.

Inventory Results:

_____ indicated - medical confirmation of noninfectious status required

_____ not indicated - no further action necessary

Signature:____________________________

Date Completed:_______________________

Medical Confirmation:

_____ confirmation of noninfectious status received

Signature:____________________________

Date Received:________________________

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0720-15-.13

Original rule filed June 13, 2002; effective August 27, 2002. Transferred from chapter 1200-08-02 pursuant to Public Chapter 1119 of 2022 effective 7/1/2022.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 68-11-202, 68-11-204, 68-11-206, and 68-11-209.