Attachment_L_Child_Devleopment_Center_Report.pdf

Company Name

INDOOR AIR QUALITY, WATER SAMPLING,

SAFETY SURVEY, AND RADON SCREENING FOR

(BUILDING NAME) CHILD DEVELOPMENT

CENTER (GSA Building Number )

IRIS Survey Number: G-11-xx-xxx

DATE:_______________

Project No. XXXXXXXXX

Prepared for:

General Services Administration (GSA) National Capital Region (NCR) Safety, Environmental & Fire Protection Branch

301 7th Street SW, Room XXXX Washington, DC 20407

Building Name - Location i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) National Capital Region (NCR) issued a task order to COMPANY to conduct a safety survey and inspection of the Commerce Department Child Development Center located at 15th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The survey/inspection consisted of an inspection of the interior play areas and educational rooms, indoor air quality measurements, water sampling collection and analysis for lead content, radon sampling, and lighting measurements. The survey was performed in general conformance with the Task Order Statement of Work issued to COMPANY. The professional opinions and findings presented in this report are based on the facts and information conveyed to or observed by COMPANY during the completion of this survey/inspection.

This report is based solely upon the laws and regulations existing as of the date of this report, as well as information gathered to date including a site visit made on the date indicated. This report represents the conditions observed only at the time of the survey relative to compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations and GSA guidance within the scope of the contract. Since facility operations and associated compliance can change from day to day, this report only addresses what was observed during the site visit and applicable documentation reviewed.

This report was prepared by the following personnel:

Senior Industrial Hygienist (Sample)

Senior Industrial Hygienist/Safety Consultant

This report has been reviewed and approved by:

COMPANY & ASSOCIATES, INC.

By:

Senior Industrial Hygiene and Safety Consultant ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

1.0 Executive Summary

2.1 Background

2.2 Facility Description

2.3 Applicable Standards

2.4 Inspection Methodology

2.5 Measurements and Instrumentation

3.1 Industrial Hygiene Survey Methodology and Results

3.2 Lead in Drinking Water Process

3.2.1 Lead in Drinking Water Results

3.3 Radon Gas Sampling

3.3.1 Radon Gas Sampling

3.4 Indoor Air Quality Parameters

3.5 Lead Based Paint

4.1 Safety Inspection Elements

4.2 Fire Safety

4.3 Electrical Systems

4.4 Water Temperatures

4.5 Playground

4.6 Classrooms and Interior Rooms

4.7 Security

4.8 Product Safety

4.9 Lighting

5.1 Survey Findings

5.2 Finding Classifications

5.3 Safety Survey Findings

5.4 Status of Previous Findings

APPENDICES

Appendix A Floor Plans and Diagrams of Water Sampling Locations Appendix B Lead-in Drinking Water Laboratory Analytical Results and Chain of Custody form Appendix C Radon Laboratory Analytical Results Appendix D Playground Inspection Form Appendix E Field Datasheets Appendix F Certifications

1.0 Executive Summary

Under General Services Administration (GSA) contract number CONTRACT NUMBER, COMPANY was tasked to perform an indoor air quality, water sampling, safety survey and radon screening of Child Development Centers in both GSA controlled and leased space in the National Capital Region (NCR).

This report details the findings from the survey and inspection performed on DATE OF SURVEY at the

LOCATION located at ADDRESS. The purpose of the survey was to identify potential hazardous conditions that could affect the employees and occupants of the Center and to provide recommendations to minimize or reduce risk where applicable. The survey was conducted by INSPECTORS NAMES .

An opening meeting was held with on November 13, 2015 with Center Director NAME. We reviewed the purpose of the visit and the procedures to be used during the inspection. During the opening meeting, the Center

Director was asked to identify any known safety concerns; no concerns were reported.

A query of IRIS identified 17 findings or open conditions for this Center. This survey identified three new findings.

Four of the previously identified findings remained open as of this site visit.

2.1 Background

2.2 Facility Description

The Center is located on the first floor of the Building Name at Building Address, which is occupied by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Building Name was built in 1932 and occupies approximately

7,500 square feet of space. The Center is licensed to enroll up to 85 children, ranging from three months to five years of age. The Center includes seven classrooms, two offices, a kitchen, an indoor playroom, and a storage room. The Center is equipped with fire suppression sprinklers, a fire alarm system, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, exit signs, and emergency lighting. The kitchen is protected by a wet chemical system.

The Center shares common walls with the main building, which separates the Center from the remaining building areas with at least one-hour fire rated construction. One of the Center’s walls faces an interior courtyard.

The Center has two egress/ingress points. The first entrance point is located at location and the second entrance point is provided from within the building’s corridors. Emergency egress from the Center utilizes the building’s corridor system as well as the main entrance at location. The surrounding buildings include government and private office buildings, retail, and restaurants. The adjacent streets have heavy traffic.

The playground is located in an interior courtyard on the opposite side of the building. The playground area is equipped with a unitary rubber surfacing system for ground covering. Equipment consists of metal, plastic, and composite components.

The Center is managed by an Independent Board of Directors, which employs the Center Director and assigned teachers. The Center staffs a total of 24 full-time and part-time teachers and personnel. There were 62 children enrolled at the time of our survey/inspection.

Based on these numbers, the total potential occupancy for the Center could be as high as 109 occupants on any given day. NFPA standards permit an occupant load of one person for every 35 square feet. The occupancy load for this facility on a day where all staff and children (at maximum enrollment capacity) are present is one person per 69 square feet (7,500 square feet / 109 occupants).

An emergency evacuation program was present that included evacuation drawings and an emergency telephone list. Evacuation diagrams were posted near exits in a majority of the classrooms and child-use areas. Emergency telephone lists were also located next to the emergency phones in each room. Four evacuation cribs were observed in the infant room.

A written fire evacuation plan was in place. The purpose of the plan is to provide a procedure for the emergency relocation of the children from the facility to a safe and secure location on a temporary basis

(i.e., until parents or guardians can pick up the children). The Center has two relocation points. The first relocation point is at the Triangle Tots located at Building Name located at Building Address. The secondary relocation point is at the Building Name located at Building Address. The fire evacuation program calls for monthly fire inspections and drills. The results of inspections and drills were documented and kept on file as part of the program. Center staff is certified in emergency first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which is provided yearly.

Medications required by children are stored in a lockbox within the Kitchen and with lockboxes with the classrooms. All medications, including prescription medication, over the counter medication, and medication that is required to be administered on an as-needed basis (e.g. EpiPen®) are stored in these lockboxes. Medications that require refrigeration are stored in a lockbox in the kitchen refrigerator. All

Center staff is trained in medication administration. Appropriate authorization forms are required to be completed by the parent or guardian and the child’s pediatrician. Children do not have access to the lockboxes containing medications.

2.3 Applicable Standards

During the survey, the following standards and guidelines were used to evaluate the conditions in the facility:

GSA’s Child Development Center (CDC) Design Guide, PBS-P100 (2014);

Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) Handbook for Public Playground Safety (2010);

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC):

o Standard 9: NAEYC Accreditation Criteria for Physical Environment Standard;

o NRPA Playground Safety Audit Form;

The National Fire Protection Association Codes and Standards (NFPA);

Applicable American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards including ASTM F1487

Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use;

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Primary Drinking Water

Regulations (NPDWR); and

USEPA, A Citizen’s Guide to Radon.

The CPSC provides other CDC guidelines and reference documents for parent awareness and day care provider use. These guidelines were also referenced during the safety survey and addressed the following items:

Window Covering Cords – Cords should be out of reach from children or secured with a safety device (present a strangulation hazard);

Cribs without soft bedding and without loose, broken, or missing hardware (helps to prevent strangulation and suffocation);

Safety Gates – To facilitate the flow and path of children in the Center while preventing access to certain areas; and

Recalled Products – Recalled products can pose a risk of injury or death. Displaying a list of recalled products in child care centers reminds both caretakers and parents to remove or repair potentially dangerous children’s toys and products.

2.4 Inspection Methodology

The survey consisted of an inspection of the facilities and the associated playground. The facilities and playground were inspected to identify risk conditions which must be corrected or alleviated to provide the Center with an acceptable level of risk for staff and children. The identification of these conditions includes evaluating the potential consequences, and the associated risks to occupants and property. In addition to the safety survey of the facilities and associated playground, the scope of work for the survey included the following:

Screening for Ambient Air Quality Parameters – Conducting screening for temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide using direct-read instrumentation;

Water Temperature Evaluation – Checking hot water temperatures at sinks accessible to children to ensure that conditions are not hazardous to children;

Illumination Survey – Utilizing a light meter to evaluate children’s activity, learning, and nap areas;

Lead in Drinking Water Sampling – Collection of first and second draw water samples from 15 representative potable water devices; and

Radon sampling using long-term Alpha Track samplers.

2.5 Measurements and Instrumentation

The following is a summary of the direct-reading equipment used and the respective parameters measured:

TSI IAQ CALC – Used to measure temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The unit was calibrated to NIST standards per manufacturer specifications in October 2015.

Smart Living Thermometer – Used to measure water temperatures at sink faucets that were accessible to children.

EXTECH Light Meter 401025 – Used to measure illumination levels in foot-candles.

3.1 Industrial Hygiene Survey Methodology and Results

3.2 Lead in Drinking Water Process

Potable water samples were collected from 28 representative water sources on November 13, 2015.

Water sources were selected based on accessibility to children, the primary intended use, and in conformance with GSA’s and EPA’s sampling protocol. First and second draw samples were collected from the cold water lines of selected water fountains, kitchen sinks, child-accessible sinks, and hand wash sinks.

Each water source (point source) was flushed by Center staff for at least 15 minutes on the evening prior to the day of the sample collection; the water was allowed to sit in the hard plumbed water lines overnight for at least six but no more than 18 hours as outlined by the EPA protocols for sampling lead in drinking water. The first draw water samples were taken prior to use. The second draw water samples were collected after the first draw samples and following flushing of the water for approximately 30 seconds.

A total of 28 samples (14 first draw and 14 second draw samples) were collected and submitted for the analysis of lead-in-drinking water.

The sample collection, delivery, and analysis were conducted according to Federal, state, and local regulations including the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The EPA National Primary Drinking Water

Regulations (NPDWR) regulates lead concentrations in drinking water via 40 CFR 141. The EPA Primary

Drinking Water Standards designates Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) and Action Levels for organic, inorganic, and biological contaminants. The Action Level for lead-in-drinking water is 15 micrograms of lead per liter of water (µg/L), which is equivalent to 15 parts per billion (ppb).

The samples were transported to Phase Separation Science, Inc. for analysis of lead content. Samples were analyzed via EPA Method 200.8, Determination of Trace Elements in Waters and Wastes by Inductively

Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry. Phase Separation Science is accredited under the National

Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) and is certified to perform analysis of lead-in-drinking water.

3.2.1 Lead in Drinking Water Results

The analytical results are summarized in Table 1. A floor plan of the Center and diagrams indicating water sampling locations are included in Appendix A of this report. Copies of the analytical laboratory reports and chain of custody forms including sampling times are included in

Appendix B of this report. It should be noted that serial numbers and manufacturing information was not available for the drinking fountains at the Center.

As indicated by the data in Table 1, the analytical results of the all of the first and second draw samples were below the EPA Action Level of 15 µg/L.

TABLE 1 – Lead-in-Drinking Water Results

Sample ID Location Draw Lead (µg/L)

111315-LDSK1-001 Love Doves, Sink First 3.4

111315-LDSK1-002 Love Doves, Sink Second 0.53

111315-DB-SK1-003 Dancing Bears, Sink 1 First 1.7

111315-DB-SK1-004 Dancing Bears, Sink 1 Second ND

111315-DB-SK2-005 Dancing Bears, Sink 2 First ND

111315-DB-SK2-006 Dancing Bears, Sink 2 Second ND

111315-PANSK1-007 Pandas, Sink 1 First 2.7

111315-PANSK1-008 Pandas, Sink 1 Second ND

111315-PANSK2-009 Pandas, Sink 2 First ND

111315-PANSK2-010 Pandas, Sink 2 Second ND

111315-PANSK3-011 Pandas, Sink 3 First ND

111315-PANSK3-012 Pandas, Sink 3 Second ND

111315-TED2SK1-013 Teddies 2, Sink First 2.9

111315-TED2SK1-014 Teddies 2, Sink Second ND

111315-HLFT1-015 Hallway, Fountain 1 First 2.1

111315-HLFT1-016 Hallway, Fountain 1 Second 1.9

111315-HLFT2-017 Hallway, Fountain 2 First 1.7

111315-HLFT2-018 Hallway, Fountain 2 Second 1.4

111315-KITSK1-019 Kitchen, Sink 1 First ND

111315-KITSK1-020 Kitchen, Sink 1 Second ND

111315-KITSK2-021 Kitchen, Sink 2 First ND

111315-KITSK2-022 Kitchen, Sink 2 Second ND

111315-BUNSK1-023 Bunnies, Sink 1 First 1.3

111315-BUNSK1-024 Bunnies, Sink 1 Second ND

111315-BUNSK2-025 Bunnies, Sink 2 First ND

111315-BUNSK2-026 Bunnies, Sink 2 Second ND

111315-BUNSK4-027 Bunnies, Sink 4 First 0.93

111315-BUNSK4-028 Bunnies, Sink 4 Second ND

ND – Not detected at or above the reporting limit.

3.3 Radon Gas Sampling

Radon samples were collected with Alpha Track AT-100 radon detectors. Samples were collected for 90 days in accordance with detector instructions and GSA guidance. The detector contains a film that records the impacts (tracks) of alpha particles produced by the decay of radon and its decay by-product, polonium.

At the completion of sampling, the devices were removed and then shipped to RSSI in Morton Grove, Illinois for analysis. RSSI is a certified third party laboratory and is accredited for radon analysis through the National Radon Safety Board.

In accordance with GSA instructions, the benchmark used for this contract is the EPA Action Level for residential buildings, which is 4.0 picocuries of radon per liter of air (pCi/L). According to the EPA, the average radon concentration in residential indoor air is 1.3 pCi/L and the average concentration of radon in outdoor air is 0.4 pCi/L. The EPA recommends homes with radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L or higher be mitigated to reduce radon levels. Because there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, the EPA also recommends that mitigation be considered for homes with radon levels above 2.0 pCi/L.

3.3.1 Radon Gas Sampling

Five Alpha Track AT-100 detectors were placed in the Center on November 13, 2015 and collected in February 2016 to ensure an exposure period of 90 days. The analytical results are summarized in Table 2. Copies of the analytical laboratory reports and chain of custody forms including the sampling period dates are included in Appendix C of this report.

TABLE 2 – Radon Gas Sampling Results

Device Number Location Results (pCi/L)

322280 Love Doves TBD

322276 Love Doves TBD

322279 Pandas, Above Cubbies TBD

322277 Bunnies, Kitchen TBD

322278 Teddies, Above Cubbies TBD

The radon gas samples have been sent RSSI in Morton Grove, Illinois for analysis. Results are anticipated by March 2016.

3.4 Indoor Air Quality Parameters

The GSA Child Care Center Design Guide establishes indoor temperatures (at a height of about 36 inches) above 69.8 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and between 75.2 and 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, and a minimum relative humidity of 35% during the winter and maximum 50% during the summer.

The GSA Child Care Center Design Guide references the ASHRAE Standard 62-2010 which holds that comfort (odor) criteria with respect to human bioeffluents are likely to be satisfied if the ventilation results in indoor carbon dioxide concentrations less than 700 parts per million (ppm) above the outdoor air concentration.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas resulting from incomplete combustion of any carbon-containing fuels. Carbon monoxide is a chemical asphyxiant for which a number a regulatory agencies have established exposure thresholds. The EPA standard for ambient (outdoor) air is nine ppm as an eight-hour time-weighted average; OSHA has established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 ppm over an eight- hour time weighted average, while the American Conference of Governmental

Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has established an eight-hour time-weighted average Threshold Limit Value

(TLV) of 25 ppm. The indoor air quality measurements are summarized in Table 3.

TABLE 3 – Indoor Air Quality Measurements

Room Temperature

(°F)

Relative Humidity (%)

Carbon Monoxide

(ppm)

Carbon Dioxide (ppm)

Dancing Bears 73.2 35.0 0.1 496

Love Doves 73.6 36.1 0.1 470

Locker Room 74.0 34.6 0.0 496

Lounge (small) 75.1 36.0 0.2 461

Pandas 73.6 36.9 0.1 498

Teddies 1 & 2 73.1 36.7 0.0 526

Bunnies 1 & 2 72.9 35.1 0.0 489

Playroom 72.3 35.2 0.1 457

Staff Lounge 72.3 37.3 0.1 510

Staff Lounge Corridor 74.2 33.6 0.0 486

Corridor at 15th Street Entrance 74.5 31.5 0.2 491

Kitchen 76.0 33.6 0.0 518

Corridor Outside Teddies 73.0 33.1 0.1 532

Corridor Near Courtyard Doors 73.4 33.3 0.1 478

Corridor Near Interior Entrance Door 73.7 33.8 0.0 527

Corridor Outside Pandas 72.4 33.5 0.1 473

Playground (Outside Sample) 60.2 28.0 0.1 396

Temperature measurements were within the GSA recommended range, and relative humidity measurements were below or slightly above the GSA minimum winter concentration of 35%. Carbon monoxide measurements in the indoor locations ranged between 0 and 0.2 ppm, at or slightly above the outside ambient concentration (0.1 ppm), and below the comparative benchmarks referenced in the paragraph prior to Table 3. The outside carbon dioxide concentration on the day of the survey/inspection was 396 ppm, which calculates to a recommended maximum indoor concentration of 1,108 ppm. The indoor carbon dioxide measurements ranged between 457 and 527 ppm, which is below 1,108 ppm recommended maximum indoor concentration.

3.5 Lead Based Paint

The Building Name was constructed prior to 1978 and therefore has the potential for the presence of lead based paint. Chipping, flaking, or peeling paint was not observed in the Center during the

November 13, 2015 inspection.

4.1 Safety Inspection Elements

A summary of the elements inspected during the safety survey are included in this section. A complete list of findings and recommendations are included in Section 5.0.

4.2 Fire Safety

The Center is equipped with a fire alarm system and an automatic wet pipe sprinkler system that includes standard response type sprinklers. The fire alarm system includes a general evacuation signal that notifies occupants to evacuate the premises; the signal includes audible horns as well as strobe lights. Smoke detectors are installed in accordance with NFPA 101. Multi-purpose, dry chemical, portable Class ABC fire extinguishers are located throughout the Center; travel distances to an accessible extinguisher were less than 75 feet. The fire extinguishers are inspected at 30-day intervals and are on an annual maintenance program. Manual pull stations are located at the emergency exits and are connected to the building fire alarm system. Standby power for exit signs and emergency lighting is provided via an emergency generator. A wet chemical fire suppression system protects the cooking equipment in the kitchen.

No new conditions were noted during the survey which created unsafe conditions or were non-compliant with applicable standards regarding fire safety.

4.3 Electrical Systems

The building is equipped with a standard three-wire grounded electrical system. All electrical panels accessible to Center staff were properly sized and labeled. Electrical outlets within six feet of sinks were equipped with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breakers. . Several electrical outlets were observed without plug protectors in the Teddies 1 and 2 classroom and in the Bunnies classroom (Finding #1).

Previous findings noted in IRIS are contained in Section 5.3.

4.4 Water Temperatures

Temperature measurements were taken of hot water in sinks accessible to children to verify that temperatures were below the GSA Child Care Center Design Guide of 110 °F. All measurements were below 110°F.

No new conditions were noted during the survey which created unsafe conditions or were non-compliant with applicable standards regarding water temperatures. Previous findings noted in IRIS are contained in

Section 5.3.

4.5 Playground

The outdoor playground is used exclusively by the Center. The playground is located within an interior courtyard on the opposite side of the building and is accessible from the building’s corridors on the lower level of the building. The playground consists of two play areas: an infant/toddler playground area, and a two to five year old playground area.

The two playground areas are separated by a fence with access between the areas controlled by a gate.

The playground areas were visible from all points of the playground for adequate site lines to enable adequate supervision.

Infant/Toddler Playground Area

The playground area designated for infants and toddlers has a unitary rubber surfacing system, and a ground level composite structure with a tunnel and several activity panels.

Two to Five Year Olds Playground Area

The playground area designated for two to five year olds has a unitary rubber surfacing system and a composite play structure with a stairway, rigid climbers, play panels, and four slides. In addition, the playground area has several ground level activity panels and water tables.

No new conditions were noted during the survey which created unsafe conditions or were non-compliant with applicable standards regarding playground equipment. A copy of the GSA playground inspection form is in Appendix D.

4.6 Classrooms and Interior Rooms

There are seven classrooms, two offices, a kitchen, an indoor playroom, and a storage room twelve. The emergency egresses for all classrooms is through the building’s corridor system.

The condition of the furniture in the classrooms appeared to be adequate and well maintained, with no sharp edge noted. All child-accessible doors in the classrooms were not lockable or had a device in place for staff to easily access the door, preventing children from locking themselves in. In addition, interior door handles for the classrooms were accessible and easily operable by children (an open previous finding), which present an access hazard. Classrooms and play areas were equipped with a resilient flooring material that was generally in good condition.

Blind cords for the windows in all rooms were secured and out of the reach of children at the time of the survey.

Cabinets in the Dancing Bears classroom (Finding #2) and cabinets in the hand washing areas of Pandas and Teddies rooms were not secured by locking devices (open previous findings). This finding type has been noted several times in prior surveys.

Telephone cords in the classrooms or areas accessible by children did not present strangulation hazard.

Pinch guards were installed on most doors and gates that are accessible to children. The cubby cabinet doors in the Teddies Room was broken, creating a potential pinch hazard (an open previous finding).

4.7 Security

There are three authorized entrances to the Center. Entrants to the building have to pass through various secured access points prior to approaching the entrances to the Center. All entrances require key card access or for an individual to be granted access through a buzzer system controlled from within the Center.

Security cameras are present at each of the entrances to the Center.

During the survey, the Director noted that the main entrance to the Center does not close properly, requiring force to close the door (Finding #3).

4.8 Product Safety

There were no items reported or noted during the survey that presented a product safety concern. The

Center receives recall notices via an e-mail service and posts notifications for parents and staff.

4.9 Lighting

The lighting requirements for Child Care Centers according to the GSA Child Care Center Design Guides are as follows:

Children’s Reading and Close Work Surfaces: 46.6 Foot Candles (FC);

Infant Activity Areas: 23.2 – 46.6 FC

Toddler Activity Areas: 27.9 – 46.6 FC

Pre-School Activity Areas: 27.9 – 46.6 FC

Ambient Light: 23 FC

Dimming for sleep/nap: 4.6 – 46.6 FC

Light measurements collected during the inspection/survey area summarized in Table 4.

TABLE 4 – Lighting Results

Room Play Area (FC) Reading Area (FC) Sleeping Area/Dimmed Light (FC)

Love Doves 53.5 15.9 34.6

Dancing Bears 27.3 17.2 14

Pandas 29.3 45.4 13.7

Teddies 34.8 47.5 N/A

Playroom 32.8 33 18.5

Staff Lounge N/A N/A N/A

Bunnies 42.7 60.4 56.8

Kitchen 63.3 25.5 N/A

The light levels recorded during the survey were low in the Love Doves, Dancing Bears and Playroom areas.

The Bunnies sleeping area/dimmed light was high. Other areas met the lighting requirements in the GSA

Child Care Center Design Guide.

5.1 Survey Findings

5.2 Finding Classifications

To define the severity and probability of a finding, a Risk Assessment Code (RAC) was assigned to each safety finding observed during the survey. The RAC describes the relative risk of injury, illness, or death that could result from exposure to a hazard or condition. The RAC uses a combination of the probability that an employee/child could be hurt and the severity of the illness or injury. RACs go from a RAC 1, for a serious hazard with high risk of serious injury to a RAC 5, for a negligible risk with remote hazard characteristics. The tables below outline the definitions of these elements and the process for combining the elements to determine a RAC for findings.

TABLE 5 – RAC Code Descriptions

RAC Code Description

RAC 1 Serious Hazard Any condition, practice or situation in the facility indicating that a danger exists that could be reasonably expected to cause death, serious physical harm or loss of all or a major portion of a facility.

RAC 2 Major Hazard A condition, hazard or situation such that there is a probability of significant harm to human health or the risk of loss of all or a major portion of the facility. (Permanent partial disability, temporary total disability)

RAC 3 Moderate Hazard A hazardous situation that may cause moderate injury or moderate damage and may occur in time. (Hospitalized minor injury, reversible illness)

RAC 4 Minor Hazard A hazardous situation that may cause injury or minor property damage, but is unlikely to occur. (First aid or minor medical treatment needed)

RAC 5 Negligible Hazard A situation with few or no hazard characteristics, but which nevertheless is inconsistent with a specific guideline or standard or organizational policy.

Table 6 shows the matrix COMPANY inspectors used to determine a RAC for each safety finding at the Center. The appropriate RAC is determined by selecting the probability category from the first row and the severity category from the first column. The cell where the severity and probability descriptions intersect contains the appropriate RAC for the finding.

TABLE 6 – Risk Assessment Code Matrix

Probability

Severity

Imminent

Probable

Possible

Remote

RAC 1 - Serious Hazard 1 1 2 3

RAC 2 - Major Hazard 1 2 2 4

RAC 3 - Moderate Hazard 2 3 3 4

RAC 4 - Minor Hazard 3 4 4 5

RAC 5 - Negligible Hazard 4 5 5 5

5.3 Safety Survey Findings

The following three new conditions were observed during this inspection/survey. The status of previous survey findings from in the IRIS database are included in Section 5.3.

Finding Number [1]

Description Lack of plug protectors in electrical outlets

Risk/Hazard Identified Electrical Hazard

Reference DC Child Care Regulations Section 363.9

RAC Number 3

New or Repeat Finding New

Location Teddies 1&2, Bunnies Classrooms Corrective Action Responsibility

Center Director

Recommendation Place plug protectors in all outlets accessible by children.

Picture

Finding Number [2]

Description Unsecured cabinets

Risk/Hazard Identified Pinch hazard

Reference GSA Design Guide 10.1.7

RAC Number 3

New or Repeat Finding New

Location Dancing Bears Corrective Action Responsibility

Center Director

Recommendation Secure cabinets when not in use.

Finding Number [3]

Description Main entrance door to the Center does not secure when closing

Risk/Hazard Identified Pinch hazard/Security Hazard

Reference GSA Design Guide 10.2

RAC Number 4

New or Repeat Finding New

Location Main Entrance

Corrective Action Responsibility

GSA Facility Staff

Recommendation Adjust closing mechanism to ensure that door is self-closing.

5.4 Status of Previous Findings

The following findings were contained in the IRIS database. The status of the previous findings is listed below along with corrective actions observed, where applicable.

IRIS Survey Number

Condition Number

Description Status Corrective Action Applied

G-11-15-0079 4 Cabinet door handles in hand washing areas of Pandas and Teddies Rooms are broken, child-proofing devices not being utilized.

Open

G-11-14-0063 11 Door on cubby cabinet in the Teddies Room is broken creating a potential pinch hazard

Open

G-11-14-0063 12 Child-proofing devices not being utilized on cabinetry in the hand washing areas of Pandas room

Open

G-11-14-0063 13 Interior door handles for the classrooms were accessible and easily operable by children

Open

G-11-15-0079 1 The power strip from the computer station, accessible to children in the Dancing Bears Room was not child proofed.

Closed Cords secured

G-11-15-0079 2 Sink accessible to children had temperatures greater than 109.4.

Closed Check valves installed

G-11-15-0079 3 Damaged pinch guards were observed in the Pandas and Teddies

Closed Guards replaced

G-11-15-0079 5 A broken window pane creates a potential sharp edge that may be accessible to children in the Teddies Room; a metal plate cover on the back side of the kitchen cabinetry also had a sharp edge.

Closed Pane replaced

G-11-15-0079 6 An art easel in the Pandas Room was not secured a potential topple hazard.

Closed Base for easel installed

G-11-15-0079 7 Water damage was observed to cabinetry, with potential microbial growth in Dancing Bears

Closed Cabinetry repaired or replaced

G-11-14-0063 5 Tripping hazard observed in Older Playground area between the sandbox and unitary playing surface

Closed Sandbox removed

G-11-14-0063 6 A wheel was loose on an activity panel in the Younger playground

Closed Wheel repaired or replaced

G-11-14-0063 7 Peeling, corroded paint and fasteners on play structures in the Younger and Older playgrounds

Closed New structure installed

G-11-14-0063 9 Pinch guard at entrance to food prep area in Teddies room was damaged

Closed Guard replaced

G-11-14-0063 10 Sandbox cover was not properly secured, allowing water and debris to collect; in addition does not deter rodents or pests from nesting

Closed Sandbox removed

IRIS Survey

Number Condition Number

Description Status Corrective Action Applied

G-11-14-0023 6 The steering wheel in the ground play unit was loose at the base creating a pinch hazard.

Closed Wheel repaired

G-11-13-0013 8 Older children composite structure has corrosion and peeling paint at based of several poles along ramp

Closed New structure installed

A-1

Appendix A

Floor Plans and Diagrams of Water Sampling Locations

C-1

Appendix B

Lead-in-Drinking Water Laboratory

Analytical Results and Chain of CustodyForms

C-1

Appendix C

Radon Laboratory Analytical Results

Appendix D

Playground Inspection Form

Appendix E Field

Datasheets

Appendix F

Certifications