Childcare, Early Learning Centers, and Pre-School Safety Hazards
Childcare Facilities, Early Learning Centers, and Pre-Schools come with a special set of hazards and could be classified as a high-risk facility. In my experience after working with many of these facilities, I have included 10 potential life safety hazards that need to be addressed to ensure the well-being and safety of the children, staff, and visitors.
1. Choking Hazards – One of the more common hazards you’ll see while working with small children is the possibility of choking due to large food pieces or small objects being lodged in airway. Suffocation can also occur if a child were to become entangled in objects that restrict airflow such as trash bags, cords, or large objects.
2. Fire Hazards – Fire Hazards pose a huge risk to childcare facilities and preschools as the ability to evacuate may be hindered by the sheer number of children to teacher ratios. It is important that childcare facilities have appropriate safety measures in place such as updated evacuation plans, illuminated emergency and exit lights, along with functioning fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire sprinklers, and kitchen fire suppression systems tested and inspected by a licensed company on a monthly, semi-annual, and annual basis.
3. Allergens and Food Safety – It is important to ensure that food is properly prepared and cut to avoid choking hazards, but it is also important to consider food allergies that may result in severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Some common allergens include peanuts, shellfish, eggs, treenuts, and soy products. If a student has a known severe allergic reaction, it is important for the parents to provide pediatric epi-pens in case of an emergency.
4. Poisoning Risks – Mainly related to medications, cleaning supplies, and other toxic substances that must be kept out of reach from children, poisonings to pose a health risk and must be evaluated to keep children healthy. If it is suspected that a child ingested toxic substances it is important to call 911 and the 24/7 Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 for further guidance.
5. Tripping and Falling Injuries – Common with small children, falling injuries are another emergency that may be seen in childcare facilities. Ensuring that trip hazards such as loose carpets/rugs, cluttered hallways, or unstable furniture are addressed will reduce the chance of any major First Aid Emergency.
6. Transportation Safety – If the facility provides transportation services from school or home, proper seat belt safety or child seating must be in place to ensure children won’t receive major injuries from possible vehicle collisions. All buses must carry a first aid kit and fire extinguisher, easily accessed by the driver if an emergency were to occur.
7. Security Concerns – Unfortunately we’re living in a time where this topic is of upmost importance. It is paramount to ensure that your childcare facility is taking adequate security measures using alarms, automatic locking doors, security cameras, and a panic button if necessary. This will reduce unwanted guests and can prevent any unauthorized pick-ups.
If your childcare facility needs CPR Training, AED Training, First Aid Training, First Aid Supplies, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), or Fire Extinguisher, Fire Alarm, Fire Sprinkler, and Kitchen Suppression System Inspections and Maintenance we can help!
Feel free to give us a shout at (817) 809-8677 or email us at info@ighsafety.com for more information. We provide training for groups of 5+ and our service calls start at $79 for Fire Protection! IGH Health, Fire, & Safety provides service to all cities in North Texas including Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, Irving, Keller, Weatherford, Mansfield, Waxahachie, Grand Prairie, Southlake and more!
