15A NCAC 18A .2826      LIGHTING AND THERMAL ENVIRONMENT

(a)  In child care centers, all rooms and enclosed areas shall be lighted by natural or artificial light. Lighting shall be capable of illumination to at least 50 foot‑candles at work surfaces. Lighting shall be capable of illumination to at least 10 foot-candles of light, at 30 inches above the floor, in all other areas, including storage rooms. Light fixtures in all areas shall be kept clean and in good repair. Shielded or shatterproof bulbs shall be used in food preparation, storage, and serving areas and in all rooms used by children.

(b)  All rooms used by children shall be heated, cooled, and ventilated to maintain an ambient temperature between 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Ventilation may be in the form of openable windows with screens or by means of mechanical ventilation to the outside of the building. Windows and window treatments shall be kept clean and in good repair. All ventilation equipment, including air supply diffusers, return grilles, and fans shall be kept clean and in good repair.

(c)  Nothing in the rules of this Section shall require that outdoor storage buildings be wired with electricity or provided with heating and air conditioning.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110‑91;

Eff. July 1, 1991;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2006; February 1, 1995;

Readopted Eff. July 1, 2023.