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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 8. Education
Agency 20. State Board of Education
Chapter 800. Standards for Licensed Family Day Homes
11/21/2024

8VAC20-800-320. Fire safety and shock prevention.

A. Small electrical appliances such as, but not limited to, curling irons, toasters, blenders, can openers, and irons shall be unplugged unless being used by the caregiver or with children under close supervision.

B. Child-resistant protective covers larger than 1-1/4 inches in diameter shall be installed on all unused electrical outlets and surge protectors accessible to children under five years of age.

C. No electrical device accessible to children shall be placed so that it could be plugged into an electrical outlet while in contact with a water source, such as a sink, tub, shower area, toilet, or swimming or wading pool.

D. Electrical cords and electrical appliances and equipment with cords that are frayed and have exposed wires shall not be used.

E. Radiators, oil and wood burning stoves, floor furnaces, fireplaces, portable electric heaters, and similar heating devices located in areas accessible to children shall have barriers or screens and be located at least three feet from combustible materials.

F. Unvented fuel burning heaters shall not be used when children are in care. Unvented fuel burning heaters include, but are not limited to, portable oil-burning (kerosene) heaters; portable, unvented liquid or gas fueled heaters; and unvented fireplaces.

G. Wood burning stoves and fireplaces and associated chimneys shall be inspected annually by a knowledgeable inspector to verify that the devices are properly installed, maintained, and cleaned as needed. Documentation of the inspection and cleaning shall be maintained by the provider.

H. All flammable and combustible materials such as, but not limited to, matches, lighters, lighter fluid, kerosene, turpentine, oil and grease products, aerosol cans, and alcohol shall be stored in an area inaccessible to children.

I. If there are open and obvious fire hazards, including the absence of fire extinguishers or smoke detectors as required by the Uniform Statewide Building Code and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, the local fire prevention or building officials, or the State Fire Marshal's office shall be contacted by the department's representative. The provider shall comply with the requirements or recommendations made by the fire prevention or building officials to eliminate fire hazards.

Statutory Authority

§§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Former 22VAC40-111-320 derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 7, eff. July 1, 2010; renumbered, Virginia Register Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 1, 2021.

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