15A NCAC 18A .2824      FLOORS

(a)  In child care centers, floors and floor coverings in food preparation, food storage, utensil washing, toilet rooms, and laundry areas shall be constructed of nonabsorbent material and shall be kept clean and in good repair.

(b)  Floors and floor coverings in sleeping and play areas shall be kept clean and in good repair.

(c)  Carpeting used as a floor covering shall be of closely woven construction and shall be kept clean and in good repair. Carpeted floors shall be vacuumed daily when children are not present in the room, except to clean up spills. Instead of waiting for children to leave the room, a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter vacuum cleaner may be used. If used for this purpose, a HEPA vacuum cleaner shall include a HEPA filter individually tested and rated as 99.97% efficient at 0.3 micron dust particle size and sealed to prevent leakage around connecting points. Vacuum bags shall be changed and vacuums shall be emptied when children are not present in the room. The vacuum cleaner shall be in good repair. Wall to wall carpets shall be cleaned using extraction methods at least once each six months. Cleaning materials including surfactants, solvents, and water used for extraction shall be removed from the carpet before the space is reoccupied. When water extraction is used, the carpet shall be completely dry within 12 hours of cleaning.

(d)  Floors in areas accessible to children, shall be kept free of peeling, flaking, chalking, or otherwise deteriorating paint.

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

Eff. July 1, 1991;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2006; April 1, 1999; February 1, 1995; July 23, 1992;

Readopted Eff. July 1, 2023.