Family Day Care Victoria
Child Safety Guidelines 2009
Child Safety Guidelines 2009
Family
Day Care
Victoria
Child Safety Guidelines 2009
Authors
Ms Melanie Water, Ms Aleksandra Natora and Professor Mark Stokes, Kidsafe
Disclaimer
While care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, Kidsafe Victoria
takes no responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes to information that may occur,
and disclaims all responsibility and liability to any person for any actions taken or not taken
because of the information within these guidelines.
These guidelines have been developed on the basis of analysis of child injury and the expertise
and experience of relevant professionals and currently available standards. These guidelines
are designed to draw attention to potential hazards for children and suggest actions that
may be taken to prevent injury. They are not regulations, and they do not override Victorian
regulations, national standards, municipal obligations, or existing scheme policies.
Published by
Service Development Division
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Level 9, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne
November 2009
© State of Victoria (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development) 2009
2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002
2
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Contents
Acknowledgements
4
Summary
Section 1: Family Day Care Services and Child Safety
6
Background of Family Day Care Services in Victoria
Importance of child safety in Family Day Care
7
Child Development Stages and Injury Risks
9
Child Injury is Preventable
The ‘Family Day Care Child Safety Guidelines’ in Practice
10
Section 2: Managing Safety Risks to Prevent Injuries
12
The Risk Management Approach
Children’s Developmental Stages
13
Section 3: Understanding Specific Risk Areas
16
Part 1. Safety Management
Part 2. Drowning
18
Part 3. Falls
21
Part 4. Burns and Scalds
28
Part 5. Lacerations, Cuts and Crushing
32
Part 6. Entrapments, Strangulation and Suffocation
34
Part 7. Poisoning
35
Part 8. Road Safety 37
Part 9. Toy Safety
40
Part 10. Pets and Other Animals
41
Part 11. Choking, Inhalation or Ingestion of Foreign Bodies
Part 12. Electrocution
42
Part 13. Guns and Weapons
43
Section 4: Checking the Family Day Care Home for Safety
44
The Home Safety Checklist Summary
67
Definitions and Acronyms
68
Resources
69
References
72
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
3
Acknowledgements
These guidelines are a revised edition of the 1993 Kidsafe – Family Day Care
Guidelines for home based child care and were made possible from funding
from the Office for Children, Department of Human Services (since August
2007 the Office for Children and Early Childhood Development is situated
in the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development). The
guidelines also complement the Kidsafe national Family Day Care Safety
Guidelines 2008 funded by the Commonwealth Department of Families,
Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Acknowledgment is made to The Child Accident Prevention Foundation
of Australia (Kidsafe) for developing the associated national guidelines
which greatly assisted production of the Victorian guidelines. Particular
thanks to Ian Scott, Christine Erskine and Dorothy Bell at Kidsafe NSW.
Thank you also to
• Family Day Care Victoria Inc, Scheme Coordinators
• Victoria Home Based Carers Association
• Family Day Care Victoria Inc Executive members
Ms Suzanne Smith
Ms Dorothy Payne
Ms Eileen Buckley
Ms Robyn Byrne
for their input into the consultation and review phases and;
• Ms Sally Cooper (project coordinator), Executive Officer, Resource Unit for
the ongoing coordination of the project.
The following individuals are acknowledged for their expertise in providing
information or reviewing the guideline content and supporting us with their
feedback:
Mr Robert Caulfield, Archicentre
Ms Karen Ashby, Monash University Accident Research Centre
Ms Joan Adams, VicRoads
Mr Jeff Robinson, Poisons Information Centre
Summary
Family Day Care (FDC) in Victoria underwent a major change in May 2009
when all FDC services came under the regulation of the State Government.
As a result of the change, FDC services must comply with the Victorian
Children’s Services Act 1996 and the Children’s Services Regulations 2009.
The primary intent of the Act is to ensure the safety and development
of children attending children’s services. It requires that all children’s
services protect children from hazards, provide adequate supervision,
and offer children a clean and well-maintained environment. The Act was
amended in 2009, and now includes FDC services as an additional type
of children’s service.
4
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
FDC services are expected to use these guidelines in conjunction with
current state legislation and regulations, child care industry guidelines,
specific Australian standards, and any other individual requirements of FDC
services have in the past been guided. The Family Day Care Victoria Child
Safety Guidelines, however, have been specifically developed for Victoria,
in line with the new legislation and aim to promote consistency in child
safety procedures and minimum standards across all Victorian FDC services.
The guidelines give information to existing, new and potential FDC staff
and carers on FDC services, with a specific focus on child safety and injury
prevention.
Included in the guidelines are useful resources for FDC coordinators to
use for in-service training and professional development. Other resources
include lists of publications, standards and organisations that provide
information on all aspects of safety and risk management.
The guidelines recommend that FDC coordinators and carers take a risk
management approach to dealing with child safety. That is, actively dealing
with safety by identifying hazards and controlling injury risks.
Services and Carers also need to be able to identify external hazards and
emergencies* that are threats to the safety of the children in their care and
particular to their residential location.
An emergency is any event which has an impact on your ability to provide
your normal child service as a whole. Unlike individual injuries, accidents
or incidents emergencies are usually major events requiring special
consideration examples of emergencies you may face are:
*
• Bushfires
• Wildfires
• Internal Fires and Smoke
• Severe Storms and Internal flooding
• Pandemics and Communicable disease
• Earthquake
• Chemical Hazards or Gas Leak
• Violent Incidents
• Bomb threats.
Contained in the guidelines is a step-by-step process for managing risk,
and a comprehensive section detailing specific risks and how to deal
with them.
Also included in these guidelines is a Home Safety Checklist, taking FDC
staff and carers through each room and area of the home. The checklist
is for FDC staff and carers to use as part of annual safety audits, and for
carers to use independently whenever they need to check the safety of
their home.
The Family Day Care Victoria Child Safety Guidelines is a practical
document, designed to support FDC coordination units and carers in
providing a safe environment for all Victorian children in all FDC homes.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
5
Section 1: Family Day Care
Services and Child Safety
Background of Family Day Care in Victoria
Family Day Care (FDC) in Victoria formally commenced in 1972 and is now
a well-recognised type of child care service, providing 80 FDC services
across the state.
FDC services are provided in the carer’s own home, primarily for children
under the age of five. Children over five also receive FDC care before
and after school, and during school holidays. FDC Coordination Units
organise and support the network of FDC carers. Local councils manage
most Coordination Units in Victoria, while other community and private
organisations also operate FDC services.
The Commonwealth Government approves FDC services and funds the
Child Care Benefit, which assists families with the cost of child care.
The Government has required that FDC services comply with applicable
state and territory regulations when providing care to children. Where
state and territory regulations do not exist, FDC services must comply
with the National Standards for Family Day Care. These standards outline
specific requirements for injury incident notification, supervision and
injury management procedures.
National safety guidelines for FDC have also been developed by the
Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia since 1986 (Kidsafe,
1993). However, as with the National Standards, adherence to them
has varied across Australia. The guidelines have been modified by FDC
services to meet local needs. In addition, the guidelines were revised in
2008 in collaboration with key stakeholders from all states and territories,
including representatives from relevant state and territory government
agencies, injury prevention organisations, research bodies, privately owned
child care centres and local government managed family day care services.
A major change for Victorian FDC occurred in May 2009 with services
coming under the regulation of the State Government. As such, FDC
services must now comply with the requirements of the Victorian Children’s
Services Act 1996 (the Act). The Act has been amended to include FDC as
an additional type of children’s service that is licensed and regulated in
Victoria. The primary intent of the legislation is to ensure the safety and
development of children attending children’s services. The Act requires that
children’s services are operated in such a way that children are protected
from hazards, that supervision is adequate and that premises are kept
clean and in good repair.
The Victorian Family Day Care Safety Guidelines, have been specifically
developed for the new Victorian FDC environment. The guidelines aim to
promote consistency of child safety procedures, and minimum standards
for all Victorian FDC services.
6
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Importance of Child Safety in Family Day Care
All children have the right to be safe at home, at school and in their child
care service. Safe environments are essential for preventing injury, and
enabling children to grow and develop (NCAC, 2006; FaHCSIA 1998;
FaHCSIA 2007).
In line with world trends, more Victorian children now spend time in child
care. This reflects many socio-economic changes, including the increasing
number of mothers in employment (FaHCSIA, 2005; Gupta, et al. 2005).
A study in 2002 claimed that as many as 75 per cent of all children under
five, and 50 per cent of infants were in some form of regular child care
(Lucarelli, 2002). The most recent Australian Census of Child Care Services
reported that FDC schemes represent 4 per cent of total child care services,
catering for an estimated 89,300 children across Australia, and an
average of 278 children per scheme during the census week. FDC services
experienced the largest growth (44 per cent since 2002) compared with
long day care centre services (8 per cent ) and outside school hours care
(1per cent ) (FaHCSIA, 2005).
The increasing number of children attending child care has led to a
corresponding concern for their safety in the absence of parental care
(Kotch, et al. 1993; Skolnick, 1989; Slack-Smith, et al. 2002). As such,
it is imperative for child care providers to avoid incidents, and to promote
safety and injury prevention messages and practices in these settings
(Taras & Bassoff, 1993; Dilks, 1991; Gupta, et al. 2005; Thacker, et al.
1992; DHS, 2006a; DHS, 2008a; DHS, 2008b).
Child injury is the leading cause of death and need for medical care in
Australian children aged 0 to 14 years (Berry & Harrison, 2007; Kidsafe,
2000; Cassell & Clapperton, 2007). Each year, around 300 Australian
children in this age group die as a result of unintentional injury. A further
60,000 are hospitalised, and many more require some kind of medical
attention, with a number of these needing ongoing medical care.
Australian statistics indicate that child injury deaths are most commonly
associated with motor vehicle incidents (both as a passenger and a
pedestrian), drowning in backyard pools and house fires. Injury related
hospitalisations are mostly due to falls from nursery furniture and play
equipment, poisoning, scalds from hot tap water and hot drinks, cuts from
household glass, choking and dog bites.
The range of injuries that occur in FDC services, however, is narrower.
The types of injuries relate to falls (mostly from playground equipment),
products (furniture and toys), impact from another person (child to child
collision), and cuts and lacerations (Cummings, et al. 1996; Sellstrom
& Bremberg, 2000).
Family Day Care, as a service provided within the family home context,
contains the same range of risks as the family home in which it is located.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
7
Homes and backyards are the most likely place for child injury to occur,
mainly because children spend most of their day there. Injury in child care
settings was reported to be less severe than in private homes overall,
possibly reflecting the more formal safety measures practised (Schwebel,
et al. 2006; Kopjar & Wickizer, 1996). While literature on injury specifically
in FDC is sparse, the few studies that documented injuries reported no
hospitalisations or deaths. Most injuries required medical attention for cuts
and lacerations, bumps and bruises, and fractures (Cummings, et al. 1996;
Briss, et al. 1994; Chang, et al. 1989).
The most recent unpublished data from the Victorian Injury Surveillance
Unit (VISU) reported 738 cases of injury in child care settings in Victoria
in 2006 (Ashby, 2008). Due to limitations of the data, it is uncertain
which of these specifically occurred in family day care settings. The
characteristics of the cases reported were predominantly male (60.6%)
children aged 0 to 4 years (32 per cent aged 4 years). Over half of the
injuries were caused by falls, most of which related to playground
equipment. The most common injury sustained was an open facial wound.
The severity of injuries appeared minor, with 89 per cent resulting in
hospital emergency department presentations, and 9.8 per cent in hospital
admissions. Although just a snapshot, these injury characteristics appear
consistent with previously reported Victorian injury data for child care
settings (Routley, 1993; Cassell & Clapperton, 2007).
There is insufficient evidence to link child injury risk with exposure to FDC
(i.e. number of hours spent in FDC). However, the 2004 Australian Census
of Child Care Services reported that on average, 80 per cent of children
attending FDC were in care for under 30 hours a week, mainly between 8am
and 6pm. Approximately 7 per cent of children in FDC received extended
hours of care overnight between 6pm and 8am.
Apart from injury statistics, the other common FDC safety issues in literature
include:
• Compliance with health and safety standards and regulations—improved
regulation has been associated with a decline in child care injury rates
(Aronson & Aiken, 1980; Stroup & Thacker, 1995; Addiss, et al. 1995;
Runyan, 1991; Currie & Hotz, 2004; FaHCSIA, 1998; Kidsafe, 1993)
• Staff limitations and supervision challenges—child injuries have been
associated with inadequate supervision. The 2004 Australian Census
of Child Care Services reported a lack of formal child care qualifications
among the majority of carers, with usually only one carer available to
supervise all children in a FDC home (Garzon, et al. 2007; FaHCSIA, 2005)
• Location limitations—care is provided in family homes that are designed
and built for families rather than groups of children (FaHCSIA, 2005).
8
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Child Development Stages and Injury Risks
There is strong evidence that age and gender is significantly related to injury
rates, with children under five most at risk of injury (Alkon, et al. 2000;
Moller & Kreisfeld, 1997; Robertson, 2003; Moller, 1992; MacInnes & Stone,
2008; Aherin & Todd, 1989). Some studies specify that children aged
between two and three are at most risk of injury.
FDC traditionally caters for younger children, particularly infants and
toddlers (Bartlett, et al. 1986). The 2004 Australian Census of Child Care
Services, however, indicated a broadened age range of children in FDC care,
with 22 per cent under two years of age, and around 23 per cent attending
school (FaHCSIA, 2005).
More recent evidence recognises age as a complex risk factor. Injury is more
closely linked to developmental stages, where children go through physical,
psychological and emotional changes within different age ranges. The
typical age groups are pre-school 0 to four years, school age 5–14 years,
and independent adolescents 15–17 years (NPHP, 2004; Flavin, et al. 2006;
Kidsafe, 2000). Understanding a child’s development through each stage
can assist in identifying a child’s injury risk at particular ages. This in turn
can help in prioritising hazard modifications required to keep children safe.
Child Injury is Preventable
Injuries do not just occur, but are caused by hazards. A hazard is any
object or situation that has the potential to cause an injury (Kidsafe, 2007).
The key to preventing injuries is adopting a risk management approach.
In managing risk, hazards are identified and injury risks are controlled by
removing, reducing, modifying or separating the hazards to prevent the
risk of it causing an injury (Caton & Roche, 1999).
For example, VISU reported a 55 per cent decrease in the child injury
fatality rate in Victoria over the past decade, mainly due to a large
reduction in drowning and road fatalities (Cassell & Clapperton, 2007).
Organised programs and improved facilities were reported to have
considerable benefit in terms of reducing the number of injuries.
Child safety in FDC homes can also be maximised by staff and carers
simply and effectively monitoring and managing safety risks and hazards
(Caton & Roche, 1999). These guidelines and the attached hazard checklist
in particular have been designed to assist FDC with this.
Evidence indicates that there is no one preferred approach to preventing
injuries (DHS, 2006). A range of actions and strategies are required for
FDC services, including:
1. Understand that an ‘accident’ is a myth (Evans, 2001; Girasek, 1999).
Understand that many injuries can be easily prevented by simple means.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
9
2. Constant adult supervision of children is challenging, but is the most
effective way to reduce the risk of injury (Saluja, et al. 2004; Garzon,
et al. 2007; FaHCSIA, 1998; Kidsafe, 2005; DHS 2006a). It has been
reported that one fifth of toddler injuries occurred when children were
unsupervised (Garzon, et al. 2007).
3. A safe environment allows children to play safely, and enables staff to
supervise and interact with them (NCAC, 2006). Environmental hazards
can be minimised by making sure that buildings, grounds, equipment and
furniture are safe and well-maintained, and by safely storing and using
dangerous products (Pryor, et al. 2002).
4. Having a risk management strategy that is supported by internal policies
and procedures for matters such as emergency procedures, sun safety,
and injury notification is effective in promoting child safety and injury
management (NCAC, 2006; Stuy, et al. 1993; FaHCSIA, 1989). Regularly
monitoring and assessing the FDC environment also reduces hazards and
risks (Stroup & Thacker, 1995; Ulione & Dooling, 1997).
5. Continuing professional education in child safety has been shown to
the strongest predictor of reducing safety hazards in day care centres
(Sellstrom & Bremberg, 2000).
6. Effective communication between FDC authorities, staff, carers and
parents, and carer awareness of current safety standards and information
is an injury prevention strategy in itself (Stonehouse, 2001; Henry, 1996;
NCAC, 2006). This recognises the importance of FDC coordinators and
carers providing safe environments for children and safety information
and advice to families.
The ‘Family Day Care Child Safety Guidelines’ in Practice
These guidelines are designed to assist FDC services to provide a safe
environment for children in FDC homes.
The guidelines provide Victorian FDC services with:
• Information for existing, new and potential carers about child safety
and injury prevention
• Resources to help Coordination Units to conduct regular safety audits
at individual FDC homes
• Training materials for the ongoing professional development of staff
and carers
• A comprehensive home safety checklist for in and around the FDC home
that can be used as an ongoing assessment tool by FDC coordination
units and carers.
10
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
While the guidelines focus on the higher risk age group of children under
five years, they also apply to the protection and safety of primary school
age children.
These guidelines are designed to draw attention to potential hazards and to
suggest actions to minimise injury and achieve a minimum level of safety.
It is recommended that FDC services use these guidelines in conjunction
with current national, state and local legislation and regulations, child care
industry guidelines, specific Australian standards.
It is recommended that coordination units in FDC services:
Use these guidelines for FDC home audits, as well as for regular in-service
and professional development to ensure that knowledge of safety and injury
prevention is current.
Discuss the potential risk areas outlined in section three with the carer
during the home assessment. Explain the assessment process and its aim
of providing a safe environment for children.
Complete the home safety checklist in section four with the carer at least
annually. Discuss the danger of any hazards identified, seek strategies with
the carer on how best to deal with them, set appropriate time frames, and
arrange follow up.
It is recommended that carers:
Use these guidelines as part of audits as well as regular in-service and
professional development to ensure that knowledge of safety and injury
prevention is current.
Use the home safety checklist as a self-assessment tool to examine any
actual or potential hazards. The NCAC recommends that carers check the
safety of their homes daily, and not only as part of the annual audit.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
11
Section 2: Managing Safety
Risks to Prevent Injuries
FDC service coordinators play an important role in raising the carer’s
understanding of child safety needs within the FDC environment.
To achieve safety outcomes, increase diligence and awareness, FDC service
coordinators should:
• Make explanations clear and comment favourably where appropriate action
has been taken.
• Reinforce positive steps taken by the FDC carer to ensure the environment
was safe.
• Encourage carers to be vigilant in recognising and treating hazards as
they arise.
It is recommended that when carers first receive the guidelines, coordinators
have a detailed initial discussion with them about the content and aims of
the guidelines.
This section outlines key safety approaches and resources that FDC
coordinators can use in any safety training or in-service for carers.
The Risk Management Approach
Injuries are preventable. They happen when hazards go unnoticed
and untreated.
FDC coordinators and carers need to take a risk management approach
to deal with potential safety hazards in and around the home.
The following steps outline the risk management process outlined in
the Australian standard AS/NZS 4360:
STEP 1. IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS
Use the home safety checklist in Section Four of this guideline to ask
the following questions:
• What can happen, where and when? Generate a comprehensive list
of potential sources of risk.
• Who is being cared for? Consider the children’s stages of development
by using the tables that follow in this section.
• Why and how can it happen? Consider possible causes and scenarios.
STEP 2.ANALYSE THE RISKS
Decide the best approach for dealing with the risk identified in Step 1:
• Evaluate the controls that are already in place, and consider their
effectiveness.
• Examine the risk in terms of ‘consequence’ (what could happen) and
‘likelihood’ (the probability of it happening). Use the following table
as a guide to deciding how to treat the risk:
12
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Consequences
Likelihood
Major
Moderate
Minor
Likely
Red
Red
Amber
Possible
Red
Amber
Green
Unlikely
Amber
Green
Green
Key: Red: Urgent attention required
Amber: Attention required
Green: Supervision and awareness of risk
STEP 3. EVALUATE THE RISKS
Use the information in Step 2 above to make a decision about treating
the risk. Prioritise actions according to available time and resources so
the most urgent risks are treated first.
STEP 4. TREAT THE RISKS
Once risks have been identified and evaluated, determine the most
appropriate option for treating the risks. These may include:
• Removing or avoiding the risk entirely where possible
• Reducing the likelihood of the risk by putting measures in place
• Using personal safety gear
• Closely supervising and keeping within reach of children.
Assess the options by preparing a cost-benefit analysis, where appropriate
and then implement the treatment.
STEP 5. MONITOR AND REVIEW
Continue to review the risks and treatment options on an on-going basis
to ensure the risk treatment is the most appropriate action.
Children’s Developmental Stages
Being aware of the child’s stage of development will help FDC carers and
coordinators to understand the potential injuries the child faces. It can also
assist in identifying and prioritising hazard modifications required to keep
children safe.
The table below is a summary of the widely used Kidsafe SafeKIDSnow
factsheet series, developed for professionals and care givers in the early
childhood sector. It shows the most common injuries at various stages of
child development.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
13
Age
Stage of a child’s development
Most common injuries
Birth to 9
months
•Babies will start to wriggle and roll
at about 3 months, sit up at about 6
months, and crawl at about 9 months.
•Rolling off a change table, bench or bed
Babies from
birth to
crawling
•Scalding by being placed in bath water hotter
than 38˚C
•At this stage children will start to reach
•Scalding by a hot drink spilled over the baby
and grasp for objects and put them
while being held by a carer
into their mouths.
•Choking on a small item found lying around
•Poisoning on medication
•Sustaining a road injury by being transported in an
incorrectly installed or incorrectly fitted car restraint
9 to 18 months •Babies will now become increasingly
mobile and start to walk.
Toddlers on
the move
•Toddlers will become very curious.
They will want to open cupboards,
turn switches on and off, and seek
out items they know exist even if
they are hidden from view.
•At this stage children will want to
‘test’ everything by putting it in
their mouths.
•Choking on unsuitable food
•Falling out of a high chair, pram, shopping trolley,
or falling down stairs or out of cot
•Scalding by toddler turning on the hot tap in
the bath
•Scalding by toddler pulling saucepans down from
the stove and spilling hot contents on them
•Sustaining burns from heaters and fires without
appropriate safety guards
•Poisoning by accessing medications, poisons
or household chemicals that were previously
out of reach
•Being hit by vehicles in driveways
•Falling out of a high chair, pram or shopping trolley,
•Children are now actively exploring
or falling down stairs or out of a cot or bed
their environment. The smell, taste and
texture of things become fascinating.
Inquisitive and
•Falling off playground equipment
invincible
•Children will want to do everything
•Drowning in swimming pools without an appropriate
independently, without help or
safety fence, and other water hazards such as
interference from the parent or
fountains, creeks, dams and buckets
other adult.
•Poisoning by accessing medications, poisons
•Children will begin to run and jump
or household chemicals that were inappropriately
without fear of heights or danger.
stored within reach
•At this stage children’s bodies are
•Being hit by vehicles on the road by running onto
top-heavy, and their lack of balance
the road without looking.
will cause them to overbalance easily.
•Sustaining a head injury by not wearing a safety
helmet when riding a tricycle, scooter or bicycle
1 to 3
years
1/
2
1/
2
•Being bitten by a dog
14
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Age
Stage of a child’s development
Most common injuries
3 1/2 to 5 years
•Children are now becoming increasingly
independent and adventurous.
•Drowning in swimming pools without an
appropriate or adequate safety fence
Pre-schoolers:
independent
•At this stage children have little
adventurers
understanding of danger.
•Their favourite activities include
climbing.
•Falling from a bicycle, scooter or a piece
of playground equipment
•Sustaining a head injury by not wearing a safety
helmet when riding a bicycle or scooter, and wrist
injury by not wearing safety pads on hands/elbows
•Being bitten by a dog
•Being hit by vehicles on the road by running onto
the road without looking
5 to 7 years
New
environments,
new
challenges
•Children have now developed motor and •Sustaining a road injury by being incorrectly
coordination skills that allow them to
restrained in a car
climb, run and jump with ease.
•Being hit by vehicles on the road by running onto the
•Behavioural and social skills emerge by
road without looking, or crossing the road at incorrect
interacting with other children, parents,
moments or places
carers and teachers.
•Falling from a bicycle, scooter or a piece
•Children are faced with new physical
of playground equipment
hazards as they are exposed to new
•Sustaining cuts/lacerations from running into
environments.
windows and glass doors without safety glass
•Children’s lack of experience, knowledge
and fear expose them
to preventable injuries.
•At this stage, children’s ability to judge
traffic conditions and car speed and
distance is not fully developed. Their
size also makes it difficult for drivers
to see them.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
15
Section 3: Understanding
Specific Risk Areas
This section outlines specific injury risks for children. FDC coordinators and
carers will find this comprehensive information useful when they conduct
audits of the FDC home.
Part 1: Safety Management
Safety management is aided by understanding and being prepared for
supervision, first aid, communications, emergency evacuation, hazard
prevention and home maintenance.
1.1 Supervision
The National Standards for Family Day Care (1995) specifies that carers have
a duty to provide effective supervision at all times that children are in their
care. Carers must supervise children indoors and outdoors, including during
outdoor play, toileting and sleeping, and when children are on excursions
away from the FDC home.
Supervision is a key tenet of the Children’s Services Act 1996. Section 27
requires that staff in licensed children’s services ensure that all children
are adequately supervised.
Actions for adequate supervision of children include:
(a) Supervise all children at the service constantly, actively and diligently
(b) Supervise children within sight or sound where multiple areas are
available to children at the same time
(c) Be alert to and aware of the potential for accidents and injury in the
FDC home and yard areas, and within the immediate area of the street
perimeter of the property, especially on large regional/farm properties
(d) Securely fence outdoor play areas
(e) Secure gates in fences with a latch that is inaccessible to children
(f) Ensure the number of children being cared for at one time does not
exceed recommended child/staff ratios
(g) Take special care when a child is eating, drinking or on a change table.
1.2 First aid
Actions include:
(a) Provide a first aid kit with contents as outlined by an accredited first
aid provider
(b) Store first aid kits out of reach of children, in an area easily accessible
to the carer
(c) Undertake first aid training
(d) Display a resuscitation chart in a prominent position
(e) Undertake training in how to administer an auto injection device
(supervised by coordinators)
(f) Undertake training in anaphylaxis management when a child being
cared for is at risk of anaphylaxis.
16
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
1.3 Communications
Actions include:
(a) Maintain an operating telephone or an alternate effective means
of emergency communication
(b) Keep a list of emergency and administrative numbers next to each
telephone or other means of communication. The list should include
the following:
•000: Ambulance, Fire Brigade, Police
•13 11 26: Poisons Information Centre
•Nearest hospital
•Authorised supervisor or coordinator of the FDC service.
(c) Keep contact details for each child in a private but easily accessible
position near the phone or other means of communication. The contact
details should include:
•Each child’s parent(s) or guardian(s)
• Each child’s doctor
•Contact numbers(s) other than the parent/guardian as a backup
in the event of an emergency.
1.4 Emergency evacuation and excursions
Actions include:
(a) Develop a plan that will help your carers know what to do in the event
of an emergency.*
(b) Develop a written evacuation plan, and discuss it with the FDC
Coordination Unit
(a) Display the written plan inside the home
(b) Practise evacuation procedures on a regular basis with children.
(c) Assess potential hazards and prepare a risk assessment plan
(refer to r. 74) before going on any excursions.
1.5 Hazard protection
FDC services and carers can enhance safety by taking every reasonable
precaution to protect children from harm or hazards that are likely to cause
injury. This can be achieved by undertaking training, conducting regular
reviews and audits of the family day care environment, and seeking information
or feedback from the FDC coordination unit when they visit the home.
Section 26 of the Children’s Services Act outlines the responsibilities
of proprietors and FDC carers in the protection of children from hazards.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
17
1.6 Home maintenance
Section 29 of the Children’s Services Act details the FDC carer’s
responsibilities.
Actions include:
(a) Ensure that the building, grounds, all equipment and furnishings used
within the FDC home are maintained in a safe, clean and hygienic
condition and are in good repair
(b) Undertake regular inspections of the home to assess any maintenance
issues
(c) Have processes in place to ensure that maintenance is undertaken in
a reasonable time.
Part 2: Drowning
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children under
four. In 2006–2007, 35 infants and toddlers drowned in Australia (RLSSA,
2007). Almost half of these deaths occurred in backyard pools. For every
recorded drowning, there are typically another four children hospitalised
for near drowning.
Although home swimming pools are the most common location for
drowning, children can also drown in buckets, pots, water tanks, water
features, fishponds, or even a pet’s water bowl.
Young children are naturally attracted to water, and must be constantly
supervised when they are in, on, or around any water environment.
Drowning is silent and can occur quickly in only a few centimetres of water.
2.1Pools and spas
As legal requirements for pools and spas vary across municipalities,
it is important that regulations with the local authority are understood.
Safety actions include:
(a) Enclose swimming pools or spas with a barrier that completely
separates the pool/spa from the house and other parts of the yard,
and complies with current Australian standards (AS1926 Set–2007)
(b) Make spas inaccessible with a locked pool cover or an isolation barrier
that conforms to the above standard
(c) Ensure isolation barriers are at least 1.2m high and have no footholds
that would help a young child to climb over
(d) Regularly check that the fence supports have not been undermined
or become loose
(e) Ensure gates are self-closing, self-latching and have a child-resistant
lock Regularly check that the locking mechanism is functioning
18
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
(f) Ensure there is no direct access from the house to the pool
(g) Ensure all windows and doors overlooking or opening into the pool area
can be locked. Ensure these are locked at all times, except during entry
and exit of an adult or a child supervised by an adult
(h) Ensure windows that allow direct access to a pool or spa cannot be
opened more than 100mm
(i) Remove objects that could help a child to climb over a fence, or open
a gate, door or window e.g. furniture, plant pots or shrubs growing on
the pool fence
(j) Remove the external ladder from above-ground pools and store it out
of reach of children when not in use
(k) Ensure internal ladders are in good working order and are always in
place, so that if a child manages to get in, they have some chance
of climbing out
(l) Display a permanent notice within the pool area detailing resuscitation
procedures. 2.2Paddling/wading pools and bathtubs
When a paddling/wading pool or bathtub contains water, safety actions
include:
(a) Maintain constant visual supervision
(b) Remain within arm’s reach of children at all times
(c) Empty water immediately after supervised use
(d) Store paddling/wading pools undercover to prevent the unintentional
collection of water, e.g. rain. If water is collected around the home,
it should be made inaccessible to children by a fence or barrier
(e) Do not leave children in the care of an older child
(f) Do not use bath seats/aids under any circumstances.
2.3 Ponds/water features
Ensure any pond or garden water feature is:
(a) Secured in position and covered by material that will prevent a child’s
face getting into the water, or
(b) Completely enclosed by a barrier, such as a fence, wall, gate or door.
2.4Creeks, rivers and dams
Safety actions for properties that are adjacent to, or provide access to,
any creek, river, dam, gully trap, or similar body of water include:
(a) Separate the property from the body of water with an effective barrier,
such as a fence or wall
(b) Completely cover gully traps with a solid material that can support the
weight of an adult, and secure the cover in position.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
19
2.5Plumbing fixtures and appliances
Safety actions for any rooms, areas or cupboards that have a bath, basin,
tub, washing machine or similar plumbing fixture or appliance include:
(a) Separate the area with doors or gates that have child-resistant catches
(b) Store sink and bath plugs out of reach of all children
(c) Make pool filters inaccessible to children
(d) Cover taps that children could potentially reach with child-resistant tap
covers, especially the hot water taps.
2.6 Water containers
Safety actions include:
(a) Store out of reach of children any movable water containers that could
allow a young child’s face to get into the water e.g. nappy buckets,
animal drinking bowls, toy buckets, and paddling pools
(b) Ensure children have no access to any farm dams, animal feeding
Entrance
and
frontunder
garden
troughs, etc,
unless
direct adult supervision
(c) Cover drains with steel grids, solid enough to support the child’s weight
and narrow enough to ensure that there are no entrapment risks.
Return side boundary
fence stopping access
to driveway & street
Rear access door to
backyard should be
well secured
Provide ample storage
away from garage
Lock for internal access
door to garage 1500mm
above floor
GARAGE
HOUSE
Front door lock
at least 1500mm
above floor
Don’t obstruct
view of gate with
planting. Locate
with clear view
from car
Metal grid over
fish pond
Fence between
driveway and
front yard
DRIVE
If there are no barriers/fences in place, ensure that water features such as
ponds are covered by material that will prevent a child’s face from getting
into the water.
20
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Part 3: Falls
Falls are the most common cause of hospital admissions for injury among
children (AIHW, 2009).
No child should be left unattended or unsupervised on any raised surface.
3.1Stairs and balustrades
Safety actions include:
(a) Ensure the design of stairs and balustrades are in accordance with
relevant building codes or standards
(b) Ensure stairways, ramps, corridors, hallways, external access balconies
or bridges that have one or more sides 1m higher than the floor or
ground are bounded by a wall or balustrade
(c) Ensure balustrades:
(i) Are at least 865mm above the stair tread
Stairs
(ii) Only
have horizontal
balconies
etc rails or footholds at the top and base.
(d) Remove all trip hazards such as loose floor mats, or install non-slip
underlay.
(e) Keep furniture away from windows, balconies and banister railings
(f) Use gates and barriers at the top and bottom of stairs.
FIG C
FIG A
110mm gap max
Tread width
Min
1000mm
865mm
on stairs
Min 3
tread widths
Winders should be
located at the bottom
of a flight
Over 600mm hand-rail
required, min 1000mm
high over 3000mm step
see FIG B
Going
Riser
Nosing
Safety gates at
top and bottom
of stairs
Additional hand-rail
865mm above stairs
1050mm
to 1200mm
Tread width
FIG D
1050mm
to 1200mm
Over
3 metres
Perforated metal, glass
panels or vertical bars
max gap 100mm
FIG B
No doors should
swing into the stairs’
landing zone
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
21
3.2 Play equipment
FDC coordinators and carers have a central role in promoting children’s
development through play by providing a safe, hazard free and creative
play environment. All equipment should be used as per the manufacturer’s
instructions and should be appropriate to the child’s age and stage of
development.
3.3 Height of play equipment
Falls from play equipment are the cause of many playground injuries.
Australian standards restrict the height of outdoor play equipment to
reduce the distance a child could fall from the equipment to the ground.
Carers need to ensure that fall heights comply with the ages of the children
that access their play space. The measurements for maximum fall heights
are as follows:
• 0 to 3 years: up to 1m (recommended only)
• 3 years and over: up to 1.5m.
Where the fall height is increased, a larger area of fall zone surrounding the
play equipment is required .
3.4 Fall zones
The area measured around the equipment is referred to as the fall zone.
Fall zones are unique for each play environment, so it is important to
contact local authorities for further information. Different fall zones are
also required for different:
• Age groups
• Fall heights
The measured fall zones surrounding playground equipment must be filled
with under surfacing material.
3.5 Under surfacing
Under surfacing is designed to minimise injury and absorb the impact of a
fall when the fall height is 500mm or more. Asphalt, concrete and grass are
not considered under surfacing for this purpose.
It is recommended that all heights of 500mm or more above ground level
require under surfacing that is compliant with AS/NZ 4422:1996. Options
include:
• Loose-fill materials such as pine bark
• Synthetic grass with an impact layer beneath
• A number of portable mat systems that offer impact absorption
• Wet-pour rubber surfaces.
22
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
It is recommended that loose-fill material be installed to a depth of at least
300mm and maintained at a depth of 250mm. Carers need to be careful
with the selection of sand as under surfacing, ensuring that the sand also
complies with the Australian playground standard. It is important to discuss
under surfacing options and seek advice from local playground authorities.
3.6 Maintenance of play equipment
Safety actions include:
Play equipment should comply with Australian Standards.
(a) Ensure that play equipment is strong, sturdy and securely anchored.
Secure ropes top and bottom so they cannot form a noose. Ensure that
footings are at least 200mm below ground level
(b) Ensure play equipment does not have sharp edges, splinters or
protruding parts that could pierce skin, tangle or catch clothing
(c) Play equipment should comply with Australian Standards.
(d) Check all play items regularly for spiders and insects and water
catchment
(e) Check all play items for rust, detachments or weakening from
sun exposure
(f) Inspect all chains for rust, and wear and tear.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
23
3.7 Swings
Safety actions include:
(a) Ensure that swings purchased from 2004 onwards comply with
AS4685:2004 and older swings comply with AS1924:1981
(b) Ensure swing seats are made of a soft, flexible plastic and have no
more than two seats per frame
(c) Check the connections of the swing at the seat regularly for sharp,
protruding parts
(d) Check swing ropes and chains regularly for rust, deterioration,
and wear and tear
(e) Ensure swing frames are well anchored into the ground, and that under
surfacing is provided.
3.8 Trampolines
If trampolines are permitted by the local FDC service, the safety actions
include:
(a) Ensure trampolines comply with AS 4989:2006. This should be marked
on the box or included in the trampoline’s information package
(b) Completely cover the frame and springs with a frame padding that is
a completely different colour to that of the trampoline mat
(c) Check the springs and frame regularly to ensure that each part is secure
and in good condition
(d) Inspect the mat for wear and tear
(e) Provide an adequate, clear fall zone around the trampoline with
suitable under surfacing. The size will depend on the age groups using
the trampoline:
• 1.9m fall zone for 0 to 5 years
• 2.5m fall zone for school-aged children.
(f) Ensure the trampoline is on a flat surface, and secure it to the ground
(g) Ensure the area above the trampoline is clear. A minimum clearance
of 8m from ground level is recommended
(h) Do not provide access to the trampoline by using linking ladders,
planks or chairs
(i) Supervise children on a trampoline at all times
(j) Only allow one child to use the trampoline at any time.
24
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
3.9 Inflatable jumping castles
Jumping castles are not recommended for FDC services.
If inflatable jumping castles are permitted by the FDC service, the safety
actions include:
(a) Ensure the jumping castle complies with AS 3533.4.1–2005
(b) Avoid using jumping castles on windy days
(c) Make sure the jumping castle has an anchorage system and is
adequately secured
(d) Check the jumping castle for any wear and tear that could result in
it deflating and suffocating children
(e) Never inflate or deflate jumping castles while children are close by
(f) Make sure there are no sharp objects near the jumping castle
(g) Always use a safety switch on the power to the jumping castle
(h) Use safety mats at entrances and exits
(i) Limit the number of children allowed in the jumping castle to decrease
the chances of collision that could cause injury
(j) Never allow older children to jump with younger children
(k) Closely supervise children using the jumping castle
(l) Ask about the operator’s experience, safety record and training
requirements if hiring a jumping castle
(m)Make sure the jumping castle is set up by trained professionals who are
familiar with the equipment
(n) Ensure the operators have public liability insurance and are familiar with
both the equipment and AS 3533.4.1 2005 when hiring a jumping castle.
3.10 Sand pits
Sand that can mould together when damp is recommended. Fine white
double or triple washed river sand (less than 1.5mm) is ideal. Coarse, gritty
sands such as granitic sands should be avoided.
Safety actions include:
(a) Ensure sandpits remain covered at all times when not in use
(b) Regularly check sandpits for animal contamination
(c) Encourage children to brush sand from their clothes when exiting the
sand pit; this prevents excess sand dropping onto indoor floor surfaces
making them slippery.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
25
3.11Windows, openings and balconies
Safety actions include:
(a) Do not open any window or other opening from which a young child
could fall more than 1.5 metres by more than 100mm
(b) Place all furniture away from balconies and windows, especially those
with curtain/blind cords, to prevent access and possible strangulation
from cords.
3.12 Outdoor areas
Safety actions include:
(a) Ensure any tree, shrub, ladder, fence, roof, wall or other object which
a young child might and fall over 1.5m from:
• Is made inaccessible to children
•Contains no hard, jagged or protruding surfaces or objects onto
which a child could fall
• Is regularly maintained and checked
(b) Make inaccessible to children all holes, wells, trenches and
excavations.
3.13 Furniture and furnishings
A number of standards cover this area and it is important to check local
requirements. In addition, sections 26 and 29 of the Children’s Services Act
outline FDC carer obligations to protect children from hazards, and provide
clean and well-maintained furniture and furnishings.
Safety actions include:
(a) Make inaccessible all furniture to which a young child could gain access
and fall over 1.5m from
(b) Put locking devices on drawers to prevent children opening them and
using them as steps
(c) Secure all potentially unstable pieces of furniture to prevent them from
falling onto a child. These include, but are not limited to, chests of
drawers, bookcases, televisions and shelving units
(d) Use only high chairs that are sturdy and stable, and fitted with a
five-point harness. Children should be harnessed using all five points
at all times when in high chairs
(e) Ensure that cots comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 2172:2003
(f) Ensure all bedding conforms to a safe sleeping environment as outlined
on the SIDS and Kids website
(g) Do not use baby walkers, jolly jumpers or indoor swings. These are not
recommended for FDC services
(h) Do no place baby bouncers on raised surfaces.
26
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
(i) Keep one hand on the child at all times when using change tables
(j) Avoid bunk beds. These are not recommended for children under the age
of 9 years. If bunk beds are permitted by a local FDC services, ensure
they comply with Australian Standard AS/NZ 4220:2003, and have a
fixed ladder and guard rails.
Ensure that cots comply with AS/NZS 2172.
3.14 Pram safety
Safety actions include:
(a) Choose prams that comply with Australian Standard AS/NZ 2088:2000
(b) Ensure children are strapped in using all five points of the harness
(c) Keep one hand on the pram at all times when walking a child
(d) Use wrist straps if supplied, particularly when walking on paths with
an incline
(e) Avoid jogger/three wheeler prams as they are less stable than
traditional 4-wheel prams.
(f) Do not place shopping or toys of excessive weight in the base of the
pram as this can cause the pram to become unsteady and topple over
(g) Never use a pram as a substitute for a cot. Children should not be left
in prams for long periods of time
(h) Do not let older children push the pram or stroller without supervision.
3.15 Flooring and stairs
Safety actions include:
(a) Ensure all floors have a slip resistant surface where possible
(b) Secure all rugs and carpets to prevent a child tripping and falling
(c) Install gates and barriers at the top and bottom of stairs when young
children are in care.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
27
Part 4: Burns and Scalds
Children under five are at high-risk of injury from smoke, burns and scalds.
Heaters, fires, barbecues and irons are all potentially dangerous items
that can lead to serious burns, or cause house fires. Other dangers include
anywhere that children can access hot water or fluids, and outdoors when
they are exposed to the sun.
4.1 Fire and smoke
Safety actions include:
(a) Install smoke detectors in the home, especially outside bedrooms.
Check and change batteries regularly to ensure that they are
operational (refer to AS3786–1993)
(b) Install a fire extinguisher at a distance from any potential fire source
(i.e. stove or oven), so that it is easily accessible in the event of fire.
Conduct maintenance of the extinguisher as required (refer to AS
1841.1:1992)
(c) Keep a fire blanket at a distance from any potential fire source
(i.e. stove or oven) so that it is easily accessible in the event of fire
(d) Regularly practise using fire extinguishers and blankets
(e) Develop fire escape plans and regularly practise these with the children
(f) Teach children to ‘Stop, Drop, Cover and Roll’ if their clothes catch fire,
and ‘Get down low and go’ in case of a house fire.
4.2 Hot water
HOT WATER BURNS LIKE FIRE!
Water at 60˚c can cause a third degree burn to a child’s skin within one
second; at 50˚c, it will take five minutes.
Scalds from hot water are the most common type of injury, with most of
these injuries occurring in the bathroom.
Safety actions include:
(a) Control hot water service to deliver water at a maximum temperature of
50˚c by installing a temperature-limiting device such as a thermostatic
mixing valve or a tempering valve. Ask a plumber for advice, and refer
to AS 3500.4 23003
(b) Ensure any exposed hot water pipe, vessel or appliance is kept out
of reach of children, or made inaccessible by appropriate barriers
(c) Cover taps, especially hot water taps, in the bathroom, kitchen and
laundry with child-resistant tap covers, or ensure the tap itself is
a child-resistant tap
(d) Ensure that the cold water tap is run first and turned off after the hot
water tap when children may have access to running water when in the
supervision of an adult.
28
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
4.3 Hot liquids and foods
A hot cup of tea spilled on a young child is comparable to a bucket of hot
tea on an adult. Every year over 1,000 Australian children visit hospital
emergency departments for scalds from hot liquids alone (VISU, 2007).
Because of their relatively small body area, sensitive young skin and low
position in relation to hot objects, young children are particularly at risk
of suffering severe injuries from scalds or burns.
Safety actions include:
(a) Keep all hot drinks and hot food out of reach of children until cool
enough to consume
(b) Use rear elements of the stove first, and turn pot handles to the back.
Use stove guards to prevent children reaching pots and spilling hot
liquids onto themselves.
(c) Take care when heating baby bottles, particularly if they are heated in
a microwave oven or by standing in boiling water
(d) Choose cordless kettles and place them at the rear of a kitchen bench.
Only boil enough water needed for tea/coffee or cooking, and empty the
rest. Remember kettles can scald a child even 30 minutes after boiling
(e) Avoid using tablecloths. These hang over the table edge, and
children can reach and pull them, potentially spilling hot liquids onto
themselves. Placemats are a safer alternative.
4.4 Open fires, electrical and other heaters
Safety actions include:
(a) Ensure any open fire, stove or other fuel-burning space heater is
enclosed by a guard/barrier that:
•Is placed at least 150mm clear of any hot surface if openings in or
around the guard are 20mm or less
• Is at least 700mm above and 500mm clear of any hot surface where openings in and around the guard are greater than 20mm
• Cannot be removed or displaced by young children
• Prevents contact with flames or a hot surface, including flues
• Prevents contact with clothing that could be ignited.
(b) Do not use portable kerosene heaters, blow heaters or bar radiators, or
separate them from children by placing them in a secure, child-resistant
location
Heaters should be guarded to prevent
children coming into contact with the
hot surface.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
29
(c) Ensure any electric or radiant gas heater, fan heater or similar space
heating appliance that has high temperature heating elements or hot
surfaces are:
• Secured and placed at least 2m above floor level, or
• Guarded as specified in 4.4 (a) above
(d) Ensure the surface temperature of any heater or other heating appliance
will not cause a burn. These appliances include:
• Air conditioning duct outlets
• Non-fan convection panel
• Gas or electric wall furnaces
• Electric storage heaters or heat banks
• Fan-forced gas/electric heaters with guarded heating elements
• Heated towel rails
Consider installing a secondary guard to prevent children having contact
with the primary heat source and ensure the secondary guard itself does
not cause a burn or ignite clothing.
4.5 Matches, lighters and explosive substances
Safety actions include:
(a) Store matches, lighters, cigarettes, candles, ashtrays and explosive
substances in locked cupboards out of reach of children
(b) Remove cigarette lighters from vehicles.
4.6 Flammable liquids
All flammable liquids should be:
(a) Stored in a container that is correctly labelled and designed for the
storage of flammable liquids, and
(b) Stored out of reach of young children in a secure, child-resistant
location.
4.7 Outdoor barbecues and incinerators
Safety actions include:
(a) Disconnect gas bottles when not in use
(b) Operate outdoor barbecue units with care, and keep them out of
reach of children
(c) Guard barbecues as specified in 4.4 above
(d) Do not use incinerators while children are in care
(e) Make incinerators inaccessible to young children.
30
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
4.8Stoves, ovens and electrical appliances
Based on Australian Standards AS/NZ 3350, every stove or oven, including
microwave ovens, should be securely fixed in position. Every stove, oven,
cooking appliance, boiler, jug, kettle, iron or similar electrical appliance
should be:
(a) Stored out of reach of young children
(b) Made inoperable for young children, or
(c) Made inaccessible by an appropriate barrier if it is within reach of
children.
4.9 Sun exposure
Young children’s skin is thin, extremely sensitive and can burn easily.
The more sun exposure during childhood, the greater the risk of skin cancer
in later life.
Safety actions include:
(a) Provide trees, verandas, securely anchored umbrellas, gazebos, or
other structures to shade outdoor play areas. Use this shade to shelter
the child’s pram or stroller
(b) Cover as much of a child’s skin as possible with loose-fitting clothing,
and provide a hat to protect the child’s face, neck and ears
(c) Apply broad -spectrum 30+ sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going
outdoors. Reapply every two hours
(d) Place play equipment in an area that is shaded and easily accessible,
away from the driveway, pool or other hazards, and that can be visually
supervised at all times
(e) Plan the day’s activities to minimise exposure to the sun between 10am
and 3pm (EST, Daylight saving, 11am to 4pm).
These precautions may not be necessary during winter (May to September)
when the UV index typically drops below 3, and it is considered safe by the
Cancer Council to engage in outdoor play at other times.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
31
Part 5: Lacerations, Cuts and Crushing
Children can be injured playing with sharp items and falling on unsecured
or jagged objects. Once a baby starts crawling, everything within reach will
be of interest and will present a possible danger.
5.1Glass
Safety actions include:
(a) Ensure that glass in doors and windows that are less than 750mm
above floor level and have a minimum dimension of 900mm square:
• Have safety glass fitted that complies with AS 1288, or
• Are guarded to prevent a young child or toy striking or falling
against the glass.
(b) Ensure other types of glass, such as laminated glass and organiccoated glass, comply with AS/NZS 2208–1996
(c) Change to safety glass where necessary and practical. If changing
glass is not an option, consider the following:
• Protect with a guard, barrier rails or recessed sills
•Place brightly coloured stickers at adult and child height on any
large glass panel or sliding door to increase visibility
• Ensure glass areas are well lit at all times
• Apply an organic-coated plastic safety and security film.
5.2 Sharp, pointed and jagged objects
Safety actions include:
(a) Store knives, scissors and sharp kitchen utensils securely, and keep
out of reach of children
(b) Ensure other sharp, pointed or jagged objects, or materials that
could be broken and produce sharp, pointed or jagged parts, are not
accessible to children. These materials include bottles, wire, plants
and building materials
(c) Place corner protectors on furniture such as tables or benches that have
corners less than 900mm above floor level.
5.3 Tools, machinery and appliances
It is recommended that all power tools, electrical appliances, exercise
machines, cooling units (e.g. fans), petrol or fuel-driven machines,
mechanical devices, tools or implements be:
(a) Made inaccessible for young children
(b) Stored out of reach of young children
(c) Made inoperable for young children.
32
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
5.4 Furniture
Children love to climb and explore heights, especially furniture. This can
cause the furniture item to fall and injure the child, sometimes fatally.
Many children are admitted to hospital each year with this type of injury.
Safety actions include:
(a) Always discourage children from climbing on furniture
(b) Move unstable furniture from areas where children play
(c) Remember that a child may use a chest of drawers or shelves as
a ladder
(d) Secure all tall furniture to a wall using angle braces or anchors
(e) Put locking devices on drawers to prevent children opening them and
using them as steps
(f) Never place tempting items such as toys on top of furniture or on high
shelves. This encourages children to climb up
(g) Avoid using tablecloths as children can pull the cloth and what is on top
onto them
(h) Do not place large televisions on small or unstable surfaces as they can
easily over-balance and tip over on a child.
Doors and windows
5.5 Windows
Awning (top-hinged) or casement (side-hinged) windows should not open
out over a path or play area. This creates a potential opportunity for young
children to come into contact with the window edge whilst engaged in
physical activity.
Upper sash of double
hung windows could open fully
for good ventilation and escape
of hot air
Visible symbols at
adult eye level
Midrail at child height
A chain of specified length
which, when attached, secures
opening to maximum
recommended width of 100mm
Laminated glass below
midrail level
Temporarily restricted
to 100mm maximum
opening
Awning sash opening
Temporarily restricted
to 100mm maximum
opening
100mm
max
Sliding sash
Heavy duty insect
screen removable
from inside
Temporarily restricted
to 100mm maximum
opening
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
33
Part 6: Entrapments, Strangulation and Suffocation
6.1Furniture gaps
Gaps in furniture, doors, stairs, cots, bunk beds, etc, that are large enough
for a child to fall through, but small enough that the child’s head cannot
pass through, may lead to head entrapment and strangulation. Similarly,
small gaps may lead to finger entrapment and amputation (particularly
door jambs). Children under three years are most at risk of finger jam
injuries.
Safety actions include:
(a) Ensure all gaps are smaller than 89mm or larger than 230mm to prevent
head entrapment
(b) Ensure all gaps are smaller than 8mm or larger than 25mm to prevent
finger entrapment
(c) Modify doors by:
• Installing catches or self-closing springs on front and back of doors
to keep them open
• Installing special door strips to guard the hinge side of doors, or
• Using chocks, wedges or catches to keep doors from slamming shut.
Sufficient barriers should be put in place to stop children gaining access to
any areas underneath floors or buildings.
6.2 Blind and curtain cords
Blind and curtain cords pose an injury or strangulation risk for young
children, particularly those under the age of three.
Safety actions include:
(a) Ensure the length of any blind or curtain cord is minimised by securing
them at least 1.5m above the floor, and using cord tensioning devices
or cleats to attach them to the wall well out of reach of children
(b) Place nursery furniture such as cots and change tables well away from
windows to prevent children being able to reach and pull on the cord
(c) Ensure any other cord commonly found in the house (e.g. rope, clothes
line, part of furniture/toy/play equipment, and electrical cords) that
could lead to entrapment of the head, neck, limb, fingers or clothing
of a young child is placed out of reach.
6.3 Suffocation
Safety actions include:
(a) Ensure all plastic bags are stored out of reach of children and, where
possible tie a knot in them to prevent a child from placing them over
their head
34
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
(b) Store containers that could become lodged over a child’s head out
of reach of children
(c) Ensure that, where children have access to cushions and pillows in
the play environment, they are adequately supervised at all times
(d) Store any bean bags in an area out of reach of children.
Part 7: Poisoning
Each year in Victoria, the Poisons Information Centre receives thousands of
calls from concerned parents and carers. Poisonings often happen quickly,
when adults are distracted or not in the room. Many products and materials
that are used and kept in the home are poisonous to children.
Poisonings may be avoided by storing potential poisons, such as
medication, household cleaners, garden products, petroleum products,
alcohol and other similar substances out of reach of young children.
Poisons should be stored out of reach of children in a lockable cupboard
fitted with a child-resistant latch.
More than 80 per cent of poisonings occur when a product or medicine
is not in its usual storage location. On these occasions, the product may
have been used and left on a bench-top or bedside table, or may have been
purchased and is being transported from the shop to home.
7.1Poisonous substances
Safety actions include:
(a) Use only poisonous substances that have child resistant closures where
possible Ensure all child resistant closures are engaged when they are
not being used
(b) Store poisonous substances in their original containers
(c) Return poisonous substances to their safe place immediately after use
(d) Ensure poisonous substances are stored and used in conditions as
indicated on the product label
(e) Do not use poisonous substances in the presence of children
(f) Display a permanent notice near the telephone detailing the Poisons
Information telephone number (13 11 26) and other relevant emergency
contacts in case of a poisoning
(g) Call 000 in case of poisoning or suspected poisoning, and take the
poison container to the phone
(h) Ensure that a child with suspected poisoning is in constant contact with
an adult.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
35
7.2Household chemicals
Dishwasher detergent and powders are highly caustic. The residue left in
the dispenser after the dishwasher has been through its cycle is enough
to cause permanent damage if ingested by a young child.
Safety actions include:
(a) Keep the dishwasher door securely closed
(b) Fill the appliance only when it is about to used
(c) Keep all cleaning products stored in a child resistant cupboard
(d) Empty the dishwasher only when there are no young children present.
7.3Medications
Paracetamol is responsible for the majority of poisonings in children.
This is due to adults unintentionally overdosing children, and children
having easy access to paracetamol. Many people carry paracetamol
and other prescription drugs in their bag or purse, and because it is
not considered to be a dangerous poison, leave it in areas accessible
to children. These products are also often not fitted with child resistant
closures, that makes it easy for a child to access relatively large and
thus harmful doses.
Be aware that ‘child resistant’ does not mean ‘child proof’.
Eucalyptus oil and other ‘natural’ substances can also be harmful to
children, even in relatively small dosages.
Chest rubs and vaporiser fluids are not recommended for use in FDC
services. They contain camphor and eucalyptus oil, which are poisonous
and can harm children if ingested.
Safety actions include:
(a) Ensure that all paracetamol, prescription and non-prescription
medications, chest rubs, essential oils etc. are stored out of reach
and are inaccessible to children at all times
(b) Stock only medications that have child resistant closures where
possible.
(c) Ensure all child resistant closures are engaged when they are not
being used
(d) Ensure all refrigerated medications are out of reach of a young child,
and that the fridge is fitted with a child resistant latch
(e) Administer medication as prescribed or as per instructions on the
original packaging, and keep an appropriate record. The parent of
guardian must approve any medications to be administered
(f) Administer medications to children in a well-lit room in order to give
the correct dosage
36
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
(g) Always adhere to the minimum time frames in between dosages as
prescribed, as many medications have a cumulative affect and will remain
in a child’s system.
7.4Poisonous plants and trees
It is recommended that carers and coordinators research the plants existing
in gardens, as well as new plants, to ensure a safe and hazard free outdoor
play environment. If unsure, carers should consult their local garden
nursery, or the Poisons Information Centre. This is particularly an issue for
toddlers (0 to 3 years) who are still at the mouthing stage of development.
Safety actions include:
(a) Check children’s play area and check that plant species are safe
(b) Remove or make inaccessible to young children plants that produce
berries, nuts or pods that can pose a choking hazard.
7.5 Alcohol
Safety actions include:
(a) Store alcohol and alcoholic beverages in their original containers
(b) Keep all alcohol and alcoholic beverages stored in a child resistant
cupboard inaccessible to children.
Part 8: Road Safety
Road trauma is the major cause of death and injury for Victorian children
(VISU, 2007). This is largely due to children not wearing seat belts,
or wearing inappropriate or incorrectly fitted restraints or seat belts.
About 70 per cent of young children injured on the roads each year are
passengers in vehicles. (VicRoads)
8.1 Vehicle safety
Every person responsible for transporting children in a motor vehicle must
hold a current and appropriate drivers’ licence.
Other safety actions include:
(a) Ensure all motor vehicles used for transporting children in the course
of FDC services are registered, roadworthy and appropriately insured
(b) Ensure all vehicles are fitted with Australian Standard approved child
restraints that are:
• Sufficient in number
• Appropriate to the age and size of all children to be carried.
(c) Avoid two-door vehicles. These are not recommended for transporting
children in FDC services
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
37
(d) Seat children in the back seat of cars, especially if the car is fitted with
passenger airbags
(e) Have safety bolts checked by an accredited fitting organisation
(f) Do not use second hand restraints
(g) Restrain each child with an appropriate harness or seat belt when in
the car
(h) Think about the access children have to car doors and windows whilst
the vehicle is moving. Where possible, engage safety door and window
locks, and only allow the driver to control them
(i) Secure all motor vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, tractors and
ride-on mowers so that children cannot access these unsupervised
under any circumstances.
Children are less likely to receive a serious head injury when seated
in the rear of a vehicle.
PLEASE NOTE:
From November 2009 new rules will apply for the use of child restraints
and booster seats in vehicles. Refer to VicRoads at http://www.vicroads.
vic.gov.au for updated advice.
Child restraints should be appropriate to the age and size of the child.
8.2Driveway safety
Child driveway incidents are increasing each year in Australia, with most
cases being caused by a parent, relative or friend. Small children can be
impossible to see from inside a car, especially if they are immediately
38
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
behind it. The rear vision in most cars has a blind spot for as much as three
metres behind the car, which can easily obscure a child. Even if a car has
parking sensors or a video camera fitted, the driver may not notice a small
child until it is too late. Small children move surprisingly quickly.
Fences, gates and external doors should restrict access to dangerous areas
such as driveways and roadways.
Safety actions include:
(a) Provide appropriate supervision at all times
(b) Do not allow children to use driveways as a play area
(c) Make access to the driveway from the house difficult for a child,
possibly using security doors, fencing or gates
(d) Ensure that all children are either holding the hand of an adult, are
securely in the vehicle with you, or are securely separated from the
driveway or road when moving a vehicle
(e) Always walk around the vehicle and check the area before moving it,
even if you think children are secured indoors.
8.3 Pedestrian safety
Pedestrian injuries can be severe but like all unintentional injuries, they
are avoidable. Precautions are particularly pertinent in the FDC setting as
carers can have several children in their care at any time. An appropriate
safety action is that FDC services assist carers to establish policies relating
to pedestrian safety within their community setting.
8.4High temperatures in vehicles
The temperature inside a parked car during the Australian summer
increases rapidly, and can be as much as 20 to 30 degrees hotter than
the outside temperature. The smaller the child is, the quicker they can
dehydrate or die in such a closed, stifling environment.
Safety actions include:
(a) Lock every motor vehicle parked on the property when not in use and
store the keys in a secure location out of reach of young children
(b) Do not leave children unattended in a motor vehicle at any time
(c) Provide children with plenty of cool fluids, preferably water, during
car trips
(d) Plan car journeys for the cooler hours of the day
(e) Cool the car down as much as possible before putting children in the car
(f) Park undercover or in the shade where possible to reduce the amount of
the direct sunlight hitting the car
(g) Use a visor or sunshade on passenger windows to filter the sun’s rays.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
39
Part 9: Toy Safety
9.1Toys and games
Toys should comply with AS/NZ ISO 8142 where applicable. Carers must
consider the safety and age-appropriateness of all toys.
Safety actions include:
(a) Choose toys or play equipment that do not have sharp edges, sharp
points or hooks, splintery surfaces, heavy moving parts, or parts that
crush, or which are capable of launching projectiles. Store any such toys
out of reach of young children
(b) Ensure that items used for toy storage do not have lids that could crush
or entrap a child’s hand or fingers
(c) Ensure that toys or other play equipment do not contain toxic material
(d) Adhere to age appropriate warning labels on toy packaging
(e) Avoid the use of baby walkers, jolly jumpers and inside swings.
9.2 Small wheels (e.g. ride ons, tricycles, bikes)
Bikes are not recommended for young children in the FDC setting. If older
children do use bikes, tricycles, skateboards or another wheeled device, it
is recommended that carers:
(a) Ensure children always wear a helmet that complies with AS 2063
(b) Restrict children to safe play areas away from slopes, stairs, roads and
changes in level
(c) Ensure tricycles are the right size for young children
(d) Encourage children to wear wrist guards and knee guards where
possible.
9.3 Motorised toys
Motorised toys with wheels are not recommended for use by any children in
the FDC setting. These include, but are not limited to:
(a) Motorised scooters
(b) Wheeled All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
(c) Mini motor bikes.
40
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Part 10: Pets and Other Animals
10.1Domestic pets
Pets are not recommended to be kept in FDC services. However if an
individual provider has a pet, then risk minimisation strategies must be
implemented to reduce contact with the pet in order to avoid a child being
bitten or injured.
Younger children are most at risk of being bitten by animals as they are
unable to understand animal behaviour, and are likely to aggravate or
intimidate animals. These injuries typically occur to the face of the child.
Many dog bites sustained by children are by the family dog or a dog known
to them.
Safety actions include:
(a) Make dogs inaccessible to children in care, and keep them in a separate
area from children, whether inside or out
(b) Maintain protected runs, and ensure they separate the family pet and
the children
(c) Ensure fencing restricts penetration by small fingers.
10.2 Farm animals
Young children should not be able to get close to farm animals or other
potentially dangerous animals, unless under the strict supervision of
the carer.
At FDC services located on farms or during FDC excursions to farms, the
carer should directly supervise all children at all times.
Part 11: Choking, Inhalation or Ingestion of Foreign Bodies
Anything smaller than 30mm in diameter is a potential choking hazard for
young children.
Recommended safety actions include:
(a) Store any objects that are less than 30mm in diameter out of reach of
young children
(b) Store any object that could possibly smother or suffocate
(e.g. plastic bags, pillows, cushions) out of reach of young children
(c) Avoid all hard items, including small food items, for young children
(e.g. small beads, peanuts)
(d) Be wary of toys that contain magnets, small removal parts or parts that
may break off and cause significant damage if ingested.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
41
Safety actions for when young children are eating include:
(a) Always supervise young children while they are eating
(b) Make sure that young children sit quietly while they are eating
(c) Do not force young children to eat
(d) Do not give foods that can break off into hard pieces
(e) Avoid raw carrot and celery sticks, and apple pieces—grate, cook
or mash these foods
(f) Cut sausages, frankfurts and other meats into small pieces, and remove
their skins
(g) Do not provide popcorn, nuts, hard lollies, corn chips or other similar
foods
(h) Avoid soft foods such as marshmallows or soft bread covered in peanut
butter that can mould to the shape of a young child’s windpipe and
easily lead to choking.
Part 12: Electrocution
Electrical currents are a significant cause of death and injury in Victoria.
Particularly at risk are children playing with electrical equipment, and
very young children placing items such as pins into live electrical sockets
or appliances.
It is strongly recommended that all homes be fitted with electrical safety
switches that comply with AS/NZS 3350. These safety switches can only
be installed by a registered electrician. They are installed in the home
power switchboard, and turn electricity off when an electrical surge or
fault develops in wiring or appliances.
Safety actions include:
(a) Ensure household wiring, plugs, cords and appliances are in good order
and comply with the relevant standards
(b) Do not use electrical appliances in wet areas such as the bathroom.
If electric heaters are needed, only use those mounted in the ceiling,
high on the wall or under the floor
(c) Ensure electrical equipment is effectively guarded or shielded and
cannot be reached or operated by young children
(d) Ensure children do not play with electrical wiring or electrical items
(e) Perform basic maintenance such as changing bulbs with the power off
and preferably when children are not in attendance
(f) Use electrical plug-in covers or similar devices to prevent young
children poking things into power points
(g) Unplug items not in use and store them away.
42
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Part 13: Guns and Weapons
Ensure guns and weapons are not kept on the premises of any FDC service.
At farm-based FDC homes where the need for weapons and guns may be
justified, it is essential that the weapon owner provides their gun licence.
Safety actions include:
(a) Lock away guns and ammunition when the FDC service is operating
(e.g. in the shed away from main FDC area)
(b) Store guns and ammunition separately
(c) Keep locked cabinets and cupboards for guns and ammunition strictly
out of reach of children.
‘There are few incidents that can be identified as a firearms accident.
In almost every case at least one principle of the NATIONAL FIREARMS
SAFETY CODE will have been breached.’ National Firearms Safety Code
The National Firearms Safety Code is produced by the Commonwealth
Attorney-General’s Department, Canberra.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
43
Section 4: Checking the Family
Day Care Home for Safety
The Home Safety Checklist
The Checklist is for both Family Day Care Coordination Units and carers
to use.
The Family Day Care Coordination Unit and the carer should use the
checklist as part of the annual safety audit.
The checklist may be used more frequently depending on the individual
carer’s needs and the outcome of visits by the Family Day Care service.
Carers are encouraged to use the checklist as a more regular selfassessment tool.
The Home Safety Checklist is divided into the following three sections:
(a) Indoor Safety
(b) Vehicle Safety
(c) Outdoor Safety
The checklist is very comprehensive, but if you identify any additional
safety items, you can include them in the space provided at the end of the
relevant section.
To complete the checklist, you need to:
(a) Go through the checklist page by page to check the safety issues
in each room or area.
(b) Fill out the checklist summary. This page is attached to the back of the
checklist, and allows you to compile a handy summary of the safety
issues you have identified that need action.
44
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Indoor Safety
Safety Management
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
1
Is there a telephone or another
Delay in
way of communicating that can be assistance
used at all times?
Yes No
2
Is there a list of emergency
telephone numbers displayed?
Delay in
assistance
Yes No
3
Is an evacuation plan displayed?
Burns
Yes No
Details of action needed
Multiple injuries
4
Is there evidence that emergency
procedures are practised?
Burns
Are smoke detectors in good
working order?
Burns
6
Can the number of the house be
clearly seen from the street?
Delay in
assistance
Yes No
7
Is the first aid well stocked and
easy for the carer to reach?
Delay in
treatment
Yes No
8
Is the first aid kit out of reach
of children?
Poisoning
Yes No
9
Does the carer have a current first
aid certificate?
Delay in
treatment
Yes No
10
Does the carer have an auto
injection device, and is the carer
trained to use an auto injection
device?
Delay in
treatment
Yes No
11
Does the carer carry a list of
children’s emergency contact
numbers when out of the house?
Delay in
assistance or
communication
Yes No
12
Are all guns stored separately
from ammunition?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
13
Are all guns and ammunition
stored out of reach of children?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
14
Are matches, oil burners, incense
and lighters kept out of reach of
young children?
Burns
5
Yes No
Multiple injuries
Yes No
Multiple injuries
Yes No
Poisoning
External Emergencies
Is there an emergency plan in place
Do carers understand what to do in an emergency
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
45
Entrance
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
15
Is the front door locked?
Multiple injuries
Yes No
16
Are the front door keys near the
door, but out of reach of children?
Multiple injuries
Yes No
17
Is the entrance free from
obstructions?
Falls
Yes No
18
Do all unused power points that
children can reach have safety
plugs?
Electrocution
19
Are all glass doors and floor
to ceiling windows:
Laceration
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Multiple injuries
Yes No
• made of safety glass
• laminated, or
• made with safety film?
20
Are all glass doors and floor to
ceiling windows marked with
stickers at adult and child’s
eye level?
Laceration
21
Are items that could fall onto
children, securely locked, fixed,
or guarded?
Multiple injuries
Other safety issues/Comments
46
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Yes No
Details of action needed
Kitchen
Room is out of reach of children via barrier: locked door/fence/gate/other (specify)
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
22
Does the room have a door or
gates fitted with child-resistant
catches for times when it is not
being used?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
23
Are the cook top and appliances
(toaster, electric kettle etc.)
out of reach of children?
Burns
Are the stove, oven and
microwave securely fixed
in position?
Burns
25
Are all sharp objects (knives,
glass containers etc.) out of reach
of children?
Cuts
Yes No
26
Are all cleaning products stored
in their original containers?
Poisoning
Yes No
27
Are all cleaning products stored
in a locked cupboard out of reach
of children?
Poisoning
Yes No
28
Are the hot water tap and the
sink out of reach, or unable to
be opened by children?
Scalds
Yes No
29
Does the floor have a non-slip
surface?
Falls
Yes No
30
Are plastic bags etc. out of reach
of young children?
Suffocation
Yes No
31
Are all curtain and blind cords
out of reach of children?
Strangulation
Yes No
32
Are all electrical cords and leads
kept out of reach of children?
Electrocution
Yes No
Are matches, oil burners, incense
and lighters kept out of reach of
young children?
Burns
Is the dishwasher door closed
and unable to be opened by a
young child?
Poisoning
Are tablecloths kept out of use
when children are in care, or are
they fitted securely to the table?
Multiple injuries
24
33
34
35
Details of action needed
Yes No
Electrocution
Yes No
Crushing
Strangulation
Yes No
Poisoning
Yes No N/A
Multiple injuries
Yes No
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
47
Kitchen (cont)
Room is out of reach of children via barrier: locked door/fence/gate/other (specify)
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
36
Is there a fire blanket or fire
Burns
extinguisher in easy reach of the
carer, but out of reach of children?
Yes No
37
Are all alcoholic drinks safely
stored in original containers and
kept out of reach of children?
Poisoning
Yes No
38
Do all unused power points that
children can reach have safety
plugs?
Electrocution
Yes No
39
Are all glass doors and floor to
ceiling windows made of safety
glass, laminated, or made with
safety film?
Laceration
Yes No N/A
40
Are all glass doors and floor to
ceiling windows marked with
stickers at adult and child’s
eye level?
Laceration
Yes No N/A
Other safety issues/Comments
48
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Details of action needed
Bathroom
Room is out of reach of children via barrier: locked door fence/gate/other (specify)
Safety issue
managed?
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
41
Are electrical appliances
unplugged, and cords kept out
of reach of young children?
Electrocution
Yes No
42
Do all unused power points that
children can reach have safety
plugs?
Electrocution
Yes No
43
Are hot water taps for the basin
and bath out of reach, or unable
to be opened by young children?
Scalding
Yes No
44
Are bath and sink plugs stored out Drowning
of reach of young children?
Yes No
45
Are medicines, poisons and toilet
deodorising blocks stored in a
locked cupboard out of reach
of children?
Poisoning
Yes No
46
Are medicines and poisons stored
in their original containers and
clearly labelled?
Poisoning
Yes No
47
Are razors, scissors and other
sharp objects stored out of reach
of children?
Cuts
Yes No
48
Does the room have a door or
gates fitted with child-resistant
catches for times when it is not
being used?
Drowning
Yes No
49
Are doors with locking devices
able to be opened from the
outside at all times?
Delay in medical
attention
Yes No
50
Are all mats on slippery surfaces
secure?
Falls
Yes No
51
Are all curtain and blind cords out
of reach of children?
Strangulation
Yes No
52
Are all electrical cords and leads
kept out of reach of children?
Electrocution
Yes No
Details of action needed
Electrocution
Scalding
Strangulation
Other safety issues/Comments
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
49
Laundry
Room is out of reach of children via barrier: locked door/fence/gate/other (specify)
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
53
Are all cleaning products stored in Poisoning
a locked cupboard out of reach of
children?
Yes No
54
Are cleaning products stored in
their original containers?
Poisoning
Yes No
55
Are all buckets (including nappy
buckets) stored out of reach of
children?
Drowning
Yes No
56
Are all sink plugs stored out of
reach of children?
Drowning
Yes No
57
Does the room have a door or
gates fitted with child-resistant
catches for times when it is not
being used?
Drowning
Yes No
58
Is the room easy for adults to
enter?
Drowning
Yes No
59
Are all objects smaller than a
50-cent piece out of reach of
children?
Choking
Yes No
60
Are all plastic bags etc. out of
reach of children?
Suffocation
Yes No
61
Do all unused power points that
children can reach have safety
plugs?
Electrocution
Yes No
62
Is the dryer or front-loading
washing machine out of reach
of children?
Multiple injuries
Yes No
63
Are the ironing board and iron
securely stored in a stable
position?
Multiple injuries
Yes No
64
Are doors with locking devices
able to be opened from the
outside at all times?
Delay in medical
attention
Yes No
65
Are hot water taps out of reach,
or unable to be opened by young
children?
Burns
Yes No
66
Are all curtain and blind cords out
of reach of children?
Strangulation
Yes No
67
Are all electrical cords and leads
kept out of reach of children?
Electrocution
Yes No
Other safety issues/Comments
50
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Poisoning
Strangulation
Details of action needed
Living areas
Room is out of reach of children via barrier: locked door/fence/gate/other (specify)
Safety issue
managed?
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
68
Are all sharp edges on tables and
benches padded?
Laceration
Yes No
69
Are furniture and furnishings in
good condition that creates no
safety problems?
Falls
Yes No
70
Are glass doors marked with
stickers at adult and child’s
eye level?
Laceration
Yes No N/A
71
Do lower level windows have
safety glass, shatter-resistant
film or a guard?
Laceration
Yes No N/A
72
Are tablecloths kept out of use
when children are in care, or are
they fitted securely to the table?
Multiple injuries
Yes No
73
Is all furniture that a child could
climb and fall 1.5 metres from
removed, securely fixed or
guarded?
Falls
Yes No
74
Are all curtain and blind cords out
of reach of children?
Strangulation
Yes No
75
Are all electrical cords and leads
kept out of reach of children?
Electrocution
Yes No
76
Do all unused power points that
children can reach have safety
plugs?
Electrocution
77
Do all open fires and stoves have
guards that keep them out of
reach of children?
Burns
Yes No N/A
78
Are portable kerosene heaters out Burns
of reach, or unable to be operated
by children?
Yes No N/A
79
Is the outside surface of the space Burns
heater cool when it is operating?
Yes No N/A
80
Do all pieces of furniture
Laceration
containing glass have safety glass
or shatter-resistant film,
or are they guarded?
Yes No N/A
81
Is the room free of heavy pieces
of furniture that could fall onto
a child?
Crushing
Yes No
82
Are all objects smaller than a
50-cent piece out of reach of
children?
Choking
Yes No
Details of action needed
Strangulation
Yes No
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
51
Living areas (cont)
Room is out of reach of children via barrier: locked door/fence/gate/other (specify)
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
83
Are internal rises of more than 3
steps out of reach of children?
Falls
Yes No N/A
84
Are matches, fragrant oil burners,
incense and lighters kept out of
reach of young children?
Burns
Yes No
85
Are fans and free-standing air
conditioners secure and stable?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
86
Are beanbags stored in an area
out of reach of children?
Suffocation
Yes No N/A
87
Are any objects that could trap
a child’s head, legs or arms
removed or out of reach of
children?
Entrapment
Yes No
Other safety issues/Comments
52
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Poisoning
Details of action needed
Bedroom 1 (Master)
Room is out of reach of children via barrier: locked door/fence/gate/other (specify)
Safety issue
managed?
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
88
Is all furniture that a child could
climb and fall 1.5 metres from
removed, securely fixed or
guarded?
Falls
89
Are all windows or other openings Falls
more than 1.5 metres above the
ground fixed so they cannot be
opened more than 100 mm?
90
Do all unused power points that
children can reach have safety
plugs?
Electrocution
91
Do the cots comply with the
Australian Standard AS/NZS
2172:2003?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
92
Are change tables located away
from overhanging blind and
curtain cords?
Strangulation
Yes No N/A
93
Do the cots conform to the safe
sleeping environment as outlined
by ‘SIDS and Kids’?
Suffocation
Yes No N/A
94
Are all bumpers, pillows and
mobiles removed from cots?
Suffocation
Yes No N/A
95
Are toiletries, medication,
sleeping pills, perfume, jewellery,
sharps and plastic bags all out of
reach of children?
Choking
Details of action needed
Yes No
Yes No N/A
Yes No
Yes No
Cuts
Poisoning
Suffocation
96
Are matches, fragrant oil burners,
incense and lighters kept out of
reach of young children?
Burns
Yes No
97
Are all objects smaller than a
50-cent piece out of reach of
children?
Choking
Yes No
98
Are all curtain and blind cords out
of reach of children?
Strangulation
Yes No
99
Are all electrical cords and leads
kept out of reach of children?
Electrocution
Yes No
Poisoning
Strangulation
Other safety issues/Comments
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
53
Ensuite
Room is out of reach of children via barrier: locked door/fence/gate/other (specify)
Safety issue
managed?
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
100
Are electrical appliances
unplugged, and cords kept out
of reach of young children?
Electrocution
Yes No
101
Do all unused power points that
children can reach have safety
plugs?
Electrocution
Yes No
102
Are hot water taps to the basin
and bath out of reach or unable
to be opened by young children?
Scalding
Yes No
103
Are bath and sink plugs stored
out of reach of young children?
Drowning
Yes No
104
Are medicines, poisons and toilet
deodorising blocks stored in a
locked cupboard out of reach
of children?
Poisoning
Yes No
105
Are medicines and poisons stored
in their original containers and
clearly labelled?
Poisoning
Yes No
106
Are razors, scissors and other
sharp objects stored out of reach
of children?
Cuts
Yes No
107
Does the room have a door or
gates fitted with child-resistant
catches?
Drowning
Yes No
108
Are doors with locking devices
able to be opened from the
outside at all times?
Delay in medical
treatment
Yes No
109
Are all mats on slippery surfaces
secure?
Falls
Yes No
110
Are all curtain and blind cords out
of reach of children?
Strangulation
Yes No
111
Are all electrical cords and leads
kept out of reach of children?
Electrocution
Yes No
Other safety issues/Comments
54
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Electrocution
Scalding
Strangulation
Details of action needed
Bedroom 2
Room is out of reach of children via barrier: locked door/fence/gate/other (specify)
Safety issue
managed?
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
112
Is all furniture that a child could
climb and fall 1.5 metres from
removed, securely fixed or
guarded?
Falls
113
Are all windows or other openings Falls
more than 1.5 metres above the
ground fixed so they cannot be
opened more than 100 mm?
114
Do all unused power points that
children can reach have safety
plugs?
Electrocution
115
Do the cots comply with the
Australian Standard AS/NZS
2172:2003?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
116
Are change tables located away
from overhanging blind and
curtain cords?
Strangulation
Yes No N/A
117
Do the cots conform to the safe
sleeping environment as outlined
by ‘SIDS and Kids’?
Suffocation
Yes No N/A
118
Are all bumpers, pillows and
mobiles removed from cots?
Suffocation
Yes No N/A
119
Are toiletries, medication,
sleeping pills, perfume, jewellery,
sharps and plastic bags all out of
reach of young children?
Choking
Cuts
Poisoning
Suffocation
Yes No
120
Are matches, fragrant oil burners,
incense and lighters kept out of
reach of young children?
Burns
Poisoning
Yes No
121
Are all objects smaller than a
50-cent piece out of reach of
children?
Choking
Yes No
122
Are all curtain and blind cords out
of reach of children?
Strangulation
Yes No
123
Are all electrical cords and leads
kept out of reach of children?
Electrocution
Strangulation
Yes No
124
Is the top bunk out of reach of
children e.g. has the ladder been
removed, or is the bunk guarded?
Falls
Details of action needed
Yes No
Yes No N/A
Yes No
Yes No N/A
Other safety issues/Comments
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
55
Bedroom 3
Room is out of reach of children via barrier: locked door/fence/gate/other (specify)
Safety issue
managed?
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
125
Is all furniture that a child could
climb¸ and fall 1.5 metres from
removed, securely fixed or
guarded?
Falls
126
Are all windows or other openings Falls
more than 1.5 metres above the
ground fixed so they cannot be
opened more than 100 mm?
127
Do all unused power points that
children can reach have safety
plugs?
Electrocution
128
Do the cots comply with the
Australian Standard AS/NZS
2172:2003?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
129
Are change tables located away
from overhanging blind and
curtain cords?
Strangulation
Yes No N/A
130
Do the cots conform to the safe
sleeping environment as outlined
by ‘SIDS and Kids’?
Suffocation
Yes No N/A
131
Are all bumpers, pillows and
mobiles removed from cots?
Suffocation
Yes No N/A
132
Are toiletries, medication,
sleeping pills, perfume, jewellery,
sharps and plastic bags all out of
reach of young children?
Choking
Cuts
Poisoning
Suffocation
Yes No
133
Are matches, fragrant oil burners,
incense and lighters kept out of
reach of young children?
Burns
Poisoning
Yes No
134
Are all objects smaller than a
50-cent piece out of reach of
children?
Choking
Yes No
135
Are all curtain and blind cords out
of reach of children?
Strangulation
Yes No
136
Are all electrical cords and leads
kept out of reach of children?
Electrocution
Strangulation
Yes No
137
Is the top bunk out of reach of
children e.g. has the ladder been
removed, or is the bunk guarded?
Falls
Other safety issues/Comments
56
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Yes No
Yes No N/A
Yes No
Yes No N/A
Details of action needed
Bedroom 4/Study
Room is out of reach of children via barrier: locked door/fence/gate/other (specify)
Safety issue
managed?
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
138
Is all furniture that a child could
climb and fall 1.5 metres from
removed, securely fixed or
guarded?
Falls
139
Are all windows or other openings Falls
more than 1.5 metres above the
ground fixed so they cannot be
opened more than 100 mm?
140
Do all unused power points that
children can reach have safety
plugs?
Electrocution
141
Do the cots comply with the
Australian Standard AS/NZS
2172:2003?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
142
Are change tables located away
from overhanging blind and
curtain cords?
Strangulation
Yes No N/A
143
Does the cot conform to the safe
sleeping environment as outlined
by ‘SIDS and Kids’?
Suffocation
Yes No N/A
144
Are all bumpers, pillows and
mobiles removed from cots?
Suffocation
Yes No N/A
145
Are toiletries, medication,
sleeping pills, perfume, jewellery,
sharps and plastic bags all out of
reach of young children?
Choking
Cuts
Poisoning
Suffocation
Yes No
146
Are matches, fragrant oil burners,
incense and lighters kept out of
reach of young children?
Burns
Poisoning
Yes No
147
Are all objects smaller than a
50-cent piece out of reach of
children?
Choking
Yes No
148
Are all curtain and blind cords out
of reach of children?
Strangulation
Yes No
149
Are all electrical cords and leads
kept out of reach of children?
Electrocution
Strangulation
Yes No
150
Is the top bunk out of reach of
children e.g. has the ladder been
removed, or is the bunk guarded?
Falls
Yes No
151
Are computers out of reach of
Electrocution
children unless an adult is directly
supervising children?
Details of action needed
Yes No
Yes No N/A
Yes No
Yes No N/A
Other safety issues/Comments
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
57
Toys, equipment and resources
Safety issue
managed?
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
152
Are all toys and objects smaller
than a 50-cent piece removed?
Choking
153
Are all toys with sharp edges
removed?
Laceration
Yes No
154
Are all toys that can shoot out
harmful parts or pieces removed?
Laceration
Yes No
155
Are all toys with parts that
could trap a child’s head, neck,
hair, fingers, toes, arms or legs
removed?
Entrapment
Yes No
156
Are all toys that contain toxic
materials removed?
Poisoning
Yes No
157
Are toys kept in a box that a child
cannot get trapped in?
Entrapment
158
Are toy box lids secure?
Entrapment
159
Are Family Day Care toys kept
where young children can reach
them without climbing?
Falls
160
Are items filled with polystyrene
Suffocation
balls (beanbag filling) out of reach
of children?
Yes No N/A
161
Do all prams conform to the
Australian Standard AS/NZS
2008:2000?
Yes No N/A
162
Are all highchairs fitted with fully- Falls
functioning, 5-point harnesses?
Other safety issues/Comments
58
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Yes No
Suffocation
Yes No N/A
Suffocation
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
Yes No
Yes No N/A
Details of action needed
Building features
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
163
Are all steps more than 300
mm high guarded by a wall,
balustrade or gate?
Falls
Yes No N/A
164
Are all balconies and above
ground verandas fitted with
adequate balustrades?
Falls
Yes No N/A
165
Do balustrades have no more than Falls
100 mm between vertical rails?
Yes No N/A
166
Do balustrades have a top and
bottom horizontal rail, but no
other horizontal rails that a child
could climb?
Falls
Yes No N/A
167
Do all stairs, ramps, hallways
and corridors that are more than
1 metre above floor level have
balustrades?
Falls
Yes No N/A
168
Are balustrades at least 865 mm
above the front edge of stair
treads?
Falls
Yes No N/A
169
Are all windows or other openings Falls
more than 1.5 metres above the
ground fixed so they cannot be
opened more than 100 mm?
Yes No N/A
170
Are all windows above play areas
unable to be opened out?
Laceration
Yes No N/A
171
Are all roof areas out of reach
of children?
Falls
Yes No N/A
172
Are all flights of stairs out of reach Falls
of children?
Yes No N/A
173
Is the outdoor play area securely
fenced?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
174
Are all gates secured with a latch
that is out of reach of children?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
Details of action needed
Other safety issues/Comments
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
59
Vehicle Safety
(Carer to fill out; Coordination Unit to check)
Make:
Model:
Registration
Number:
Driver’s Licence
Number:
Year of
manufacture:
Expiry Date:
Licensed to carry ________ passengers
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
175
Is the motor vehicle locked and
unable to be entered by children?
Multiple injuries
Yes No
176
Is the motor vehicle registered?
Multiple injuries
Yes No
177
Is the inside of the car free of
dangerous objects?
Multiple injuries
Yes No
178
Do all child restraints have an
Australian Standard AS/NZS
1754:2004 sticker?
Multiple injuries
Yes No
179
Are there enough child restraints
for all children?
Multiple injuries
Yes No
180
Are all the child restraints suitable Multiple injuries
for the age and size of the
children?
Yes No
181
Are restraints fitted in accordance
with Australian Standards
instructions?
Multiple injuries
Yes No
182
Are all child restraints in good
condition?
Multiple injuries
Yes No
183
Is the cigarette lighter out of
reach, or unable to be operated
by children?
Burns
Yes No
184
Is a first aid kit kept in the car at
all times?
Delay in
treatment
Yes No
185
Is the first aid well stocked?
Delay in
treatment
Yes No
186
Is the first aid kit out of reach of
children?
Poisoning
Yes No
187
Does the vehicle have more than
2 doors?
Delay in exiting
the vehicle
Yes No
60
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Details of action needed
Outdoor Safety
Pools, spas, ponds and other water features
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
188
Do the pool and spa have
appropriate fences or barriers?
Drowning
Yes No N/A
189
Is the fence higher than 1.2
metres, with no horizontal bars
that a child can stand on?
Drowning
Yes No N/A
190
Does the fence or door have a
fully functional child-resistant,
self-latching gate or lock?
Drowning
Yes No N/A
191
Are the pool and spa unable to be
reached directly from the house?
Drowning
Yes No N/A
192
Is the spa securely covered?
Drowning
Yes No N/A
193
Are all objects that could help a
child to climb into the pool or spa
removed?
Drowning
Yes No N/A
194
Is there a permanent, fixed notice
displayed that shows how to
resuscitate a child?
Drowning
Yes No N/A
195
Are the pool and spa filters out
of reach of children?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
196
Are there barriers or adequate
fencing around ponds, creeks,
rivers and dams?
Drowning
Yes No N/A
197
Are all holes, wells, trenches
and excavations adequately
fenced or covered?
Drowning
Yes No N/A
198
Are gully traps completely
covered or fenced off?
Drowning
Yes No N/A
199
Are drains appropriately covered?
Drowning
Entrapment
Yes No N/A
200
Is the fishpond appropriately
covered?
Drowning
Yes No N/A
201
Are all buckets, bowls, drums
and any other water containers
adequately covered or locked
away?
Drowning
Yes No
202
Are wading pools and buckets
empty of water when they are not
being used?
Drowning
Yes No N/A
Details of action needed
Other safety issues/Comments
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
61
Garden shed
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
203
Are the garden shed and garage
unable to be entered by children?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
204
Are all poisonous materials out
of reach of children?
Poisoning
Yes No N/A
205
Are all power tools out of reach
or unable to be operated by
children?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
206
Are all motorised toys
(e.g. scooters) out of reach
of children?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
207
Are all bikes out of reach of
children unless an adult is
directly supervising?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
208
Do the garden shed windows
have safety glass or barriers?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
Other safety issues/Comments
62
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Details of action needed
Plants and trees
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
209
Are trees and shrubs from which
a child could fall more than 1.5
metres out of reach of children?
Falls
Yes No N/A
210
Are all sharp branches that stick
out removed or out of reach of
children?
Laceration
Yes No N/A
211
Are all poisonous plants removed? Poisoning
Yes No N/A
212
Are ladders out of reach of
children?
Falls
Yes No
213
Are the outdoor areas securely
fenced?
Multiple injuries
Yes No
214
Are the fences built or guarded so
that a child cannot climb over or
crawl under them?
Entrapment
Yes No
Multiple injuries
215
Are fences and walls that a child
Falls
could climb and fall more than 1.5
metres out of reach or guarded
from children?
216
Are all fences and walls secure
and stable?
Crushing
Are all areas from which a child
could fall over 1.5 metres out of
reach of children?
Falls
217
Details of action needed
Yes No N/A
Yes No
Falls
Yes No N/A
Other safety issues/Comments
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
63
Outdoor / backyard play equipment
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
218
Are all surfaces from which a child Falls
could fall over 1.5 metres out of
reach of children?
Yes No N/A
219
Is the equipment free of sharp
or hard parts, or parts that
stick out?
Cuts
Yes No N/A
220
Is the surface of the equipment
smooth, with no splinters?
Cuts
Yes No N/A
221
Is the equipment free of moving
parts that could strike a child
with force?
Crushing
Yes No N/A
222
Is play equipment that could trap
a child’s head, legs, arms, fingers
or toes removed?
Entrapment
Yes No N/A
223
Is the cubby house clean
and safe for children to enter
and exit?
Falls
Yes No N/A
224
Is the trampoline out of reach of
Multiple injuries
children unless an adult is directly
supervising?
Yes No N/A
225
Does the trampoline have
protective padding covering
the frame and the springs?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
226
Is the swing set or other
equipment secure and in good
condition?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
227
Is there enough under surfacing
under equipment to cushion
children if they fall?
Falls
Yes No N/A
Other safety issues/Comments
64
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Details of action needed
Barbecues and incinerators
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
228
Are all barbecues out of reach
of children?
Burns
Yes No N/A
229
Are incinerators out of reach
or unable to be operated by
children?
Burns
Yes No N/A
Details of action needed
Other safety issues/Comments
Clotheslines
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
230
Is the clothesline out of reach
of young children?
Entrapment
Yes No N/A
Is the clothesline in good
condition with no loose ropes
or wires?
Choking
231
Details of action needed
Falls
Yes No N/A
Strangulation
Other safety issues/Comments
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
65
Pets and other animals
Item no. Safety issue
Potential injury
Safety issue
managed?
232
Are pets such as cats and dogs,
Multiple injuries
and farm animals out of reach of
children unless an adult is directly
supervising?
Yes No N/A
233
Are dangerous pets such as
snakes and spiders completely
out of reach of children?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
234
Are fish bowls and tanks out of
reach of children?
Drowning
Yes No N/A
235
Are there suitable barriers in
place to make sure that no wild
animals can enter the property?
Multiple injuries
Yes No N/A
236
Is all cat litter and animal food
out of reach of children?
Poisoning
Yes No N/A
Other safety issues/Comments
66
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Laceration
Details of action needed
Home Safety Checklist – Summary
Safety checked by:
(name)
(Carer or FDC Coordination Unit member?)
(date)
Summary of Safety Issues
Item no. Safety issue
Date
action
completed
Details of action needed
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Carer’s name
Address
Telephone (Home)
Postcode
(Mobile)
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
67
Definitions and Acronyms
Some specific terms used consistently throughout these guidelines are
defined as follows:
Barrier
Mechanisms used to prevent child access including
fences and safety gates
Carer
A person approved by the Family Day Care service to
provide care or education to children primarily in the
person’s residence or at a Family Day Care venue
Child or children Inclusive of children and young people up to the age
of 18 years irrespective of age thresholds that might
apply in Family Day Care
Child-resistant Device or object that is difficult for a young child to operate
Entrapment
The capacity to trap part or all of a child’s body, hair
or clothing
Fall height
The distance a child or object can fall between surfaces
Fall zone
The surface area that could be hit by a child falling
Flues
Ventilation shaft in chimney
Hazard
An object or situation that presents an injury risk
Laminated Film Safety glass covering applied to render glass
shatter-resistant
Organic Film
A safety film, which can be applied to glass surfaces
Out of reach
Any place 1.5 metres or more above floor level that a
young child cannot reach, or, a container or cupboard
that has a child-resistant catch, lock or enclosure
Risk Any situation, object or behaviour that presents a
probability of injury
Supervision
Continuous, direct observation of a child by an adult
Under surfacing A material designed to absorb the impact of a fall that
is installed within a fall zone in high-risk areas
Specific acronyms used consistently throughout these guidelines are
defined as follows:
AS/NZS
C
CAPFA
CU
DHS
DEECD
FDC FDC Vic Inc.
FaHCSIA
VISU
68
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Australia/New Zealand Standard
Carer
Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia
Coordination Unit
Department of Human Services Victoria
Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development
Family Day Care
Family Day Care Victoria
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services
and Indigenous Affairs
Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit
Resources
The following resources are useful for FDC coordinators and carers who
need further information about treating hazards in and around the home.
All published resources are available on the relevant organisation’s
website. Please check with the organisation for any updates, local
variations or additional requirements.
Family Day Care Specific Guidelines
National Standards for Family Day Care 1998, Family Day Care Australia.
Child Care Service Handbook 2007 – 2008 for all approved child care
services, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs.
Safety Publications
A Simple Guide to Child Restraints: How You Can Protect Your Child,
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Local Government.
Child Minder’s Pocket Guide to Fire Safety, Metropolitan Fire and
Emergency Services Board (MFB).
Choosing and Using Restraints, VicRoads.
Home Fire Safety, Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board.
Everyone can be a life saver, Factsheet No.2: Supervision, Royal Life Saving
Society Australia.
Kidsafe Playspace Resource Kit, Kidsafe Victoria.
Living Safely With Dogs (CDRom), Department of Primary Industries Victoria
Outdoor play guide for Victorian children’s services, Department of
Education and Early Childhood Development.
Product Safety: Safe products for your baby, Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Road Safety Guide for Family Day Carers, VicRoads.
SafeKIDSnow and farm safety, Kidsafe Victoria.
SafeKIDSnow and the family car, Kidsafe Victoria.
SafeKIDSnow and the family home, Kidsafe Victoria.
Safer Homes for Children: Design and Construction Guidelines, Kidsafe
NSW, Kidsafe Australia.
Shade for everyone: a guide for shade development, Sunsmart, Cancer
Council of Victoria.
Starting Out Safely Kit: Early Childhood Traffic Safety Education Resource,
VicRoads.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
69
Relevant Standards
Various Australian standards are referred to throughout these guidelines.
Contact Standards Australia for these and other standards that relate to
child safety.
Kidsafe Victoria is another useful site to check for the latest updates on
child safety standards.
Children’s Services Legislation
Children’s Services Act 1996 and Children’s Services Regulations 2009,
State of Victoria http://legislation.vic.gov.au
Relevant Organisations
Organisation
Web address
Archicentre
http://www.archicentre.com.au
Australian Building Codes Board http://www.abcb.gov.au
Australian Competition &
Consumer Commission
http://www.accc.gov.au
Australian Government
Attorney-General’s Department
http://www.ag.gov.au
Australian Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org.au
Consumer Affairs Victoria
http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au
Country Fire Authority
http://cfa.vic.gov.au
Department of Education and
Early Childhood Development
http://www.education.vic.gov.au
Department of Education,
Employment and Workplace
Relations
http://www.deewr.gov.au
Department of Family, Housing,
Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au
Department of Infrastructure,
Transport, Regional Development
and Local Government
70
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Department of Primary
Industries
http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au
Family Day Care Australia
http://www.familydaycareaustralia.
com.au
Family Day Care Victoria Inc.
http://www.familydaycare.org.au
Kidsafe Australia
http://www.kidsafe.com.au
Kidsafe Victoria
http://www.kidsafevic.com.au
Metropolitan Fire and Emergency http://www.mfb.vic.gov.au
Services Board (MFB)
Monash University Accident and http://www.monash.edu.au/muarc/visu
Research Centre (VISU)
National Childcare Accreditation http://www.ncac.gov.au
Council Inc.
Poisons Information Centre,
Austin Hospital
http://www.austin.org.au/poisons
Royal Children’s Hospital
(provides Fact Sheets)
http://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/
factsheets.cfm
Royal Life Saving Society
Australia
http://www.royallifesaving.com.au
SIDS and Kids
http://www.sidsandkids.org
Standards Australia
http://standards.org.au
St John Ambulance Australia
http://www.sjaa.com.au
SunSmart
http://sunsmart.com.au
Therapeutic Goods
Administration
http://www.tga.gov.au
VicRoads
http://www.vicroads.gov.au
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
71
References
Addiss, DG, Sacks, JJ, Kresnow, MJ, O’Neil, J & Ryan, GW 1994,
‘The compliance of licensed US child care centres with national health and
safety standards’, Am J Public Health, July, vol. 83, no. 7, pp. 1161 – 1164.
Aherin, RA & Todd, CM 1989, ‘Developmental stages of children and
accident risk potential’, University of Illinois, viewed on 9 August 2009,
http://web.estension.uiuc.edu/agsafety/factsheets/devstage.html
AIHW 2009, A Picture of Australia Children, Australian Institute of Health
and Welfare, Canberra.
Alkon, A, Ragland, DR, Tschann, JM, Genevro, JL, Kaiser, P & Boyce, WT
2000, ‘Injuries in child care centers: gender-environment interactions’,
Injury Prevention, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 214 – 218.
Aronson, SS & Aiken, LS 1980, ‘Compliance of child care programs with
health and safety standards: impact of program evaluation and advocate
training’, Paediatrics, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 318 – 325.
Ashby, K 2007, ‘Inflatable Jumping Castles – hospital ED treated cases’,
Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset (VEMD): 1996 – 2006, Monash
University Accident Research Centre, Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit
(VISU). Email correspondence April 2007.
Ashby, K 2008, ‘Injury at child care settings – hospital ED treated cases’,
Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset (VEMD): January – December 2006.
Monash University Accident Research Centre, Victorian Injury Surveillance
Unit (VISU). Email correspondence May 2008.
AS/NZS 4360:2004 Risk Management, Standards Australia, SAI Global
Publishing, Sydney.
AS 1926.1 – 2007 Safety barriers for swimming pools, Standards Australia,
SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
AS 1926.2 – 2007 Location of safety barriers for swimming pools,
Standards Australia, SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
AS/NZS 4422:1996 Playground surfacing—Specifications, requirements
and test method, Standards Australia, SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
AS 1924:1981 Part 1 General Requirements. Playground Equipment
for parks, schools and domestic use, Standards Australia, SAI Global
Publishing, Sydney.
AS 4989:2006 Trampolines – Safety aspects, Standards Australia,
SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
AS 3533.4.1 Amusement rides and devices – Land-borne inflatable devices,
Standards Australia, SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
72
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
AS/NZS 2172:2003 Cots for household use – Safety requirements,
Standards Australia, SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
AS/NZS 4220:2003 Bunk beds, Standards Australia, SAI Global Publishing,
Sydney.
AS/NZS 2088 Prams and strollers – Safety requirements, Standards
Australia, SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
AS/NZS 3500.4 – 2003 Plumbing and drainage – Heated water services,
Standards Australia, SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
AS3786 – 1993 Smoke Alarms, Standards Australia, SAI Global Publishing,
Sydney.
AS/NZS 1841.1:1992 Portable fire extinguishers – General requirements,
Standards Australia, SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
AS/NZS 3350 – 2002 Safety of household and similar electrical appliances,
Standards Australia, SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
AS 1288 – 2006 Glass in buildings – Selection and installation, Standards
Australia, SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
AS/NZS 2208 – 1996 Safety glazing materials in buildings, Standards
Australia, SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
AS/NZ ISO 8142 – 2000 Safety of toys – Part 1: Safety aspects related
to mechanical and physical properties, Standards Australia, SAI Global
Publishing, Sydney.
AS/NZS 2063 – 1996 Standard Pedal cycle helmets, Standards Australia,
SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
AS/NZS 3350 Safety of household and similar electrical appliances,
Standards Australia, SAI Global Publishing, Sydney.
Auerbach, S & Rivaldo, JA 1978, Creative centers and homes: infant care,
planning and developing family day care, and approaches to designing
and creating the child’s environment, Human Sciences Press, New York.
Bartlett, AV, Orton, P & Turner, M 1986, ‘Day care homes: the ‘silent
majority’ of child day care’, Reviews of Infectious Diseases, vol. 8, no. 4,
pp. 663 – 668.
Berry, J & Harrison, J 2007, Hospital separations due to injury and
poisoning, Australia 2003 – 2004, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
(AIHW), Canberra.
Briss, PA, Sacks, JJ, Addiss, DG, Kresnow, MJ & O’Neill, J 1994,
‘A nationwide study of the risk of injury associated with day care center
attendance’, Pediatrics, vol. 93, no.3, pp. 364 – 368.
Cassell, E & Clapperton, A 2007, ‘Preventing unintentional injury in
Victorian children aged 0 – 14 years: a call to action’, in: MUARC Hazard
No 65, Victorian Injury Surveillance System, Monash University Accident
Research Centre, Melbourne.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
73
Caton, S & Roche, D 1999, Managing the risks in children’s services.
An integrated approach to managing risk for children and staff,
The Lady Gowrie Centre (WA) Inc., Perth.
Chang, A, Lugg, MM & Nebedum, A 1989, ‘Injuries among preschool
children enrolled in day-care centers’, Pediatrics, vol. 83, no. 2,
pp. 272 – 277.
Cummings, P, Rivara, FP, Boase, J & MacDonald, K 1996, ‘Injuries and their
relation to potential hazards in child day care’, Injury Prevention,
vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 105 – 108.
Currie, J & Hotz, VJ 2004, ‘Accidents will happen? Unintentional childhood
injuries and the effects of child care regulations’, Health Economics,
vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 25 – 59.
DHS 2006a, ‘Supervision – Practice Note PN2006/22’, in Children’s
Services Guide: a guide to managing and operating a licensed children’s
service in Victoria, Office for Children, Department of Human Services,
Melbourne.
DHS 2006b, Outside School Hours Care Injury Prevention Training Manual,
Office for Children, Department of Human Services, Melbourne.
DHS 2008a, Children’s Services Act 1996 and Children’s Services
Regulations 1998, State of Victoria.
DHS 2008b, The Children’s Services Regulations Review: A Discussion
paper, Office for Children, Department of Human Services, Melbourne.
Dilks, SA 1991, ‘Developmental aspects of child care’, Pediatric Clinics
in North America, vol. 38, no. 6, pp. 1529 – 1543.
Evans, SA 2001, ‘Banning the “A word”: where’s the evidence?’,
Injury Prevention, vol. 7, pp. 172 – 175.
FaHCSIA 1998, National Standards for Family Day Care, Community
Services Minister’s Conference 1995/1998
FaHCSIA 2005, 2004 Census of Child Care Services, Department of Families,
Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Commonwealth of
Australia, Canberra.
FaHCSIA 2007, Child Care Service Handbook 2007 – 2008 for all approved
child care services, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services
and Indigenous Affairs, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.
FDCVIC 2008, Sourced from the Family Day Care Victoria website at
www.familydaycare.org.au
Flavin, MP, Dostaler, SM, Simpson, K, Brison, RJ & Pickett, W 2006, ‘Stages
of development and injury patterns in the early years: a population-based
analysis’, BMC Public Health 6:187.
Garzon, DL, Lee, RK & Homan, SM 2007, ‘There’s no place like home:
a preliminary study of toddler unintentional injury’, Pediatric Nursing,
22(5): 368 – 75.
74
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Girasek, DC 1999, ‘How members of the public interpret the word accident’,
Injury Prevention, vol. 5, pp. 19 – 25.
Gunn, WJ, Pinksy, PF, Sacks JJ, & Schonberger, LB 1991, ‘Injuries and
poisonings in out-of-home child care and home care’, American Journal
of Diseases of Children 145:779 – 81.
Gupta, RS, Shuman, S, Taveras, EM, Kulldorff, M, & Finkelstein, JA 2005,
‘Opportunities for health promotion education in child care’, Pediatrics,
116(4):e499 – 505.
Henry, MB 1996, Young children, parents and professionals: enhancing
the links in early childhood, Routlege, New York.
Kidsafe1993, Family Day Care Guidelines for Home Based Child Care,
Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia (CAPFA).
Kidsafe 2000a, Safe Kids Now, Factsheet Series, available at
www.kidsafevic.com.au
Kidsafe 2000b, Ten key facts about child injury in Australia, Factsheet
available at www.kidsafevic.com.au
Kidsafe 2005, Safe Kids Now and the family home, Factsheet available at
www.kidsafevic.com.au
Kidsafe 2007, A parent’s guide to Kidsafe homes, 4th edn, Child Accident
Prevention Foundation of Australia (CAPFA), Kidsafe Australia Publishing
Pty Ltd.
Kopjar, B & Wickizer, T 1996, ‘How safe are day care centers? Day care
versus home injuries among children in Norway’, Pediatrics 97: 42 – 47.
Kotch, JB, Chalmers, DJ, Langley, JD & Marshall, SW 1993, ‘Child day care
and home injuries involving playground equipment’, Paediatrics and Child
Health, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 222 – 227.
Lucarelli, P 2002, ‘Raising the bar for health and safety in child care’,
Paediatric Nursing, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 239 – 241 & 291.
MacInnes, K & Stone, DH 2008, ‘Stages of development and injury:
An epidemiological survey of young children presenting to an emergency
department’, BMC Public Health, 8:120.
Moller, J 1992, ‘Childhood injury prevention: The role of the community’,
Australian Early Childhood, 17.
Moller, JN & Kreisfeld, R 1997, ‘Progress and current issues in child injury
prevention’, in Australian Injury Prevention Bulletin 15, Australian Institute
of Health and Welfare (AIHW), National Injury Surveillance Unit (NISU),
Adelaide.
NCAC 2004, Family Day Care Quality Practices Guide and Family Day
Care Quality Assurance Handbook, National Childcare Accreditation
Council, Sydney.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
75
NCAC (2006) Safety in Children’s Services – QIAS Factsheet No2. In: Quality
Improvement and Accreditation System, Quality Practice Guide. National
Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC), Sydney NSW.
NPHP 2004, The National Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Plan:
2004 – 2014, National Public Health Partnership (NPHP), Canberra.
Pryor, SK, Karuth, AK & McCoy, CA 2002, ‘Children’s injuries in agriculture
related events – the effect of supervision on the injury experience’, Issues
in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing, 25(3):189–205.
Rivara, FP, DiGuiseppi, C, Thompson, RS & Calonge, N 1989, ‘Risk of injury
to children less than 5 years of age in day care versus home care settings’,
Pediatrics 84:1011 – 1016.
Robertson, C 2003, Safety, Nutrition and Health in Early Education,
Thomson Delmar Learning, Clifton Park, New York.
Routley, V 1993, ‘Injuries in child care settings’, in MUARC (1993) Hazard
No 16. Victorian Injury Surveillance System, Monash University Accident
Research Centre, Melbourne.
RLSSA 2007, National Drowning Report 2007, Royal Life Saving Society
of Australia, Sydney.
Runyan, CW 1991, ‘Analysis of US child care safety regulations’, Am J of
Public Health 81(8):981 – 5.
Saluja, G, Brenner, R, Morrongiello, BA, Haynie, D, Rivera, M & Cheng TL,
2004, ‘The role of supervision in child injury risk: definition, conceptual and
measurement issues’, Injury Control and Safety Promotion 11(1): 17 – 22.
Schwebel, DC, Brezausek, CM & Belsky, J 2006, ‘Does time spent in child
care influence risk for unintentional injury?’, Pediatric Psychology, 31(2):
184 – 93.
Sellstrom, E & Bremberg, S 2000, ‘Education of staff – a key factor for
a safe environment in day care’, Acta Paediatrica, 89(5):601 – 7.
Skolnick, A 1989, ‘Health and safety standards being developed for
child-care programs’, JAMA 262(24):3387 – 8.
Slack-Smith, LM, Read, AW & Stanley, FJ 2002, ‘A prospective study of
absence for illness and injury in childcare children’, Child: Care, Health
and Development, 28(6):487 – 94.
Stonehouse, A 2001a, The cornerstone of quality in family day care
and child care centres – Parent-professional partnerships, Centre for
Community Child Health, Royal hildren’s Hospital, Melbourne.
Stonehouse, A 2001b, The heart of partnership in family day care
carer-parent communication, Centre for Community Child Health,
Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne.
76
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Stroup, DF & Thacker, SB 1995, ‘Public health surveillance in child care
settings’, Public Health Reports 110(2):119 – 24, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, USA.
Stuy, M, Green, M, & Doll J 1993, ‘Child care centres: a community resource
for injury prevention’, Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics,
14(4): 224 – 9.
Taras, HL & Bassoff, BZ 1993, ‘Illness and injury in family day care:
a seasonal survey’, Community Health, 18(5):261 – 9.
Thacker, SB, et al. (1992) Infectious diseases and injuries in child day care.
Opportunities for healthier children. JAMA 268(13): 1720 – 6.
Ulione, MS & Dooling, M 1997, ‘Preschool injuries in child care centres:
nursing strategies for prevention’, Pediatric Health Care, 11(3):111 – 6.
VISU 2007, ‘Preventing unintentional injury in Victorian children aged
0 – 14 years: a call to action’, Hazard, 65: 1 – 36.
VISU 2008, Child injury related to inflatable ‘bouncy/jumping castles,
Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit, Monash University, Melbourne.
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
77
Notes
78
Family Day Care Victoria – Child Safety Guidelines
Family Day Care Victoria
Child Safety Guidelines 2009
Child Safety Guidelines 2009
Family
Day Care
Victoria
Child Safety Guidelines 2009