Creating a Safe Indoor Environment

advertisement
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Table of Contents
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................1
Arts and Crafts ..................................................................................................................................................2
Falls Prevention .................................................................................................................................................2
Product Safety ...................................................................................................................................................3
Children’s Clothing ..........................................................................................................................................3
Cribs ....................................................................................................................................................................4
Portable Bed Rails .............................................................................................................................................7
Playpens...............................................................................................................................................................7
Safety Gates .......................................................................................................................................................8
Strollers...............................................................................................................................................................8
Toy Safety ...........................................................................................................................................................9
Hazardous Products ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Hazardous Product Symbols ....................................................................................................................... 11
Poisonous Plants ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Scalds and Burns ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Tobacco and Second-hand Smoke ............................................................................................................. 15
The Dangers of Second-hand Smoke and Children ............................................................................... 16
My Home is Smoke Free .............................................................................................................................. 17
Water Safety ................................................................................................................................................... 18
Emergency Numbers..................................................................................................................................... 19
Resources ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Introduction
Children are inquisitive. They love to explore their physical surroundings; walk, run, jump,
climb, push, pull, taste, feel, and test limits. Ensuring their environment, indoors and out, is as
safe as possible facilitates a child’s early development by making exploring adventurous without
being dangerous.
Remember that good supervision is the single most important feature in any safety program. It
is equally important to model safe behaviours because preschoolers may try to copy a child
care provider’s actions.
In each area of the child’s environment, consider the following general safety tips:

Ensure that the building is structurally sound and in good condition in accordance with the
Ontario Building Code, Property Standards By-Law of your community, Residential
Standards Guidelines for Ontario, and Community and Social Services Day Nurseries Act.

Keep doorways, exits and hallways free from toys, equipment and other objects.

Install swivel outlet covers on all electrical outlets or insert safety caps/plugs. Use
extension cords for time-limited activities and store out of reach when not in use.

Check all equipment regularly for structural safety and potential hazards. Many products, in
particular children’s products, are subject to regulations under the Canadian Consumer
Product Safety Act (formerly the Hazardous Products Act). Other items such as electrical
equipment are subject to CUL or CSA standards. Ensure that the products in your home
are in good working order and in accordance with applicable regulations.

Store all cleaning supplies and chemicals, including medication and cosmetics, in a locked
and inaccessible area.

Where window blinds are installed ensure that cords are safely secured high and out of
children’s reach. Keep highchairs away from blind cords.

Ensure bathroom locks can be opened from the outside.

Ensure laundry area is not accessible to children and dryers are vented to outside.

Ensure area is free of small objects that could cause a child to choke. If it can fit inside a
toilet paper roll, it is too small to be around young children.

Avoid:
Mechanical:




Coins
Batteries
Small toys
Magnets
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
Food Related:
 Toy parts
(e.g. broken crayon, wheel)
 Latex balloons, entire or
broken
 Hard fruits or
vegetables (e.g.
carrots)
 Nuts
 Hot dogs
 Gum
 Popcorn
1
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Arts and Crafts

Actively supervise children at creative centres, especially teething children around small
craft materials.

Ensure that paints, crayons, and markers are non-toxic and washable.

Do not use cardboard egg cartons or any meat trays for crafts. These items may be a
source of food borne bacteria.

Crushed eggshells may be used only if eggs have been boiled on site.

Eggs used for Easter egg hunts should not be consumed (risk of food borne illness).

Do not use empty toilet paper rolls as these items may be a source of bacteria. Use paper
towel rolls as a substitute.

Do not use sponge materials around teething children as small broken pieces of sponge
pose a choking hazard.

Avoid plastic bags (e.g. re-sealable bag) or plastic bottles (e.g., water bottle) filled with craft
materials (e.g. beads, gels, sparkles) as a young child (especially when teething) may attempt
to bite through the plastic to obtain the materials inside, posing choking hazards and risks
for toxicity/poisoning.
Falls Prevention
In Niagara, falls are the leading cause of injury related hospitalization among children. These
include falls from chairs, cribs, down stairs, windows, playground equipment, change tables, and
on flooring. Of these falls, many involve serious injury to the head and/or neck. Ensure that
strategies are in effect to minimize the risks of falls.

Use approved safety gates to prevent children under the age of two from falling down stairs.
Use hardware mounted gates at the top of all stairwells. (For more information see product
safety section)

Do not use a pressure mounted gate at the top of stairs. A pressure mounted gate may
not be able to hold up against a child leaning or pushing against it, causing both the child and
gate to fall down the stairs. These gates are better suited for the bottom of stairwells. (For
more information see product safety section)

Provide handrails at a level easily reached by children in all stairwells and on both sides, as
well as a secondary set of handrails easily reached by adults.
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
2
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
 Keep steps clear of toys and shoes (or anything that might be tripped over).
 Watch out for slippery floors. Rubber-soled slippers or shoes are safer than socks on
smooth floors.
 Wiping up spills quickly can prevent falls.
 Keep furniture away from windows to keep children from climbing up and out the
windows.
 Every time a child is placed in a highchair, fasten waist belt and any straps between the
child’s legs securely. Also, make sure the tray is locked securely in place.
 Keep the highchair a safe distance away from walls, doors, windows, and appliances. A
child could use his/her feet to push against the furniture causing the highchair to tip over.
 Keep one hand on an infant during diaper changes; this protects the baby from rolling off
of a change table. Never leave the child unattended, if you are interrupted by the
telephone or doorbell, or for any other reason, always take the child with you.
Product Safety
(Taken from Health Canada, 2006).
Children’s Clothing
Proper clothing and footwear not only reduce the risk of injury, but also allow for a more
enjoyable experience, encouraging children to be active and to remain active for longer periods.
Be careful when using loose-fitting cotton and cotton-blend sleepwear for children. Cotton and
cotton-blend fabrics easily catch fire and burn more quickly than most synthetics. Nylon and
polyester are more difficult to set on fire and burn more slowly. Snug-fitting clothing is safer
than clothing with flowing skirts, wide sleeves or large ruffles.
Drawstrings or cords on children’s clothing should be removed since children can be strangled
if caught around their neck or on other objects such as playground equipment or fences.
Remind parents that children need appropriate footwear to protect them from injury. Running
shoes should be worn to prevent slipping.
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
3
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Cribs
There are some risks for injury affiliated with cribs but simple precautions prevent many of
these injuries.
Crib Recalls:
Check the Health Canada website for recalls issued for cribs or other children’s products at:
http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/home-accueil-eng.jsp
Crib Mattress

To check that the mattress support system is secure, shake the crib from side to side,
thump the mattress from the top, and push up hard on the mattress support from
underneath the crib. The mattress support system is designed to hold the mattress firmly
in place.

Push the mattress into one corner and measure the opposite sides. The space between the
mattress and the sides of the crib should not be more than 3 cm. (1 3/16 in). The mattress
should not be more than 15 cm (6 in.) thick.

Check that the mattress is firm. Mattresses that are too soft or worn down in any area
could cause a gap where a child’s head could become trapped and the child could suffocate.

Ensure the mattress is at its lowest position when the baby is able to push up on their
hands and knees or can pull up to a stand.
Moveable Crib Parts

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly, ensuring that all parts - especially the
drop side railing - have been assembled correctly.

Routinely check all movable parts (such as the drop side hardware) for excessive wear and
tear.

Ensure that all moveable parts are in good working order.

Routinely check recalls as there have been many dropside cribs recalled.
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
4
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Crib Environment

Linens should be labeled and laundered at least once a week or more often as needed.

Mattresses should be sanitized weekly.

No double-decked or multi-decked cribs, cots or beds may be used.

Place the crib away from windows, curtains, blind cords, lamps, and extension cords.

Health Canada (2005) does not recommend the use of bumper pads in cribs because they
pose a potential entanglement, entrapment, strangulation, and suffocation hazard to infants.

To prevent possible entanglement, mobiles and crib gyms, which are meant to be hung over
or across the crib, should be removed when the child begins to push up onto hands and
knees or can pull up to a stand.

Avoid the use of soft pillows, comforters, and stuffed toys in cribs as they can pose a
suffocation hazard.
Crib Use

Ensure the crib is assembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

After placing the child in the crib, ensure the sides are up and locked securely in position.

Do not harness or tie a child in a crib and do not leave a child in a crib with a necklace,
elastic band, scarf, or a pacifier on a cord. These items could cause strangulation.

Do not modify a crib in any way. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for using the
crib.
Crib Design
All cribs in your facility must comply with the standards outlined in the Cribs, Cradles, and
Bassinets Regulations under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (formerly the Hazardous
Products Act). Cribs manufactured prior to 1986 do not comply with current standards and
should not be used. Only use a crib that displays a label with a date of manufacture after
September 1986. There should be a label on the crib that shows the date it was made, name of
the manufacturer, and directions for assembly and use.
To be sure your crib or cradle complies with regulations under the Canada Consumer Product
Safety Act, check that it meets the requirements illustrated:
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
5
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Mattress support at lowest position and drop side at highest position.
Mattress support at highest position and drop side at lowest position.
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
6
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Portable Bed Rails
Portable bed rails are installed on adult beds to prevent children from falling out, but they may
pose an entrapment hazard.
 Never place a child younger than two years of age on a bed fitted with a portable bed rail.
 Make sure portable bed rails are securely anchored and that there are no gaps between the
mattress and the bed rail.
 Only use portable bed rails that meet the requirements of the current ASTM International
standard for portable bed rails.
 Stop use if a child is attempting to climb over the rail to get out of the bed.
Playpens

Make sure the playpen is a newer model with a clear label stating it was made after 1976
and that the mesh is made from very small holes.

Never leave a baby in a playpen with the side down; the baby can roll into the space
between the mattress and the mesh side and suffocate.

Avoid playpens that have sharp edges or hinges that can pinch or cut fingers.

Make sure side latches are in their fully closed position when setting up a playpen.

Never put scarves, necklaces, or cords in the playpen or around a baby’s neck. These items
can catch on the playpen and strangle a baby.

Remove mobiles and toy bars when a child begins to push up onto their hands and knees.

Check for tears in vinyl rails or in the mattress pad of the playpen. A baby can bite off small
pieces and choke.

If a change table or bassinet is provided as an insert for the playpen, never place a baby in
the playpen while the change table or bassinet insert is still in place.
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
7
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Safety Gates
Some gates manufactured before 1990 have wide V-shaped openings along the top, or large
diamond-shaped openings along the sides, and do not meet current safety regulations. These
gates pose safety risks and should not be used. Only use safety gates in your facility that
complies with Expansion Gates and Expandable Enclosures Regulations under the Canada
Consumer Product Safety Act. (Formerly the Hazardous Products Act)

Select a gate that is recommended for the child’s age and is appropriate for the area in
which it will be used. Many gates are designed only for children under two) years of age.

Install safety gates according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Use hardware-mounted gates at the tops of stairs as they are more secure than pressuremounted gates.

Make sure the gate is secure each time it is closed.

Avoid using gates with holes that can be used by children to climb over the gate.

Openings in the gate should be small enough that a child’s head cannot fit through.

Stop using the gate if a child is attempting to climb over the gate.
Strollers
When using a stroller keep these points in mind:

Always supervise children when they are in the stroller.

Choose a sturdy stroller and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the child’s weight
and height.

Always use the safety harness and lap belts.

Use the brakes when stopped and when placing the child in or out of the stroller.

Keep the child’s hands and feet away before making adjustments to the stroller.

Check the stroller regularly for signs of damage.

Do not use pillows or blankets as padding, as they pose a suffocation risk.

Do not carry additional children, items, or accessories in or on the stroller except as
recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
8
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Toy Safety
In 2001, Canadian consumers spend approximately $1.5 billion on toys. It is important to know
that no matter how much safety is built into a toy, that supervision, proper use and
maintenance of toys are essential. Even the most harmless looking toy can become dangerous.

Use toys recommended for the child’s specific age group.

Read and follow the age label, warnings, safety messages and assembly instructions for each
toy.

Avoid toys with sharp points or edges as well as toys with cords.

Avoid loud toys that can damage a child’s hearing. If it is too loud for you than it is too loud
for children.

Routinely examine toys to make sure parts (e.g., eyes, wheels) cannot be removed and pose
a choking hazard.

Throw away broken toys that cannot be fixed.

Use ride-on toys far away from traffic, stairs, and swimming pools.

Do not use baby walkers with wheels. They are illegal in Canada.

Never allow a child to suck on or chew metal jewelry. It may contain lead and even
ingesting small amounts can be harmful to a child’s health and development.

Teach children to put their toys away to prevent tripping.

Wash toys with water and soap/detergent before disinfecting with a low level disinfectant
(Chapter 6, page 4). When using household bleach solution for disinfection use a 1:100
dilutions that is prepared fresh every day (Chapter 6, page 5). Plastic toys that withstand
high temperature can also be cleaned using a high temperature dishwasher that meets the
food regulations requirements. Mouthed toys/objects need to be disinfected and rinsed
with potable water before another child plays with them. Stuffed toys to be laundered
every week or when soiled. A cleaning solution for your facility will address all surfaces and
objects/toys. How often a surface or object is touched or used by children will dictate the
frequency to be cleaned and disinfected. Soiled surfaces and objects will need to be cleaned
and disinfected immediately.

Store toys in open units or a toy box that has no lid, or a toy box with a lightweight lid,
sturdy supportive hinges, and air holes. Heavy lids can fall on children’s’ heads and necks
causing death. Children should not have access to airtight storage bins, trunks, or boxes.
Access to these types of storage products could lead to suffocation if a child climbs inside.

Do not use any small magnets, including those of letters and numbers with small magnetic
backings. The swallowing of any magnets could cause severe health complications.
Magnetic attraction inside a child could cause blockages and tears. Seek medical attention
immediately if you suspect a child has swallowed one or more magnets.
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
9
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Hazardous Products
Hazardous substances are those which are poisonous, flammable, explosive, or corrosive. It is
imperative that the following instructions are followed by all child care staff:

Store all hazardous substances in a locked cupboard or in an area inaccessible to children.
This includes child care providers’ purses or backpacks which may contain cosmetics or
medications.

Keep all hazardous substances in their original containers.

Each time a hazardous substance is transferred into a different container, ensure that you
follow the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) standards and label
according to Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) criteria.

Read the label of any chemical products you buy for your child care centre. Learn to
recognize and interpret the six main classes of hazardous products symbols. (see Hazardous
Products Symbols below).

Ensure that the cap is on tightly after each use. Always replace the cap on any container
before you set it down, even for a moment.

On shelving units, keep liquids below dry substances to minimize chemical interactions in
case there is a leak.
Potential hazardous substances in your facility may include:
Cleaning agents
Drugs and medicines
Cosmetics
Aerosols
Alcohol
Bathroom bowel cleaner
Detergents
Window washer fluid
Acetylsalicylic Acid (aspirin)
Antiseptics
Cold medications
Rubbing alcohol
Vitamins
Bubble bath
Cologne
Nail polish
Hair spray
Eye shadow
Polishers and Waxes
Solvents
Misc. products
Car wax
Pine oil
Furniture wax/polish
Kerosene
Wax remover
Paint thinner
Lighter fluid
Petroleum products
Antifreeze
Gasoline
Pesticides
Insecticides
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
10
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Hazardous Products Symbols
Hazardous substances in the workplace are governed by the Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System (WHMIS). Consumer chemicals used in a household are governed by the
Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001 (CCCR, 2001). There may be
products in your facility that are subject to one or the other set of regulations. Therefore,
information for WHMIS and CCCR, 2001 symbols are presented below.
WHMIS Symbols
Class A:
Compressed Gas
This class includes compressed gases dissolved gases and gases
liquefied by compression or refrigeration. Examples: gas cylinders
for oxyacetylene welding or water disinfecting.
Class B:
Flammable and Combustible Materials
Solids, liquids and gases capable of catching fire or exploding in the
presence of a source of ignition. Examples: white phosphorus,
acetone and butane. Flammable liquids such as acetone are more
easily ignited than combustible liquids such as kerosene.
Class C:
Oxidizing Material
Materials which provide oxygen or a similar substance and which
increase the risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or
combustible materials. Examples: sodium hypochlorite, perchloric acid,
inorganic peroxides.
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
11
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Class D:
Poisonous and Infectious Materials
Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate & Serious Toxic Effects
This division covers materials which can cause death when
exposed to small amounts.
Examples: sodium cyanide, hydrogen sulphide
Division 2: Materials causing other toxic effects
This division covers materials which can cause immediate skin or
eye irritation, as well as those which can cause long-term effects
when repeatedly exposed to small amounts.
Examples: acetone (irritant), asbestos (cancer causing), toluene
diisocyanate (a sensitizing agent)
Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Material
This division covers materials which contain harmful microorganisms.
Examples: cultures or diagnostic specimens containing
salmonella bacteria or the hepatitis B virus
Class E:
Corrosive Material
Products that can cause severe burns to skin, and other human
tissue such as eyes or lungs, and can attack clothes ad other
materials including metal.
Examples: sulphuric acid, nitric acid, ammonium hydroxide,
chlorine, nitrogen dioxide
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
12
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Class F:
Dangerously Reactive Material
Products which can undergo dangerous reaction if subjected to
heat, pressure, shock or allowed to contact water.
Examples: plastic monomers such as butadiene and some cyanides
CCCR, 2001 Symbols
TOXIC If you swallow, lick, or in some cases, breathe in the
chemical, you could become very sick or die.
CORROSIVE The product can burn your skin or eyes. If
swallowed, it will damage your throat and stomach.
FLAMMABLE The product or its fumes will catch fire easily
if it is near heat, flames, or sparks. Rags used with this product
may begin to burn on their own.
EXPLOSIVE The container can explode if heated or
punctured. Flying pieces of metal or plastic from the container
can cause serious injury, especially to eyes.
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
13
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Poisonous Plants
Many common indoor plants and outdoor plants are poisonous. Parts of a plant can be a
choking hazard, may cause stomach upset, cause skin rashes, or even anaphylaxis, an allergic
reaction. Eating large amounts of any plant can also cause illness. Teach all children not to put
leaves, berries, flowers or any part of a plant in their mouths. Always consider wild
mushrooms (fungi) to be considered toxic.
It is helpful to display plants out of a child’s reach and label each plant that is found inside and
outside of the facility. The labeling allows accurate information to be given to a poison
information centre or physician should a child ingest a plant part. Refer to the Canadian
website below prior to bringing any plants into or outside the child care setting as it provides
information detailing poisonous parts of plants and plant photos.
Government of Canada – Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility:
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System, http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/poison
Libraries, garden centres, Department of Agriculture local offices, horticulture schools and
poison information centres may also be helpful in plant identification.
Scalds and Burns
Scalds and burn injuries can be caused by fire, hot liquids and foods, steam, electricity, or
chemicals. Children are particularly vulnerable because their skin is thinner than adults’ skin.
Also, a child’s skin can burn four times more quickly and deeply than an adult’s at the same
temperature.
All premises shall comply with the Ontario Fire Code regarding fire alarm systems, fire safety
plan, labeled fire exits, prominent fire extinguishers, etc. All fire extinguishers and safety
equipment are to be inspected according to Ontario Fire Code regulations and records are to
be maintained for Fire Department approval. The Ontario Fire Code is available at Publications
Ontario, Ministry of Government Services 1-800-668-9938 or from the Office of the Fire
Marshal.
Hot water burns like fire. Children under the age of five have the highest risk for all types of
burns and 73% are due to scald burns. Scalds are burns caused by:
 Hot water from the tap
 Hot food (such as soup)
 Hot liquids (such as coffee or tea)
 Steam (such as from a kettle or pot)
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
14
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
There are many ways to prevent children from experiencing scald and burn injuries.

Set the hot water tank temperature to 43C / 110F.

Practice fire drills and emergency procedures at least monthly or appropriate for the
building according to the Ontario Fire Code.

Do not drink a hot drink if you are holding any child. Use a cup with a lid when drinking
hot drinks on the premises.

Keep young children safely out of the way when cooking or making hot drinks.

Ensure electrical cords and handles to cookware (e.g. kettles, pots, pans) are out of reach
from children so that they cannot pull down hot liquids or foods on top of themselves.

Do not give hot foods or drinks to any child.

Provide protective covering on all heating elements (such as hot water radiators, electrical
radiators, hot water pipes).

Any flammable liquids should be stored in locked metal cabinets, separated from water
heaters or furnaces.

Combustibles must be stored in well-ventilated areas.
Tobacco and Second-hand Smoke
Smoke-Free Ontario Act 2006 (SFOA). How does this law affect day nurseries and private
home day care?

Section 9(2)4. of the SFOA prohibits smoking in a day nursery licensed under the Day
Nurseries Act.

Where private home day care is provided under the Day Nurseries Act, section 9(2)5. of the
SFOA prohibits smoking anywhere on the entire premises at all times, whether children are
present or not.
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
15
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Responsibilities of Operators:

Ensure that everyone is aware that smoking is prohibited.

Remove ashtrays and any object that serves as one.

Ensure that no one smokes on the premises.

Ensure a person who does not comply does not remain on the premises.

Post No Smoking signs at all entrances, exits, washrooms, and other appropriate locations
(signage can be obtained from Niagara Region Public Health).
The Dangers of Second-hand Smoke and Children

Second-hand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is made up of both
exhaled smoke and the smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette.

There are over 4, 000 chemicals in second-hand smoke, including lead, carbon monoxide,
arsenic, and ammonia.

Second-hand smoke is more harmful to children because of their developing lungs and
immune systems.

Second-hand smoke can retard the growth and development of an unborn baby, resulting in
low birth weight and a greater likelihood of problems during pregnancy and delivery.

In infants and children, second-hand smoke is known to increase the occurrence of ear
infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, asthma, allergies, and Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS).
To further protect children from second-hand smoke, suggest to parents/caregivers to:

Make their home smoke-free.

Make their vehicle smoke-free. Effective 2009, Ontarians cannot smoke in motor vehicles
with passengers under 16 years of age.

Insist that other caregivers provide a smoke-free environment .
For information about quitting smoking, second-hand smoke, children and tobacco, smoking
and the workplace, smoking and pregnancy, or smoking and the law, call the Niagara Region
Public Health Tobacco Hot Line at 905-688-8248, ext. 7393 or 1-888-505-6074, ext. 7393.
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
16
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
17
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Water Safety
Children under the age of five are top heavy and therefore vulnerable to falling into water,
including toilets, bath tubs, and water play tubs. Young children’s lungs are also smaller than
adults’ and fill more quickly with water; they can drown quickly in as little as five cm (2.5 in) of
water. (See also Chapter 8, page 21)
Prevent Drowning

Children should be constantly and actively supervised when playing in or around water
including water play tubs and toilets.

Ensure staff supervising water activities know appropriate rescue techniques and CPR.

Avoid bath seats and bath rings.

Teach children the following:
- Walk, do not run, near water play areas.
- Do not push others in or around water play areas.
- Never bring glass near water play areas.
- Never use riding toys near water play areas.

Ensure that there is a First Aid Kit and a phone within close proximity of any water play
area.
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
18
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Emergency Numbers
Emergency fire, police, ambulance
911
Poison Information
1-800-268-9017
Non-Emergency Numbers
Ontario Provincial Police
1-888-310-1122
Niagara Emergency Medical Services
(Ambulance)
905-984-5050
Niagara Regional Police Service
Municipal Fire Departments
Fort Erie
905-871-2300
905-871-1600
Grimsby
905-945-2211
905-945-2113
Lincoln
905-945-2211
905-563-8205
Niagara Falls
905-688-4111
905-356-1321
Niagara on the Lake
905-688-4111
905-468-3266
Pelham
905-735-7811
905-892-3943
Port Colborne
905-735-7811
905-834-4512
St. Catharines
905-688-4111
905-684-4311
Thorold
905-688-4111
905-227-6412
Welland
905-735-7811
905-735-9922
West Lincoln
905-945-2211
905-957-3346
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
19
Chapter 7 – Creating a Safe Indoor Environment
Resources
Agency
Phone Number
Website
Safe Kids Canada
1-888-SAFE-TIPS
(1-888-723-3847)
www.safekidscanada.ca
Niagara Region Public Health:
Parent Talk Line
905-688-8248,
ext. 7555
www.niagararegion.ca
Health Canada:
Consumer Product Safety Bureau
1-866-662-0666
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cpsspc/index_e.html
The Canadian Red Cross
905-680-4099
www.redcross.ca
Family and Children’s Services Niagara
905-937-7731
1-888-937-7731
www.facsniagara.on.ca
Niagara Region Public Health
October 2013
www.ebmonkey.ca
20
Download