Wash. Admin. Code § 170-300-0221

Current through Register Vol. 24-23, December 1, 2024

Section 170-300-0221 - Diaper changing areas and disposal

(1) A center early learning provider must have a designated diaper changing area, including stand-up diapering, for each classroom or for every age grouping of children who require diapering. Only one diaper changing area is required at a family home early learning provider.

(a) A diaper changing area must:

(i) Be separate from areas where food is stored, prepared, or served;

(ii) Have a sink with hot and cold running water, not used for food preparation and clean up;

(iii) Have a sturdy surface or mat that:

(A) Is not torn or repaired with tape;

(B) Is washable;

(C) Has a moisture resistant surface that is cleanable; and

(D) Is large enough to prevent the area underneath the diaper changing area from being contaminated with bodily fluids.

(iv) Be on moisture resistant, washable material that horizontally or vertically surrounds and extends at least two feet from the diaper changing station and handwashing area; and

(v) Be uncluttered and not used for storage of any items not used in diapering a child.

(b) An early learning provider must not leave a child unattended on the diaper changing surface or mat during the diaper changing process;

(c) An early learning provider must not use safety belts on diaper changing tables because they are neither cleanable nor safe; and

(d) An early learning provider must post an easily viewable diaper changing procedure at each station and must follow each step described in the procedure.

(2) If an early learning provider uses a diaper changing station, the station must:

(a) Have a handwashing sink within arm's reach of, or be readily accessible to, an early learning provider to prevent cross contamination; and

(b) Be on moisture resistant, washable material that horizontally or vertically surrounds and extends at least two feet from the diaper changing station and handwashing area; and either:

(i) A table or counter large enough to accommodate the length of a child, with a protective barrier at least three and one-half inches high on all sides from the surface the child lays on; or

(ii) A wall mounted diaper changing station that meets manufacturer guidelines and specifications in addition to the requirements of this section.

(3) If an early learning provider uses reusable or cloth diapers, the diapers must:

(a) Not be rinsed;

(b) Be placed in a securely sealed moisture impervious bag;

(c) Be stored in a separate disposal container; and

(d) Be delivered to a commercial laundry service or given to the child's parent or guardian at least daily.

(4) An early learning provider must provide a container designated for disposing of soiled diapers and diapering supplies only. The diaper disposal container must be:

(a) Hands-free and covered with a lid to prevent cross contamination;

(b) Lined with a disposable plastic trash bag; and

(c) Within arm's length of the diaper changing area.

Wash. Admin. Code § 170-300-0221

Adopted by WSR 18-14-079, Filed 6/30/2018, effective 8/1/2019