8VAC20-781-220. Building Maintenance

The center shall maintain the areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside in a clean, safe and operable condition.  Unsafe conditions include splintered, cracked, or otherwise deterioration wood, peeling paint, visible cracks, bending, warping, rusting, breakage of any equipment; loose or unsecured cords within reach of children; unstable heavy equipment, furniture, or other items that a child could pull down.

RESPONSE:

“Visible cracks” should be removed from this list.  Many buildings will display visible “hairline” cracks

as they settle.  Many building materials, including concrete and metal, will expand and contract due to change in temperature.  Older facilities will especially struggle with this standard.  Bending and warping should be removed unless visible specifically on playground equipment to the extent that structural failure is possible.  Perhaps add to 8VAC20-781-260. Play areas and equipment.