CHAPTER 7: INTERIOR SPACE DESIGN
views. They are constructed as part of the fixed elements, and should
One freestanding pedal-operated waste receptacle per sink area. Do
share plumbing walls with other areas requiring plumbing connections, to
not use metal receptacles with any sharp edges
the extent possible. The toilet area must be physically separated from
Do not use built-in waste receptacles.
food preparation and eating areas and partially screened from the view of
Safety mirrors mounted at child height.
remaining spaces. Hand washing sinks may be located within the toilet
7.6.5 Diapering Station and Storage Areas:
area or in the adjacent classroom for ease of supervision and to lower the
A diapering station and diaper storage area is needed in each classroom
amount of congestion that can occur in the toilet, especially before meal
serving infants or toddlers. Locate this area in an easily accessible, central
times. Some states require sinks in the toilet rooms.
location, but separate it from food preparation and eating areas. Orient the
diapering station so that a teacher, while diapering a baby or toddler, can
Toilets are to be child-size for toddlers, but may be adult-size for pre-school
maintain visual supervision of the children, and the children can see the
children. They must be accessible to children with special needs. Toddler
teacher. This component should be constructed as part of the fixed elements
and pre-school toilet areas should be durable, with water-resistant finishes
within the classroom for economy of plumbing connections.
and bright, cheerful lighting. Recommended flooring includes ceramic tile
with integral cove base and a ceramic tile wainscot to 915 mm above the
The diapering station and storage area consists of a changing table,
floor with painted wall above.
countertop with sink, waste bin, and upper storage cabinets for diapers
and other supplies. All equipment and storage needed for this area must
Required features of the toilet area include:
be within easy reach for the teacher at the changing table, without requiring
Toddler's toilet seat height of approximately 280 mm (including seat).
them to move away from the infant. They should all be very easily cleaned
(Preschoolers who are four to five years old may be able to use adult
and non-porous.
sized toilets.)
Floor drain.
The diapering station should be designed to reduce possible transmission
Toilet tissue dispenser next to toilet.
of blood-borne pathogens. The table should be easily sanitized or sterilized,
Exhaust ventilation.
and all material contaminated with feces should be stored in a hygienically
safe manner in sealed receptacles. Specific equipment at the diaper station
Required features of the hand washing sink include:
includes:
Sink mounted at 555 mm above floor. Counters at 455 mm to 505 mm
Changing table: A changing table should have an impervious surface.
deep, allowing children to reach controls. Junior-height wash fountains
The top surface should be at the height indicated in Figure 7.1. There
may also be used with a wash basin rim height of approximately 635
must be a safety device on either side of the baby consisting of, for
mm.
instance, a solid rail to provide side restraint for 120 mm above the
Hot water temperature controlled to a maximum of 43C. Hot water
surface of the table. Since mats are typically 25 mm thick, this means
heaters should be placed where they are not accessible to children.
that the top of the rail should be approximately 100 mm above the sur-
Soap dispensers at each sink.
face of the changing table. The table should be dimensioned as per
One paper towel dispenser per sink area. Metered roll dispensers are
Figure 7.2. It should have a waterproof covered pad. (Check with local
preferred. The dispenser should not have a serrated edge which could
licensing for possible additional requirements.)
cut children. The designer should consult with GSA building manage-
Hand washing sink: The sink should have sloped sides and be within
ment and the RCCC to verify whether folded goods are preferred. Even
reach of the changing table. It should have hands-free or wrist-blade
though rolled goods are usually more economical and environmentally
faucet controls. Diaper sinks should not have goose neck faucets be-
sensitive, some existing centers have noted that children often waste
cause this type causes more splashing than standard faucets.
significant amounts of rolled goods because they lack the coordination
Paper towel, soap, and rubber glove dispensers: These fixtures should
to tear rolled paper easily.
be within reach of the teacher at the changing table.
PBS-140 - July 2003
7-15
Previous Page
