CHAPTER 10: TECHNICAL CRITERIA
300 picoCuries per liter, the affected water supply must not be used and
New construction must include offset hinges to protect fingers.
mitigation actions must be taken immediately followed by re-testing.
Outlets in areas accessible to children must be tamper resistant as de-
fined by NEC Article 517-18c. The intent is to "child-proof" outlets that
10.1.15 Off-Gasing:
are within children's reach to avoid any possibility of electrocution. Where
Allow a new center to "air out" before occupancy. The schedule of work
practical locate them out of the child's reach (at least 1380 mm above
should provide ventilation for off-gassing of new synthetic materials for 30
floor level).
days.
No electrical outlet shall be located within 1900 mm of a water source
unless protected by an approved ground fault circuit interrupter.
10.1.16 CO2 Monitoring:
Encase computer cables in conduits or channels.
Provide the capacity for permanent carbon dioxide monitoring, including
There shall be no cables or wires in the center with enough "slack" to
operational set point parameters to prevent indoor CO2 levels from ex-
present a possibility of strangulation should a child become entangled in
ceeding outdoor levels by more than 700 parts per million (ppm), as de-
them.
scribed in LEED Version 2.0.
No raised electrical boxes with sharp metal edges are to be used in
areas or passageways used by children.
10.1.17 Safety Issues:
All hot pieces of equipment, including resistance-heating elements, shall
The following safety issues shall be incorporated into the design of the
be screened from children's access.
center:
Care must be taken in selecting and locating telephone sets and other
When screened operable windows are used, guards shall be installed
devices so that a child may not be subject to strangulation or other injury
to protect children from falling through them.
if he or she were to become entangled in the device's wires and cord.
No sharp edges within children's areas. All corners on trim, counters,
The same is true of window blinds with pull cords. Such wires, cords,
partitions, and shelving must have rounded edges with 13 mm mini-
and string must be above 1372 mm, out of children's reach.
mum radius. In areas accessible to children, there shall be no openings
Edges, including shelving, table tops, and counters must have 13 mm
between 88 mm and 229 mm in width to prevent head entrapment as
rounded edges. Furnishings in children's areas that are 900 mm or higher
per CPSC requirement.
must be secured in place. Mirrors must be safety glass, acrylic, or re-
Interior glass must not present a safety risk for children and must com-
flective metal.
ply with code. Only glass that will not break in close proximity to children's
activities or will not harm children or puncture skin when glass is broken
10.2 Security
shall be used.
Locked storage for medications and dangerous products must be pro-
The purpose of designed security measures is to keep children safe within
vided. Additionally, "childproof" interior hardware devices must be
the center, to safeguard them from outside intruders, and to protect them
mounted on the interior of cabinets within children's reach.
from hazards to the fullest extent possible. GSA will define and provide the
It is essential that children's fingers be protected from being crushed or
electronic security system for each center. Systems beyond those defined
otherwise injured in the hinge space of a swinging door. There are simple
by GSA will be funded by the requester. Security systems provided will be
devices available that attach to the hinge side, ensuring that this type of
those recommended by the FPS Building Security Assessment process.
injury does not occur. As the door closes, the hand is pushed out of the
Systems will include equipment, base electrical power, and conduit as
opening, away from harm. In addition, young children are vulnerable to
required. All security alarm systems shall report to an alarm system or to a
injury when they fall against the other (hinged) side of doors and gates,
central monitoring station as an audible and visual alarm signal (or both).
striking projected hinges. Piano hinges are not recommended to allevi-
Security system equipment may include, but is not limited to, perimeter
ate this problem as they tend to sag over time with heavy use. Instead,
security alarm systems, video surveillance for entrance doors and
an inexpensive device fitting over hinges is available on the market and
vestibules, and annunciation systems for main entrance doors.
should be used to ensure safety.
PBS-140 - July 2003
10-3
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