CHAPTER 10: TECHNICAL CRITERIA
When required, mount a video camera at the entry/egress doors to the
also have no sharp, exposed parts or connection accessible to children.
center. Video cameras are required when the center entrance is not
Additionally:
visible by the building security staff, or if the security risk assessment
Provide reinforced bollards, raised planters or other devices to keep
prescribes video monitoring at the entrance. CCTV should cover all
automobiles from veering into the play yard area.
entrances, exits, and exterior play areas.
The play yard should be enclosed by a minimum 2100 mm high fence.
Annunciation at the public entry door.
As an alternative, a shorter fence with planting or landscape features of
Electronic security system including alarms, cameras and hardware,
the same height is acceptable upon approval of the RCCC in coordina-
mounted either by the Federal Protective Service (FPS), or Facility Guard
tion with FPS.
Service within the building. Monitors should be at the director's office
When the play yard is adjacent to hazards, busy roadways, or is a high
and the FPS law enforcement personnel if located off-site. In order to
security risk neighborhood, the perimeter of the play yard must be en-
conform to the ADA requirement to lower mounting heights for fire pulls
closed by a minimum 2440 mm high fence.
and duress alarms, while also minimizing children's access to them,
Views into the play yard should be screened either by the fence itself or
these devices must be provided with covers.
with plants or other suitable means.
Provide keypad at entry door (with location and buttons sized appropri-
The fence bottom shall be a maximum of 75 mm (3 in) off the ground.
ately for use by the disabled) for authorized entry to the center without
Exposed fence bottoms should have a smooth finish for child safety.
relying on staff monitoring. Controlled entry either manually by center
Gates shall be self-closing and latching. Children's fingers must be
personnel buzzing patrons in, or electronically through swipe cards and
protected from pinching or crushing on gate hinge spaces.
individual pin numbers or some other electronic means.
Except for the top and base rail of fence avoid the use of horizontal
All entry points shall be alarmed and shall include delayed-egress lock-
elements that may serve as ladders for climbing.
ing hardware at exit doors. Locks, if provided, shall not require the use
All fastening devices used for fence construction should not project out-
of a key, a tool, or special knowledge or effort for operation from the
ward where they pose an injury hazard.
egress side. All locking arrangements shall meet the requirements of
Remove or trim trees with low hanging limbs if it will allow for climbing
the latest edition of the NFPA Life Safety Code. Egress doors not in-
from either side of the area. In no case should limbs project below 2030
tended for children's use should be equipped with electronic magnetic
mm.
locks.
Duress alarms as prescribed by the building's security assessment,
10.2.2 Security Systems:
including duress alarms and call boxes on play yards.
Security systems provided will be those recommended by the FPS Security
Emergency alarm signals should be audible and visible, and should be
Assessment process. Systems will include equipment, base electrical
monitored by the FPS or contract guard service. Mount panic hardware
power, and conduit as required. All security alarm systems shall report to
on egress doors a maximum of 915 mm above the finished floor.
an alarm system or to a central monitoring station as an audible or visual
alarm signal (or both). Security systems equipment may include, but are
not limited to, perimeter security alarm systems, video surveillance for
10.2.1 Fences and Enclosures:
entrance doors and vestibules, and annunciation systems for main entrance
Play yards must be enclosed by fences to define the play yard, allow ease
doors. Audible signals within the center should be consistent with those
of supervision of children, and protect them from unauthorized entry of
universally accepted.
individuals and vehicles. Because the design of the fence is one of the
most visible elements of in the center, it must be more than simply utilitarian.
In general, chain link is discouraged. The only type of chain link that may
be used is dark vinyl coated (6 ga core fabric). Exposed galvanized wire,
which has a highly institutional appearance, is not appropriate. It must
PBS-140 - July 2003
10-4
Previous Page
