(1) Early learning program premises and program equipment must be clean and sanitary.
(2) Hard surfaces in early learning programs including, but not limited to, floors (excluding carpet), walls, counters, bookshelves, and tables must be smooth and easily cleanable.
(a) A cleanable surface must be:
(i) Designed to be cleaned frequently and made of sealed wood, linoleum, tile, plastic, or other solid surface materials;
(ii) Moisture resistant; and
(iii) Free of chips, cracks, and tears.
(b) An early learning provider must have at least twenty-four inches of moisture resistant and cleanable material or barrier around sinks, drinking fountains, and toilets.
(c) An early learning provider must clean all surfaces before sanitizing or disinfecting. Surfaces must be cleaned with a soap and water solution or spray cleaner and rinsed. If using a spray cleaner, directions on the label must be followed.
(d) Aerosol sprays and air fresheners must not be used during child care hours.
(e) If a bleach solution is used for sanitizing or disinfecting, an early learning provider must use one that is fragrance-free and follow department of health's current guidelines for mixing bleach solutions for child care and similar environments.
(f) If an early learning provider uses a product other than bleach, including wipes, to sanitize or disinfect, the product must be:
(i) Approved by the department prior to use;
(ii) Used by trained staff only;
(iii) Registered with the EPA and have safety data sheets (SDSs) available;
(iv) Used in accordance with the manufacturer's label, which must include:
(A) Directions for use;
(B) A description of the safety precautions, procedures, and equipment that must be used for mixing the substitute product concentration, if applicable;
(C) A description of the safety precautions and procedures if the substitute product contacts skin or is inhaled, if applicable; and
(D) A description of the procedures and safety precautions for rinsing cleaned areas and cleaning equipment, if applicable.
(v) Labeled as safe to use on food surfaces if the product will be used to sanitize:
(A) Food contact surfaces; or
(B) Items such as eating utensils or toys used by the child or put into the child's mouth; and
(vi) Fragrance-free.