Document Citation: Wis. Adm. Code DCF 252.43

Header:
WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
CHAPTER DCF 252 DAY CAMPS FOR CHILDREN AND DAY CARE PROGRAMS ESTABLISHED BY SCHOOL BOARDS
SUBCHAPTER I -- DAY CAMPS FOR CHILDREN


Date:
02/18/2014

Document:
DCF 252.43 Base camp and facilities

(1) SITE AND BUILDING. (a) The licensee shall identify a base camp that provides an environment that allows the program to be oriented to the out-of-doors. The base camp shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times.

(b) The base camp shall have a building or shelter for use by the camp during inclement weather. If the shelter is not enclosed, the camp shall implement a procedure for ensuring that children are protected from the elements.

(c) The base camp shall be located on a well-drained site not subject to flooding. The premises shall be properly graded to prevent the accumulation of storm or other waters that may create hazards to the property or to the health or safety of the occupants. No camp may be located in an area that is situated so that drainage for any source of filth, such as garbage or animal waste disposal, can be deposited on the site.

Note: Local authorities should be consulted to obtain any required zoning clearances or building permits. Chapter NR 115 and s. NR 116.12 (2) (b) may affect the camp's location with regard to flood plains and shore land areas.

(d) Buildings and shelters on sites used or constructed primarily for day camp purposes shall comply with the ap-plicable Wisconsin Commercial Building Code and applicable local ordinances. A copy of the building inspection report shall be on file with the department.

Note: Inspections can be obtained from a commercial building inspector certified by the Department of Safety and Professional Services in accordance with chapter SPS 305, "Licenses, Certifications, and Registration," or a Wisconsin architect registered in accordance with chapter A-E 3, Architect Registration, or a Wisconsin engineer registered in accordance with chapter A-E 4, Professional Engineer Registration. Local authorities should be consulted to obtain any required zoning clearances or building permits.

(e) All buildings and structures used by children for day camp purposes shall have not less than 2 plainly marked exits that are free of obstruction.

(f) The department shall be given written notice of proposed construction, remodeling of existing space or change in rooms to be used by children prior to the initiation of the changes.

Note: Alterations or changes of use to commercial buildings may require submittal of plans to and approval by the department of safety and professional services or its agent prior to the commencement of construction. For infor-mation on plan submittal, please see the department of safety and professional services website at http://dsps.wi.gov/SB/SB-DivPlanReview.html.

(g) If the base camp includes an enclosed building used by children, the inside temperature of the building may not be less than 67 degrees Fahrenheit. If the inside temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the licensee shall provide for air circulation with fans or by other means.

(2) SAFETY. (a) Protective measures. 1. Each camp shall have a written plan for dealing with emergency situations, including but not limited to fire, natural disaster, lost campers, lost swimmers, accident and illness.

2. Staff shall be informed of and knowledgeable about the following:

a. His or her duties in the event of an emergency;

b. Evacuation routes; and

3. All equipment and facilities used by the children and staff, whether or not it is owned by the camp, shall be in safe operating condition and shall not present undue risk to children.

4. A licensee, employee, volunteer or other individual in contact with children may not consume alcoholic bever-ages or any non-prescribed controlled substances specified in ch. 961, Stats., on the premises of the camp or be under the influence of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance, during the hours of the camp's operation.

5. Children shall be protected from indoor and outdoor hazards and the premises shall be maintained in a clean, neat condition and free from refuse, insects and rodents.

6. Substances which may be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or handled, including drugs, chemicals and pesticides, shall be stored in the original, covered and labeled container and shall be stored in areas not accessible to children.

7. A motor vehicle shall be immediately available at the camp in case of emergency if a public or private rescue or emergency vehicle cannot arrive at the camp within 10 minutes of a phone call.

8. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the premises when children are present.

9. The camp shall have a working telephone at the camp during the hours of operation. A list of emergency tele-phone numbers, including fire, law enforcement and poison control shall be immediately available to staff. In this paragraph, "telephone" does not include a pay telephone requiring payment to reach the operator or a telephone in a locked room.

(b) Fire protection. 1. All fire protection facilities and equipment, including fire extinguishers, shall be operable and maintained in working order by a qualified person. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected once per year by a qualified person, and bear a label indicating its present condition and the date of the last inspection.

2. Flammable and combustible liquids shall be in original, covered and labeled containers and stored in areas ac-cessible only to designated adults.

3. Before camp opens, written notification of the camp operation shall be given to the nearest fire department or forest ranger service for protection in case of fire. The notification shall include the dates the camp will be operational and the number and ages of children in care.

4. Any necessary permits required for operation of incinerators or for open fires shall be secured and available for review by the licensing representative.

Note: It is recommended that the licensee contact the local municipality and the department of natural resources prior to camp opening to determine what permits are required.

5. The clearing around open fires shall be free of burnable materials for a radius of 6 feet.

(3) SANITATION. (a) General. 1. The base camp premises and any structures used by children on the premises shall be free of litter, safe, well maintained, in good repair and clean.

2. Furnishings, toys and other equipment shall be safe, in good repair and clean.

3. Toilet facilities shall be in sanitary condition.

4. Painted exterior and interior surfaces accessible to children shall be free of flaking or deteriorating paint and finished with lead-free paint or other non-toxic material.

5. Garbage and refuse at the base camp shall be kept in rigid, watertight and leak-proof containers with tight-fitting covers and disposed of as necessary to prevent decomposition and overflow.

6. The areas around garbage and rubbish containers shall be clean and dry.

7. Solid waste disposal sites on the premises must be licensed by the department of natural resources.

(b) Insect, rodent, and weed control. 1. The growth of brush, weeds, grass and plants shall be controlled in the base camp area to prevent the harborage of noxious insects, rodents, and any other animals.

2. The base camp area shall be maintained to prevent growth of ragweed, poison ivy and other noxious plants considered detrimental to health.

3. Buildings and structures shall be maintained to control insect and rodent harborage and infestations. Chemical insect and rodent control measures shall be applied according to label instructions. Control measures shall be used in a safe manner.

(c) Food preparation, service and storage. 1. The kitchen area shall be equipped with a microwave or stove, a re-frigerator, a sink and utensils that are necessary to prepare and serve meals.

2. All equipment and utensils used for preparing, serving or storing food shall have smooth hard surfaces, be easily cleanable, in good repair, durable, non-toxic and free of cracks, seams, chips, and roughened areas, and shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

4. Single-service utensils and food containers shall be made from non-toxic materials and shall not be reused.

5. Foods shall be stored at temperatures which protect against spoilage. Milk shall be maintained at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Food shall be protected from potential contamination and adulteration, including dirt, insects, rodents or ani-mals. Dry foods, such as cereals, crackers and pasta shall be stored in bags with zip-type closures or metal, glass or food-grade plastic containers with tight-fitting covers and shall be labeled. In this paragraph, "food-grade plastic" means any plastic material used in the manufacture of dishes or utensils which has been found not harmful to human health by the national sanitation foundation.

7. Raw fruits and vegetables shall be washed before being served or cooked.

8. Meals shall be prepared at the base camp, in a central kitchen operated by the camp or in another location that has been inspected by a representative of a state agency. Food delivery vehicles shall be equipped with clean contain-ers, or cabinets to store food while in transit. Containers for cold food shall be capable of maintaining the temperature at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and containers for hot food shall be capable of maintaining the temperature at or above 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Note: Chapter DHS 196 of the administrative rules addresses restaurants and other public eating establishments. Chapter ATCP 75 of the administrative rules addresses retail food establishments.

(d) Water. 1. A supply of safe drinking water shall be available to children at all times from disposable cups, cov-ered water bottles labeled with the child's name, or angle jet type drinking fountains. Common use of drinking cups is prohibited.

Note: It is recommended that single-use disposable water bottles not be reused.

2. When a public water system is not available, a private well may be used if it is approved by the department of natural resources. Water samples from an approved well shall be tested for lead and bacteria by a laboratory certified under ch. ATCP 77 annually and at least 2 weeks prior to the camp opening. The water supply shall be bacteriologically safe. The laboratory report shall be available to the department upon request.

2m. If the water test results indicate the water is bacteriologically unsafe, the water shall be appropriately treated and re-tested until it is determined to be safe. Bottled water shall be used on a temporary basis until the water is de-termined to be safe.

Note: Camps using a private well that serves at least 25 of the same people over 6 months of the year are consid-ered to have a non-transient non-community water system (NTNC) and must be in compliance with Chapter NR 809, Safe Drinking Water Act Standards. Contact the nearest department of natural resources office from the list at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/ServiceCenter/locations.htm.

3. Where running water is not available, a covered drinking water container that is easily distinguishable from other containers, constructed of a food grade material that does not permit the water to become contaminated by dirt, insects, or animals, and suitable for pouring or equipped with a faucet shall be provided. Dipping into water from the container is prohibited. The container shall be cleaned and sanitized daily. The water source shall be a public water supply or as specified in subd. 2.

(e) Washrooms and toilet facilities. 1. Handwashing and toileting facilities shall be provided and accessible to chil-dren.

2. Single-use disposable towels shall be provided and accessible to children.

3. Soap, toilet paper and wastepaper container shall be provided and accessible to children.

4. Outdoor toilets, when used, shall be constructed according to the requirements of the applicable Wisconsin commercial building codes and maintained in good repair.

Note: Ch. Comm 9 was repealed eff. 3-1-08.

5. If devices other than plumbed toilets or outdoor toilets are used, they shall be subject to local ordinances and required permits shall be obtained.

6. Plumbing shall comply with all applicable sections of Wisconsin plumbing codes.

7. Liquid waste disposal shall be connected to a public sewer, if available. If not available, liquid waste disposal shall be in accordance with chs. SPS 382, 383 and 384.