Unit Two Creating a Safe and Healthful Environment 210 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. install keypads and assign ID codes to parents and staff (Figure 11.4). Computers may also be available for tracking when parents sign their children in and out of the center. A sign-in/sign- out system should also be available for anyone else who enters the center, and should include the name, contact, and telephone number of each person. His or her purpose, such as guest, volunteer, or vendor, and time in and out also needs to be included. Outside gates should have locks installed and be locked. Some centers also install observation cameras and observation windows. The cameras monitor entrances and exits while the observation provides access for monitoring classrooms. Many accidents that occur in centers involve the building and building fi xtures. Windows, doors, fl oors, and stairs all may cause injuries. Doors should have rubber gaskets to prevent fi nger pinching. They should be designed to open to the outside and have see-through panes. This will help prevent injuries by making the children visible to anyone opening the door. Keep windows closed at all times unless gates or sturdy screens are in place. Keep fl oors dry. If wax is used, use a nonslip type. Cover stairways with carpet or rubber treads. Make sure stairways are well-lighted and free of clutter. Install railings at the children’s level on both sides of the stairs. Sliding patio doors, doors with glass panels, and storm doors can all be dangerous. To protect the children, use only safety glass. Decals applied to sliding glass doors at their eye level warn children of glass they might not otherwise see. Cover all unused electrical outlets in the building. Avoid using extension cords, particularly if they are placed under carpets or rugs. If the cord becomes worn, a fi re may occur. Practice Fire Safety To promote fi re safety, check the center regularly for fi re hazards. The best protection against fi res is prevention. For instance, store matches where children cannot reach them and accidentally start fi res. As a teacher, you need to fi nd and correct fi re hazards. Study Figure 11.5. so you will be able to spot hazards and take action quickly. Figure 11.4 A keypad entry system prevents unauthorized access to the building. SAFETY FIRST SAFETY FIRST Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, poisonous gas. It is odorless and invisible. Symptoms of poisoning include headache, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. When such fuels as gasoline, natural gas, propane, oil, and wood burn incompletely, carbon monoxide forms. Heating systems and cooking appliances that burn fuel can also be a source of carbon monoxide when they do not function properly. Proper installation and venting along with regular professional inspection and maintenance of such equipment can help prevent carbon monoxide formation. Some public facilities that burn fuels in heating systems and cooking appliances use carbon monoxide detectors to warn facility occupants when carbon monoxide is in the air. When the alarm goes off, immediately move to a fresh-air location and call emergency personnel.