Navigating Codes, Fire, and Building Safety
Environmental Codes
TDHS works with the TN State Department of Health to inspect issues related to the environment. This inspection is focused on safety within the environment, including playgrounds, cold and hot water, anchors on shelves, and they will grade the center based on these safety measures. Your TDHS Program Specialist should put you in contact with the Environmental Codes office. Again, if your TDHS contact is not connecting you in a timely manner feel free to reach out directly to a representative at the health department, as they will be able to connect you with the inspection staff.
There are fees associated with this inspection:
Centers with fewer than 50 children served are charged $50.
Centers with 50 or more children are charged $80.
You must have your permit from the Metro Nashville Fire Marshal before you can proceed to the environmental approval process.
SECTION FIFTEEN
Connect with TDHS Program Specialist for Environmental Codes contact.
Schedule the Environmental Codes inspection.
Have all existing permits together when scheduling the meeting.
If you have questions in advance of the inspection, have a list ready so you are well-prepared when speaking with your contact person.
TDHS STEP 9
Receive Environmental Codes approval and permitting.
Sample Inspection List for Environmental Codes
| Critical Violations (will not be approved if found and not corrected within 30 days) |
Minor Violations (can still be approved with intent to correct) |
|
| Water Supply | • Adequate source of water supply | • Drinking facilities that are clean and in good repair |
| Sewage Disposal and Plumbing | • Operating properly • Cross connection • Visible sewage leaks |
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| Solid Waste | • Containers are adequate and clean • Storage area and grounds are clean • Collection and disposal |
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| Toilets, Handwashing and Bathing | • Fixtures are adequate, clean • Hygienic practices with adult supervision • Soap and individual towels • Toilet tissue provided • Water temperature is between 90-120* • Covered containers |
|
| Building | • Materials and asbestos control meets standard | • Visible cracks and sealed openings • Exterior clean and painted • Gutters and downspouts are clean and in good repair |
| Floor | • Clean and in good repair | |
| Walls and Ceilings | • Clean and in good repair | |
| Doors and Windows | • Clean and in good repair | |
| Bedding and Furniture | • Adequate* • Clean and in good repair* • Bed spacing* |
|
| Lighting | • Adequate • Fixtures, shades, and blinds are clean and in good repair |
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| Heating and Ventilation | • Adequate temperature • Noxious odors eliminated • Heating and ventilation units are clean and in good repair |
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| Insect and Rodent Control | • Infestation | • Harborage control • Adequate drainage |
| Safety | • Toxic Items (including medicines) stored and labeled properly • No broken glass in building or on playgrounds • Heating units, water pipes, other heated objects protected • No visible electrical hazards • Electrical outlets protected • Buildings and grounds free of unprotected well, cistern, refrigerator or similar hazards • Barriers or fencing provided on grounds as necessary |
• Glass in hazardous locations shielded unless safety glass used • Playgrounds free of hazards likely to cause falls • Furniture safe • Safety rail as required, bathtubs have safety strips or non-slip mats • Play equipment safe and in good repair |
| Animal Control | • Cages clean • Pets controlled, no turtles |
*marked as not required for programs serving children 5 years and above in school age child care programs
Section References
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