Maintenance Staff: Asthma Management in Early Child Care

Maintenance personnel must make wise day to day decisions that can affect indoor air quality such as cleaning or pest control. The following actions are steps maintenance personnel can take to provide a safe and healthy atmosphere for all children.

Sanitation and Strong Odor Control

• Do not vacuum carpets, window coverings, and fabric-covered furniture when children are present.

• Do not perform heavy-duty cleaning tasks when children are present.

• Consider using alternative cleaning products that are labeled “non-toxic.”

• Be sure carpets and entryway floor mats are cleaned often according to manufacturer guidelines. Consider using High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter vacuums or HEPA filter bags.

• Store caulks, solvents, paints, adhesives, sealants, cleaning supplies, and pesticides in a well ventilated area away from classrooms and out of children’s reach.

• Wipe dust and paint chips with a damp, soapy cloth if lead paint is suspected.

• Run water through unused floor drains and sinks to prevent sewer gas build-up.

Pest Management

• Check hard to reach places, damp areas, near trash cans, recycling areas, and food preparation areas for signs of pests. Use sticky monitor boxes to aid in early detection of pests.

• Do not use hazardous pesticides when children are present, this is ILLEGAL according Indiana Family Social Services Administration’s pest control policy 470 IAC 3-4.7-118 Pest prevention.

• Track pest sightings by creating and maintaining a Pest Sighting Log. It should contain the date, location pest was sighted, type of pest, and employee’s name.

• Use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Review the Indiana Pesticide Review Board’s suggested Model Pest Control Policy for Indiana Child Care Facilities.

• Review Indiana Family Social Services Administration’s pest control policy 470 IAC 3-4.7-118 Pest prevention.

• Seal all cracks and crevices to prevent pests.

• Do not stack boxes directly on the floor for storage. Instead, use metal shelving for storage with bottom shelf no lower than six inches off the ground.

• When using a pest control contractor, be sure the school’s pest control policies are adhered to. Refer to Purdue University’s IPM Technical Resource Center for guidance on Working with a Pest Control Service in an IPM Program.

Ventilation and Mold Control

• Be sure the ventilation system is working properly. Dust grills and air supply vents.

• Keep humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent to prevent mold growth. Consider installing humidity monitors in areas that produce excess moisture, such as near restrooms and the kitchen to gauge humidity levels.

• Keep objects away from air vents and returns.

• Change filters in the ventilation system according to manufacturer guidelines. Consider replacing filters with pleated electrostatic air filters which will capture more fine particles.

• Check damper setting to be sure enough outdoor air is being brought into the building.

• Wet or damp items such as carpet should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Locate and fix the source of the leak or problem.

• Clean mold growth on hard surfaces with detergent and water. If mold can not be removed, replace materials

• Check drain pans under unit ventilators or HVAC system for mold, empty as needed and wipe mold growth with a damp, soapy cloth.

• Be sure combustion appliances, such as gas stoves, are vented outdoors and well maintained.

Outdoor and Landscaping

• Be sure outdoor play areas are free of animal waste, such as goose droppings.

• Limit landscaping activities and grass trimming to after hours.

• Close windows when pollen counts and ozone levels are high.

  • Check daily weather reports or the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology website for Daily Pollen & Mold Counts for pollen counts.

  • Check the Indiana Department of Environment Management’s Smog Watch website for daily ozone levels.

• Dumpsters/trash cans should have lids to prevent standing water and pests.

• Dumpsters/trash cans must be located away from child play areas.

• Maintain clean dumpster and recycling areas.

• Consider locking dumpster areas to avoid illegal trash dumping.

• Be aware of wasps, bees, yellow jackets and hornets. Monitor for nests on the property.

• Reduce insect attractants such as fruit trees.

• Refer to Purdue University’s IPM Technical Resource Center for Integrated Pest Management for School Grounds. This can be applied to child care faculties.