PF217 Body wash facilities

Licensing criterion and guidance for PF217 Body wash facilities.

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Criterion PF217

There is a plumbing fixture (such as a shower, shub or bath) for washing sick or soiled children.

Guidance

How to show you are complying

There are different ways to comply with this requirement. The key point is that you have facilities where children can be washed safely and effectively.

You may want to consider using one or more of the following body wash facilities:

  • a small tub (called a shub) with a shower hose

  • a bath or shower that’s easy to access and use

  • a baby bath inside a fixed bath

  • a dedicated washroom, with non-slip flooring.

As bathrooms in the home can be available to people other than children attending the service. It’s important to think about how to keep children safe while they are using the bathroom. Make sure the space is clean and hygienic before and after use, so everyone stays healthy and comfortable.

When assessing whether you comply with PF217

Questions we are likely to ask

Can you show me where would you wash a sick or soiled child?

We are likely to look at, measure or count

What body wash facilities you have in the home.

The tools below are here to support you, but you do not have to use them. You can use other tools or methods that work better for your service.

Homes which are considering renovations should be aware of the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code.

Building Code compliance – Building Performance

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora have created guidelines on wash down facilities and procedures for early learning services.

Wash down guidelines – Health Ed

Children sometimes need to be washed for their hygiene and the health and safety of others. By having appropriate washing facilities, you can help prevent the spread of infection and support the child’s health and safety.

Doing more than the minimum can shape better outcomes for children. Here are some ideas or examples you might like to consider.

Having a procedure in place to support educators to wash children is a good idea.

This could also include the following.

  1. Practical steps such as:

    • testing water before washing children to make sure it is comfortable and not too hot

    • the process for cleaning the facilities

    • what supplies to use, like gloves, disinfectants, and paper towels

    • hand washing procedures.

  2. Practice guidance such as:

    • cover the child appropriately during washing to protect the child’s privacy and dignity

    • avoid unnecessary exposure and keep the process as brief and respectful as possible

    • respect the child’s preferences (for example, who helps them, what they’re comfortable with)

    • maintain visual and verbal contact throughout the process.

Cleaning and sanitising guidelines – HealthEd