PBS 140 Child Care Center Design Guide - The Whole Building ...

CHAPTER 10: TECHNICAL CRITERIA
Whenever possible, provide HVAC separate from the other building
systems. Apart from other advantages, this will facilitate better filtration of
the dust and molds to which many children are particularly sensitive. Air
diffusers should minimize drafts on children.
Design ventilation systems to allow zero exposure of non-smokers to environmental
tobacco smoke (ETS) even if smoking is limited to outdoor areas,
as described in LEED Version 2.0. Design ventilation systems to
achieve an air-change effectiveness of minimum 0.9 per ASHRAE 129-
1997 and as described in LEED Version 2.0. Locate air return over diaper
and toilet areas.
10.9.3 Safety Issues:
The following restrictions apply in child care centers:
� Heating units that utilize flame must be vented properly to the outside
and shall be supplied with sufficient combustion air.
� Heating units hotter than 43 °C shall be made inaccessible to children
by the use of barriers such as guards or locks.
� Ensure that any gas-fired equipment takes 100% outside air for combustion
to minimize negative pressure potential and the resulting backdrafting
of combustion products into the indoor environment.
10.10 Lighting
Well-considered lighting for each activity area is a key element in creating
the “home-like” environment which is a goal of the program. The quality of
light should remind children of a residential environment. Broad ambient
lighting is most appropriate for large motor activity spaces; task lighting is
required for manipulative activities; lower light levels are needed for quiet
and sleeping areas. The amount and orientation of natural light needs to
be considered in the design and variation in light levels. Up to a maximum
of 500 lx will be acceptable in rooms with poor natural lighting capability.
Classrooms without skylights or exterior windows should have ducted light
tubes to provide natural light. Light shelves which transmit light deeper
into the interior are to be considered for all south-facing elevations. See
the table for the minimum light levels for various functions. In addition, the
following should be provided:
� 500 lx on children’s work surface for reading and close work.
� 250 lx ambient light for class and play areas (additional task lighting
up to 500 lx provided where appropriate).
� Capability of being dimmed in a range of 500 lx to 50 lx for sleeping
and napping areas.
10-10
� 100 lx in stairs and corridors.
� Light fixtures in classrooms and nap rooms are to be dimmable.
Light levels in all rooms, including sleeping rooms, must be maintained at
a sufficient level to provide visual observation of the space from adjoining
spaces. Lighting should be utilized to emphasize areas, designate
boundaries, create a particular feeling, or cause a desired response.
When using fluorescent lighting, utilize electronic ballast light fixtures. Their
high frequency cycles avoid perceptible flickering and allow dimming.
Fluorescent lamps are to have a color temperature of 3500 degrees Kelvin
minimum with the highest possible color rendering index (CRI). Minimum
CRI is to be 80 or greater. This is of paramount importance to the center’s
environmental quality. If there is adequate ceiling height, the better quality
of reflected, ambient lighting from pendants or recesses is strongly preferred
to troffer-style fluorescent fixtures. If troffer flourescents must be used,
use lamps which are to be baffled to provide predominantly indirect lighting.
With reflected light, children (who are at a far lower vantage point than
adults) will not look directly into the light source, a condition which causes
glare and eye fatigue. Task lights, such as those provided by residential
type pendant fixtures, should be used for reading, painting, and close work.
Design for variety in lighting, through such devices as dimming controls,
separate switching, adjustable directional fixtures, and pendant fixtures
that are positioned over work areas. Consider using specialized lighting to
display art work, pools of light to create excitement and variety, and high
levels of light to encourage physical activity. Provide food preparation areas
with fixtures having shielded or shatterproof bulbs.
Exterior light can be controlled with adjustable blinds, shades, or other
types of window coverings. Window treatments on interior windows must
allow for clear visibility.
Ensure that there is adequate exterior lighting to allow safe exterior
circulation and site security. All lamps must have shatterproof lenses or
covers.
PBS-140 - July 2003