Fire Safety Inspection & Standards Changes

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced changes to improve fire safety at all child care facilities by extending its regulatory authority to further protect children.

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Effective since September 16, 2019, The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) now requires its licensing staff to perform fire safety checks at all inspections including: initial; renewal; unannounced; and complaint.

These checks will require each facility operator to demonstrate an operable fire detection and prevention system which includes:

  • the presence of operable smoke detectors on each floor; and

  • fire extinguishers in the kitchen or cooking areas.

Failure to do so will result in a complaint which will be delivered to the Department of Labor & Industry or local officials by DHS licensing staff.

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