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Electrical Safety Near Water Sources

Purpose

To prevent electrical shock, injury, or fatality by ensuring that no electrical device or apparatus accessible to children is located where it could be plugged into an electrical outlet while a person is in contact with a water source.

Scope

This SOP applies to all staff, classrooms, indoor and outdoor areas, and activity spaces within the childcare facility where children are present.

Definitions

  • Electrical Device or Apparatus: Any item requiring electricity, including but not limited to lamps, fans, heaters, radios, tablets, chargers, extension cords, or appliances.

  • Water Source: Any area where water is present, including sinks, tubs, showers, water tables, splash pads, swimming pools, or outdoor water-play areas.

  • Accessible to Children: Any location within a child’s reach or where a child could reasonably gain access.

Procedure

Step 1: Identify Water Source Areas

Staff must identify and routinely monitor all areas that include water sources, including:

  • Handwashing sinks

  • Toileting and diapering areas

  • Bathing or shower areas

  • Water tables or sensory play stations

  • Indoor or outdoor pools or splash areas

Step 2: Inspect Electrical Devices

Staff must inspect each water source area to ensure:

  • No electrical device is placed near the water source

  • No electrical outlet within reach of the water source has a device plugged in

  • No extension cords, power strips, or chargers are present near water

Step 3: Maintain Safe Distance

Electrical devices must be:

  • Located far enough from water sources so they cannot be plugged in or used while a person is in contact with water

  • Stored in cabinets, closets, or areas completely separate from water-use zones

  • Secured so children cannot move them closer to water sources

Step 4: Prohibit Use During Water Activities

Staff must ensure:

  • All electrical devices are removed or powered off before water play begins

  • No charging of devices occurs near sinks, water tables, or pools

  • Staff do not use personal electronic devices near water sources while supervising children

Step 5: Outlet Safety Controls

Facility management must:

  • Install GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets where required by code

  • Use outlet covers where appropriate

  • Ensure outlets near water are not used for any child-accessible device

Step 6: Ongoing Monitoring

  • Teachers and staff must remain vigilant during daily operations

  • Any safety concern must be addressed immediately

  • Unsafe conditions must be reported to the Director or Administrator at once

Step 7: Corrective Action

If a violation is identified:

  1. Immediately unplug and remove the electrical device

  2. Relocate the device to a safe, dry, non-accessible area

  3. Notify administration

  4. Document the incident if required by facility policy

Staff Responsibilities

  • All Staff: Follow this SOP at all times and report hazards immediately

  • Directors/Administrators: Ensure compliance, training, inspections, and corrective action

Training

  • Electrical and water safety procedures must be reviewed during onboarding

  • Refresher training must occur annually or as required by licensing

Compliance

Failure to follow this SOP may result in disciplinary action and may constitute a licensing violation.