Criterion PF111#

# Parts of the building or buildings used by children have:

• lighting (natural or artificial) that is appropriate to the activities offered or purpose of each room;
• ventilation (natural or mechanical) that allows sufficient fresh air to circulate (particularly in sanitary and sleep areas);
• safe and effective means of maintaining a comfortable room temperature; and
• acoustic absorption materials, if necessary, to reduce noise levels that may negatively affect children’s learning or wellbeing.

Guidance #

How to show you are complying#

You need to make sure areas used by children are well-lit and properly ventilated. You also need to be able to maintain a comfortable room temperature and reduce noise levels by using acoustic materials.

Lighting

Lighting, whether natural or artificial must be suitable for the activities taking place or the intended purpose of each room. Where artificial lighting is used, you should ensure it is positioned and selected to suit the function of the space—for example, brighter lighting in activity areas and softer lighting in sleep rooms.

Natural light is encouraged as it supports children’s wellbeing and connection to the outside environment.

Ventilation

Spaces within buildings need enough ventilation to circulate fresh air for the number of people and their activities and keep everyone healthy and comfortable.

All areas used by children must allow for adequate circulation of fresh air to maintain good air quality and comfort within play and learning spaces and particularly in sanitary and sleep areas. 

Ventilation can be achieved through natural means (for example, opening windows and doors) or by using mechanical systems. Mechanical ventilation should operate during all licensed hours. Natural ventilation should be actively used during licensed hours by opening windows and doors on opposite sides of the room to allow cross-ventilation. Ventilation systems must be appropriate for the size and purpose of the room and maintained to ensure consistent airflow and good air quality. 

Remember mechanical ventilation systems should be maintained and serviced to ensure effectiveness. 

Comfortable room temperature

A safe and effective system must be in place to maintain a comfortable room temperature while children are present. This means you will need to be able to effectively heat rooms in the building used by children and if necessary to cool them down. This includes sleep spaces and bathrooms.

In some parts of New Zealand, temperatures are higher or colder than in others. The system or systems you choose should reflect the requirements of your area.

There are a range of options to control room temperature, but safety of children is paramount. You need to make sure heating systems do not pose a risk of burns or injury.

WorkSafe provides guidance on thermal comfort ranges and is linked in our tools section.

Further guidance on providing a comfortable of no lower than 18 degrees Celsius can be found on HS118 Room temperature

HS118 Room temperature

Acoustic materials (noise)

Acoustic absorption materials must be used to help absorb or diffuse sound waves reducing noise reverberation.

If you are building or undertaking renovations, integrate acoustic considerations into the design, including material selection, room configuration, and placement of sound-absorbing elements.

High noise levels and noise reverberations can negatively affect children’s learning or wellbeing.

There are several practical ways to help reduce noise levels and reverberation.

Acoustic materials are usually soft and porous. Installing them on ceilings and upper walls minimise maintenance and provides permanent sound control. Standard acoustic tiles and similar products work well. Typically, cover at least 75% of the ceiling with acoustic material, plus other areas as needed.

Room configuration and material placement is important to avoid noise disturbance that can arise from repeated acoustic reflections between flat parallel surfaces such as glass or plasterboard.

Carpets can also reduce noise levels by absorbing the sound from footsteps, moving furniture and equipment, and dropped objects.

Soft furnishings will also help absorb sound.

Some practical examples are:

• 3-dimensional furniture such as open storage shelves, cubby holes (one of each pair on parallel walls)
• curtains
• big cushions
• upholstered furniture such as couches or lounge chairs
• carpet attached to the underside of tables
• areas that break up and scatter sound waves, reducing noise reverberation in the room.

See HS111 for further guidance about mitigating the effects of noise in services.

HS111 Noise levels