§416.5(j): Storing poisons and hazardous products
Matches, lighters, medicines, drugs, detergents, aerosol cans and other poisonous or toxic materials must be kept in their original containers and used so they do not contaminate play surfaces, food or food preparation areas, or become a hazard to children. The citation concerns how these were stored or used.
| State regulation (18 NYCRR) | §416.5(j) |
| Type | Building and equipment |
| Cited in our records | 115 times at 108 NYC home-based programs |
| Marked open right now | 6 |
The state's wording
All matches, lighters, medicines, drugs, detergents, aerosol cans and other poisonous or toxic materials must be stored in their original containers, and must be used in such a way that they will not contaminate play surfaces, food or food preparation areas, or constitute a hazard to children. Such materials must be kept in a place inaccessible to children.
This is the text the state (OCFS) attaches to the citation. It is a template, so it can sound harsher or vaguer than the finding behind it.
Worth asking the provider
Where are cleaning products and medicines kept, and can the children reach them?
Reading it on a record
Look at whether the citation is marked open or corrected, how long ago it was cited, and whether the same section shows up on several inspections. One corrected citation is common. The same one on visit after visit is worth a direct question. Our guide to checking a daycare and methodology explain the rest.
Look up a home daycare and read its record
Related sections
- §416.3(h): Peeling or damaged paint
- §416.5(a): Safety and health hazards
- §416.4(h)(4): Clear exits and walkways
- §416.5(i): Covers on electrical outlets
- §416.5(q): Window barriers above the first floor
Counts are from the inspection records we hold, as of 2026-10-23. The plain-English note was written by NYC Daycare Check from the city's wording; the citation on each provider's page is the record.