Haze Protocols and Ventilation Approaches in Preschools
Ms Lee Hui Ying asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many preschools are not equipped with enclosed air-conditioned spaces that are suitable for use during haze episodes; and (b) what measures are being taken to help them comply with current haze guidance, including air purifiers, temporary alternative facilities and support for young children with respiratory conditions.
Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many preschools are naturally ventilated and operate without air-conditioning; (b) whether haze mitigation measures in such preschools have been assessed for their impact on indoor temperature, ventilation, and the well-being of children and educators; and (c) whether additional measures will be considered during prolonged haze episodes.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Social and Family Development with regard to preschools remaining open when the 24-hour PSI forecast exceeds 300 (a) how many Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)-licensed preschools lack air-conditioned indoor spaces, including Anchor and Partner Operator centres; (b) what minimum room size or maximum occupancy guidelines, if any, apply to the conduct of preschool activities in enclosed rooms with air purifiers; and (c) how does ECDA verify preschools' haze readiness.
Answer
Mr Goh Pei Ming, Senior Minister of State for Social and Family Development:
Mr Speaker, may I have your permission to address questions 60, 61 and 62 in today's Order Paper filed by Members Ms Lee Hui Ying, Mr Saktiandi Supaat, Assoc Prof Jamus Lim together, as they pertain to haze management measures in preschools.
2. ECDA seeks to reduce children’s and educators’ exposure to air pollution, while safeguarding their well-being and minimising disruption to children’s learning and development. The haze management measures apply to all preschools, including those that do not use air conditioning, and are similar to those adopted in MOE schools.
3. More than 9 in 10 preschools have air-conditioning in part or all of their premises. Air-conditioning is not required for haze management, as conventional air-conditioning filters are generally not effective at removing fine PM2.5 particles. Instead, all preschools are required to have air purifiers to cover key teaching and learning spaces used by children during haze periods. During periods of haze, preschools without air-conditioning use fans to support air circulation and indoor comfort. Doors and windows may be opened when the most recent 1-hour PM2.5 reading is within the “Normal” band.
4. To minimise the impact of haze on children and educators, preschools plan the next day’s activities based on the 24-hour Pollution Standards Index (PSI) forecast and adjust their activities as air quality changes. All outdoor activities cease when the forecast exceeds 200. During daily operations, all indoor physical activities cease when the latest 1-hour PM2.5 reading reaches the “Very High” band.
5. Preschools have been advised to make appropriate adjustments to support educators’ well-being, including ensuring adequate rest periods, providing support to staff who may be more affected by haze, and reviewing staffing arrangements where feasible.
6. For children with chronic lung or heart conditions or respiratory problems, preschools are required to identify them early and ensure their medication is readily accessible. Additional precautions are taken if the air quality deteriorates, and an enclosed, well-ventilated room equipped with a functioning air purifier must be available for children who become unwell.
7. ECDA requires preschools to maintain the prescribed minimum floor space per infant and child to allow for teaching and learning, and gross motor activities. This varies depending on the age of the children being cared for and hours of service. For example, preschools providing child care are required to have at least 3m2 of teaching and learning space per child. The floor space requirement remains the same even when spaces are enclosed.
8. ECDA verifies preschools’ haze preparedness through readiness checks via a survey and unannounced inspections of preschools.