Supervision
Be sure to always supervise children on play equipment.
Surfacing
Install a protective surface under and around play equipment to reduce the
likelihood of serious head injuries.
•
For most play equipment, install protective surfacing 6 feet in all directions
beyond the equipment.
•
For swings, extend protective surfacing in front and back of the swing
to a distance that is twice the height of the bar from which the swing is
suspended.
•
For tire swings, install protective surfacing outward from the swing equal to
the suspension chain plus 6 feet.
Types of
Surfacing
Carpeting and thin mats are not adequate as protective surfacing. Maintain at
least 9 inches of loose-fill material (see page 6) or use an ASTM F1292 rated
material at the depth required for the equipment height.
•
Use wood mulch/chips, shredded rubber mulch, or engineered wood fiber
for equipment up to 8 feet high;
•
Use sand, pea gravel, or mulch products listed above for play equipment up
to 5 feet high; or
•
Use surface mats tested to provide impact protection equal to or greater
than the height of the play equipment.
Equipment
Maintenance
Periodically check nuts, bolts, caps, swing seats, suspension ropes, chains,
and cables and replace as necessary. Maintain loose-fill surfacing and surface
mats.
Opening
Eliminate openings that can trap a child’s head or neck, such as openings in
guardrails or ladders. Openings should be smaller than 3½ inches to prevent
entry of a small child’s body, or larger than 9 inches to allow a child’s head and
body to slide completely through.
Ropes
Never attach jump ropes, clotheslines, pet leashes, or cords of any kind to play
equipment. Anchor any climbing ropes at both ends. Remove drawstrings from
children’s clothes. Children can strangle on these.
Anchors
Bury or cover anchors with adequate surfacing material to prevent tripping. Play
equipment should not tip over.
Guardrails or
Barriers
Make sure that platforms and ramps over 30 inches high have guardrails or
barriers to prevent falls.
Repair
Repair sharp points or edges on equipment that can cause injuries.
Upkeep of
Hardware
Replace missing hardware, eliminate protruding bolts, and close “S” hooks that
can cause injuries.
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