SELECTIVE PROTECTIVE SURFACING
One of the most important things you can do to reduce the likelihood of
serious head injuries is to install shock-absorbing protective surfacing
under and around your play equipment. The protective surfacing should be
applied to a depth that is suitable for the equipment height in accordance
with ASTM F1292. There are different types of surfacing to choose from;
whichever product you select, follow these guidelines.
(See figure 2)
NOTE—Do not install home playground equipment over concrete,
asphalt, or any other hard surface. A fall onto a hard surface can result
in serious injury to the equipment user. Grass and dirt are not considered
protective surfacing because wear and environmental factors can
reduce their shock absorbing effectiveness. Carpeting and thin mats are
generally not adequate protective surfacing. Ground level equipment
such as a sandbox, activity wall, playhouse or other equipment that has
no elevated play surface-does not need any protective surfacing.
LOOSE-FILL MATERIALS
•
Maintain a minimum depth of 9 in. of loose-fill materials such as
wood mulch/chips, engineered wood fiber (EWF), or shredded/
recycled rubber mulch for equipment up to 96 in. high; and
9 in. of sand or pea gravel for equipment up to 60 in. high.
•
NOTE: An initial fill level of 12 in. will compress to about a 9 in.
depth of surfacing over time. The surfacing will also compact,
displace, and settle, and should be periodically refilled to maintain
at least a 9 in. depth.
•
Use a minimum of 6 in. of protective surfacing for play
equipment less than 48 in. in height. If maintained properly,
this should be adequate. (At depths less than 6 in., the
protective material is too easily displaced or compacted.)
•
Use containment, such as digging out around the
perimeter and/or lining the perimeter with landscape
edging. Don’t forget to account for water drainage.
•
Check and maintain the depth of the loose-fill surfacing material.
To maintain the right amount of loose-fill materials, mark the
correct level on play equipment support posts. That way you can
easily see when to replenish and/or redistribute the surfacing.
•
Do not install loose fill surfacing over hard
surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.
POURED-IN-PLACE SURFACES OR PRE-MANUFACTURED RUBBER
TILES:
You may be interested in using surfacing other than loose-
fill materials – like rubber tiles or poured-in-place surfaces.
•
Installations of these surfaces generally require a
professional and are not “do-it-yourself” projects.
•
Review surface specifications before purchasing this type
of surfacing. Ask the installer/ manufacturer for a report
showing that the product has been tested to the following
safety standard: ASTM F1292 Standard Specification for Impact
Attenuation of Surfacing Materials within the Use Zone of
Playground Equipment. This report should show the specific
height for which the surface is intended to protect against
serious head injury. This height should be equal to or greater
than the fall height-vertical distance between a designated
play surface (elevated surface for standing, sitting, or climbing)
and the protective surfacing below-of your play equipment.
•
Check the protective surfacing frequently for wear.
PLACEMENT:
Proper placement and maintenance of
protective surfacing is essential. Be sure to:
•
Extend surfacing at least 72 in. from the
equipment in all directions.
•
For to-and-fro swings, extend protective surfacing in front
of and behind the swing to a distance equal to twice the
height of the top bar from which the swing is suspended.
•
For tire swings, extend surfacing in a circle whose
radius is equal to the height of the suspending
chain or rope, plus 6 feet in all directions.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
•
An adult should supervise play on this
product for children of all ages.
•
Only for family residential domestic use.
•
Designed for multi-rider use.
•
Safety rated to 250 lb.
•
Maximum fall height 6.5 ft. (determined by swing pivot point,
maximum hanging rope length and 24 in. above ground surface).
OPERATION WARNING:
Riders should be dressed appropriately including
wearing well-fitting shoes that fully protect feet. Remove articles before
swinging that create hazards when they get tangled and caught (examples
include ponchos, scarves, and other loose-fitting clothing, bike or sports
helmets). Adhere to the following guidelines for operation: Do not swing
the swing higher than hook attachment
• Remove rider from the swing
only after it has completely stopped • Do not twist swing chains or ropes
or loop them over the top support bar since this may reduce the strength
of the chain or rope • Avoid swinging empty seats • Do not walk close to,
in front of, or behind, or between moving items • Rider should sit in center
of the swing with full weight in the seat • Do not use the equipment in
a manner other than intended • Do not attach items to the playground
equipment or support structure that the swing is attached to that are not
specifically designed for use with the equipment, such as, but not limited
to, jump ropes, clothesline, pet leashes, cables and chain as they may
cause a strangulation hazard • Do not climb swing when it is wet • When
the swing is in direct sunlight, check that seating surface is not too hot.
Maintenance Instructions
MAINTENANCE WARNING
:
Failure to carry out these checks
and inspections could result in a fall or injury. Owners shall be
responsible for maintaining the legibility of the warning labels.
AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH PLAY SEASON:
•
Check all moving parts including swing seat, ropes, cables,
and chains for excessive wear, fractures, breaks, sharp
edges, rust, or other deterioration. Replace as needed.
•
Tighten all hardware.
•
Check metal parts for rust. If found, sand and repaint using a
non-lead-based paint meeting the requirements of 16 1303.
•
Reinstall any plastic parts, such as swing seat or any
other items that were removed for the cold season.
•
Rake and check depth of loose fill protective surfacing
materials to prevent compaction and to maintain
appropriate depth. Replace as necessary.
(2) TWICE A MONTH DURING PLAY SEASON:
•
Tighten all hardware.
•
Rake and check depth of loose fill protective surfacing
materials to prevent compaction and to maintain
appropriate depth. Replace as necessary.
•
Check all moving parts including swing seats,
ropes, cables, and chains for wear, rust, or other deterioration.
Replace as needed.
AT THE END OF EACH PLAY SEASON OR WHEN
THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 32°F:
•
Remove plastic swing seat and other items
and take indoors or do not use.
•
Rake and check depth of loose fill protective surfacing
materials to prevent compaction and to maintain
appropriate depth. Replace as necessary.
SWING DISPOSAL:
When you are ready to dispose of swing, make sure
that all swing components are disposed of in accordance with local waste
ordinances. Swing should be disassembled and disposed of in such a way
that no unreasonable hazards exist at the time the swing is discarded.
SAFETY INFORMATION:
To reduce the likelihood of injury please follow the
guidelines as outlined in this instruction manual. You can visit our website
www.mandmsalesinc.com to review the instruction manual in the future
or keep this instruction sheet for reference: MM00175 Teepee Tent Swing
Instruction Manual. The installation instructions above are reflective of the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Outdoor Playground Safety Handbook.
For a complete description of installation instructions and warnings for outdoor
playground equipment you can visit our website www.mandmsalesinc.
com to link to the current CPSC handbook and review in its entirety.
Our products are tested to ensure safety and compliance with
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) including
specifications for lead paint and phthalates and ASTM International
F1148 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specifications.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING: THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE
OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER AND BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
M&M Sales Enterprises, Inc.
1300 Synergy Ct, Dubuque, IA 52002 877-242-0514
www.mandmsalesinc.com
Figure 2
