Guidelines & Information (fs SPE_noslide)
Annex Page 2 of 7
• IMPORTANT!
Because accidental falls around your
playground equipment
can occur, Playworld Systems recommends that the area under and around the
structure be covered with a resilient material such as sand, bark mulch, or wood
chips. If loose fill surfacing materials are used, Playworld Systems recommends
a depth of 12 in. (305 mm). An approved rubber safety matting can also be used.
Many protective surfacing materials can become compacted due to weather
and use, which reduces their shock absorbency. It is strongly recommended
that the surfacing be checked weekly and material added or replaced as
necessary. Hard surfaces, such as asphalt, concrete and packed earth are
not acceptable for use under playground equipment.
•
The entire area, under and around the playground equipment, must be
covered with protective surfacing material. The impact attenuation of the
protective surfacing under and around playground equipment should be rated to
have a critical height value of at least the height of the highest accessible part
of the equipment. The critical height for surfacing is to be rated in accordance
with A.S.T.M. standard, designated F1292, A Standard Specification for Impact
Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment. Critical
fall heights for Europe and Canadian compliance shall be listed on the elevation
page or master structure drawing if they differ from the ASTM standard. Contact
the manufacturer of unitary surfacing materials (rubber matting) for the critical
height rating for their products.
Tools Required:
Playworld Systems supplies a service kit that contains commonly
used hex key wrenches required to assemble your
equipment. You may also
need: shovel, digging iron, post hole digger, steel rake, wheelbarrow, garden hoe,
water hose, tape measure, level, alignment tool, 3/8" ratchet with 9/16" socket,
and 9/16" combination wrench.
Maintenance
•
Inadequate maintenance of equipment has resulted in injuries on the
playground. Because the safety of playground equipment and its stability depends
on good inspection and maintenance,
a comprehensive maintenance program
must be developed for each playground and strictly followed
. All equipment
must be inspected frequently for any potential hazards. Special attention must to
be given to moving parts and other components that can be expected to wear.
Inspections must to be carried out in a systematic manner by trained personnel.
Any damaged or worn parts, or any other hazards identified during inspections
must be repaired or replaced immediately. Complete documentation of all
maintenance inspections and repairs must be retained.
Supervision Guidelines
•
Playworld Systems strongly recommends close supervision of the children as
they play as well as intensive classroom and home instruction about safe behavior
on playground equipment.
•
Playground supervisors should be aware that not all playground equipment is
appropriate for all children who may use the playground. Signs should be posted
near the equipment indicating the recommended age of the users. Supervisors
should direct children to equipment appropriate for their age.
•
It is important that playground supervisors recognize that preschool-age
children require more attentive supervision on playgrounds than older children.
•
Do not permit the use of wet playground equipment. Wet equipment will inhibit
necessary traction and gripping capabilities. Slips or falls could occur.
•
Do not permit too many children on the same piece of equipment at the same
time. It is suggested that children take turns.
•
Constantly observe play patterns to discover possible hazardous play and
suggest changes in equipment use or play patterns.
Guidelines
