5 Tips For A Safe Playground

Kids are naturally active and energetic, which means that they fall occasionally. The type of surface under and around playground equipment makes a difference in the severity of any injury incurred from falling. Look for a cushioning surface such as wood chips, mulch or safety-tested rubber under all equipment. Also check that openings in guardrails and between ladder rungs are less than 3.5 inches or 9 inches to prevent entrapment.

Impact-Absorbing Surfaces

Playground surfacing is one of the most important components of a 안전놀이터. The right surface can help prevent injuries like cuts, bruises and, in severe cases, broken bones. Different surfacing options have varying shock absorbency abilities, with rubber and wood mulch having the highest ability to protect children who fall. Loose-fill surfacing options include engineered wood fiber, rubber mulch, playground sand and pea gravel. These materials have lower upfront costs and are easy to install, but they require regular maintenance to remain safe and compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

Unitary surfacing options such as poured-in-place or bond-in-place rubber and interlocking resilient tiles offer lower upfront costs but can last longer with consistent upkeep. These surfaces also provide more customization and can fit any aesthetic without sacrificing safety.

Climbing Platforms

Climbing structures are a fun way to build strength, coordination and balance. They also help children improve their depth perception and problem-solving skills. Kids of all ages enjoy climbing. However, it can be dangerous if they don’t follow safety guidelines. For instance, they should wear proper clothing and tie long hair back to avoid getting caught on equipment or becoming a tripping hazard. They should also keep away from spaces that could trap their head or neck, such as gaps between steps on a climbing structure.

Make sure climbing structures are properly anchored to prevent them from tipping over or collapsing. Lastly, they should never be overcrowded with too many kids playing on them simultaneously. This can cause children to lose their footing and fall from heights.

Supervision

A quality playground offers kids the opportunity to expand their imaginations and develop socially, physically and emotionally. But it's important that adults are present to monitor children and ensure they play safely. Empirical research supports the conclusion that playground supervision prevents injuries in several ways. Supervision can change children's attribution of risk, teach them playground rules, interrupt dangerous behavior and intercede when needed.

Make sure your playground has no obvious visual obstructions that hinder the ability to supervise. If there are, reposition equipment so the entire area can be viewed from one spot. It's also helpful to provide a cheat sheet for supervisors that includes injury and emergency protocols. This way, they can reference it quickly in case of an accident. Also consider creating a walkie-talkie system so staff can call for help without leaving the playground.

Age-Appropriate Equipment

When many people think of playgrounds, they picture elementary school kids conquering the monkey bars or zipping down a slide. While we all want to see elementary kids enjoy playground equipment, the key is ensuring that they do so safely. Kids should be directed away from equipment that is too large or advanced for their age, which can cause injuries and discourage them from playing altogether.

Most playground equipment is categorized by age groups to make sure children are using equipment that is appropriate for their physical and cognitive abilities. This is important because equipment that is safe for a 10-year-old may be too dangerous for a 3-year-old, and the reverse is also true. For example, a maypole requires balance and cooperation, which is a good fit for the 2-5 age group.

Cleanliness

As parents know, cleanliness has always been a worthy goal for playgrounds. While routine cleaning and disinfecting help keep the equipment safe, it’s not enough. The CDC notes that playgrounds are often referred to as “Petri dishes” because they harbor so many different types of bacteria. Surfaces like monkey bars, slides, and rock walls can harbor 9 million germs per square inch.

The good news is that a few simple steps can make playgrounds cleaner and safer. First, workers should wash and rinse all surfaces with soapy water. Then, they should use a sanitizing solution approved for playgrounds and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Using sanitizers that are EPA-approved reduces the microorganism count and helps to eliminate germs that cause illness. Rinsing is a crucial step in the cleaning process, too, as it removes loose debris and dirt from the surfaces.

The Bottom Lines

Playgrounds are fun for kids, provide health and social benefits and can even help kids develop critical motor skills. However, playgrounds can also present hazards for children. Look for equipment and surfacing that have been safety tested. Avoid structures with hard surfaces such as asphalt, blacktop or concrete. The ground should have a soft surface material such as wood chips, mulch, sand or pea gravel.