10 POTENTIAL PITFALLS IN YOUR PLAYGROUND
“Approximately 200,000 kids will be injured and 15 children will die from avoidable playground related accidents every year”
– according to The National Recreation and Park Association.
“Approximately 200,000 kids will be injured and 15 children will die from avoidable playground related accidents every year”
– according to The National Recreation and Park Association.
The leading cause of playground related injuries is improper safety surfacing. Ground surface area around playground equipment should be covered in an impact attenuation (cushioning) material rated for the height of the play equipment to prevent life threatening injuries. Though these materials wont stop non lethal injuries such as broken arms, properly installed safety surfacing will greatly reduce the risk of lethal falls.
The area directly surrounding play equipment that children are most likely to fall into is considered the “use zone” by ASTM and playground best practices standards. This area should be covered in approved safety surfacing and be free of obstacles, debre, and other equipment to prevent the possibility of a child falling off of one structure and striking another. Some use zones may overlap for better playground flow but an over crowded play areas can create congestion and dangerous play conditions.
Obviously the better the supervision of a playground, the safer it is. As kids challenge their abilities, they may not be able to recognize new hazards. The play area should be designed to maximize sight lines for caregivers, parents, and attendees.
Components or hardware that could impale, slice or crush a child if fell against or under are hazards. Often these same, or similar, threats could hook hood strings or cloths leading to entanglement or strangulation. Though these dangers should be taken care of throughout a system, special care should be taken around slides and moving components as they pose the most risk.
Generally, there should be no openings on playground equipment that measures between 3.5 and 9 inches to protect against head and appendage entrapment. Kids generally enter openings feet first without considering if their head will also fit. Limiting gaps limits entrapment.
Trip hazards are often caused by poor maintenance and upkeep.
Not all equipment is made for every age of adventurer. A well designed playground will have obstacles installed all age groups with a gradual increase in difficulty. It is the responsibility of the park owner to cater to the children expected to use the equipment and install appropriate equipment. However, it is also the responsibility of the child and parent to make sure children are limited to appropriately challenging play. For more information on age appropriate play click here.
In order for a playground to remain “safe”, proper playground maintenance should be done regularly.
All elevated platforms should have guardrails to prevent falls.
Some equipment has been deemed too dangerous for public areas by the CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission). These structures are related to severe injuries or even death on multiple occasions.
Adventure Playground Systems has been a leading manufacturer in the commercial playground industry for more than 20 years. Serving Texas and beyond — our commercial-grade playgrounds are known for their quality, durability and innovation. We offer a wide range of playground designs— including custom solutions — so we’re sure to have the perfect pieces for your playground, park, school or recreation space.
If you’re ready to start planning your next park project, contact Adventure Playground Systems by calling us at 1.888.935.2112 or filling out our online contact form. Our friendly team of Adventure Play Experts are happy to offer their expert advice and suggestions to find the commercial play equipment that is right for you. We can guide you through the purchase every step of the way, so you get the park or playground area you’ve always dreamed of.
Our team of Adventure Play Experts have created a collection of helpful playground planning tools to guide you every step of the way. Here you can find informative resources on playground safety that will teach you about industry safety standards, inspection checklists and more!
How does your playground stack up on the Perils of Play Report? Use the Park Perils Checklist to put your play area to the test.