PLAYGROUNDS

The majority of injuries associated with playground equipment involve falls. The harder the surface to which the victim falls, the greater the severity of the injury.

It is critical that 9-12 inches of uncompressed, loose fill material should be under all equipment, and extend several feet beyond the playground equipment. Alternately, poured in place and cured rubber or rubber like form mats may be used.  Regular dirt, grass, concrete or other hard packed surfaces may not be used.

The following additional exposures should be evaluated and eliminated if possible.

§         Swings, make sure the playground surface extends beyond where a child might jump off the swing

§         Merry-go-rounds, see-saws and spring type playground toys should be removed and replaced with non-moving type equipment

§         Regular inspections for protruding hardware, sharp edges, or rust that may cause injuries

§         Inspection for head entrapment exposures. Check for any opening greater than 3.5 inches and less than 9 inches.

Complete guidelines may be obtained from American Society of Testing and Materials   www.astm.org