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| Safety Tips |
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Safety Checklist: The Consumer Product Safety Commission publishes this simple checklist to help make sure your home playground is a safe place to play.
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- Install and maintain a shock-absorbing surface around the swing set or play equipment. Use at least 9 inches of wood chips, mulch or shredded rubber for play equipment up to 7 feet high. If sand or pea gravel is used, install at least a 9-inch layer for play equipment up to 5 feet high. Or, use surfacing mats made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like materials.
- Install protective surfacing at least 6 feet in all directions from play equipment. For swings, be sure surfacing extends, in the back and the front, to twice the height of the suspending bar.
- Never attach (or allow children to attach) ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines or pet leashes to play equipment. Children can strangle on these.
- Check for hardware, like protruding bolt ends, which can be hazardous.
- Check for spaces that could trap children, such as openings in guardrails or between ladder rungs; these spaces should measure less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches.
- Make sure platforms and ramps have guardrails to prevent falls.
- Check for sharp points or edges in equipment.
- Remove tripping hazards, like exposed concrete footings, tree stumps and rock.
- Regularly check play equipment and surfacing to make sure both are in good condition.
- Carefully supervise children on play equipment to make sure they are safe.
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For a complete listing of CPSC playground safety publications, Click Here.
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Other Common Sense Precautions:
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- Children of any age should not use any swing set without adult supervision.
- Children should be instructed to avoid walking close to, in front of, behind, or between moving items.
- Children should be instructed to sit properly in the center of the swing seat.
- Children should be instructed not to use any swing set in a manner other than intended.
- Children should be instructed not to get on or off equipment (i.e., swings, etc.) while the equipment is in motion.
- Children should be instructed not to play on a swing set when it is wet or slippery.
- Avoid the use of ponchos, scarves and other loose clothing that may be hazardous while using the playcenter.
- Do not climb ladders when wet.
- Never climb on top of monkey bars or the swing beam.
- Children should be instructed not to twist swing ropes/chains, or loop swings over swing beam, as this may reduce their strength.
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