No parent, guardian, caretaker, teacher, or neighbor wants to see a child hurt. While it’s impossible to prevent children from ever injuring themselves, there are proactive measures to take when it comes to building play structures.
Modern standards for playground equipment emphasize safety and inclusivity. For safety, playgrounds must meet certain standards as outlined by local and federal legislation. These guidelines are designed to prevent injuries from falls, collisions, and entrapments. For inclusivity, modern playgrounds are designed to fulfill the needs of all children, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. Inclusive playgrounds incorporate sensory and interactive play zones, adaptive equipment, and quieter areas for more sensitive children to take a pause.
This article outlines the modern play equipment standards and provides an overview of general playground safety measurements.
Modern Play Equipment Standards
New playgrounds must meet different regulations and standards set by local and state legislation. Most states require playgrounds to meet the federal guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This is a primary source for public safety, and their handbook is often used as a basis for many local and state requirements. The handbook details safety and performance specifications regarding the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of public playgrounds.
Additionally, there are also the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. These details provide additional safety and performance specifications for public use play equipment as well as home playgrounds. The purpose of these standards is to reduce the risk of life-threatening injuries.
During the initial planning phase, it’s important to do some research to understand the different laws and regulations put in place by your local and state legislation. Rules may vary from state to state, even city to city. With this in mind, be sure to know what’s required within your area before construction.
General Engineering and Design Feature Guidelines
While your city may have specific requirements, there are general guidelines that everyone should follow when it comes to installing commercial playground equipment. The following rules are meant to keep kids as safe as possible during play.
Surfacing and Fall Protection
Trips, stumbles, and falls are likely to happen while children play. However, an accidental stumble is typically not a cause for alarm, while a major fall can lead to serious injuries. Having shock-absorbing surfaces is one way to brace against falls.
Poured-in-place rubber is an excellent safety choice because it eliminates tripping hazards and is accessible for those in wheelchairs. It has lower maintenance than something like engineered wood fiber, which is more cost-effective but requires regular leveling and topping off. Other good options to consider are rubber tile and synthetic turf, both of which are fairly easy to clean and have decent lifespans. Weigh the pros and cons of each material before deciding which one is best for your design.
It’s suggested, or sometimes required, that surfaces cover a minimum of 6 feet in all directions from equipment. This “use zone” or “fall zone” gives enough buffer space for falls to happen, without a child hitting their head on a harder surface. Specific equipment may require additional space. For instance, swings and slides often need additional coverage, depending on their size. Again, it’s best to check local regulations to know what is needed before installation.
To ensure the playground is inclusive, appropriate ramps should also be incorporated within the design. These ramps allow those in wheelchairs or other mobility devices access to different areas. These ramps should be free of any tripping hazards as well.
Risk Reduction
While there’s no way to prevent accidents altogether, there are ways to lessen the risk of them occurring. One way to do so is to install guardrails and barriers on elevated surfaces. Kids love to test their limits, climbing to the tippy top of the playground structure. To keep them contained, installing height-appropriate guardrails is a must. Gripping devices can also be added as additional preventative measures.
It’s also important to consider entrapment gap sizes. You don’t want a child’s head to get stuck within an area. Because of this, it’s important to know the specific required measurements for your zoned area. Typically, the range outlined in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Handbook is from 3.5 inches to larger than 9 inches. Note, these ranges may vary based on who the playground is going to serve. For instance, the distance will be different for a daycare facility playground as opposed to an elementary school playground.
Structure and Construction
In terms of installation and construction, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. First, equipment should be stable, durable, and anchored properly. Equipment should never sway or tilt. The frame system should be properly installed and secured to the ground.
Second, hardware should be securely bolted, meaning it’s tamper-resistant. It should also be rust-resistant to prevent children from scratching themselves. Any loose hardware should be addressed immediately. Any sharp edges in the playground should also be fixed to avoid injury.
The playground should be checked regularly for needed maintenance. Any debris and loose parts should be looked for daily, while signs of wear and tear can be examined every week. Every month, someone should look at the connections between different playground parts and ensure that all mobile equipment moves freely. On an annual basis, the playground should go through a comprehensive audit to ensure the safety standards are still being met.
