Play it Safe -- Playground Safety
By National Safety Council
Spring and summer are outside play time. Youngsters head off to playgrounds in local parks or
their own backyards. Unfortunately, each year approximately 280,000 children will be treated in
hospital emergency rooms for injuries involving playground equipment and surfacing. Sixty-two
percent of these injuries occur when children fall from playground equipment, often onto hard
and unforgiving surfaces. Other causes include: collisions with equipment or other children,
contact with protrusions, pinch points and sharp edges and strangulation.
In order to make playgrounds safer, the National Safety Council offers a few simple guidelines
for backyard, school, park or other types of playgrounds.
Make sure the surfacing can cushion falls.
- Ground surfacing should lessen the likelihood of injuries from falls. Loose-fill materials
such as sand, bark/wood chips and pea gravel are sufficient. Synthetic surfacing systems
such as multi-layered and interlock rubber matting also are good. All surfaces have pros
and cons. However, grass, dirt and asphalt are not acceptable because they do not afford
enough cushioning in the event of falls.
- In general, a ground covering of sand or wood chips should be about 12 inches deep
under each piece of equipment where falls are likely, such as a climbing apparatus, swing
or slide. The cushioning material should extend six feet out from all sides of the
equipment to accommodate a fall. A general rule of thumb is: taller equipment requires
more cushioning.
- Loose materials need to be replenished because wear, weather and other factors reduce
their effectiveness. Sand and other similar materials should be raked on a regular basis.
Make sure there is enough space to accommodate all equipment safely.
- There should be enough room around and between each piece of equipment for foot
traffic.
- Lots of room allows children to fall clear of equipment and other children.
Routine maintenance checks are a good idea.
- Since all the equipment is exposed to outside elements, rust and erosion can cause
problems.
- Check all nuts, bolts and clamps to be sure they are tight and capped.
- Tighten these pieces if they are loose and replace the ones that have rusted.
- Also, check swing chains for rust.
- All rusted areas on the metal tubing should be sanded and repainted.
Poor design can be a problem.
- Check for pinch or crush points, sharp edges or rough surfaces. Especially guard against
open "S" hooks and accessible moving parts. These can pinch, crush or cut off fingers.
- Openings such as hanging rings, stair rungs, or spaces between railings, should be less
than five inches or more than ten inches in diameter otherwise they can trap a child's
head.
Although school administrators and park/recreation officials should make sure all play areas are
well-maintained, parents need to become involved and be aware of possible playground hazards.
If parents see a playground with unsafe equipment or grounds, they should write a letter to the
appropriate individual in charge of the park. This identifies the problem so that action can be
taken to make the playground an enjoyable place for both adults and children.
No play area or piece of equipment can be completely injury-proof. But, proper equipment
choice, placement and upkeep can help prevent injuries. Whether it is at a public or backyard
playground, one of the best ways parents can help to prevent injuries is through supervision.
Have Fun Safely At An Amusement Park
With thrilling rides, journeys through enchanting lands and wondrous delights for all the senses,
amusement parks provide something for everyone. The National Safety Council offers these
safety tips to ensure a fun day for family and friends.
Before leaving:
- Dress Properly
- Select comfortable walking shoes that provide good traction. Open-toed shoes are not
advisable.
- Wear comfortable, light-colored, casual clothing for maximum coolness.
- Consider protection from the sun by wearing sunglasses and head protection.
Child Safety Considerations
- Carry current photos and descriptions of children.
- Make sure children know the full names of their parents.
- If supervising a group, be aware of potential medical problems. Know all names,
addresses and phone numbers. Always provide for adequate supervision.
- Select a common meeting place ahead of time in case of separation and agree on a
definite schedule.
Upon arrival at the park
- Be an alert pedestrian; control children. Most parks have a "lost parents" facility. Check
the location upon arrival.
- Read distributed park informational literature and become acquainted with guest services
such as strollers, first aid facilities, restrooms, picnic areas and accommodations for the
handicapped. Pay special attention to any specialized medical warnings.
- Instruct your children to go to the nearest park employee if they become separated from
the group.
While at the park
- Walk, don't run. Be careful in areas that may become wet.
- Watch for tripping hazards such as litter and uneven walking surfaces. Help by properly
disposing of any trash you may accumulate.
- Use handrails on stairs and steps.
- Consider your personal ride limitations. How are you affected by height, speed,
movement?
- Look for and obey warning signs - age/height restrictions, medical warnings, etc.
- Listen carefully to verbal warnings and instructions from ride operators. Cooperate! Also
observe all signs.
- Note the locations of ride exits and emergency routes -- let children know where you will
meet them.
- Secure loose garments, hats, glasses and other possessions while riding.
- Allow time to rest. Take breaks for refreshments and for protection from the sun.
- Take note of clothing family members are wearing in case you are seperated in the crowds at the park.
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