Home Play Area Safety and Maintenance Tips
- Install and maintain a shock-absorbing surface under and at least six feet around your play equipment. Over 70% of all play area injuries are caused by falls to the surface. Check with your Outdoor Fun Store representative about free safety surfacing quote for your play area.
- Never attach -- or allow children to attach -- ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines or pet leashes to play equipment. Children can strangle on these. If ropes are part of the Play Set design, they should be secured at both ends.
- Check play equipment and surfacing regularly to ensure both are in good condition. Check for potential hazards like open "S" hooks, protruding bolt ends, sharp points or edges, worn swing seats or chains, frayed climbing ropes, etc. Repair or replace items at the first sign of deterioration.
- Check all nuts and bolts for tightness at the beginning of each season and twice monthly during the usage season. Replace when necessary.
- Check to ensure slides are fastened securely to the fort deck.
- Apply a quality stain or sealant every 2-3 years, or as needed, to keep your play set looking its best.
- Look 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.
- Ensure platforms, bridges and ramps have guardrails to prevent falls.
- Remove tripping hazards, like exposed footings, tree stumps, branches and rocks.
- Keep children from walking close to, in front of, behind or between moving items.
- Don’t let children twist chains or ropes, since this may reduce the strength of the items.
- Teach children to use equipment in the intended manner, including sitting in the center of swings with their full weight on the seats. Help them understand that it is dangerous to get off equipment while it is in motion.
- Ensure children are dressed appropriately. Wear well-fitting shoes, and avoid wearing ponchos, scarves and loose-fitting clothing which can be potentially hazardous.
- Keep children from climbing on equipment when the equipment is wet.
- Supervise children carefully on play equipment at all times to ensure they remain safe.
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