AAA State of Play remains dedicated to playground safety, focusing on maintenance education and helpful information. Check out these articles to learn more about topics from UV safety to First-Aid. This collection of resources can guide planners and parents through the safety standards and maintenance expectations on the playground. Planners can continue their projects feeling more informed and parents can feel empowered to protect their little ones
Importance of Maintenance
It’s a common misconception that once a playground is built, the project is complete. It’s important to remember that maintaining and servicing playgrounds is necessary to ensure the longevity of the equipment. Over 200,000 children visit emergency rooms each year due to playground injuries, 40 percent of which were related to improper equipment maintenance. Much like cars, playgrounds require consistent check-ups; however, if properly cared for, can last decades. Thorough maintenance plans and schedules are necessary to reduce liability by protecting children and investments.
There are several variables to consider when creating a maintenance plan. For instance, the materials of the equipment must be assessed. Plastic, wood, and steel all require examinations under different standards. Inspections also differ based on the size of the element. Large play structures with several nuts, bolts, and connectors will require frequent checks, while a small spring rider with fewer parts will require significantly less. Age and frequency of use should also be considered. Older equipment will naturally need more maintenance, and play areas in highly populated areas with heavy foot traffic will need more frequent attention.
Safety Standards
Organizations like the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) set the standards for safety for playground equipment in the U.S. Aside from maintenance, one of the most important ways to ensure safety on the playground is to invest in proper surfacing. This can include loose-fill surfacing, like rubber mulch or engineered wood fiber, or unitary surfacing like poured-in-place rubber. AAA State of Play offers competitive pricing on a variety of safety surfacing. Additionally, paying close attention to signs and using age appropriate equipment is a way to reduce playtime injuries and keep little ones safe.
Safety is a responsibility of not only playground owners and operators, but parents and guardians as well. Parents can benefit greatly from reading and educating themselves on playground safety. Supervision is an important method to prevent injuries. Guardians can keep an eye out for trip hazards like untied shoes or fallen branches. They can also regulate roughhousing, pushing and other dangerous activities. Additionally, parents can make sure children are using equipment appropriate for their age. These are just a few ways to reduce falls and other playground injuries.
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