Children Toys - How to Make a Playground Safe

Parents should encourage children who are fond of computer games and other electronic kids toys to set some time to play outdoors. They can start by providing them with a home playground or bringing them to a public one. Parents, however, must be vigilant of the dangers that lurk in playgrounds.

It is estimated that more than 200,000 children each year get injured due to playground equipment with most of the fatalities caused by strangulation or falls. Here are some factors to consider when setting up a playground in your own backyard or when bringing your children to a public one:

1. Surface under and around the playground equipment

The playground equipment should have 12 inches of surfacing underneath it to lessen the impact of a child’s fall. Materials recommended for use as surfacing are wood chips, mulch, sand, pea gravel, or mats made of safety-tested rubber.

Protective surfacing materials should also extend at least 6 feet in all directions from the play equipment. For swings, protective surfacing should extend twice the height of the suspending bar front and back.

2. Edges of the equipment

Playground equipment should be checked for sharp points or edges that can cause injury when a child bumps into them.

3. Spacing between equipment

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that play structures more than 30 inches high are spaced at least 9 feet apart so in cases of falls, the child will not get hit by the structures nearby.

4. Equipment hardware

The play structures must be checked for open “S” hooks or protruding bolt ends that can cause injury or can trap clothing. Seesaws and merry-go-rounds should be checked for points that can pinch or crush a child’s finger or hand.

5. Potential traps

It is recommended that openings in guardrails or spaces between ladder rungs should be less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches so children will not get trapped in them.

6. Tripping hazards

Exposed concrete footings, tree stumps, and rocks are tripping hazards and therefore need to be removed before children will use the playground equipment. The surfaces should also be checked for wet areas that can cause children to trip and fall. Kid toys left on the ground are also tripping hazards.

7. Elevated surfaces

Platforms and ramps should have guardrails to prevent falls.

8. Playground maintenance

Regular checks should be done to make sure that the playground equipment and the protective surfacing are in good condition.

9. Supervision

Adult supervision remains the key in child safety. Adults should make sure that children play with equipment designed for their size and maturity level to prevent accidents. They should supervise the kids so they will not engage in unsafe activities around playground structures that can harm them or the other children. Carrying outdoor toys while playing should also be discouraged so they can hold on to the playground equipment properly.

Parents should encourage children with less physical activity to play outdoors. Not only will they get exercise and fresh air, they can also meet new friends. But before the playing starts, adults must make sure the playground is safe for use.