A Checklist For a Safe Playground

 

Playgrounds are wonderful places for kids to expand their imaginations and improve coordination. But playgrounds are also a common place for children to get hurt. Each year, more than 200,000 kids go to hospital emergency departments in the United States with injuries associated with playground equipment. Fortunately, most of these injuries can be prevented with a simple checklist.

A safe playground is one that has a suitable surface beneath and around all equipment, such as wood chips, engineered wood fiber, mulch, sand, synthetic turf, or mats made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like materials. The surfacing should be at least 12 inches deep, and it should extend 6 feet in all directions from the equipment. For swings, the surfacing should be at least twice as high as the height of the suspending bar.

In addition to a good surface, a safe playground should have age-appropriate areas. A playground that offers equipment for toddlers should not have any equipment higher than two or three feet, while a playground for older children should have equipment at least eight feet high. If the playground has multiple sections, it should have signage that helps parents and caregivers find the correct equipment for their kids.

Another consideration is inclusive playground equipment, which allows kids of all ages and abilities to play together. 안전놀이터 This kind of equipment is designed to make it easy for adults to keep an eye on all the kids playing and prevent them from accidentally getting into dangerous situations. It is important to note, though, that even with age-appropriate and inclusive equipment, adult supervision is key for preventing playground injuries.

It’s also important to check for hazards in and around the playground, such as garbage, glass, tree stumps, roots, rusty metal, and poisonous plants. Kids can trip over these things, and they can also be spooked by a dog or other animal that may wander into the area. Lastly, it’s important to make sure the playground has adequate shade, as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause dehydration, which can make children less alert and more clumsy.

Finally, if you have any questions about a specific piece of equipment on the playground, it’s always best to ask an employee or volunteer. They will be able to tell you if the equipment is up to code and safe to use, and they will also be able to provide you with further safety information about that particular piece of equipment. Ultimately, it’s up to parents to supervise their kids closely while they’re on the playground and to steer them away from risky activities such as climbing on equipment that is too tall for them or going down slides without an adult. They should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of a concussion, which can occur while playing sports or on playground equipment. If you suspect that your child has a concussion, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment right away can help them recover faster and return to their normal routine sooner.