The Ultimate Playground Safety Checklist: Keeping Kids Safe - post

Each year, thousands of children experience injuries on #playgrounds, many of which could be avoided with proper #safety protocols in place. ChildCareEd presents a comprehensive #playground-safety checklist designed to equip caregivers, #educators, and community members with the necessary tools to create #safer play environments. By prioritizing safety, we can ensure that children enjoy their playtime to the fullest, fostering their #growth-and creativity while minimizing risks associated with play.

Playground Safety Checklist

• Inspect Equipment Condition

  • Examine playground equipment for visible damage or wear, including swings, slides, and climbing structures.
  • Ensure that all bolts, screws, and fasteners are secure and not protruding, which could pose a risk of injury.
  • Look for signs of rust or corrosion on metal parts and check wooden structures for splintering or cracking.

• Evaluate Surface Safety

  • Confirm that the ground surface is made of appropriate materials, such as rubber mats, wood chips, or sand, which can effectively cushion falls.
  • Check for any holes, uneven surfaces, or debris that could create tripping hazards.
  • Ensure that the fall zone around equipment is adequately covered with safety surfacing to minimize injury risk.

• Verify Compliance with Safety Standards

  • Ensure that the playground adheres to local and national safety standards, such as those established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
  • Look for safety labels or certifications on equipment that indicate compliance with these standards.

• Monitor Age Appropriateness

  • Ensure that children are using equipment designed for their specific age group, as equipment meant for older children can pose risks to younger ones.
  • Provide clear signage indicating age recommendations for different play structures to guide caregivers and children.

• Check for Safe Usage Practices

  • Educate children on the proper use of equipment, such as sliding down feet first and avoiding climbing on the outside of structures.
  • Encourage taking turns and waiting for their turn to use equipment to prevent collisions and promote fair play.

• Supervise Play

  • Always have an adult present to supervise children while they play, ensuring they follow safety rules and use equipment correctly.
  • Be vigilant for any unsafe-behavior or potential hazards that may arise during playtime.

• Maintain Cleanliness

  • Regularly clean the playground area to remove litter, broken glass, or other debris that could cause injuries.
  • Ensure that the equipment is free from substances that could make surfaces slippery, such as mud or water.

Playground Safety Guidelines

Here are key #playground-safety guidelines to keep in mind:

• Adult Supervision: Always ensure that children are supervised by an adult while playing. This oversight is essential for preventing accidents and addressing any potential hazards immediately.

• Age-Appropriate Equipment: Verify that children use equipment suitable for their age and physical abilities. Younger children should play in designated areas separate from older children to minimize the risk of injury.

• Equipment Inspection: Regularly inspect playground equipment for signs of wear and tear, such as rust, loose bolts, or sharp edges. Report any hazards to the responsible authorities for prompt repair.

• Proper Spacing: Ensure that playground equipment is adequately spaced to prevent collisions. For instance, structures taller than 30 inches should be at least 9 feet apart, and swings should have a clear area at least twice their height in front and behind.

• Shock-Absorbing Surfaces: The ground beneath playground equipment should be covered with shock-absorbing materials like mulch, sand, or rubber to cushion falls. This surface should be at least 12 inches deep to effectively reduce injury risk.

• Teach Safety Rules: Educate children on playground safety rules, such as taking turns, avoiding rough play, and using equipment as intended. Encourage them to be aware of their surroundings and look out for others.

• Avoid Wet Equipment: Wet surfaces can be slippery and dangerous. If the playground has been recently rained on, ensure that children only play on dry equipment.

• Appropriate Clothing: Dress children in safe clothing that won’t catch on equipment. Avoid items with drawstrings, and encourage them to remove jewelry before playing.

• Play Away from Equipment: Encourage children to engage in games away from playground structures to prevent accidents. Designate specific areas for games like tag or hide and seek that are not near equipment.

• Regular Safety Checks: Conduct routine inspections of the playground to ensure that it remains safe for use. This includes checking the condition of the equipment and the safety surfacing.

Injury Prevention

Key Strategies for Injury Prevention

• Supervision is Crucial:

  • Always have an adult present to supervise children while they play. This ensures that potential hazards can be identified and addressed promptly.
  • Adults should maintain a clear line of sight to all #play-areas, including hidden spots like tunnels or climbing structures.

• Choose Age-Appropriate Playground Equipment:

  • Ensure that the playground equipment is suitable for the age group of the children using it. Different age groups require different types of equipment to minimize risk:
    • Toddlers (6 months - 2 years): Equipment should be low to the ground and designed for safe exploration.
    • Preschoolers (2-5 years): Equipment should encourage imaginative play while ensuring safety.
    • School-age children (5-12 years): Equipment can be more challenging but should still adhere to safety standards.

• Inspect Playground Surfaces:

  • The surface material under and around playground equipment is critical for injury prevention. Opt for surfaces that cushion falls, such as:
    • Wood chips or mulch
    • Pea gravel
    • Sand
    • Rubber mats or tiles
  • Avoid hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete, which can exacerbate injuries from falls.

• Regular Equipment Maintenance:

  • Conduct routine checks to ensure that playground equipment is in good working order. Look for:
    • Loose or broken parts
    • Sharp edges or protruding bolts
    • Proper anchoring of equipment to the ground
  • Report any hazards to the appropriate authorities for prompt repair.

• Educate Children on Safe Play Practices:

  • Teach children to use equipment as intended and discourage unsafe-behaviors such as pushing or crowding.
  • Encourage them to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid areas with potential hazards.

• Remove Potential Strangulation Hazards:

  • Ensure that children are not wearing jewelry, drawstrings, or loose clothing that could get caught on equipment.
  • Regularly check for any items left on the playground that could pose a risk.

• Temperature Checks:

  • Before allowing children to play, check the temperature of metal equipment and surfaces to prevent burns. If surfaces are too hot to touch, it’s best to wait until they cool down.

References

• https://wtop.com/parenting/2022/04/checklist-for-keeping-kids-safe-on-playgrounds/
• https://sof-fall.com/playground-safety-checklist/
• https://www.strong4life.com/en/staying-safe/ #outdoor-safety/play-by-these-playground-safety-rules
• https://www.sfusd.edu/shared-schoolyard-program/shoolyard-rules-and-regulations/guide-playground-safety-kids
• https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/playground/
• https://playgroundsafety.uni.edu/
• https://www.aaastateofplay.com/what-is-a-playground-checklist/?srsltid=AfmBOoqtBa7oCaGq_jdgQEmmVtCNvpFWx_AOIvMDUoAW2bFYGvNMi9WA
• https://www.safesplash.com/blog/6-simple-rules-for-playground-safety-for-kids-of-all-ages
• https://www.playlsi.com/en/playground-planning-tools/resources/school-playgrounds/safety/
• https://www.strong4life.com/en/staying-safe/outdoor-safety/play-by-these-playground-safety-rules
• https://www.aaastateofplay.com/a-playground-safety-guide/?srsltid=AfmBOorjN_7Ye_dfryj9C4pkVunZcmM8r7gS_lsuLQeLdIlfNkxoVHQs
• https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/growing-healthy/ #playscape-injuries