Outdoor playgrounds give kids the freedom to be kids! While they run, jump and climb, they learn social skills and develop healthy bodies. An accident or injury can put a stop to the fun. That’s why safety must be a top priority when designing a playground. Every detail matters, from the surface type to age-appropriate structures.
This guide explores the ins and outs of playground equipment safety. Let’s slide into how to design a safe space filled with adventure!
Did you know that over 200,000 kids end up in emergency rooms in the U.S. every year because of playground injuries? This shocking figure highlights the importance of strict safety standards for equipment. These guidelines reduce injury risk and protect children’s well-being.
Playground Equipment Safety Authorities
In the U.S., regulatory bodies enforce safety standards for playground equipment. These include:
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): The CPSC makes consumer products safer through standards, research and education. Their Public Playground Safety Handbook establishes voluntary guidelines for public playground equipment.
ASTM International: ASTM — formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials — develops technical manufacturing standards for various materials. Certain ASTM standards apply to playgrounds, like surfacing types and equipment safety performance.
Here is a breakdown of playground safety guidelines:
Design and layout: Age-appropriate equipment must match children’s physical and cognitive abilities. A well-planned layout prevents overcrowding and reduces accident risk.
Materials and durability: Equipment materials must be nontoxic and able to withstand weather conditions. Checking for sharp edges, entrapment hazards and toxic chemicals is essential.
Impact attenuation: The surfacing under playground equipment must handle fall impact.
Accessibility: Playgrounds should follow ADA accessibility rules. Guidelines include surfacing for mobility devices, ramps and inclusive equipment.
Maintenance: Guidelines recommend routine checks for wear, loose components and potential hazards.
Compliance: Following standards is essential for meeting legal obligations while ensuring safety and quality. Compliance protects playground operators from liability, penalties and potential closures.
Playground Safety Certification
Playground certification evaluates and approves playground equipment based on established safety standards. This proves that the playground meets safety, accessibility and quality criteria.
The benefits of certified playgrounds include:
Enhanced safety: Certified playgrounds stick to strict safety standards. Regular inspections and compliance with safety guidelines ensure that equipment is safe for use.
Quality assurance: Certification often involves thorough material and equipment testing. This guarantees using durable, nontoxic materials that can withstand wear and tear.
Inclusivity: Accessibility guidelines ensure that children of all abilities can enjoy the space.
Reduced liability: Certified playgrounds lessen liability risks for operators. Following safety standards can help protect them from legal issues arising from accidents.
Cost savings: Accidents can result in costly lawsuits or insurance claims. Lower maintenance costs and fewer injuries save money over time.
How to Certify Your Playground
Ways to certify your playground include:
International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA): IPEMA has a third-party certification program that validates compliance with ASTM standards. Look for IPEMA-certified equipment and surfaces.
Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSIs): A CPSI learns how to identify playground hazards and manage risks. CPSIs perform safety inspections and help establish a safety plan. Employees can also take an exam to become CPSIs.
Playground Surface Materials
Playground surfacing is the material that sits under equipment. It provides a cushion for kids if they fall to reduce injuries and is also easy on their feet as they play.
Best Playground Ground Material Options
The CPSC and ASTM have guidelines for the safest surface materials to handle the impact of falls. These are some of the top choices for ground materials:
Turf: If you want the look of real grass without the upkeep, turf adds a natural, vibrant touch. This soft surfacing is gentle on little feet and gives kids a soft place to land. Plus, unlike real grass, it’s allergy-free! Turf is more expensive than some other materials.
Loose-fill: This surfacing consists of natural wood fiber, mulch or rubber chips. These materials are nontoxic, eco-friendly, nonflammable and easy to install. While loose-fill is a cost-effective option, it may need more maintenance. The loose chips can also be problematic for mobility devices.
Pour-in-place: Rubber is a durable, low-maintenance material that absorbs shock well. Pour-in-place costs more upfront but is anti-slip and flame-resistant, making it a great choice. It also meets ADA regulations for wheelchairs.
Bonded rubber: These nonslip, shock-absorbing rubber tiles fit together to form a seam-free surface. Bonded rubber meets ADA standards but is less durable than pour-in-place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Playground Design Guidelines
A safe playground starts with age-appropriate equipment tailored to children’s developmental needs. For toddlers, choose lower structures with soft surfaces. Older kids can enjoy more challenging climbing frames.
Design the layout for supervision and visibility so caregivers can watch children as they play. Soft surfacing under equipment and space between structures lowers injury risk.
What Components Contribute to Safe Playgrounds?
Features that increase playground safety include:
Correct installation: Install playground equipment according to manufacturer guidelines. For enhanced safety, consider working with professionals experienced in playground installations.
Guardrails: Elevated structures with guardrails help to prevent falls. These rails add an extra layer of security for children playing at heights.
Soft edges: Incorporating soft edges around play equipment means fewer cuts and scrapes.
Impact-absorbing surfaces: Materials like rubber or wood fiber absorb impacts. The padded surface reduces the severity of fall injuries.
What Are Safety Rules for School Playgrounds?
Together with safe equipment, teaching kids responsible play increases safety. Here are some rules for school playgrounds:
Supervision is key: Have an adult present to supervise children while they play. They can provide quick help in case of accidents and enforce safety rules.
Proper equipment use: Teach children to use playground equipment as intended. For example, they should climb the ladders and slide down the slides rather than using the sides.
Wear appropriate clothing: Encourage kids to wear proper footwear, such as sneakers. They should also steer clear of loose clothing, scarves or jewelry that could get caught in equipment.
Inspect equipment: Before playing, children should check equipment for hazards, like sharp edges or broken parts. Tell them to report any issues to an adult.
Respect others: Encourage children to avoid rough play, pushing or shoving. Teach them to respect personal space and wait their turn on equipment.
Avoid overcrowding: Limit the number of children using each piece of equipment at once.
Stay clear of moving parts: Children should keep a safe distance from swings and slides when in use to prevent collisions or falls.
Use age-appropriate areas: Encourage kids to play in designated areas for their age group. Equipment designed for younger children may be unsafe for older kids and vice versa.
Design Your Playground with Playworx
Outdoor playgrounds offer schools, communities and parks a space for kids to thrive. Safety should be the top priority when designing a playground. Playworx provides quality playground equipment that meets the highest safety standards. Our product range includes IPEMA-certified surfaces and ASTM-compliant equipment. We design, install and maintain our playgrounds to give you complete peace of mind.
