Checklist for Evaluating the Safety of a Playground

 

Items to check in a playground:

(1) fall zone of resilient, shock-absorbing material

(2) protruding fixtures

(3) edges on play structures

(4) ropes or similar materials

(5) guard rails on all platforms, bridgeways and ramps

(6) tripping hazards

(7) spaces or gaps in equipment: should be < 3.5 inches or > 9 inches to minimize entrapment.

(8) warning signs

(9) dangerous play structures

(10) stability and anchoring of play structures

(11) on-going activities

Fall Zone	Minimum Distance in feet
default zone	6 feet
swing	2 * (height of cross beam) in front and back
between play structures	12 feet

 

Shock absorbing materials may include:

(1) wood chips

(2) mulch

(3) shredded rubber

(4) sand

(5) pea gravel

(6) surface mat

 

Depth of shock absorbing material (for materials 1 to 5): at least 12 inches

 

Inappropriate material:

(1) grass

(2) course gravel

(3) asphalt

(4) concrete

(5) packed earth

 

Protruding fixtures should be removed:

(1) bolt ends or square bolts

(2) S hooks

(3) nails

(4) pipe ends

 

Potential sources of hanging hazard:

(1) rope

(2) jump rope

(3) clotheslines

(4) pet leashes

 

Tripping hazards:

(1) tree stumps or roots

(2) concrete footings

(3) large rocks

(4) decorative edging to play area

(5) toys

 

Dangerous play structures:

(1) swing sets with heavy seats, seats with decorative protrusions

(2) suspension bridges

(3) merry-go-rounds

(4) swinging gates

(5) seesaw (teeter-totters)

(6) metal slides in direct sunlight

 

On-going activities:

(1) periodically inspect the playground. Repair deficiencies or remove defective equipment.

(2) actively supervise play activities

(3) make sure children are using age-appropriate play structures

(4) employ extra caution when wet