Here are 10 tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
- Choose a site far from roads, driveways and obstacles like low-hanging branches and overhead wires.
- Cover the ground under the playground equipment—and six feet around it in all directions—with at least a six-inch depth of shock-absorbing, protective surface so a child who falls will have a soft landing.
- Use corrosion-resistant bolts and screws, fasten them tightly and cover exposed ends with caps so they won’t scrape your little ones.
- Anchor play equipment to the ground and cover the anchor with a protective surface so nobody will trip over it.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions for assembling the equipment you buy. Don’t guess when it comes to your child’s safety.
- Maintain your backyard playground equipment to keep it in good condition and reduce injuries. Tighten nuts and bolts frequently; oil moving parts; clean it; and notice signs of wear and tear.
- Do not build or buy equipment that can trap a child’s head. A guideline: Spaces should be smaller than 3.5 inches on ladder runs, posts and railings so children cannot get between them, or larger than nine inches so they can get their whole body and head through.
- Get rid of hanging ropes and loops. For climbing ropes, secure both ends so neither can turn into a loop that can fit around a child’s neck.
- Prevent falls. The largest cause of playground-related hospital visits is falls. Protect your children from falling by evenly spacing out rungs and steps, and by installing handrails or another barrier near stairs, ladders and slides.
- Supervise playing children. You need to know immediately if someone falls, is injured or gets trapped.
For more information, download the Outdoor Home Playground Safety Handbook by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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