Kids being curious by nature will keep finding creative ways of using the equipment available in the playground. This attitude, while helping in improving imagination and creativity, does come with a risk to the safety of the child. It increases the likelihood of falling down, bumping into others and such. While bruises and cuts are not a source of concern, any major injury is.
So it is necessary to take strict measures to reduce the possibility of injuries, along with any other mishap which can cause harm to the child, of course. It is possible to prevent playground injuries at school. But everyone involved must put in a concerted effort. The school authorities, designers and constructors will have to take special care. They need to consider the safety of the Activity Play Panels.
We create our products with the latest designs, high-quality manufacturing and engineering. Our company has an ever-increasing obsession with prioritising children’s safety. We aim to bring a change and reduce playground injuries to keep our kids safe.
We hope to build and create ideal playgrounds that meet playground safety standards. Our products ranging from safety surfacing and shade systems, help us in doing so.
Keep the following safety factors in mind while planning your playground:
The play area and keeping it age-appropriate
As per guidelines from the CPSC, it’s recommended to have separate play areas for kids aged 6 to 23 months, 2 to 5 years old and school-aged children of ages 5 to 12. The appropriate way of implementing playgrounds is by considering the targeted age group. Placing suitable equipment for the targeted age group is also vital.
This is because each age group requires different types of equipment. The equipment built for them will vary in dimension, shape and purpose.
The surrounding environment
It is also necessary to have shade over the play area to protect kids from high exposure to the sun and thus prevent heat stroke. The playground must also be well-drained to prevent wetness.
It must be visible from nearby walkways and must not be near areas of high motor traffic. It must be far away from places of natural hazards like cliffs, waterfalls etc.
The design of the equipment
The quality of the equipment and structures should be durable. There should not be any faults or manufacturing defects in the materials used. Thus it is necessary to work with constructors well-known for their build quality and safety. Designers must emphasise the children’s safety.
Playground layout
Different age groups play differently. To get help in designing an optimal layout, consult the Landscape Structures playground consultant. He or she can help in designing a layout which allows for everyone to play without any congestion.
Proof all surfaces
Ideally, a protective surface can be a loose-fill material of adequate depth, wood fibre rubber mulch, factory-made resilient tiles or a combination of these. An effective solution is to fit a loose-fill material for most of the use zones with rubber tile paths. This method also provides the advantage of making the playground accessible to challenged kids.
Safety Guidelines
To be cautious and achieve our goal of reducing risk, we must improve the safety standards. We have exclusive compression clamps that can prevent finger cuts and clothes from getting stuck.
By using only high-quality materials and cutting-edge design, we ensure that our products and equipment are above and beyond all safety guidelines. The quality and care put into our build also ensure that our equipment lasts for generations to come.
It is also possible that the requirements of the guidelines differ with each state. So it is mandatory to check with your local playground consultant.
Regular audits for safety
A safety audit for the playgrounds will ensure that the whole playground is in compliance with the current standards of safety. Therefore, such audits must be regular and by a certified consultant. The consultant must have completed the National Playground Safety Institute’s Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) training.
The issue with a real-life project is that even if installation is flawless, there can be scenarios where the equipment breaks, wears out, ages or takes damage. Thus, a periodic safety audit becomes essential. Follow a proper schedule to ensure that the playground serves its purpose for a long time. And that it does so without inflicting any harm.
Upkeep and other inspections
Safety inspections of the site and the equipment must be regular. Special care is vital in eliminating the possibility of immediate hazards. These can be due to wear and tear or damage. To develop a holistic and uncompromising maintenance program for equipment as well as unforeseen events, you could consult our specialists.
We provide a customised, maintainable brochure. This will take into account the specifications of your project. Step-by-step instructions along with details to inspect different Playground Equipment. The instructions are clear and user-friendly. We also help you weigh the various factors involved in devising a maintenance schedule.
