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Safety Tips

The most common cause of injuries in playgrounds is falls. Fractures are frequent and severe, but head injuries are the most severe injuries. Good design and regular maintenance of equipment can reduce injuries. In Australia, standards for playgrounds offer design guidance.


Equipment
Playground equipment with moving parts is more dangerous than static equipment. It is important to provide passive play areas such as digging patches and sandpits as well as equipment for active play.

Bolts, hooks, springs and other fixtures should be recessed or covered to prevent protrusions which cause lacerations or can catch on clothing.

Trampolines are safer if set down into the ground and protective mats should be securely attached over poles and springs.

Handrails should be fitted around steps and guard-rails around platforms. Slides can be set into a slope to avoid high ladders.

Rubber equipment such as swing seats is safer than wood or metal.


Undersurfacing
It is essential that adequate undersurfacing be considered in relation to playgrounds. Inadequate undersurfacing is a key risk factor for playground-related injuries.

Soft fall undersurfacing is required under play equipment with fall heights of more than 50cm.

Appropriate undersurfacing includes pine mulch, bark mulch, shredded rubber, washed river sand and synthetic materials such as wet-pour rubber and high density foam.

Loose fill should be maintained to a depth of at least 250mm to give adequate absorption.

Guidelines recommend that loose fill extend for a distance of 2.5m from the equipment to the border. It is important to rake over loose fill in order to remove rubbish.


Trampolines
Physical education professionals see trampolines as valuable for developing balance and coordination. However trampolines pose injury risks for children which result in serious injuries such as fractures, spinal and internal injuries.

Children should be supervised by an adult when trampolining.

Trampolines for use at home are not recommended for children under six years of age.

Check trampolines regularly. Look for wear around joints, signs of fraying or laddering of beds, replace torn pads and securely attach springs.

Children using trampolines should be dressed in suitable clothing. Loose clothing allows the free use of hands and feet and bare feet slip less than socks.

Teach children to use trampolines safely. Only one child should jump at a time and be encouraged to stay in the centre of the bed and mount and dismount sensibly.


Public playgrounds
When choosing a public playground, consider the safety and maintenance of the equipment. Supervision is important and dangerous behaviours should be discouraged.

Sometimes public playgrounds provide equipment suited to children of different ages and abilities. Look for these differences and restrict children to play areas appropriate to their age.

Gaps should not be so small that heads or limbs can be trapped or so big that children can fall through.

Teach children to use playground equipment safely. Children should slide feet first in a sitting position and be aware of other children when using or standing near swinging equipment.

Remember to be 'sun smart' when outdoors. It is great when shade is provided but trees should be well away from equipment.

Councils can be liable for injuries sustained in playgrounds if equipment is in poor condition. Bring repair issues to the attention of your council.

Public playgrounds should be inspected and maintained regularly.


Maintenance
Safe playground equipment is equipment which is always in a state of good repair. Be responsible for maintaining home equipment and reporting public playground equipment which is faulty.

Look for signs of wear such as rust, cracks and brittleness. Replace these materials if necessary.

Remember to rake loose fill undersurfacing to maintain optimal cover for impact absorption and to remove rubbish such as sticks and glass.

Damage to equipment must be repaired. Ensure that edges of equipment are rounded and wood is splinter-free.

Keep equipment clear of wet and slippery areas.