Playgrounds allow children to expand their imaginations, improve coordination and strength, and develop depth perception. But, each year more than 200,000 children visit emergency departments with injuries related to playground equipment. While a few of these accidents are fatal, the vast majority are not. To help reduce injuries, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has strict guidelines for design and maintenance of playground equipment.
The most common causes of playground injuries are falls from equipment. To prevent these, look for a soft surface that will cushion impacts. Safe surfacing includes mulch, wood chips, sand or shredded rubber. Asphalt, concrete or grass are not suitable surfaces because they can cause traumatic brain injury in the event of a fall. Make sure the surfacing is at least 12 inches thick and completely surrounds all equipment.
Sharp points and edges are another common cause of playground injuries. Check equipment for protruding bolt ends or open hooks that can catch clothing and cut skin. Look for gaps that could trap children, like spaces between rope ladder rungs or in guardrails and platforms that sit above ground level.
Children should always be supervised when using any type of playground equipment. Even if a playground is labeled as “age-appropriate,” children should still be closely monitored.
Many playground accidents happen because 안전놀이터 children are playing on equipment that is too tall for them or because they are using equipment with older or younger siblings. To prevent these types of accidents, ensure that the equipment is designed and built to accommodate kids of all ages and sizes.
A good playground will have separate areas for different activities. Each area should be well-defined to avoid overcrowding. Also, pathways should allow for easy movement between activity zones and unobstructed vision at all times, especially for young children.
When choosing a playground, look for one that has a shaded area. This will provide protection from the sun, which can heat surfaces and cause burns. Ideally, the shade should cover all or most equipment and the surrounding surfacing.
Playgrounds should be cleaned regularly to remove trash, animal droppings and other hazardous materials. Also, the equipment should be inspected for rust or other signs of wear and tear. Finally, all equipment should be securely fastened to the ground and anchored to the structure beneath it.
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