Playground Safety
*Platforms over 75 cm. high should have a barrier (not just a
rail). Gaps on elevated surfaces should be less than 10 cm. or
more than 25 because children's heads are often wider than their
bodies and could get trapped.
*Side rails along a slide should be more than 10 cm. high to prevent
children from slipping off.
*Are there gaps or spaces where clothing or fingers could be caught?
Strangulations have been caused by loose clothing and stringed
items, such as hoods, ponchos, or scarves.
*Playground equipment should be surrounded by a safe, protective
surface such as sand, wood mulch, or wood chips, to help absorb
the impact of a fall.
Slides account for almost 30% of all public playground equipment-related
injuries for children under 6.
*Be sure that there are railings to hold when the child climbs
the slide. Be sure that the platform at the top is large enough
for the child to sit on safely before starting to slide.
*Check to see that the sliding surface is free of seams and joints.
*On a hot day, feel the slide surface to be sure it won't burn
your child.
*There should be a level section at the bottom of the slide to
slow your child down.