PLAY GROUND
CHECKLIST
Too many children suffer injuries on pubic playground
equipment. The injuries sustained often require treatment in
hospital emergency departments. And sometimes these injuries are
fatal or result in permanent disabling injuries.
Extensive research has been conducted to identify the
playground hazards which cause injuries and death. The following
checklist can be used to evaluate the general safety of your
local playground. Check the playground where children play --
including the equipment at your local schools, parks, community
centers, public parks, and child care centers -- to see whether
they present dangerous hazards.
- Is there a lack of protective surfacing under or around
play equipment ?
- Are pieces of play equipment too close together ?
- Is there any equipment too high above the ground for age
group?
- Do elevated surfaces --- such as platforms, bridges,
walkways, and ramps -- lack adequate guardrail or
protective barriers to prevent falls?
- Are swings too heavy, too close together, or too close to
support structures?
- Does the play equipment have any head entrapment hazards?
- Does the play equipment have any entanglement hazards on
which children may catch clothing or anything else around
their neck?
- Does the play equipment have any sharp points, corners,
or edges?
- Does the play equipment have any hardware or components
which create dangerous protrusions or projections?
- Does the play equipment have any exposed moving parts or
other junctures which create dangerous pinch, crush, or
shearing points?
- Does the play equipment or area have any exposed concrete
footings or environmental obstacles, such as rocks or
roots, which create trip hazards and may cause impact
injuries?
- Does the play equipment show any signs of deterioration
or corrosion?
- Does the play area lack maintenance or appear to have
been vandalized?
If the answer to any of the questions above is yes, the
principal, the local Parks and Recreation Department , or the
child care provider, should implement immediate Measures to abate
the condition. Let them know that you found hazards and that
their play equipment and playground are not safe. Share the
results of your observations and demand that corrective actions
be taken immediately so that children do not get hurt. Hazardous
equipment should be upgraded or removed. Most importantly, ensure
that adequate protective surfacing gets installed and maintained.
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