Do I need a level area?
Yes! We recommend a flat level area upon which the playset or swing set equipment will be positioned, in order to maintain maximum stability.
How far apart should the swings on my swing set be?
To prevent injuries from impact with moving swings, swings should not be too close together or too close to support structures. There should be no more than two swing seats suspended in the same section or bay of the support structure. The tire swing should be suspended in the same section or bay of the support structure.
I would like to put a swing set in the backyard for my children, what kind of surface should I put down on the ground?
Since almost 60 percent of all playground injuries are caused by falls to the ground, protective surfacing under and around all playground equipment is the most critical safety factor on playgrounds. Asphalt and concrete do not have any shock absorbing properties. Similarly, grass and turf's ability to absorb a shock during a fall can be reduced considerably through wear and environmental conditions. Certain loose-fill surfacing materials such as double shredded bark mulch, wood chips, fine sand, and fine gravel are acceptable. Certain manufactured synthetic surfaces are acceptable, however obtain shock-absorbing performance data before using these surfaces.
What are some of the things I can do to make sure our swing set and play area are safe for my children and their friends?
Playgrounds should be inspected on a regular basis. Look for hazards, such as, hardware that is loose or worn, protrusions and projections, exposed equipment footings, splinters, large cracks, decayed wood components, damaged swing sets, handholds and guardrails, and deterioration and corrosion on structural components which connect to the ground.
What do they mean by "Fall Zones" concerning swing sets?
A fall zone, covered with a protective surfacing material, is essential under and around equipment where a child might fall. This should be free of other equipment and obstacles onto which a child might fall. Stationary climbing equipment should have a fall zone extending a minimum of 6 feet in all directions. Swings should have a fall zone that is two times the height of the pivot or swing hanger in front and in back of the swing seats.
What do they mean by Potential Entanglement Hazards?
Open "S" hooks, especially on swings, and any protrusions or equipment components/hardware, which may act as hooks or catch-points, can catch children's clothing and cause strangulation incidents. Close "S" hooks as tightly as possible and eliminate protrusions or catch-points on playground equipment.
What do they mean by Potential Head Entrapment Hazards?
Generally, openings that are between 3 ½ inches and 9 inches present a head entrapment hazard because they are large enough to permit a child's body to go through, but are too small to permit the head to go through. When children enter such openings, feet first, they may become entrapped by the head and strangle.
Why do you use spring clips on the swing hangers?
Spring clips make it easier to change out accessories and to adjust the height of the accessories. It, also, provides an added safety feature not allowing swings to come off when swinging.
Why is the trapeze chain not coated
The trapeze is made for the kids to hang from the bar or plastic handles so only the bar itself is coated.
|