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(Unit 1) Topic 3: Life on the Playground

Playground Hazards

​Topic 3 Page 5

Common hazards for children in play areas include: ​

Entrapments

The fence around the playground at this child care center is not safe. The space between each board is more than 3 1/2" and less than 9" which poses a danger of entrapment.

Entrapment is a condition that impedes withdrawal of a body or body part that has penetrated an opening. ​​​

There should be no openings between 3 ½ and 9 inches in size where a child’s head or body could get trapped.

(For example, the following items should not have openings between 3 1/2 inches and 9 inches wide: deck and fence rails, stair rails or other equipment.)

Entanglements

Open S-hook

Check for potential clothing entanglement hazards on equipment, such as open S-hooks. 

(Discourage drawstrings, ties or cords which hang from children’s clothing that could get caught on equipment.) 

​Entanglement is when a child's clothes or something around their neck becomes caught or intwined on a component of the playground equipment.

These toddlers are wearing sweatshirts that have drawstrings.  

Exposed sharp objects

Check the playground daily and remove or repair old or damaged equipment.

 (Nails, bolts, slivers, or wires should not protrude where they might poke a child.) ​

Tripping hazards ​

Inspect your playground regularly for holes, exposed stumps and rocks, or other items that protrude from the ground. Maintain the ground cover to prevent child injury.

(Filler pipes, posts, cover plates, stumps, or rocks must not protrude from the ground, where children might trip or fall on them.) ​

Hazardous playground.

Fencing and Gates

Child center with a safe fence and gate.

Fencing material must be sufficiently tall and closely spaced so that children cannot climb over, under, or through it.

 (Make sure fencing is secure, stable, and tall enough to form an age appropriate enclosure. Gates need to be self-latching or have appropriate locks.) ​

The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care recommends a minimum fence height of four feet. Fences must be a minimum of 5 feet high if there is access to water. The fence must be stable enough so that children cannot move it or knock it over. ​Fencing helps to ensure proper supervision and protection, prevention of injuries, and control of the area. An effective fence is one that prevents a child from getting over, under, or through it and keeps children from leaving the fenced outdoor play area, except when supervising adults are present. 

Poisonous plants and/or berries

Poisonings are a leading cause of injury and death among children. Just as all chemicals are locked up for children’s safety, problem plants should be removed also. ​

​A plant is found to be poisonous if it contains a chemical substance which produces a harmful reaction in the body. ​

​This can happen by simply coming in contact with the plant or actually ingesting part of the plant. A harmful reaction can mean anything from a mild skin rash or stomach ache to internal poisoning and life threatening heart or kidney problems. ​Remember that children are smaller than adults, therefore, they need less contact with a plant for a reaction to occur.

1. Poisonous and Non-poisonous Plants- ​An Illustrated List, National Capital Poison Center, George Washington University Medical Center
2. ​Poison & Prevention Information By Age : Toddler and Preschool

Foxglove: All parts of the plant are poisonous, possibly even deadly, if swallowed (source: http://www.poison.org/articles/2015-mar/foxglove)

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Reference for this page:
National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education
6.1 Play Area/Playground Size and Location 

(Unit 1) Topic 3: Life on the Playground * Navigation Menu