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Surface Materials The number one safety measure playgrounds need is a shock-absorbing surface under the equipment.
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Topic 3 Page 7 |
No matter how well you supervise children and how well the equipment is designed with safety in mind, occasional falls are inevitable. Since falls are a very common playground hazard pattern, the installation and maintenance of protective surfacing, under and around all equipment is crucial to protect children from severe head injuries.
In addition to guidelines for the play structures themselves, there are also guidelines for the materials underneath.
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"Asphalt, cement, grass and dirt are unforgiving of a small child’s falling body. Materials such as wood chips, pea gravel, or rubber matting approved for playground fall protection must be under all climbing equipment and swings. This ground cover must be deep enough to absorb and cushion the impact of a falling body." |
The National Program for Playground Safety and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend a depth of 6 to 12 inches, depending upon the height of the structure (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1994). Please be aware that the material should extend at least 6 feet around the structure. This area is known as the “fall zone.”
If loose fill material is used, it must be maintained. This includes replacing the material as needed and raking, leveling, and sifting to maintain an adequate depth and to remove foreign matter. Good drainage underneath the fill is necessary to maintain the surface.
Safe Surface Materials for Playgrounds
Mulch and Chips
Shredded mulch and wood chips are popular loose fill surface materials because they are easy to obtain, easy to install, and inexpensive. A retaining barrier is required to contain the material, and the loose fill has to be replenished often because it decomposes and compacts. The disadvantage is that it is subject to microbial growth when it's wet. It also can conceal sharp objects such as broken glass.
Shredded mulch and wood chips are popular loose fill surface materials because they are easy to obtain, easy to install, and inexpensive. A retaining barrier is required to contain the material, and the loose fill has to be replenished often because it decomposes and compacts. The disadvantage is that it is subject to microbial growth when it's wet. It also can conceal sharp objects such as broken glass.
Sand and Pea Gravel
Sand and pea gravel also are inexpensive and easy to install. Maintenance is required similar to mulch and wood chips. Disadvantages of sand are that it can blow into children's eyes and can become hard-packed when wet. Kids also can track it out of the intended area, making regular replacement necessary, and of course there's the danger of it being used as a litter box by cats and other animals. Gravel can be hard to walk on. If it gets thrown onto walkways, it can cause falls.
Sand and pea gravel also are inexpensive and easy to install. Maintenance is required similar to mulch and wood chips. Disadvantages of sand are that it can blow into children's eyes and can become hard-packed when wet. Kids also can track it out of the intended area, making regular replacement necessary, and of course there's the danger of it being used as a litter box by cats and other animals. Gravel can be hard to walk on. If it gets thrown onto walkways, it can cause falls.
Mats and Tiles
Rubbery mats and tiles come in a variety of synthetic materials and require little maintenance. They don't hide sharp objects or animal waste as loose fill can. The disadvantage is that mats cost a lot more initially and require professional installation.
Rubbery mats and tiles come in a variety of synthetic materials and require little maintenance. They don't hide sharp objects or animal waste as loose fill can. The disadvantage is that mats cost a lot more initially and require professional installation.
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(Unit 1) Topic 3: Life on the Playground * Navigation Menu
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