subject: This handbook presents safety information for public playground equipment [print this page] This handbook presents safety information for public playground equipment
In recent years, it is estimated that there were more than 156,000 injuries annually on public commercial playground equipments across the country that required emergency room treatment. By following the recommended guidelines in this handbook, you and your community can create a safer playground environment for all children and contribute to the reduction of playground-related deaths and injuries.
This handbook presents safety information for public playground equipment in the form of guidelines. Publication of this handbook is expected to promote greater safety awareness among those who purchase, install, and maintain indoor playground equipment . Because many factors may affect playground safety, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff believes that guidelines, rather than a mandatory rule, are appropriate. These guidelines are not being issued as the sole method to minimize injuries associated with playground equipment. However, CPSC staff believes that the recommendations in this handbook will contribute to greater playground safety. Some states and local jurisdictions may require compliance with this handbook and/or ASTM voluntary standards. Additionally, risk managers, insurance companies, or others may require compliance at a particular site; check with state/local jurisdictions and insurance companies for specific requirements.
"Public" playground equipment refers to equipment for use by children ages 6 months through 12 years in the outdoor playground equipment areas of:
Commercial (non-residential) child care facilities
Institutions
Multiple family dwellings, such as apartment and condominium
buildings
Parks, such as city, state, and community maintained
parks
Restaurants
Resorts and recreational developments
Schools
Other areas of public use
These guidelines are not intended for amusement park equipment, sports or fitness equipment normally intended for users over the age of 12 years, soft contained play equipment, constant air inflatable play devices for home use, art and museum sculptures (not otherwise designed, intended and installed as playground equipment), equipment found in water play facilities, or indoor playground equipment . Equipment components intended solely for the disabled and modified to accommodate such users also are not covered by these guidelines. Indoor child care facilities should refer to ASTM F2373 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Public Use Play Equipment for Children 6 Months Through 23 Months, for more guidance on areas unique to their facilities.
