subject: Safety Measures To Be Observed When Using Plastic Playground Equipment [print this page] Many incidences can arise if the safety measures are not observed in Playground. Research indicates that falls are the most common hazard patterns in a playground. Equipment related hazards such as breakage and tip over are also common when plastic is used to make playground facilities. So,very important to observe the different safety measures that are related to safety in the playground.
Safety measures are very important and prevent injuries that are related to public playgrounds. Plastic playground equipment is used in public playgrounds, city parks, restaurant playgrounds, resorts and recreation facilities and even at home. This equipment is usually available in different shapes and designs to provide fun activities in the playground. This includes seesaws, slides, climber or monkey bars, swings, spring riders among other facilities. Very many incidences can arise if the safety measures are not observed. Research indicates that falls are the most common hazard patterns in a playground. Equipment related hazards such as breakage and tip over are also common when plastic is used to make playground facilities. Other hazard patterns include entrapment, collision among the children among other incidences. Some of the playground incidences can be fatal or lead to serious injury such as paralysis. It is therefore very important to observe the different safety measures that are related to safety in the playground.
One of the most important safety measures is routine maintenance. All plastic equipment should have a comprehensive maintenance program. The equipment should be checked for excessive wear, deterioration, loose connections in the design, cracks and any other potential hazards. Most manufacturers of plastic equipment provide a manual for maintenance that contains instructions for maintenance of the playground facilities. Moving parts should be given detailed inspection since the potential hazards of moving parts are more likely to occur than stationary plastic parts. Maintenance should be done in a systematic manner by personnel who are familiar with playground facilities, playground supervisors or by an adult.
Appropriate surfacing around the playground equipment is a safety measure that can prevent life threatening injuries. The surfacing around the plastic equipment should be able to absorb shock that may come from a fall. This prevents head injuries and bruises. The plastic equipment should never be installed in areas without the appropriate surfacing material. The surfacing material should be resistant to wear and environmental factors such as wind. Hard surfaces such as concrete should never be used directly as the surfacing materials that the children touch with their feet. Unitary and loose-fill materials are the most appropriate materials that can be used.
Another important safety measure to observe is age group separation. This safety measure is usually used in public playgrounds. The designs of plastic facilities that are used in a playground are made to cater for different age groups. This means that the level of activity for the different facilities is designed for children of a certain age group. Older and more active children should use facilities designed for them. This prevents collision hazards, equipment related hazards and it protects younger children who have slower movement and reaction times. Supervision is an important factor when it comes to plastic playground equipment. The person supervising children who use the plastic facilities should have knowledge of safe play behavior. Supervisors may be parents, guardians or professionals depending on the size and design of the playground. They should understand the basics of using plastic equipment and the main safety concerns to observe.
