During summertime, outdoor playsets come to mind, and parents look forward to providing their children with some of the most meaningful and creative pasttimes. But in doing so, proper planning for safety is necessary in the preparation and purchase of these wonderful playsets.

Thousands of child injuries brought to hospitals, related to playset and playground equipment, can be avoided if only careful study is made by parents into the safety of these playsets before these are even acquired. Accidents and injuries, whether from aging, dilapidated or poor quality equipment, coarse surfaces or rowdy playing habits, can be prevented. Observing some pertinent procedures and safety precautions can ensure the safety and enjoyment of your children.   

Proper Spacings

Check for the holes and openings of the playsets first. These openings should be less than 3 inches to keep children from falling or more than 10 inches in diameter to prevent your children’s heads from getting stuck. The play areas should be properly delineated and arranged for safety, having a proper flow of the children at play. Make sure that there is at least a 6-foot space around the playset to the nearest obstacles such as walls, bushes, or fences for the children to move while playing.

Safe Surfaces and Installation

Majority of injuries at the playground come from falling. Concrete or asphalt floorings are not good choices for playset areas. It is better to have softer-impact materials such as sand, fine gravel, wood chips, or rubber matting around the playground area. Choose only well-crafted equipment made of durable materials. There must be proper assembly on a flat surface. Impact pads around the equipment and grip floor strips for the soles when running are helpful to keep your children from hurting themselves. Modern synthetic soft play surfaces are the best option available today.      

Regular Maintenance Check

It is important that from time to time, playsets are checked for any depreciation or anything that may cause harm or accident to children. Make sure that screws, nuts and bolts are properly fastened, jagged edges or splintered wood are made smooth, and rust or cracking are remedied. Also, the surrounding area of the playset or playground equipment must be free from any debris or loose materials. 

Teaching Children to be Safe

This is perhaps the most important guideline of all. Make sure your children are properly instructed to play safely. Simple but very critical instructions, like the rule that they shouldn’t push each other while on the playsets, must be given to children. They must also be taught to look out for each other’s safety while on the playground. Outdoor playsets should be erected within sight of the house so parents can watch over their children.

Technorati Tags: