Federal Regulations on Playground Safety

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued guidelines in 1981 that detailed its recommendations on how to keep children safe on playgrounds. In 1991, the CPSC issued a new, revised handbook. While the guidelines are not enforced as a law, they are seen highly by the courts and used often in lawsuits that are based on playground negligence. According to the CPSC's last updated manual in 2008, there were more than 156,000 injuries in recent years.

Location

• Choose a location that is in a children-friendly area.

  The CPSC recommends the following considerations when building a public playground:

  • Accessibility: Equipment selection, location and protective surfacing are all keys in providing accessibility.

  • Age separation: Playgrounds that are intended to have children of all ages play on them must have distinct areas for different age groups.

  • Conflicting activities: Playgrounds should be developed so that different sections are set up to avoid injuries. For example, equipment that is heavy-use and popular should be dispersed to avoid crowding.

  • Sight lines: Playgrounds should be designed so that parents and caregivers can keep track of their children easily as the kids move around the playground.

  • Signage and/or labeling and supervision: Age appropriateness limits should be listed on equipment, even when it may be obvious as to what age the equipment is developed for.

  These are all vital when deciding to build a public playground.

Paint

• If the playground equipment is made of metal and is not resistant to corrosion, it should be painted or treated to prevent rust. Be sure to use a paint that meets the lead guidelines (0.06% maximum lead by dry weight). Any painted surfaces must be maintained because flaked paint is harmful.

Dangers

• Make sure any opening could not cause a foot or head to become stuck.

  While playground equipment looks fun, individual pieces can cause harm to a child. Equipment such as seesaws, for example, have pieces that can crush a limb if the child is not careful. Any equipment that could cause a child to become entangled should not be used. This could even be a safe piece of equipment that has a bolt sticking out, which can grab onto a child's clothing.

  Heads could become caught in equipment if openings are too wide. A hazard occurs when the distance between any interior opposing surface is greater than 3.5 inches and less than 9 inches.

  Also be mindful of anything suspended, such as a rope or chain, from playground equipment because a child can run into it. Definitely look out for sharp points and tripping hazards as well.

Playground Barriers

• Platforms that are used should have a difference in height of 7 inches for toddlers, 12 inches for preschool-aged children and 18 inches for school-aged children. Guardrails or barriers should be used to surround elevated platforms, walkways, landings, and transitional surfaces.