| When are the new rules effective? |
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The new rules went into effect on July 1, 2007. |
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| When do the rules apply? |
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Compliance with the rules is required when you are constructing a new playground or replacing or modifying a major type of playground equipment such as climbing equipment, sliding poles, slides and swing. (See, the CPSC Handbook for Public Playground Safety for further discussion of major types of playground equipment). |
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| Do the rules apply when I am performing routine
maintenance on the playground? |
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No. |
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| Do the new rules apply to every playground? |
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The rules are limited to playgrounds and related structures designed for six or more children. They do not apply to play areas for one, two, or three family homes. |
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| How high can my playground equipment be placed? |
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Any playground equipment on which a
child is higher than ground level must be placed less than the “critical height”
and should be surrounded by material designed to properly cushion a child’s
fall. Critical height is the height from which a life-threatening head injury
could occur if a child fell. It is based upon the cushioning effect of the
equipment’s surrounding material (e.g., sand, wood chips or mulch, shredded
rubber, etc). The height of your equipment is therefore determined by how soft
the surface is around the equipment. Consult the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission’s Handbook for Public Playground Safety for a detailed chart of the
critical heights of various acceptable playground surfaces. |
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| How should I organize the equipment? |
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There should be enough open space around playground equipment so that children can use the equipment safely. Swings, slides, and other equipment need a buffer zone of empty space to prevent collisions by users and with objects. Also, equipment should be grouped by recommended age range and activity levels of children. Popular items should be spread around the playground to avoid crowding. |
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| What else should I consider when buying and
installing new equipment? |
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Make sure that the equipment is
properly installed and anchored. Loose equipment is a leading factor in
playground injuries. Also, check the product’s durability and safety record to
ensure that you are purchasing equipment that is proven to be safe. Any finishes
and paints applied to the equipment must meet lead safety standards and should
be resistant to corrosion. Finally, look for equipment composed of plastic,
wood, or vinyl instead of metal when possible. |
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| How do the new rules affect my older playground
equipment? |
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You can keep your old
equipment safe by casting a careful eye towards hazards. Watch for sharp edges,
particularly those caused by worn out pieces. All corners should be rounded and
smooth. If a sharp edge isn’t replaceable for some reason, cover it in a
protective material. If a piece of the equipment is damaged or worn out, replace
it. Keep wooden pieces sanded to avoid splintering. Make sure all screws and
bolts are tight and secure and that they do not protrude out the other side of
the fastening. If an entire structure seems loose in the ground, repair the
anchors. If old equipment seems unsafe, do not let children use it until it is
repaired! |
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| If you have further questions regarding the
CPSC Handbook for Public Playground safety, please contact the Consumer
Product Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov. |
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