The Importance Of Safety In The Playground
Playgrounds attract children and give them the chance to run around outdoors, interact with peers of their age and extend the physical capabilities of their developing bodies. However, playground equipment and surfacing must be safe to avoid serious injuries. Rough play, improper use of equipment and lack of adult supervision are the main causes of playground injuries requiring hospital treatment. Here are some tips to help kids stay safer on playgrounds:
Age-Appropriate
Age-appropriate play refers to kids playing on equipment that is designed for their size and development level. For example, a playground for toddlers may feature equipment that allows them to climb and slide safely while developing their gross motor skills. Kids should also learn about playground safety and how to use equipment in a safe manner. Using a playground that’s not age-appropriate can lead to unsafe behavior. Kids who don’t understand safety tips may push other kids or try to use equipment that they aren’t ready for. Kids can also hurt themselves by running into equipment or tripping over obstacles.
A 안전놀이터 must have age-appropriate surfacing that doesn’t compress or shift and can be easily inspected for debris that could be a tripping hazard. It must also have a variety of climbing and swinging options, and no equipment should be loose or damaged. Regular inspections can help catch and repair broken pieces before they cause injuries.
Supervision
A quality playground offers kids a chance to take risks, which is important for their emotional, social and physical development. However, without proper supervision, playgrounds can quickly turn into breeding grounds for injury. Supervision is the most critical part of a safety playground, and the right training can make all the difference. Educate supervisors on their legal responsibilities and how to avoid dangerous situations.
They should also be trained in the proper procedures for handling emergencies, such as knowing when to leave a child injured on the ground and when to call for help. It is also vital for supervisors to know how to keep kids safe by preventing them from getting too close to equipment or allowing them to use it before the previous kid has finished. It is also important to establish surveillance zones, and supervisors should try to limit distractions. It is a good idea to give supervisors walkie-talkies or cell phones to allow them to call for assistance when necessary.
Safety Surfaces
The area under and around play equipment should be covered in soft material to lessen the chance of life-threatening head injuries. Safety experts recommend surfaces that have some “give” like engineered wood fiber, sand, artificial turf, rubber mulch and rubber mats. At the recommended depth, these materials reduce g-forces and head impact criteria (HIC). However, not all surfacing is created equal. It’s important to consider the original cost, as well as the long-term maintenance costs, when selecting a surfacing type.
Unitary surfacing options include poured-in place and bond-in-place rubber, which are interlocking resilient tiles that provide a single smooth surface. These options are low- to mid-maintenance, highly durable and offer accessibility for visitors using wheelchairs and mobility devices. In addition, these surfacing materials meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) requirements.
Cleanliness
Cleaning a playground and keeping it sanitized is an important aspect of the safety of your students. It’s also a good way to prevent the spread of germs during and after play. Germs are everywhere, and playground equipment can harbor a lot of them. However, a playground can only host so many bacteria before they start to cause illness in kids. The best solution for high-touch surfaces is to clean them regularly with ordinary soap and water. It’s also a good idea to keep disinfectants on hand in case of an emergency, such as when someone vomits or urinates on the equipment.
Always use a CDC-recommended disinfectant that is compatible with the surface you’re applying it to. Be sure to read the product label carefully and follow all recommended application instructions. Ensure that the disinfectant is not past its expiration date as this can make it ineffective. You should also avoid mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaners as toxic gases may form.
More Words
A playground can be a great place for kids to develop emotional, social and physical skills. But the same play environment can also lead to injuries if certain safety tips aren’t followed. Kids should always ask to use equipment before someone else does. This prevents pushing, pulling and clashes that can hurt kids.
