Important safety issues include the stability and structural strength of the swing set. Look for swing sets that are structurally solid and have more board footage per swing set than most swing sets on the market.
Make sure all the hardware on a swing set is recessed, leaving no rough, exposed or sharp edges that can hurt your children. Recessed hardware should not be covered with plastic caps as ASTM considers this to be a choking hazard.
Swing ropes should be UV protected, double braided rope woven tighter in order to reduce stretch and to retain it's strength over time. Yellow color retracts harmful UV rays that can cause dry rot damage. For added strength and safety, use 1/2-inch rope vs. smaller 3/8-inch rope that many manufacturers select. Some manufacturers use a heavy-grade wire wrap to hold the rope, which could come loose or scratch your child.
Research manufacturers who use 4" x 4" posts to support heavy-duty deck framing. If you do decide to purchase a Redwood swing set, for comparable stability, make sure to look for 4" x 6" or even 6" x 6" posts with steel bracing. Railing Strength & Spacing: All upper deck railings should be sturdy enough to support a child or adult who is leaning on the railing. Spindles should be vertical to prevent children from climbing up on the railing plus the spacing between spindles should not be wide enough to entrap a child's head.
Look for access ladders that provide non-slip strips which can be adhered to each step to make it even safer. Be wary of swing sets which use round wooden dowels or steel rungs. Access ladders can be very slippery, especially when wet from rain, snow and other climate conditions.
Ensure there are no sharp edges on swing sets and that all surface sanded so they are smooth to the touch.
Sun Shading Canopies provide protection from the suns harmful rays. Most wing sets comes standard with a canopy, tarp or wood roof. This helps to reduce exposure to the suns damaging UV rays as children play outdoors on your swing set. Also, the play space under the upper deck is an additional haven from the sun. Whether it's while using the picnic table or playing in the sandbox a break from the sun and into the shade is always welcome.
Look for splinter proof monkey bars as they provide the utmost in safety and strength and to protect little hands from splinters. Look for monkey bars that are powder coated steel rungs. Wooden dowels, no matter how smooth at purchase, will age, crack, splinter and wear. Powder coating also provides a tough durable finish that is resistant to chips and scratches.
To prevent accidents, teach children to avoid climbing on top of the monkey bars and remember to never use the monkey bars if children are swinging on the swings.
Many Manufacturers of swing sets are members of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and some of these companies have helped develop the safety standards for residential swing sets that are used today by both the ASTM and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSSC).
Protective surfacing should be used since almost 60% of all injuries are caused by falls to the ground. Providing a protective surfacing under and around all playground equipment is the most critical safety factor on playgrounds. Certain manufactured synthetic surfaces also are acceptable; however, test data on shock absorbing performance should be requested from the manufacturer. Do not install your swing set over concrete, gravel, asphalt, packed earth, or any other hard surface. Asphalt and concrete are unacceptable. They do not have any shock absorbing properties. Grass and turf should not be used as their ability to absorb shock during a fall can be reduced through wear and environmental conditions.
A fall zone, covered with a protective surfacing materials, is essential under and around equipment where a child might fall. This area should be free of other equipment and obstacles onto which a child might fall. Stationary climbing equipment and slides should have a fall zone extending a minimum of 6' in all directions from the perimeter of the equipment. Swings should have a fall zone extending a minimum of 6' from the outer edge of the support structure on each side. The fall zone in front and back of the swing should extend out a minimum distance of twice the height of the swing as measured from the ground to the top of the swing support structure.
Make sure all the hardware on a swing set is recessed, leaving no rough, exposed or sharp edges that can hurt your children. Recessed hardware should not be covered with plastic caps as ASTM considers this to be a choking hazard.
Swing ropes should be UV protected, double braided rope woven tighter in order to reduce stretch and to retain it's strength over time. Yellow color retracts harmful UV rays that can cause dry rot damage. For added strength and safety, use 1/2-inch rope vs. smaller 3/8-inch rope that many manufacturers select. Some manufacturers use a heavy-grade wire wrap to hold the rope, which could come loose or scratch your child.
Research manufacturers who use 4" x 4" posts to support heavy-duty deck framing. If you do decide to purchase a Redwood swing set, for comparable stability, make sure to look for 4" x 6" or even 6" x 6" posts with steel bracing. Railing Strength & Spacing: All upper deck railings should be sturdy enough to support a child or adult who is leaning on the railing. Spindles should be vertical to prevent children from climbing up on the railing plus the spacing between spindles should not be wide enough to entrap a child's head.
Look for access ladders that provide non-slip strips which can be adhered to each step to make it even safer. Be wary of swing sets which use round wooden dowels or steel rungs. Access ladders can be very slippery, especially when wet from rain, snow and other climate conditions.
Ensure there are no sharp edges on swing sets and that all surface sanded so they are smooth to the touch.
Sun Shading Canopies provide protection from the suns harmful rays. Most wing sets comes standard with a canopy, tarp or wood roof. This helps to reduce exposure to the suns damaging UV rays as children play outdoors on your swing set. Also, the play space under the upper deck is an additional haven from the sun. Whether it's while using the picnic table or playing in the sandbox a break from the sun and into the shade is always welcome.
Look for splinter proof monkey bars as they provide the utmost in safety and strength and to protect little hands from splinters. Look for monkey bars that are powder coated steel rungs. Wooden dowels, no matter how smooth at purchase, will age, crack, splinter and wear. Powder coating also provides a tough durable finish that is resistant to chips and scratches.
To prevent accidents, teach children to avoid climbing on top of the monkey bars and remember to never use the monkey bars if children are swinging on the swings.
Many Manufacturers of swing sets are members of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and some of these companies have helped develop the safety standards for residential swing sets that are used today by both the ASTM and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSSC).
Protective surfacing should be used since almost 60% of all injuries are caused by falls to the ground. Providing a protective surfacing under and around all playground equipment is the most critical safety factor on playgrounds. Certain manufactured synthetic surfaces also are acceptable; however, test data on shock absorbing performance should be requested from the manufacturer. Do not install your swing set over concrete, gravel, asphalt, packed earth, or any other hard surface. Asphalt and concrete are unacceptable. They do not have any shock absorbing properties. Grass and turf should not be used as their ability to absorb shock during a fall can be reduced through wear and environmental conditions.
A fall zone, covered with a protective surfacing materials, is essential under and around equipment where a child might fall. This area should be free of other equipment and obstacles onto which a child might fall. Stationary climbing equipment and slides should have a fall zone extending a minimum of 6' in all directions from the perimeter of the equipment. Swings should have a fall zone extending a minimum of 6' from the outer edge of the support structure on each side. The fall zone in front and back of the swing should extend out a minimum distance of twice the height of the swing as measured from the ground to the top of the swing support structure.
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