6.2.1.3: Design of Play Equipment

Play equipment should be of safe design and in good repair. Outdoor climbing equipment and swings should be assembled, anchored and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Swings should have soft and flexible seats. Access to play equipment should be limited to age groups for which the equipment is developmentally appropriate.

RATIONALE

Having well-designed, age-appropriate play equipment lessens injuries (1-3). Equipment that is sized for larger and more mature children poses challenges that younger, smaller, and less mature children may not be able to meet.

COMMENTS

The method of anchoring play equipment should take into consideration ground conditions and seasonal changes in ground condition.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

5.2.9.12 Treatment of CCA Pressure-Treated Wood
6.2.1.1 Play Equipment Requirements

REFERENCES

1. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). 2008. Public playground safety handbook. Bethesda, MD: CPSC. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/325.pdf.
2. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). 2005. Outdoor home playground safety handbook. Bethesda, MD: CPSC. http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/324.pdf.
3. Fiene, R. 2002. 13 indicators of quality child care: Research update. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. http://aspe.hhs.gov/basic-report/13-indicators-quality-child-care.