6.2.1.5: Play Equipment Connecting and Linking Devices

All bolts, hooks, eyes, shackles, rungs, and other connecting and linking devices of all pieces of playground equipment should be designed and secured to prevent loosening or unfastening, except by authorized individuals with special tools. All connecting and linking devices should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions so not to cause sharp edges, entanglement, or impalement hazards.

RATIONALE

Children may be injured by protruding, incorrectly installed, or malfunctioning devices on play equipment (1).

TYPE OF FACILITY

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

RELATED STANDARDS

6.2.1.4 Installation of Play Equipment

REFERENCES

1. 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.