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How can I make sure my home playground equipment is safe?
Home » Outdoor Living » Playground Equipment and Swing Sets » How can I make sure my home playground equipment is safe?When choosing, assembling, and maintaining your home playground equipment, there are several things you can do to ensure the safety of the children who will use it. Here are some ideas:
• Make sure that the surface underneath the playground is energy absorbent. Rubber, sand, sawdust, wood chips, and bark are all good for this surface. If there is already concrete, cement, or wood, cover it with one of the aforementioned materials.
• Swing seats should be soft, not wood or metal.
• Make sure your child does not twist swings, swing empty seats, or walk in front of swings that are moving.
• Carefully read the instructions while assembling your equipment, and make sure you put it together correctly. Playground equipment should sit on a level surface and be firmly anchored to the ground.
• Be sure that all screws and bolts are capped.
• Occasionally, give the equipment a thorough check for loose nuts and bolts and broken, rusty, or sharp parts.
• Do not buy equipment that utilized "S" hooks, has sharp edges, or has 5- to 10-inch rings.
• Make sure you install the equipment at least 6 feet from fences or walls.
• Prevent burns by checking for hot metal surfaces such as slides.
• It goes without saying, but keep an eye on your children.
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