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 Playground Safety

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The National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS) based at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls has developed a very effective plan for making children safer on public and private playgrounds across the country. This outline is an introduction to this plan, and gives only a brief synopsis of the elements involved. Visit their web site at http://www.uni.edu.playground.

The safety plan consists of these 4 crucial elements:

S.A.F.E.

S = Supervision

All children must know the rules of the playground they are playing on, and supervisors must enforce those rules in order to keep children safe. About 40% of all accidents and injuries on playgrounds are directly linked to inadequate supervision. Everyone assigned to supervise children in an outdoor play space must have specialized training on how to properly supervise this area.

A = Age Appropriate Equipment

Playground equipment should be scaled to be challenging for children in order to bolster their physical development. However, children should not be allowed to use equipment that is beyond their physical capabilities. Playgrounds should also be planned and maintained to be accessible to children with a physical disability.

F = Fall Zones

70% of all playground injuries are related to falls to the surface. About 80% of all playgrounds in the U.S. have unsuitable fall surfaces. Many injuries could be prevented if appropriate surfaces are utilized and maintained on playgrounds. The NPPS recommends that a 12-inch depth of surfacing be used for equipment up to 8 feet in height. Visit the NPPS web site for more detailed information on fall zone surfacing.

E = Equipment

Routine maintenance of the playground and equipment should be a priority for staff.There are several things that need to be regularly checked. Š The depth of loose-fill surfacing can change with the amount of activity in the area or with the weather. Staff should measure the depth and refill as needed. Equipment that is broken or worn must be replaced. Accessibility paths must be kept free of debris so all children can enjoy the playground.