Playground Wood Chips Safety

Wood chips help prevent injuries.

Since 79 percent of all injuries on playgrounds involve falls, the substrate is extremely important. Proper cushioning can help prevent scratches, scrapes, even broken bones. Wood chips are an economical and safe option.

Playground Substrates

Playgrounds have a variety of substrates, or ground covers. Materials that will absorb the impact of falls are safer. These include bark mulch, wood fibers, wood chips, shredded rubber tires, pea gravel, and rubber mats. Material such as dirt, grass, and concrete are too hard and can cause injury upon impact.

Wood Chips

Wood chips should come from 100 percent virgin wood without any recycled material that could contain metal or toxic residue.

Depth and Distance

The National Safety Council suggests placing wood chips in a 6-foot fall zone around equipment at a 12-inch minimum depth to cushion falls.

Dangers

Wood chips can hide hidden dangers such as glass or metal objects. Wood chips can also get into eyes and scratch delicate tissue.

Maintenance

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states that the minimum depth of wood chips should be monitored in high traffic areas where chips can become displaced, such as under swings and slides. The entire surface should be raked periodically to maintain proper cushion depth and remove hidden objects.

References

• National Safety Council
• BlakeHauling.com
• U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission