Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Playground Safety
In Pennsylvania, playground safety comes first. It is regulated by the Department of Public Welfare, and the requirements are the same for both public playgrounds and daycare facilities located outside a private residence. They include recommendations for planning, safety requirements for equipment to prevent injury and recommendations for parents.
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Planning a Playground
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Pay special attention to sun exposure when metal surfaces are used---they can get hot! Select a site after considering such things as protection from possibly dangerous surroundings like busy streets or lakes; sun exposure; the slope and drainage of the space; the age of intended users; and appropriate surfacing to prevent falling-related injuries.
Safety Requirements
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Toddlers need very different equipment than bigger children. Pennsylvania regulations for parts of the playground are based on the types of equipment and ages of the intended users.
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Hazards to Look For
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A seesaw is a good example of a possible crushing and shearing hazard. Some possible hazards include crushing and shearing points; entanglement and impalement; strings and ropes; head entrapment; sharp points, corners and edges; suspended hazards; and tripping hazards. Used tires can also present a hazard and must be inspected for metal pieces before being placed in a playground setting.
Recommendations for Parents
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Playgrounds should be inspected regularly to ensure no new hazards are present due to wear, vandalism or debris. Proper supervision of children at play, along with the removal of dangerous clothing, such as jewelry or hooded sweatshirts with strings, prevents injuries. Learn what equipment is age-appropriate for your child to keep her safe.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit playground image by tim elliott from Fotolia.com playground image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com Toddler girl playing in patio image by Olga Sapegina from Fotolia.com seesaw image by McDanny from Fotolia.com
