How to Ensure a Swing Set Is Safe

A swing set is an important part of every childhood, but parents should check any one they buy for safety. Similarly, it's important to examine any swing set located in a public park to ensure that it is safe. There are a few specific areas to focus on to ensure the safety of a swing set.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look at the base of the swing set to see how it is anchored. Safe swing sets will be firmly attached to the ground with poles or cross beams to hold the structure in place. Unsafe swing sets may wobble or shift in place, indicating improper anchoring.
2. Check the screws and bolts to make sure that they are secure and free of rust. Loose bolts indicate equipment that may fall off, and those with a lot of rust may also be unstable.
3. Examine the screws and bolts for proper caps or to make sure that they are flush with the metal. Screws that stick out can cause scrapes and pinches and should be tightened properly or covered with a safety cap.
4. Make sure the slide on the swing set meets basic safety standards. A children's slide should be no higher than 8 feet, and its downward angle should be no greater than 30 degrees. Also, if it is metal, make sure it is not exposed to direct sun (sun will cause it to heat up, which could result in burns).
5. Check any wooden parts of the swing set for signs of splintering or cracking. Wooden sections should always be treated with paint or wood stain and sealed against the weather. Deteriorating wood may not support a child who climbs on it, and even relatively sturdy wood may result in splinters if it's worn out.
6. Examine the material the swing set stands on top of. It should be soft and able to cushion the blow if a child falls. Sand, wood pellets, rubber pellets and pea gravel are all good materials. This material should be at least 4 inches deep around the swing set to ensure maximum safety.
7. Check the swing set twice each year to look for signs of corrosion or deterioration. Any part that you don't think is safe should be replaced immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Teach your children what to look for when they go to play on a swing set. They will spend more time on it than you and can help ensure their own safety if they know what danger signs to look for.

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