Backyard Swing Set Safety Tips

As per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200,000 children go to U.S. Hospital Emergency rooms with injuries associated with playground equipment. For Product Safety information, visit the website, www.cpsc.gov or call CPSC Hotline at 1-(800) 638-2772.

When installing a swing set, follow all manufacturer guidelines. Pick an appropriate location for the equipment. Keep in mind that direct sunlight can cause the equipment to become hot. Picking a shady spot will assist in keeping the equipment surface cool and safe.

To assure safe placement between structures, furniture, fences, motor vehicles and pets provide at least 6 ft of clearance between these objects and the swing set equipment.

An important safety tip for securing a swing set to the ground is to insert and fasten the legs into concrete footings. Footer holes should be deep enough for the footings to be buried below ground level. Following these safety tips will prevent dangerous tripping hazards.

For safety underfoot, use pea gravel or sand. Rubber play mulch is also available; all of these substances will absorb the impact of children at play. This safety tip is important to provide a safe fall zone, which has less occurrences of serious injury compared to grass or dirt.

When installing swings, the height of the rope or chain should be elevated so the swing seat is at least 2 ft off the ground. This important safety tip will prevent toddlers from climbing on the equipment unattended.

Do not use toddler swings for infants. Infants can slip down into the seat, there is a risk of slipping and an infants head may get caught in the leg hole of the seat.

Prior to using the swing set, check all hardware for sharp edges, this should also be done at the beginning of each season and at a minimum, once every two weeks during the season.

Most swing set equipment include plastic safety caps for covering nuts and bolts, if these items become damaged or go missing, replace them to prevent unwanted injury.

Be aware of spaces within the swing set equipment to prevent children from becoming trapped or tangled.

With each new season, inspect the equipment for cracks or breaks, if any part of the swing set becomes damaged, an important safety tip is to replace it at once. Also be aware of equipment sturdiness, weather will erode the materials surrounding the structure over time; proper inspection of the equipment is an important safety tip.

Do not allow children to use the equipment if it is wet. All materials in play area become slippery when wet. Fill in any potholes or trenches dug into the playground surface. These holes may accumulate water and cause a slip hazard.

Climbing ropes should be secure on both ends to prevent a choking hazard or a possible collision.

Follow the recommended age and weight limits for all swing set equipment to prevent bodily injury or damage to the equipment.

If a slide is attached to the swing set there is a danger of tipping, so instruct users to stay off the very top ladder step of the slide when swings are in motion.

Do not attach any foreign items such as jump ropes, pet leashes, chains and clothes lines to the swing set equipment. These items cause both choking and tripping hazards and are not recommended.

Do not allow children to hang on the frame of the swing set or push an unmanned swing, rope or glider. Do not twist or tie chains or ropes, this will reduce the strength of equipment and can cause serious injury.

Dress your children properly; well fitting clothing and shoes will assure safe play. Loose fitting clothing with drawstrings and scarves should be avoided when playing on a swing set.

Avoid walking close to, in front of, or behind equipment when it is in use. Do not get off of equipment while in motion.

The most important safety tip is adult supervision. Parents, remind children to take turns and not to push or be pushed on swing set equipment by other children, this will aid in collision prevention.

When safety tips are followed correctly, the swing set will provide years of safe enjoyment.