Children love playgrounds. That’s where they can exercise and have fun. Parents want that for their children, but they also want them to be safe. Having safe equipment is imperative.
But along with safety, durability is important. Equipment that breaks easily is a safety hazard. Slides for playground equipment must be safe and durable to make parents feel secure. We’ll explain what goes into making a slide safe, construction and tips for selecting the best slides.
Slides are playground standards, and children expect them. But they need to be safe. Proper installation is the key.
Slides may be:
Slides can be either freestanding or part of a composite structure. They can also be built on the grade of a natural or artificial slope.
Commercial freestanding slides must have ladders or stairways and proper handrails. The slide bed must have a minimum contact width of 14 inches.
The slide’s sit-down section should have handrails or grabrails. Its surface should also be smooth and continuous. Otherwise, the children could snag themselves and become injured.
Metal slides should be avoided. They can become extremely hot in the sun and can severely burn children. All slides should be in a shaded area.
Children should be taught the proper way to go down a slide. They should only slide while sitting, with their legs in front, and facing forward.
Slides may be side by side or horizontal with each other, but never facing each other. For playground slide safety, make sure children are safely out of the way before the next child slides.
Surfacing is one of the most important factors when building a slide. It can reduce the likelihood of life-threatening injuries since falling on an absorbing surface lessens the blow.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, some appropriate surfacing includes:
Slides should always be installed with protective surfacing. And hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt should never be used.
Carpeting or mats must be American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1292 tested before they can be used.
Besides having the proper surface, ensure that there are no objects at the base or use zone of the slide. These could include:
It is also imperative that no children be in the use zone. A child could be injured if care isn’t taken to clear the area at the bottom of the slide.
The cleared area should extend the same distance as the slide’s platform.
Slides should have sufficient length to facilitate standing to sitting. There are two different lengths on the slide to accommodate a child’s age.
For toddlers the platform must be at least 19 inches deep while a preschool or school age requirement is at least 14 inches deep. It also must be as wide as the slide shoot. Platforms should be horizontal and be surrounded by guardrails or barriers.
Water and debris are also factors in safety. The platforms should have openings that allow for drainage and minimize debris collection.
However, the openings should not have a significant space or gap that would trap body parts or clothing between the platform and the start of the chute. Children have died from injuries as a result of entrapment.
Because they are at ground level, embankment slides are exempt from designated platform sizes.
There are age-specific requirements for slide heights and lengths.
Platforms intended for toddlers should be no more than 32 inches from the ground. This will hopefully protect them from sustaining serious injuries should they fall from the slide. A preschool or school-age slide shouldn’t be more than six feet.
The height and incline will impact the child’s speed. The incline is the height to horizontal length ratio. For toddlers, the incline of a slide chute should be no more than 24 degrees.
Preschool and school-age children can go a little steeper at 30 degrees. However, no section of the slide should have a slope greater than 50 degrees.
Plastic slides for playgrounds are becoming more common. They are more durable and require less maintenance. They are also a better choice than steel because of the heat factor. Plastic slides don’t reach high temperatures like metal slides, and in the summer, heated steel can burn young legs.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the most popular plastic used. It can be formed into slides as well as other playground equipment. Children love it because it comes in multiple fun colors.
Wood was once a popular material for slides. However, it splinters and requires frequent maintenance.
Composite slides, made from a mixture of plastic and wood fibers, are sometimes used. They are a more environmentally friendly option than metal slides, are slip-resistant, and are more durable.
A common standby is a metal slide. But they can be dangerous in the hot sun. Not only do metal slides burn but can become slippery when wet.
Although metal is the worst for absorbing heat, plastic can also become hot and be uncomfortable for young legs.
In areas with a lot of sun, like the southeast or southwest, ensure that slides are built under canopies or trees to deter heat.
Cold weather, with its snow and ice, can damage slides, which must be maintained or repaired more often. Wood, in particular, seems to be more damaged by cold.
Slides need a bi-monthly maintenance schedule. A basic inspection needs to be done. Nuts and bolts should be tightened as needed. Protective caps and plugs that cover bold ends should also be inspected twice a month and replaced as needed.
Look for signs of wear and tear, such as broken or missing components and splintering wooden surfaces. Repair the damage as needed.
Make sure you rake surfacing periodically. This will prevent compaction and maintain appropriate depths, therefore cushioning the children’s landing.
And finally, make sure that metal slides are clean, sanded and repainted with lead free paint.
There are several ways to select the best playground slide. Safety is the most important consideration when choosing a slide. Be sure the slide follows required safety regulations and certifications. Look for ASTM and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) compliant slides. These certifications ensure that the slide has been subjected to rigorous testing for:
Keep the child’s developmental state and age in mind. Choosing an age-appropriate slide minimizes possible injuries and prevents the child from feeling overwhelmed by the equipment.
Purchase a high-quality slide to guarantee its durability. Look for plastic or steel (just ensure they’re in the shade).
Be aware of the available space in the play area. Ensure the slide you choose fits within the allocated region without crowding the surroundings.
Slides must be safe and fun. To find your perfect slide, contact Playworld today. They’ll find you a great slide and help you plan your overall playground.