Things Every Outdoor Playground Equipment Owner Should Know
So you have decided to buy an outdoor playground equipment for your child’s ever growing needs? There are a lot of things that parents miss when it comes to buying a play system and maintaining a play system. Chaotic work schedules rarely allow people to maintain their kids’ play areas and play equipment, which sometimes can lead to play equipment injuries. In this post, we will discuss how you can take good care of the play systems by considering the most essential elements of maintenance.
Before we go on to discuss the essentials of maintaining a playground equipment, it is should important to shed light on why playground equipment needs maintenance, and why you should take time to maintain it on a regular basis.
According to a recent research study, below are the statistics regarding playground injuries:
- Swings 40%
- Roundabouts 5%
- Climbers 23%
- Poles 1%
- Slides 21%
- See-Saws 4%
- Others 6%[1]
Things you might need:
- WD-40 oil
- Polyurethane and brush for staining wood
- Mulch
- Wrench for tightening bolts
- Level
- S-hook pliers
- Extra parts, ordered from the company as needed
Here’s a to-do list that you need to follow to maintain playground and commercial playground equipment safety.
The to-do list
Clean Away Dirt and Debris:
Cleanliness is next to nothing when it comes to keeping playgrounds maintained. Dirt, debris and spider webs are a home to millions of bacteria that can come in contact with your child and cause various ailments. So, the first step is to clean away all the dirt and debris. You can use a leaf blower or a vacuum cleaner to extract the dirt. Once in a while, utilize cleaning products to clear the stubborn dirt stains on the equipment.
Use Water Sealer:
Water sealer is another important element to keep the equipment protected all around the year. During yearly maintenance, make sure that you treat the equipment with the water sealer to shield the surface from weather effects.
Paint the Outdoor Playground Equipment:
One of the best upkeep commitments for playground equipment is to keep it safe from the weather effects. A good paint job will keep the equipment safe from sun and water damage that over the time devalues the equipment and makes it less safe for the children. In addition to the paint job, make sure to sand off the rough edges of the playground equipment that usually catches garments and clothing items.
Tighten the Screws, Bolts, and Nails:
Over time, the screws, bolts and nails become loose and pose a serious risk of injury. So, make a regular habit to check the nuts and bolts of the playground equipment to make sure it is safe for children to ride. If the screws are rusted, or the nails contorted, supplant them with new ones immediately before they become a cause of injury.
The above-mentioned tips will make sure that your child does not face any menace during the recreation period. If you have something to share regarding the subject, do not hesitate to leave a comment.
[1] https://www.rospa.com/play-safety/advice/playground-accidents/