Safety Tips For Home Backyard Swing Sets

By Author: Nicolas Breedlove
Total Articles: 32
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Parental supervision is probably the most important component of preventative safety for outdoor playgrounds. Home backyard swing sets can provide many years of outdoor fun. Taking the proper safety precautions make sense. It is always better to think ahead and be safe.

Home backyard swing sets are a lot of fun for kids. It is a great place for children to enjoy the outdoors and make memories with family and friends. In order to keep it fun for a number of years the area needs to safe from accidents that may happen. The extra efforts that are made will be well worth it. When installing your swing set prevention is the best precaution against accidents. Do not install on a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt. Follow plans exactly and be sure everything is securely tightened. Properly anchor the set into the ground so it does not rock and lift up. Upon installation make sure there are no bolts that protrude from the set. Check for sharp edges and corners on all equipment. It is also a good idea to install the set in a shaded area. Surfaces can be quite hot in the heat of the sun and kids could get burned. Also install ...
... in a large area that is safely place away from buildings and fences.

Ground surfaces should be safe and protect children against falls. Make the landing area soft with sand, mulch or rubber padding. The protected area should extend well beyond the swing set for several feet. Check it periodically to make sure it has enough material so it can still cushion falls. Replace any material if necessary. Falling and head injuries are probably one of the highest number of accidents that happen to kids on playground equipment.

Regular maintenance on the swing set should be made. Check to make sure hardware is secure and safe for kids. Look for rusty spots and corrosion. Some parts or equipment may become deteriorated from weather and use and may need replacement. This include crack in swings or broken chains. Nothing should be hanging from the set such as roping so there is no chance of a child getting caught in it.

Equipment should be age appropriate. Babies and toddlers should not use swings that are made for older kids. There are special swings made just for the size of the little ones. They have leg holes and a back for support. Establish rules for playground use and enforce them.

-Kids should be instructed not to walk in front of or behind other kids that are on the swings.
-Equipment should always be used as intended.
-Children should not play on the top surface of the slide.
-Nothing should be left around the swing set area that kids could trip or fall on.
-Climbing up the slide should not be permitted.
-Only one person per swing.
-Do not use the equipment when it is wet as surface places become very slippery.
-No jumping from the playground equipment.
-Swinging heights should be controlled.

Parental supervision is probably the most important component of preventative safety for outdoor playgrounds. Home backyard swing sets can provide many years of outdoor fun. Taking the proper safety precautions make sense. It is always better to think ahead and be safe.

The author of this article is associated with Playgrounds.net.