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Home- Swing sets
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Things
to Consider before Installing a Swing Set
First of all, you must have a level area on which to install your swing
set so that it will have maximum stability. Swings should be far enough
apart so that they will not collide as children are swinging. They
should also be far enough away from support structures to prevent
hitting them. Also, the support structures should contain no more than
two swing seats in the same section. A tire swing must be suspended in
the same section of the support structure.
Falls are the result of most playground injuries. That is why it is so
important to install your swing set on the proper surface. There should
also be the correct surface around, as well as under the playground
equipment. Surfaces that do not have any shock absorbing capabilities,
such as concrete or asphalt should never be used. During a fall, grass
and sod will not absorb well due to erosion that occurs because of
environmental conditions. The best surfaces to have underneath and
around your playground equipment are surfaces that contain loose-fill
such as wood chips, sand, pea gravel and bark mulch that has been
shredded. Some synthetic surfaces are good, such as rubberized matting,
but check out these types of surfaces carefully before installing.
Regularly inspect your playground area routinely; this includes the
equipment as well as the surface under and around it. Make sure the
playground equipment does not have any loose or worn hardware and no
protrusions or projections. Look for any damage that may have occurred
with the swing sets themselves, as well as handholds and guardrails.
Also check for any structural damage and deterioration. And make sure
the equipment is connected correctly to the ground. With wooden
equipment, make sure there are no cracks, splinters, or decaying wood
items.
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