In recent years, it is estimated that there were more than 200,000 injuries annually on playgrounds across the country that required emergency room treatment. By following the recommended guidelines you and our community can create a safer playground environment for all children and contribute to the reduction of playground-related deaths and injuries.

A few tips Safety and Maintenance Checks on Swing Sets:

Hardware:

Check and tighten all nuts and bolts. Make sure not to over tighten these components, which can cause wood to crack or splinter. Using a torque wrench, acorn nuts should be tightened to 5 foot-pounds of torque. Some protruding bolts with sharp edges have coverings to prevent injury. Tighten or replace these when necessary. Some metal parts like the swing set brackets may have rusted. These areas can be sanded down and repainted with a paint specifically used for coating metal. Make sure the paint used is non lead-based, and follows the requirements of Title 16 CFR Part 1303.

Surface Materials & Ground Cover:

Rake and check the depth of loose fill protective surfacing materials like wood chips or rubber mulch. This prevents compaction and helps to maintain an appropriate depth. Replace or add to the surface filling as necessary.

Wooden Parts & Beams:

Look for deterioration and splinters on wood beams and parts. Spot sand any areas that appear to be checking or splintering. This is a natural process of wood as it ages, and poses no threat to the structural integrity. Wood components with deep cracks or splinters, broken pieces, or signs of deterioration need to be replaced right away. Insect infestations and rot can inhibit the structural integrity of the wood – keep an eye out for nests or burrow holes. Seasonal staining and cleaning can often keep pests or rot bay. If the infestation is large, call an exterminator to assess the situation. Some wood parts may need to be replaced if they are extensively damaged.

Leveling & Anchoring:

The entire swing set structure, particularly the swing beam, must be secure and balanced. Ensure all brackets and braces are tight, along with any nuts and bolts. If there is any wobble, or you are unsure of how to properly and safely balance a swing set, contact a contractor to perform a maintenance check to get your swing set anchored or secured safely.