Swing Sets Backyard Safety

     Swing sets are a popular piece of backyard play equipment, and this includes both residential metal and wood swing sets. Putting up a swing set, however, isn't solely about assembling it from the instructions in the package. Based on the standards listed in ASTM-F1148 for home playground equipment, certain requirements need to be met for swing sets to be used safely. For backyard swing sets, this means certain location and safety recommendations not only for the equipment itself but for the protective surfacing below. Whether wooden or metal swing sets are your preference, injuries due to a poorly placed swing set or unsafe equipment can be lessened by following the standards set by ASTM-F1148 and detailed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

     While equipment, such as swing sets for toddlers and older children, vary from age groups two to five years and five to twelve years, safety is important all around for preventing injuries in your backyard. While the first step in choosing a swing set is finding one that meets ASTM-F1148 codes, which is listed on packaging for swing sets, the second step done even before assembling the swing set is choosing the location of the play set. Swing play sets and swing and slide sets aside, the location is crucial and this starts with choosing a part of your backyard with proper drainage and shade. This location should be away from roads and driveways but still visible from inside of the house and outdoors from a patio or porch. The swing set should be at least six feet away from the house. This particular area, in addition, needs to be clear of "obstacles" or trip hazards, such as tree branches, tree stumps, large rocks, and concrete. Swing and slide sets, furthermore, should have the slide facing north to receive less direct sunlight if it can't be placed in the shade and the same applies to bare metal platforms.

     Examining the swing set is also crucial to creating a safe environment in your backyard. While swing sets geared to the two-to-five year old crowd differ from those for children five to twelve years, any swing set shouldn't have a piece of equipment with a fall higher than six feet, as above that height the potential for serious injuries doubles. On the ground level, swing sets need at least six feet of space between that and other equipment and objects, such as trees, on all sides. All swing sets need to be anchored into the ground to be level and sturdy and, while wooden swing sets can be anchored firmly by themselves, metal swing sets need to be set in concrete to be anchored. These anchors, once a protective surfacing is put in, should sit at least six inches below the surface.

     Both wooden and metal swing sets are common residential swing sets but, while metal swing sets are anchored differently, the maintenance, even down to the small parts, is equal for both types. Metal swing sets, for example, need to be treated to prevent rust, corrosion, and deterioration, which can be done by purchasing a galvanized metal swing set. Wood swing sets, on the other hand, should be treated to be rot and insect resistant but watch for wood that is creosote treated. These wooden swing sets need to be treated every few years to stay in shape. For smaller parts on both wooden and metal swing sets, all surfaces should be inspected for rough or sharp edges, protruding bolts and screws, and all S-hooks for swings should be closed. Smaller parts on outdoor swing sets should be oiled or replaced when they start to show signs of wear.

     Another key component of safety for residential swing sets is the protective surfacing below the swing set. Surfacing materials should be added as soon as the swing set is fully installed and anchored and should be nine to twelve inches deep. Surfacing materials act as shock absorbers for falls from equipment, especially as falls count for most playground injuries, and, as a fall doesn't always occur directly below the equipment, the surface materials should be spread six feet in all directions from the perimeter of the swing set. Protective surfacing can be done with loose fill material, such as wood mulch or chips, engineered wood fiber, shredded rubber mulch, sand, and pea gravel; poured-in-place surfacing; or manufactured rubber tiles. While protective surfacing is important to preventing injuries, the surfacing material should not be poured over concrete or asphalt surfaces.