When choosing a destination for your swings set, opt for a location away from roads and driveways, and visible from inside the home, patios or porches. The swing set site should be free of low overhanging tree branches, overhead wires, tree stumps and roots, large rocks, bricks, and concrete. Choose a relatively level location for your swing set at least six feet from any structure or obstacles, such as a house, fence, sheds, or trees. Swings should be farther away from structures to the front and rear of the swings. A distance equal to twice the height of the top bar from which the swing is suspended. Provide shock–absorbing protective surfacing material underneath and at least six feet beyond the perimeter of the play structure. Provide enough room so that children can use the equipment safely. - PLEASE SUPERVISE ALL PLAY ACTIVITY -
| Table: Critical Fall Heights (In Feet) of Tested Materials | ||||
| Ground Cover Material | Uncompressed Depth |
Compressed Depth |
||
6 Inch Depth |
9 Inch Depth |
12 Inch Depth |
9 Inch Depth |
|
| Wood Chips | 7' |
10' |
11' |
10' |
| Double Shredded Bark Mulch | 6' |
10' |
11' |
7' |
| Engineered Wood Fibers | 6' |
7' |
>12' |
6' |
| Fine Sand | 5' |
5' |
9' |
5' |
| Coarse Sand | 5' |
5' |
6' |
4' |
| Fine Gravel | 6' |
7' |
10' |
6' |
| Medium Gravel | 5' |
5' |
6' |
5' |
| Shredded Tires*** | 10-12' |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
***This data is from tests conducted by independent testing laboratories on a 6-inch depth of uncompressed shredded tire samples produced by four manufacturers. The tests reported critical heights which varied from 10 feet to greater than 12 feet. It is recommended that persons seeking to install shredded tires as a protective surface request test data from the supplier showing the critical fall height of the material when it was tested in accordance with ASTM F1292. ~Handbook for Playground Safety |
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