Outdoor Play Areas Susan Lane REHS CPSI Environmental

Outdoor Play Areas Susan Lane, REHS, CPSI Environmental Health Specialist II

Outdoor Grounds n Maintenance: The grounds shall be maintained in a sanitary condition, well drained and free of refuse, litter, animal droppings, insect and rodent harborages, poisonous plants, weed overgrowth, and unused equipment. 7. 0

Outdoor Grounds n Exterior Garbage: Exterior garbage and rubbish containers shall be easily cleanable, covered with a tight fitting lid, well maintained, inaccessible to children and removed on a frequency that prevents creation of a nuisance.

Swimming and Wading Pools Permanent Water Features n. A Health Permit to operate a public pool shall be maintained for a Child Care Center swimming pool or permanent wading pool. n All bodies of water shall have a barrier that conforms to NAC 444. 136.

Swimming and Wading Pools Swimming and permanent wading pools shall meet all requirements of the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 444, “Public Bathing Places and Spas. ” n Portable wading pools are prohibited n

Playground Statistics n Purpose of Hazard Identification is to reduce the number and severity of lifethreatening and seriously debilitating injuries #1 cause of DEATH: Entanglement due to clothes or something around a child’s neck becoming caught or entwined on a component of playground equipment

Playground Statistics #1 cause of INJURY: Falls which result in brain damage, permanent paralysis, long bone fractures, other long term, lifeimpacting injuries Both of these causes may be abated by proper use of equipment, supervision, and handholds, guardrails and protective barriers

Child Care Center Outdoor Play Areas 7. 4 An outdoor play area must meet SNHD criteria for the following: 7. 4. 1 Construction Plan Review 7. 4. 2 Enclosures 7. 4. 3 Visibility 7. 4. 4 Drinking Water 7. 4. 5 Shade 7. 4. 6 Playground Equipment 7. 4. 7 Protective Surfaces 7. 4. 8 Maintenance and Supervision n

Construction Plan Review 7. 4. 1 n Properly developed plans for construction, expansion, renovation or conversion shall be submitted to SNHD Plan Review.

Enclosures 7. 4. 2 Perimeter fencing or walls must be no less than 48” in height • Fencing and components must be sturdy, rigid and non-deforming •

Enclosures 7. 4. 2 Spacing between vertical components and under the fence must be 3. 5” or less Non-compliant fence

Enclosures 7. 4. 2 The fence shall be constructed so that it is non-climbable. n Both examples show climbable fencing due to hand or foot holds under 48 inches, and abatement netting in disrepair. n Hand or foot holds Chain link exposed

Climbable Fences—Not Allowed Both violations show hand or foot holds under 48 inches

n Acceptable measures to abate climbable enclosures Enclosures 7. 4. 2 Slats Netting Both!

Enclosures 7. 4. 2 n An additional abatement measure for climbable fencing is total replacement of the climbable fencing. n Suitable non-climbable alternatives are compliant vertical component fencing (spacing between vertical components and under the fence less than 3. 5 inches) or a solid wall

Enclosures 7. 4. 2 Two examples of acceptable non-climbable fencing

Enclosure Hazards An exposed bolt end that protrudes more than 2 full threads is an entanglement hazard—bolt ends must be trimmed to two or less threads and sanded if necessary to avoid an abrasion hazard

Enclosure Hazards Trip Hazard Inadequate

Enclosure Hazards Protrusion Good solution— tennis balls work also

Visibility 7. 4. 3 n The outdoor play area must be arranged so all areas are visible to the Child Care Providers. n Areas to the sides of a facility must be inaccessible. 7. 4. 3

Visibility 7. 4. 3 Side yard accessible Side yard inaccessible

Drinking Water 7. 4. 4 n Potable water must be available in each outdoor area. n Fixtures must be clean and sanitary n Fountain pressure must be regulated to keep the stream in the fountain basin and to avoid mouths touching the water source 7. 4. 4 9. 1. 4

Drinking Water 7. 4. 4 Dirty fountain Stream overshoots

Drinking Water 9. 1. 4 n Potable water may be provided from containers capable of being washed, rinsed and sanitized. n The container must be properly secured to prevent tipping and contamination. n Single service cups must be stored in a sanitary manner 7. 4. 4

Drinking Water 9. 1. 4 Approved means of supply

Drinking Water 9. 1. 4 Before coating Metal surfaces must be coated or shaded to avoid burns After 7. 4. 6

Drinking Water 9. 1. 4 Fountain has been made safe – push button is covered with plastic, bubbler is also plastic

Shade 7. 4. 5 • • Minimum 5 ft 2 per child per maximum facility capacity as determined by the Licensing Authority. Excludes shade provided by walls of building Required in each separately fenced area The ground area of the canopy of mature living trees can satisfy shade requirements. Unshaded plastic slide temperature on a summer day 7. 4. 5

Playground Equipment 7. 4. 6 n Commercial grade only, in compliance with U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Standards (CPSC) 7. 4. 6

Playground Equipment 7. 4. 6 Items not allowed: Antique fire engines or vehicles, unshaded metal 7. 4. 6

Playground Equipment Items not allowed: Concrete pipes Truck tires 7. 4. 6

Playground Equipment 7. 4. 6 n Age Appropriate Use: Access to play equipment must be limited to 7. 4. 6 developmentally appropriate age groups

Playground Equipment 7. 4 Playground equipment must be of safe design and maintained in good repair. n Hazards that require time for correction shall be maintained inaccessible to children until corrections are made. n

Playground Equipment Testing n Required Equipment: 1. National Playground Safety Institute test probes and gauges 2. Spade or digging tool 3. Tape Measure 4. Camera 7. 4. 6

Playground Equipment Testing Torso Head Completely Bounded Opening Head and Torso Probes: If the Torso Probe passes through an opening, the Head Probe must also pass

Playground Equipment Testing n The anthropometric basis for the threedimensional Head and Torso Probes: 5 th percentile 2 -year old for the Torso Probe (smallest torso) 95 th percentile 5 -year old for the Head Probe (largest head) “Where the smallest torso goes, the largest head must follow”

Playground Equipment Testing 50 Ft. Lb Gauge used in conjunction with the head and torso probes to test completely bounded nonrigid openings such as flexible nets, tot seats, and plastic enclosures

Playground Equipment Testing Partially Bounded Opening Test Template

Playground Equipment Testing Protrusion Gauges used to determine whether a projection is a protrusion

Playground Equipment Testing Pipe-size template used for any components intended for use as a hand support

Playground Equipment Testing Angle finder used for: • Designated Play Surfaces • Steps/Rungs/Platforms to be Horizontal to within ± 2° • See Saw angle ≤ 25° • Slide Slope and Exit regions • 55° Entrapment Angles

Playground Equipment Testing S-Hook connectors are properly closed when there is no gap or space greater than 0. 04 in. /1. 0 mm (width of a dime)

Playground Equipment Testing n Check upper and lower loop alignment n Neither loop of an S hook may overlap the body Non-compliant

Equipment Maintenance 7. 4. 8 Worn equipment and cracked or broken plastic components are common problems

Equipment Maintenance Missing bolts and screws 7. 4. 6

Equipment Maintenance Duct tape used for repair— also cracked plastic 7. 4. 6

Equipment Maintenance View from underneath equipment— missing fasteners replaced with plastic coated cable

Equipment Maintenance Missing fasteners 7. 4. 6

Equipment Maintenance Check for structural integrity, missing pieces, equipment that has “settled” causing joints to open 7. 4. 6

Equipment Maintenance Broken swing chain Corroding metal bridge Rusty surface 7. 4. 6

Equipment Maintenance Worn connecting devices at points of moving contact Duct tape used for repair

Equipment Hazards Very common finger entrapment— equipment has been modified from original design, leaving this hazard

Equipment Hazards Crush, shear, entanglement hazard Abatement May be abated by restricting movement of wheel or replacing with a solid, not open-spoked wheel or solid mounting piece

Equipment Hazards Hand holds at the top of this chain climber are missing—note the empty attachment bracket

Equipment Hazards Non-commercial materials used for repair

Equipment Hazards Two examples of entanglement hazards due to protrusion of fasteners

Equipment Hazards Finger entrapment hazards

Equipment Hazards Finger entrapment/integrity— Are these missing bolts or just non-essential caps or plugs?

Equipment Hazards Metal equipment must be shaded or coated to prevent burns 7. 4

Equipment Hazards 3. 5”-9. 0” opening is an entrapment hazard

Equipment Hazards Entrapment Hazard: Torso probe (3. 5”) passes through bars on play equipment— Head Probe (9. 0”) will not follow

Equipment Hazards The highest designated play surface may not exceed 8 feet for school aged, and 6 feet for preschool aged children. (Inspector is 5’ 11”)

Equipment Hazards This little girl is 3 years old. Highest play surface of equipment is greater than 6 feet.

Equipment Hazards CPSC recommends that swings not be attached to a composite structure Swings attached to composite resulting in insufficient use zone

Equipment Hazards This piece was modified by the center to add the swings Both of these structures are non-compliant due to insufficient use zones

Equipment Hazards n CPSC recommends no more than 2 swings per bay

Equipment Hazards Protrusion/Impalement

Equipment Hazards Two legs of this play structure did not touch the ground, and contained metal edges

Maintenance/Supervision n The Child Care Center Director or designee shall inspect the outdoor play area daily before children go out to play to ensure there are no hazards present. 7. 4. 8

Maintenance/Supervision Sand boxes smaller than 100 square feet shall be covered when not in use. n Larger sand play areas left uncovered shall be inspected a minimum of daily, prior to children entering the area, to remove any animal fecal matter or other foreign debris. n 7. 4. 8

Playground Hazards Debris present in children’s area

Playground Hazards Climbable Fence Abandoned Vehicle Inadequate Use Zone Inadequate Surfacing

Playground Hazards Accessible storage area Numerous debris hazards

Playground Hazards n Overhead obstructions (tree branches, ropes), within the use zones of play equipment must be at least 84 in. (7 ft) above each designated play surface and the pivot point of swings

Playground Hazards Tree branches within children’s reach

Playground Hazards Overhead hazards

Playground Hazards A splintered, climbable remnant of an old piece of equipment Plumbers tape used to secure a fence opening

Playground Hazards Splintered, peeling paint Umbrella Stand Base— Trip/Impalement

Playground Hazards Impalement and entanglement hazards

Playground Hazards Broken bench Missing cap exposing rough surface

Playground Hazards Trip hazards

Playground Hazards Trip hazards

Playground Hazards Trip Hazard

Playground Hazards Fencing in disrepair

Playground Hazards Utility meters must be inaccessible n Power supply boxes must be locked or inaccessible n Violation 7. 4. 8

Playground Hazards Utility poles and their supports need to be made inaccessible Tree supports need to be high enough to eliminate any hazard 7. 4. 8

Playground Hazards Bird droppings on play structure handholds 7. 4. 8

Surfacing n Outdoor play areas may be dirt, grass, concrete, asphalt, etc. , and may not contain hazards such as leftover construction debris, rocks, irrigation equipment or irregular surfaces. n Adequate surfacing must be in good repair —not lifting, cracking and free of holes, trip hazards or worn spots

Surfacing Cracked and uneven surfacing

Protective Surfacing Required in the use zone of climbable equipment. When a center has no climbable equipment or swings no special surfacing is required. 7. 4. 7

Protective Surfacing n Fall height—The vertical distance from a designated play surface and the protective surfacing beneath it n Designated play surface—Any elevated surface for standing, walking, sitting or climbing, or a flat surface greater than 2 inches wide by 2 inches long having an angle less than 30° from horizontal

Protective Surfacing The slide platform is the highest elevated surface on this piece. The fall height is measured at this point.

Protective Surfacing n Critical height—The fall height below which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur n Protective surfacing—Material(s) to be used within the use zone of any playground equipment

Check for proper surfacing in the use zones of equipment Protective Surfacing • Protective surfacing must be installed to a depth appropriate to the fall height of the equipment and the critical height of tested materials per Handbook for • Public Playground Safety, Consumer Product Safety Commission Pub. No. 325, Table 1 7. 4. 7

Protective Surfacing n Asphalt, concrete, soil, hard packed dirt, grass and turf are unsuitable for use under and around playground equipment of any height n Acceptable playground protective surfacing materials are available in two basic types, unitary or loose-fill

CPSC Table 1 -Critical Heights of Tested Materials (in feet/9 in depth) Tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM F 1292

Protective Surfacing The CPSC Table 1 contains select loose-fill material data only. n For other materials, including unitary materials such as pour-in-place urethane and rubberized artificial turf, or loose-fill materials such as tire crumbs and bark nuggets, test data from an independent testing laboratory certifying the critical height of material (per ASTM F 1292) must be obtained and maintained on file by the operator. n

Protective Surfacing Centers must maintain loose surfacing integrity. The surface material must be properly drained. When loose fill, resilient material becomes compacted, it must be raked and/or turned to restore resilience. Garden spade used to determine depth of material 7. 4. 7

Protective Surfacing Inadequate surfacing often exposes trip hazards —in addition to the hazard of inadequate impact attenuation material.

Protective Surfacing Trip hazard an exposed rock

Protective Surfacing n Surfacing material accumulates under platforms and slides…

Protective Surfacing and exposed …leaving the hazards use zone areas with inadequate protection

Protective Surfacing n Inadequate surfacing in equipment use zones will result in play area closure until surfacing is restored; the Licensing Authority is notified. 7. 4. 7

Surfacing Problems Squares have become hardened and no longer provide protection. They also pose a trip hazard.

Surfacing Problems Worn surfacing and exposed sub-surface which has hardened— this center attempted to replace the green turf without going through Plan Review or replacing the resilient surfacing underneath.

Surfacing Problems Missing pieces in use zones mean no protection plus they present trip hazards

Surfacing Problems Uneven surfacing with a hole Exposed tree roots

Surfacing Problems Unitary material in disrepair

Surfacing Problems “Puzzle squares” are not appropriate surfacing

Surfacing Problems Check the integrity of these mats. They age and harden and often need to be removed because they provide no additional impact attenuation protection, and are actually a harder surface than the protective surface underneath.

Equipment Use Zones Minimum 6 ft radius from perimeter of equipment to any unyielding surface • Consult CPSC Handbook for Public Playground Safety for specific equipment •

Equipment Use Zones: Stationary Equipment (excluding slides): 6 feet in all directions from the perimeter of the equipment Use zones of two stationary adjacent pieces may overlap (6 ft) if the designated play surfaces are less than 30 inches— 9 ft if greater than 30 inches

Use Zone for Slides In front of access and to the sides: 6 ft At the slide exit: H + 4 ft where H=distance from protective surfacing to highest point of the chute Slide use zones may never overlap

Use Zone for Single-Axis Swings Front and rear of swing: 2 X Height from the protective surfacing to the pivot point Side of swing: 6 feet Front and rear use zones may not overlap. Side use zones may overlap.

Minimum Clearances for Single-Axis Swings

Use Zone for Multi-Axis Swings

Tot Swings The distance from the underside of an occupied tot swing seat should be no less than 24 inches

Equipment Use Zones n Many of the large child care centers have composite play structures. Shade structures are often installed after the equipment—verify that use zones have not been compromised.

Multiple Hazards Use Zones, Metal Equipment, Fencing, Surfacing, Overhead Hazards

Inadequate Use Zones …due to non-anchored, non-commercial equipment in same area with permanent equipment

Inadequate Use Zones

Inadequate Use Zones

Inadequate Use Zones

Inadequate Use Zones

Fall Protection n Either guardrails or protective barriers may be used to prevent inadvertent or unintentional falls off elevated platforms. In addition, they should be designed to prevent intentional attempts by children seeking to defeat the barrier either by climbing over or through the barrier.

Fall Protection n Guardrails or protective barriers should completely surround an elevated platform except for entrance and exit openings necessary to access the play equipment.

Fall Protection n The recommended elevated surface heights that require protection are: Preschool-Age—more than 20” School-Age—more than 30” Platforms that are more than 48” require a protective barrier.

Fall Protection The minimum height should prevent the largest children from inadvertently falling over the guardrail or protective barrier. n A guardrail should extend low enough to prevent the smallest child from inadvertently stepping under it. n A protective barrier should not permit children to climb through or under it, and should preclude passage of the torso template. n

Fall Protection Recommended specifications for Guardrails taken from CPSC Publication No. 325

Fall Protection Guardrail Protective Barrier

Fall Protection Not required on this piece

Fall Protection n The recommended minimum height of a protective barrier is: Preschool-Age Children—minimum 29” School-Age Children—minimum 38”

n Consult the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Handbook for Public Playground Safety Publication No. 325 for additional information regarding: Surfacing Use Zones for Equipment Layout and Design Installation and Maintenance of Equipment Platforms, Guardrails & Protective Barriers Stairways, Ladders & Handrails General Hazards

Family Care Homes The street address must be affixed to the residence and easily readable from the street. 12. 1. 1

Family Care Homes n Enclosures: Perimeter fencing or walls and gates must be no less than 48 inches (48”) in height Spacing between vertical components or under the fence must be 3. 5” or less Gates must be secured so children cannot gain unauthorized exit 12. 3

Family Care Homes n All mechanical equipment including heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems (HVAC) must be inaccessible 12. 1. 3

Family Care Homes n Exterior garbage and rubbish containers shall be easily cleanable, covered with a tight fitting lid and inaccessible to children. n Anti-siphon, backflow prevention, or vacuum breakers shall be installed on all water outlets to which a hose may be attached. 12. 1 14. 1. 6

Family Care Homes n Use of residential swimming pools, spas and portable wading pools is prohibited for children in care during business hours. 12. 2. 1

Family Care Homes Bodies of Water-Barriers to Access: Wall or non-climbable, permanent fence, minimum 5 ft (5’ 0”) high Vertical openings not more than 3 ½” apart 12. 2. 2

Family Care Homes Bodies of Water-Barriers to Access: Gates or doors must be self-closing with positive self-latching mechanisms located 42 -48” above the ground on the side facing the body of water 12. 2. 2

Family Care Homes n Shade must be provided in addition to the shade offered by the exterior walls of the residence: Minimum 50 sq feet for Family Care Homes Minimum 100 sq feet for Group Care Homes Mature trees may satisfy this requirement 12. 3. 2

Family Care Homes An elevated, portable water table may be used for water play— it must be emptied, cleaned and sanitized immediately after each use n Sprinkler play is permitted as long as the area remains free of pooling water n 12. 2. 3 12. 2. 4

Family Care Homes n An outdoor play area shall be arranged so that all areas in a given enclosed play yard are visible to the Child Care Provider 12. 3. 1

Family Care Homes Age Appropriate Use: Access to play equipment shall be limited to age groups for which the equipment is developmentally appropriate according to the manufacturer instructions. n Equipment not commercially manufactured shall comply with the requirements of the most current edition of the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Handbook for Public n Playground Safety, Publication No. 325.

Family Care Homes Outdoor Play Equipment Climb-on equipment shall be positioned at least 6 feet away from any unyielding surface such as pavement, fences, trees or other equipment. Surfacing and use zones are non-compliant

Family Care Homes Backyard Hazards Potentially dangerous tools or equipment, pesticides and other toxic substances must be maintained inaccessible to children 12. 1. 2

Family Care Homes Backyard Hazards Gas grills need to be inaccessible, and trampoline use is not allowed 12. 1. 3 12. 3. 3

Family Care Homes Backyard Hazards Storage sheds shall be locked at all times 12. 1. 2

Family Care Homes Backyard Hazards Garden hoses and loose cable or phone wires on exterior walls pose an entanglement hazard

Family Care Homes Multiple Hazards Impalement Entanglement Tripping Abrasion

More Hazards, Same Location Insufficient Use Zone — 6’ minimum Insufficient Surfacing —positioned on unyielding surface

Family Care Home Backyard Hazards Inadequate Use Zone Insufficient Surfacing Chairs in the Use Zone

Inspection and Compliance The operator of the Child Care Facility shall maintain a copy of the last health inspection report as well as a copy of the regulations on file at the facility, readily available for parental review. n Unless otherwise noted on the inspection report, all items of violation shall be corrected within 30 days. n 2. 0

Resources www. southernnevadahealthdistrict. org which has links for: --Southern Nevada Health District Regulations Governing the Sanitation of Child Care Facilities --Southern Nevada Health District Regulations Governing the Sanitation of Food Establishments --Playground Resource Guide (a copy of this presentation) n www. cpsc. gov which has links for: --U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission publication No. 325, Handbook for Public Playground Safety, and the Outdoor Home Playground Safety n Handbook

Everybody play nice!

QUESTIONS? ? ?