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©
2006 Pacific Cycle, Inc.
The following table lists the maximum height from which a child would not be expected to sustain a life-threatening injury in a
fall onto four different loose-fill surfacing materials if they are installed and maintained at depths of 6, 9, and 12 in. However, all
injuries due to a fall can not be prevented no matter what surfacing materials are used.
FALL HEIGHT IN FEET FROM WHICH A LIFE
THREATENING INJULY WOULD NOT BE EXPECTED
Material Type
6 in. depth
9 in.
12 in.
Double Shredded
Bark
Mulch
6’
10’
11’
Wood
Chips
6’
7’
12’
Fine Sand
5’
5’
9’
Fine
Gravel
6’
7’
10’
It is recommended that a shock absorbing material should extend a minimum of 6’ in all directions from the perimeter of the
stationary equipment such as climbers and slides. However, because children may deliberately jump from a moving swing, the
shock absorbing material should extend in front and rear of the swing a minimum distance of 2 times the height of the pivot point
measured from a point directly beneath the pivot on the supporting structure.
The information is intended to assist in comparing the relative shock-absorbing properties of various materials. No particular
method is recommended over another. However, every material is only effective when properly maintained. Materials should be
checked periodically and replenished to maintain correct depth as determined necessary for your equipment. The choice of a
material depends on the type and height of the playground equipment, the availability of material in your area and its cost.
(The information above has been extracted from CPSC documents ‘Playground Surfacing – technical Information guide” and
“Handbook for public Playground Safety.” Copies of these documents can be obtained by sending a postcard to the: Office of
Public Affairs, USCPSC, Washington D.C., 20207 or by calling 1-800-638-2772.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
•
Check all nuts and bolts twice monthly during the usage season for tightness and tighten as required. It is particularly
important that all nuts and bolts are checked prior to the first use each season.
•
For extended use, remove plastic swing seats and take indoors when the temperature drops below 32º F.
•
Oil all metallic moving parts monthly during the usage season.
•
Check all coverings for bolts and sharp edges weekly during usage season to be certain they are in place. Replace as
needed. It is particularly important that all coverings are checked prior to the first use each season.
•
Sand any rusted areas of the tubing and repaint with a non-lead based paint meeting the requirements of Title 16 CFR
Part 1303.
LOCATION AND PLACEMENT OF YOUR SWING SET
•
Place your swing set a MINIMUM of six (6) feet from any other hard or fixed object.
•
Do not place your swing set underneath electrical lines. If you must, ensure that there is a minimum overhead
clearance of six (6) feet.
•
Please note the CPSC surfacing materials recommendations above.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
Your swing set comes with two 5mm Allen wrenches for the assembly of most of this product. You may also need to have the
following tools available:
•
Adjustable wrench
•
Phillips screwdriver
