NOTICE:
It is recommended to use containment, such as digging out around the perimeter and/or lining the perimeter with
landscape edging for surfacing materials.
Installations of rubber tiles or poured-in-place surfaces (other than loose-fill materials) generally require a professional and are
not "do-it-yourself" projects.
When surfacing is to be used it is recommended to use Playground Surfacing Materials (other than loose-fill materials) which
comply to the safety standard ASTM 1292 Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials within the Use
Zone of Playground Equipment.
Maintenance of your play system
To ensure safe enjoyment of your Rainbow Play System for years to come, follow these maintenance tips:
1.
At the beginning of each usage season and twice each month,
check and tighten as needed (but do not over
tighten causing the wood to crack) all nuts and bolts. Acorn nuts should be tightened to 5 foot pounds of torque.
Hardware used on swinging elements should be checked at least twice a month to ensure proper fastening.
2.
At the beginning of each usage season and twice each month,
check all coverings for bolts and sharp edges
to be certain they are in place. Replace when necessary.
3.
Oil all
metallic moving parts and grease Tire Swivel monthly during the usage period.
4.
Check
all moving parts including swing seats, ropes, and chains for wear, rust, or other deterioration and replace
as needed.
5.
Check
all metal parts for rust. If needed, sand and repaint using a nonlead-based paint meeting the
requirements of Title 16 CFR Part 1303.
6.
Check
the S-Hooks on the chains to ensure the gap is less than .040 inches. Tighten/close as necessary.
7.
Remove
plastic swing seats and take indoors or do not use when temperature drops below 32 Fahrenheit.
Reinstall swing seats when the cold season is complete.
8.
Check, twice a month,
the depth of loose fill protective surfacing materials to prevent compaction and to
maintain appropriate depth. Rake or replace as necessary.
9.
When you are ready to dispose of your playset,
make sure all metal, plastic and wood components are
disposed of in accordance with local waste ordinances and ensure that no unreasonable hazards exist.
10.
On a yearly basis,
we recommend that you coat your play system with a sealant or preservative. You may
also want to spot sand areas before sealing. Be sure that the sealant you select is non-toxic and child safe.
11.
Check
all wood members for deterioration and splinters. Spot sand any areas that are checking or
splintering. If parts are deteriorating, replace as needed.
Chart obtained from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Handbook for Public Playground Safety
Surfacing in "compressed" depths - See CPS & ASTM for Fall Heights of equipment
Equipment Fall Height
1'
2'
3'
4'
5'
6'
7'
8'
9'
10'
11'
12'
Wood Chips
6"
6"
6"
6"
6"
6"
6 1/2"
7 1/2"
8 1/4"
9"
12"
13"
Double Shredded Bark Mulch
6"
6"
6"
6"
7"
8"
9"
9 3/4" 10 1/2" 11 1/2"
12"
13"
Engineered Wood Fibers
6"
6"
6"
7"
8 1/2"
9"
9 1/2" 10 1/4" 10 3/4"
11"
10 3/4"
12"
Fine Sand
6"
6"
6 1/2"
8"
9
10"
10 1/2" 11 1/4"
12"
13 1/2" 14 3/4"
16"
Coarse Sand
6"
6"
7 1/2"
9"
10 1/2"
12"
14"
16"
18"
20"
22"
24"
Fine Gravel
6"
6"
6"
6 3/4"
8"
9"
10"
10 3/4" 11 1/2"
12"
13 1/4" 14 1/2"
Medium Gravel
6"
6 1/4"
8"
9"
9"
12"
14"
16"
18"
20"
22"
24"
TABLE 3.1 Fall Height in Feet From Which a Life Threatening Head Injury Would Not Be Expected
Type of Material
6 in. depth
9 in. depth
12 in. depth
Double Shredded Bark Mulch
6 ft.
10 ft.
11 ft.
Wood Chips
6 ft.
7 ft.
12 ft.
Fine Sand
5 ft.
5 ft.
9 ft.
Fine Gravel
6 ft.
7 ft.
10 ft.
4
