Introduction
Introduction
Active Supervision Can Reduce Injuries An active playground supervisor constantly moves throughout the play environment. There are two types of movement that playground supervisors should use. The first involves physically moving through the play environment. The second type of movement is visual scanning . Visual scanning is moving with your eyes, always looking from one side to another, not spending much time focusing on one area of the playground. Remember this mantra: “Move with the body. Scan with the eyes.”
The CPSC’s Handbook for Public Playground Safety recommends that there be 12 inches of appropriate loose-fill material under playground equipment. Under no circumstances should loose-fill material be less than nine inches. For more information, please refer to Table 2 entitled, “Minimum compressed loose-fill surfacing depths.” Loose-fill materials tend to compact and get kicked out in high traffic areas, such as under swings and at the base of slides. To maintain loose-fill material at an acceptable depth, it should be raked and leveled periodically. As a playground supervisor, it is important to notify the owner or their representative when loose-fill surfacing material needs to be raked back into place and/or replenished. Unitary surfacing materials include rubber tiles, solid rubber surfaces like poured-in-place rubber, bonded rubber, and synthetic turf. A playground supervisor should check that the unitary materials
are in good condition with no holes, tears, or damage. If the surfacing is damaged in an area, that area should be taken out of service until it is repaired. CPSC Documentation of Surfacing: Materials used as protective surfacing under playground equipment must meet impact attenuation criteria. The CPSC has outlined the performance criteria that various types of surfaces must meet. Manufacturers of unitary materials, shredded rubber, recycled tires and engineered wood fiber are expected to supply all compliance and test reports for their surfaces. In the event that local landscape materials are used you may consult with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Handbook for Public Playground Safety for information regarding the type and depth of common surfaces. For more information, visit www.cpsc.gov, publication #325.
A playground supervisor must observe, not just see. By carefully observing children’s behavior, you will begin to anticipate what they are about to do. Often a supervisor can stop a situation from getting out of hand by simply moving physically closer to the children involved or by looking directly at them. Asking a child to walk with you for a few minutes removes him or her from the immediate situation and can give him or her an opportunity to redirect their behavior. Active supervision does not mean playing games with the children. If a supervisor is acting as referee or shooting hoops with the kids, he or she is not actively watching the rest of the children. When making supervision choices, consider the needs of each child and the needs of the group.
In environments with a large number of staff, some should serve as supervisors while others serve as facilitators, engaging children in guided or more directive play to promote creativity, socialization, and learning. Active playground supervision also means having an understanding of children’s physical skills. Position supervisors near challenging play components to provide encouragement and additional supervision. For example, young children may need additional supervision when using upper body equipment such as horizontal ladders. Close proximity to the equipment also enables the supervisor to discourage its improper use. (Example: Children grabbing the legs of a child above them, children trying to hurry a child that is having difficulty, etc.)
Simple ways to make your supervision efforts more effective: • Move with the body, scan with the eyes. • Observe children’s behavior to anticipate dangerous situations. • Avoid distractions. • Position supervisors near challenging components.
The exposed footer on this equipment is a hazard and should be covered with surfacing.
Geotextile fabric should never be exposed and is a sure sign that surfacing levels are inadequate.
Playground manufacturers supply marks or stickers on uprights to indicate adequate surfacing levels.
Unitary surfacing materials like rubber tiles are a good option for playground surfacing.
When engaging individuals or small groups of children, ensure that sufficient supervision is provided to the rest of the playground.
Loose-fill materials get kicked away and must be raked level.
Wear Mats under swings can help keep loose-fill materials in place and protect unitary surfaces from wear.
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Preserving the Play Environment • Promoting the Value of Play • Protecting Children
Preserving the Play Environment • Promoting the Value of Play • Protecting Children
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