Performing Required Maintenance
Performing Required Maintenance
Construction fencing may be used temporarily to close the play area for repairs. Caution tape should only be used for a very short time and while maintenance staff is onsite.
may be used for longer periods of time but should still be considered to be a temporary solution.
A piece of plywood wide enough to block off the entire opening and at least 38 inches high could be attached to the structure. The plywood should be attached to the structure so that children are not able to remove it and in such a manner that sharp edges, protrusions, entrapment and entanglement hazards are not created. Many agencies order extra protective barriers from their playground equipment suppliers so that when a component is damaged they can remove the component and put a protective barrier in the opening until a replacement component can be ordered and installed. Often, depending on the design of the damaged component, there are metal pipes that are used to support the play components that are embedded into the ground. It may not be desirable to remove these support pipes, especially if they will be reused when the replacement part is received. Care should be taken to properly protect children from any hazards that might be associated with the remaining product. Never leave what was intended to be a temporary solution in place for an extended period of time. If there is no money for replacement parts, a more permanent solution should be considered or the product should be removed completely.
Keeping an inventory of items that are commonly replaced such as “S” Hooks, swing chains, swing hangers and swing seats allow maintenance to be performed without having to take the equipment out of service for any length of time. When it will take days or weeks to make the repair a more permanent solution should be considered. If a component or section of equipment is damaged it may be necessary to keep children from using that piece of equipment while a replacement part is being ordered. If the equipment is freestanding, meaning it is not part of a composite unit, consider installing portable fencing around the entire piece of equipment with a sign that states that this equipment is closed for repair. If the play component is part of a composite structure and children could still play on the rest of the equipment without being in danger, the damaged component could be taken out of service instead of the entire composite structure. When doing this it is important to avoid creating a greater hazard. Consider removing the damaged component and blocking off the entrance to the component from the platform it attaches to.
Due to the wide variety of playground equipment, and materials used to construct the equipment, there are many types of repairs that may need to be done to keep playground equipment and surfacing compliant and functional. You may choose to handle some of the more common repairs, like tightening or replacing hardware, repainting structures, or topping off loose fill surfacing to compliant depths. Other repairs, including part replacement, entrapments, or repairing unitary surfaces require specialized knowledge and experience and are best left to a professional crew to ensure your playground meets all applicable standards before being put back into service. To understand the best way to handle a repair, start with the company you purchased the playground from. Many have local representatives that can even come to your site and evaluate the best way to handle a repair. If you don’t remember the name of the company or the local sales representative/ agency, check your paperwork for this information, or look on the equipment for a sticker that should list the name of the manufacturer, and often their phone number. The sticker is usually located on an
upright (the vertical poles that attach the structure to the ground.) The manufacturer name might also be found molded into plastic parts, or stamped onto post caps or collars. The manufacturer will be able to send the correct part, as well as refer you to a professional if the repair requires a trained specialist. There will be times when it is necessary to take a piece of equipment or a component out of service either temporarily while a repair is being made or longer term when replacement parts are on order. It is important that care is taken to protect the site while keeping children from coming into contact with the hazard that has been identified. How this is done can impact the safety of the playground. When making a repair such as replacing an “S” hook or swing seat or performing routine maintenance where the person making the repair is on site, it is acceptable to rope off the area using caution tape or plastic construction fencing. A sign stating that the equipment is temporarily closed for repair should be placed next to the equipment or on the plastic fencing. Caution tape is only acceptable for a very short time while the maintenance staff is performing the repair. Plastic construction fencing in conjunction with a sign
If removing a damaged component but keeping structure open, block the entrance to the component to help avoid harm.
Proper and timely playground maintenance helps ensure children are playing on a compliant structure.
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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