As children enjoy their time in playgrounds, play equipment is subjected to wear and tear. The equipment may become a hazard to children and should be replaced. Determining the best time to replace your playground equipment can be a challenging task. Here is what you can do to know the right time to replace your playground equipment:
Consider the Age of Your Equipment
Replacement of playground equipment is necessary after many years of use. Learn the age of the equipment by checking the date of purchase. The weather conditions, frequency of use, and quality of equipment can influence its aging rate. Acknowledge the useful life indicated by some manufacturers when identifying the right time for replacing playground equipment. You can contact the manufacturers to ask for the useful life of the playground equipment in case they do not provide this information as part of the equipment.
Check for Signs of Damage
Regular inspections point to signs of wear and tear before the equipment can pose a risk to children. Check for loose bolts, loose ropes, cracks, sharpened edges, rust, and splintered wood that can injure children when playing. Conduct repairs to correct faults that you come across during the inspection. Regular inspection promotes easy fixes that increase the lifespan of playground structures. When routine inspections show extreme damage that threatens the safety of children, you should get newer and safer equipment.
Check the Safety Standards
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) presents playground rules and regulations that dictate the height, spacing of equipment, and type of hardware to include in the playground. Always check the regulations by the CPSC in case of any updates or changes. When your play equipment fails to meet the applicable regulations, consider replacing it. Look out for equipment prohibited by the CPSC.
Check With a Professional
Check with a playground structure expert to help you determine the right time to replace the play equipment. The right equipment expert can be qualified to conduct an inspection of your playground structures and validate their safety. Check if the expert has a certification showing expertise in identifying risks and hazards in playground structures.
Consider Upgrading
When the inspection of equipment shows that it is in good condition, you can add new components to improve the playing experience for children. Upgrades may include the addition of slides, rock climbing walls, and swings. Consider including playing apparatus for children with a range of physical and intellectual capacities to accommodate them all. Upgrading the equipment can enhance the playing experience for all the children while keeping them safe.
Learn When to Replace Your Playground Equipment
The safety and efficiency of playground structures should be a priority for the responsible parties. These play structures should be safe for children to have a fun experience. Learning the lifespan of playing equipment, examining signs of wear and tear, engaging expert playground inspectors, and upgrading playground equipment can lead to a safe and fulfilling playground experience. Following these steps can help keep your playground structures in good condition that is safe and entertaining for children.
