30. Outdoor Equipment

Question 1

Outdoor Equipment

Answer 1

~ there must be enough usable, developmentally appropriate equipment and play activities for each child
~ all playground equipment must be securely anchored, unless portable or stationary by design
~ permanent or stationary playground equipment must have a minimum of 6 inches in depth of loose ground cover or another shock-absorbing protective surface that provides resilience under the equipment and within the fall zone
~ asphalt, concrete, hard packed dirt, hay, grass, or leaves may not be used for the fall zone
~ child care programs must maintain the fall zone and replace materials as necessary to ensure the protective surface reduces the incidence of injuries to children in the event of falls
~ climbing equipment should be over and surrounded by a shock-absorbing surface and not over or next to hard surfaces
~ the equipment must be in good repair, maintained in safe and sanitary condition, and placed to ensure safe use by the children
~ maintenance of equipment includes inspections conducted every month of all supports above and below the ground, and of all connectors and moving parts
~ monthly inspections must be documented and maintained for 12 months
~ all equipment, fences, and objects on the premises shall be free from sharp, broken, and jagged edges and properly placed to prevent overcrowding or safety hazards in one area
~ all equipment used in the outdoor play area must be constructed and maintained to allow for water drainage
~ child care personnel must immediately empty any containers that collect water
~ sandboxes must be covered at the end of each day to prevent any animals from accessing the sand