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.
Assembly safety
1.
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying wood chips when drilling or cutting.
2.
Verify that all bolts and screws are secured tightly and all acorn nuts are snug
(acorn nuts should be
tightened to 5 foot pounds of torque).
3.
DO NOT
allow children to play on the play system until it is completely assembled in a proper location.
4.
DO NOT
allow children in the area while you are assembling your play system. Many of the Rainbow
Playgrounds America Inc. components are very heavy and could seriously injure a child.
Maintenance of your play system
To ensure safe enjoyment of your Rainbow Playgrounds America play system for years to come, follow
these maintenance tips at the beginning of each play season:
1.
At the beginning of each usage season and twice each month,
check and tighten as needed (but do not over
tighten causing 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.
Oil all
metallic moving parts and grease tire swivel monthly during the usage period.
3.
Verify
all moving parts including swing seats, ropes, and chains for wear, rust, or other deterioration and replace
as needed.
4.
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.
5.
Check
all wood members for deterioration and splinters. Spot sand any areas that are checking or
splintering. If parts are deteriorating replace as needed.
6.
Remove
plastic swing seats and take indoors or do not use when temperature drops below
36
Fahrenheit.
7.
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.
Chart obtained from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Handbook for Public Playground Safety
Maximum Fall Height is 7'
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.
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