Child safety at outdoor play [Blog]

23 Apr 2021

A blog written by Heras

The wellbeing and mental health of our children has always been paramount, but the opportunity for activities, stimulation, exercise and learning through outdoor play is more critical now than ever, given the frequent lockdown regulations.

This is just another reason why we need to ensure the outdoor experiences for our children are safe, so that any opportunities for outdoor play are maximised to support their health and wellbeing, without safety concerns.

RoSPA, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents are the experts when it comes to guidance on preventing accidental injury. RoSPA estimates that there are around 40,000 injuries to children on playgrounds each year, which result in a hospital visit.

Taking their lead combined with Heras’ expertise in perimeter protection, this blog shares safety information that is paramount when it comes to creating a safe environment for outdoor play, specifically where perimeter fencing is concerned.

When it comes to the causes of accidents there is little to be done if it results from misuse, weather issues, inappropriate clothing or lack of supervision. However, with the right design and manufacturing of facilities that meet RoSPA expectations for play areas, then accidents can be brought down.

Obvious answers:

It goes without saying that management led causes of accidents can be eradicated by ensuring that the equipment selected:

1. Has been designed to comply with the correct play safety standards
2. Is suitable for the age group that will be using the facilities and child safe
3. Is installed correctly
4. Is maintained and inspected regularly

When it comes to the first point listed above, Heras can advise.

Considerations for railing safety design and choice of suitable perimeter railing:

It goes without saying a good quality and well-designed fence is required which does not contain any safety hazards, as listed in EN 1176 – the play equipment standard. So what does a practical, attractive and play safe fencing system look like?

Posts and rails to be at the right spacing as stated by RoSPA to ensure there are no possible child entrapments, specifically for head, neck and fingers. The Heras’ Tangorail TR800 is designed specifically with this in mind.
Minimum height of 1m (according to British Stands 1722). The Tangorail TR800 is available in heights of 900mm – 1800mm, but for outdoor play areas and facilities where children would be present, we always recommend the minimum of 1200mm.
Suitable top design. You can imagine the potential accidents waiting to happen with spiked railings, barbed wire and fleur-de-lys split fence pales. The most suitable option Heras have found is a smooth bow top fencing design, as per the Tangorail TR800 option, no sharp edges or corners!
Appropriate panel construction. Rigid panels are very common, however when it comes to sites that have uneven ground and tough terrain they would be very costly to install. The Tangorail system eliminates all of these issues due to its unique self-raking system. The tubular bars are all made the same with a self-adjusting mechanism so they can be quickly and easily installed regardless of the level of the ground.
Durability. By selecting the most durable railing system, any repairs and maintenance will be minimised. The Tangorail panels and posts have an anti-corrosion coating, which reduces the need for repairs, and the smooth finish makes it more resistant to dirt than other options.
Rails. These are important to help prevent damage from climbing. The Tangorail railings have horizontal rails as standard.
Aesthetics. Fencing and railings are not often thought of as attractive or eye catching, however they should be as they form part of the play environment. Tangorail is available in a range of colours from a traditional green through to bright reds, yellows and blues. Given the unique panel system Tangorail offers, a multi-colour or tailored choice of coloured panels is not cost prohibitive.