Safety Checklist: The Consumer Product Safety Commission publishes this simple checklist to help make sure your home playground is a safe place to play.

1. Install and maintain a shock-absorbing surface around the swing set or play equipment. Use at least 9 inches of wood chips, mulch or shredded rubber for play equipment up to 7 feet high. If sand or pea gravel is used, install at least a 9-inch layer for play equipment up to 5 feet high. Or, use surfacing mats made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like materials.
   
2. Install protective surfacing at least 6 feet in all directions from play equipment. For swings, be sure surfacing extends, in the back and the front, to twice the height of the suspending bar.
3. Never attach (or allow children to attach) ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines or pet leashes to play equipment. Children can strangle on these.
4. Check for hardware, like protruding bolt ends, which can be hazardous.
5. Check for spaces that could trap children, such as openings in guardrails or between ladder rungs; these spaces should measure less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches.
6. Make sure platforms and ramps have guardrails to prevent falls.
7. Check for sharp points or edges in equipment.
8. Remove tripping hazards, like exposed concrete footings, tree stumps and rock.
9. Regularly check play equipment and surfacing to make sure both are in good condition.
10. Carefully supervise children on play equipment to make sure they are safe.

For a complete listing of CPSC playground safety publications, click here.

Other Common Sense Precautions

1. Children of any age should not use any swing set without adult supervision.
2. Children should be instructed to avoid walking close to, in front of, behind, or between moving items.
3. Children should be instructed to sit properly in the center of the swing seat.
4. Children should be instructed not to use any swing set in a manner other than intended.
5. Children should be instructed not to get on or off equipment (i.e., swings, etc.) while the equipment is in motion.
6. Children should be instructed not to play on a swing set when it is wet or slippery.
7. Avoid the use of ponchos, scarves and other loose clothing that may be hazardous while using the swing set.
8. Do not climb ladders when wet.
9. Never climb on top of monkey bars or the swing beam.
10. Children should be instructed not to twist swing ropes/chains, or loop swings over swing beam, as this may reduce their strength.