Safe Children's Playgrounds

You are the city manager, and you got that way by being elected.  Campaign promises included more schools, better transportation, streets and roads as well as a library and a playground.  But, what happens when it comes to making a choice between the high bidder and the low bidder for each project?  When the low bidder is chosen for projects the quality of the finished product is bound to be lower.  Yes, campaign promises were made but at what cost to human safety?

The bidding process for any construction project should include a warranty guarentee by the builder that the finished product meets city, county and state guidelines for safety and longevity of use without the development of defects.  The plans for the project, whether they be for a children's playground, a park, a railroad or theme ride should be thouroughly reviewed by a risk manager who is qualified to review such projects.

In the case of children's playground equipment, several danger points should be looked for including including the quality of products that intend to be used in the manufacture of the different playground structures.  For example, if the playground includes swings, connecting joints or unions from which the swing is attached should not contain rough edges which could pose a scraping and infection risk.

Slides should be made from a material that will not be subject to deterioration.  For example, slides made from plastic should be of a material known to withstand the effects of play, wind, sun and rain.  Lower grade plastics can be subject to weathering and breakdown from normal use resulting in the rough edges as shown in the photograph below.  For more on children's playground safety and photographs of playground injury points see  http://hubpages.com/hub/Free_Playground_Equipment_Ideas_with_Safety_Comments_and_Photos