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Almost every schoolyard across America has a swing set and almost as many homes too. As much fun as a child has on a swing set, parents, nursery school owners and daycare providers should still be aware of a few safety tips associated with swing sets.

PLACEMENT SAFETY TIPS

1. Avoid placing a swing set near or over a septic or well cover. These covers, and the ground around them, can deteriorate over time. The weight of a child is more than enough to cause one of these covers to break completely and the child could fall in.

2. Placing a swing set near or under a tree is a good idea for keeping it out of the direct sunlight. This will help keep your child in the shade, and prevent any metal surfaces the swing set may have from heating up which could cause burns.

3. As beneficial as the shade of a tree can be, low-hanging branches can be an invitation to the climber in the crowd. Cut any low-hanging or dead branches that may be too inviting or may come loose and fall on a child.

4. Make sure the swing set is visible from the house. Older children don't need as much supervision as the younger ones, but in this day and age we live in, it's better to be able to keep a visual on your child no matter how old they are.

GROUND COVER SAFETY TIPS

The main objective for the surface a swing set sits on is that it has shock absorbing capability. Believe it or not, Mother Earth doesn't have much sock-absorbing characteristics.

A good alternative to bare earth is some type of loose fill material. Wood chips are most common, but you may also consider screened sand, mulch and pea size gravel. Any material you choose to use should be 9-12 inches deep.

NUTS AND BOLTS SAFETY TIPS

Once a month thoroughly inspect your swing set for loose nuts and bolts. Note: A visual check can miss loose hardware. Use a wrench and try to turn each nut and bolt to check for tightness.

WOODEN SWING SET SAFETY TIPS

1. One safety tip that probably doesn't need mentioning is to inspect wooden swing sets for splintering or cracking.

2. Check that all edges are rounded and smooth also.

METAL SWING SET SAFETY TIPS

1. Check all surfaces for metal burs.

2. If the swing set is in the sun, never allow a child to play on it until you first check to make sure the metal isn't hot.

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

1. Never leave young children unattended.

2. Do not allow children to wear anything with loosely hanging strings, chains or clothing. These can become caught up on the swing set and cause serious injury.

3. Be sure your swing set is age appropriate. A good rule of thumb: If you have to lift your child up to reach it, it isn't age appropriate.

These safety tips will help to ensure your child has a safe and joyful time playing on their swing set. And, you can have a little piece of mind as well.

Learn more about this author, Cyndi Li.
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