Swing Set Safety Standards

Before you let the kids enjoy themselves on the backyard swing set, it must first meet specific swing set safety standards. It's exhilarating, but when safety isn’t prioritized, swinging can quickly become hazardous. Every year, U.S. hospitals treat over 50,000 children for injuries sustained on the playground. 

Swing Set Mall is dedicated to playground safety and providing safe, sturdy swing sets. Having spent nearly 30 years in the game, we understand how critical it is to abide by playground safety guidelines. 

Luckily, many playground accidents are preventable, and in this article, you’ll learn about common swing set safety concerns and practical tips you can use to maintain a safe playground. 

Understanding Swing Set Safety Standards

Why CPSC Guidelines Are Considered Best Practice

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reviews, regulates, and recalls products to keep customers safe. Overseeing more than 15,000 product categories, CPSC regulations are data-driven, backed by evidence, and intended to protect children from hazardous or defective playground equipment.

By following CPSC’s recommended swing set safety guidelines, you can create a safe playground environment for all children and reduce the likelihood of playground-related injuries.

ASTM Standards Commonly Referenced for Playground Equipment

Below is a list of ASTM swing set safety standards commonly referenced for playground equipment.

• F1487 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use.
• F2373 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Public Use Play Equipment for Children 6 Months through 23 Months.
• F1292 Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment.
• F2075 Standard Specification for Engineered Wood Fiber for Use as a Playground Safety Surface Under and Around Playground Equipment.
• F2223 Standard Guide for ASTM Standards on Playground Surfacing.
• F2479 Standard Guide for Specification, Purchase, Installation, and Maintenance of Poured-In-Place Playground Surfacing.
• F1951 Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment.
• F1816 Standard Safety Specification for Drawstrings on Children's Upper Outerwear.
• F2049 Standard Guide for Fences/Barriers for Public, Commercial, and Multi-Family Residential Use Outdoor Play Areas.
• F1148 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Home Playground Equipment.
• F1918 Standard Safety Performance Specification for Soft Contained Play Equipment.

Difference Between Residential and Commercial Safety Standards

The key difference between residential and commercial swing set safety standards is design. Residential equipment is built for lower-risk, single-family use, while commercial sets are designed to endure harsh weather and withstand heavy, continuous use.

For this same reason, commercial playgrounds are required to meet strict ASTM F1487-21 and CPSC guidelines, while residential playgrounds fall under less rigid ASTM F1148 standards. Commercial playsets also require professional installation to ensure safety compliance, while residential units generally allow for homeowner assembly.

What Are the Common Safety Concerns With Swing Sets?

Falls From Height and Improper Surfacing

Falls account for nearly 80% of all playground-related injuries. However, the real risk occurs when a child falls from high equipment onto unforgiving surfacing like packed dirt or concrete. These falls are especially dangerous for young children as they often fall on outstretched hands, resulting in fractures and broken bones.

Tip-Over Risk From Unanchored Swing Sets

Children are anything but gentle during active play. When the leveling or surfacing is uneven, swing sets can lean, sink, and even fall over, resulting in serious injuries, especially if the swing set is tall or children are swinging at high speeds. If your site is sloped, consider hiring a pro or learning how to level the ground for a swing set.

Pinch Points, Sharp Edges, and Protruding Hardware

Pinch points, sharp edges, and protrusions are silent hazards that can go unnoticed until someone is hurt. They catch skin, fingers, and toes, and can cause bruises, blisters, and even amputation. And, because swings generate a lot of momentum, any collision with a protrusion can result in lacerations, entanglement, and impaling.

Head and Neck Entrapment Hazards

Toddlers have proportionately larger heads compared to their bodies, and any opening large enough for their feet but not their heads can pose an entrapment hazard. Younger children may also lack the necessary motor skills to withdraw their heads, especially when panicking. Entrapment hazards may be caused by rigid materials such as bars or flexible materials such as nets.

Strangulation Risks From Ropes, Cords, and Loose Accessories

At over 50%, strangulation is the leading cause of playground fatalities. Loose clothing and accessories like scarves, drawstrings, and necklaces can snag on protrusions, gaps, or ropes on playground equipment and pose a strangulation risk.

Worn Chains, Seats, and Connection Points

The presence of worn-out playground components such as chains, seats, and connection points is the difference between a playtime and an accident waiting to happen. Over time, constant use and UV exposure can degrade plastic and rubber swing set parts and accessories and cause metal fatigue. These factors will wear down even the most well-kept set.

By the time corrosion is visible, especially around connection points and moving parts, it is time to replace the affected components, as seats and chains can suddenly fall apart mid-swing, resulting in a serious fall or injuries.

Overloading Swings Beyond Weight Ratings

Playground swings are designed with specific weight limits in mind, and exceeding them will accelerate wear and tear, break equipment, and cause splinters and protrusions. Overloaded swings also create wobbly, unpredictable movements, increasing the risk of collision. And, if a child is struck by a heavily loaded swing, the impact and potential injuries are more severe.

Poor Spacing Between Swings and Structures

Improper swing spacing is a recipe for collision. When swings are too close together, movement is more restricted, potentially resulting in mid-air collisions and entanglement hazards. Similarly, if the swing is too close to the support frame, there is a higher risk of colliding with the structure mid-play.

Tips on Building a Safe Playground

Why Source Equipment at Swing Set Mall?

Swing Set Mall has been in the game for nearly 30 years, helping homeowners and communities build all types of swings safely. We are a one-stop shop for the hardware, accessories, and know-how you will need to install and maintain your swing sets, and we‘re always happy to share our expertise. 

Swing Set Mall has everything you need, with thousands of high-quality products and a dedicated customer support team to guide you through each selection. Better yet, our custom swings and accessories are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring your complete satisfaction with your purchase. Shop Swing Set Mall today - we’ve got you covered. 

Choosing the Right Location

Mapping out an obstacle-free, child-safe area is the first step to building a safe playground. Playgrounds should be easily visible and away from roads and driveways, and the ideal location is level, easy to access, and well-drained to avoid water pooling during rainy weather.

Required Clearance and Use Zones Around Swing Set

Swing sets should have a minimum of 6 feet of clearance on all sides, with the front and rear clearance at least twice the height of the top beam. They should also be positioned to allow children to interact and move around safely; we don’t want a slide or sandbox directly in front of a swing.

Recommended Surfacing Types and Depth Levels

Some injuries happen no matter which playground surfacing material you use. However, knowing what to put under a swing set can be the difference between a minor accident and a life-threatening head injury. These are some popular playground surfacing options:

Loose Fill Surfacing

Wood chips, mulch, sand, and pea gravel are all considered loose-fill surfacing because they are poured or “filled” into the site rather than installed as a solid mat. These materials absorb shock well and are a cost-effective option for playground surfacing.

Loose fill requires a minimum depth of 9 inches for equipment up to 5 feet high. It will compress at least 25% due to regular use, so an initial fill of 12 inches will become 9 inches over time. Shallower depths compress too easily.

Poured-in-place Surfacing (PIP)

PIP surfacing is a two-layer flooring system made from shock-absorbing shredded black rubber (SBR) and synthetic rubber. The combination is held together by a binder and poured in place at the site, resulting in a smooth and highly durable surface. PIP is not only ADA-compliant, but it is also highly customizable and easy to clean. Plus, it can be installed in various thicknesses to meet specific fall height requirements.

Premanufactured Rubber Tiles

Much like PIP, premanufactured tiles are made with SBR rubber. However, rather than pouring in place, this method preshapes the rubber into impact-absorbing, slip-resistant tiles and assembles them on site.

Premanufactured tiles are designed to be easily installed over concrete or gravel, making them ideal for rapid setup projects. Made to comply with ASTM F1292 guidelines, these tiles are excellent at cushioning falls and can support heights of up to 6 feet with 2.5-inch tiles.

Proper Swing Spacing and Beam Height Guidelines

Proper swing spacing on swing sets and beam height requirements depend on the type of swing set you own. Is it for residential or commercial use? Is it for a toddler or preschooler? Here’s an easy guide for properly spacing residential swing sets:

• 8” minimum between swings with limited sideways motion.
• 24” minimum between swings with unlimited lateral motion
• 8” between the swing’s underside and the protective surfacing
• Standard beam heights for residential swings are typically between 7 and 12 feet, while commercial beams hover between 8 and 12 feet.

Commercial playgrounds follow slightly different guidelines. Sets are divided into toddler swings, preschool, and school-age swings. For toddler swings, allow a:

• 20” minimum between the swing hangers
• 24” minimum between the underside of a swing and the protective surfacing beneath.

For preschool/school-age swings, allow a:

• 20” minimum between swing hangers
• 24” minimum between other swings, and a
• 12” minimum between the swing’s undersides and the protective surfacing beneath.

Correct Installation and Assembly Practices

Using the correct installation practices will ensure that your swing set is safe and stable in the long term. After assembly, bury or cover exposed anchors with protective surfacing to avoid tripping hazards and possibly severe injuries. And, ensure that the hardware used to secure all swing elements can't be removed without the use of tools to prevent our little engineers from fiddling with the set.

Look out for S-hooks, which are S-shaped metal components designed to securely attach the swing to its overhead beam. An open S-hook can catch a child’s clothing, so it is important to pinch each of them closed until there is no gap greater than 0.04 inches (about the thickness of a dime).

Anchoring Methods to Minimize Tip-Over Risk

To minimize tip-over risks, you’ll want to know how to keep a swing set from lifting. The best way to anchor swing sets depends on the soil you’re working with and the level of stability you’re aiming for. Ground stakes are great for soft soil and lighter swing sets, but may not provide enough support for larger structures.

On the other hand, concrete anchoring is the way to go if you have hard ground or own a heavy-duty swing set. This method involves digging holes for each swing set leg and filling them with concrete, creating a sturdy and durable foundation.

However, if your playground is set on sandy or gravelly soil, you will need auger anchors. These are heavy-duty, corkscrew anchors designed to resist lifting force and secure the structure to the ground. Their unique design also allows them to cut through various soil types quickly, which is much faster than digging and pouring concrete.

Age-Appropriate Equipment Selection

Older children can typically use a regular swing just fine, but infants and toddlers need extra support from both an adult and the swing. Full bucket swings are intended for this specific purpose; for kids under 4 years to use with adult assistance. They are designed to provide support on all sides and do not allow the child to enter and exit without assistance. Choosing appropriate equipment ensures that kids are using the right swing for their age and weight.

Avoiding Homemade/Non-Rated Modifications

Playground equipment is a complex, safety-critical system that has undergone rigorous testing to meet industry standards. So, using homemade or non-rated modifications can skip the intricate design that makes them secure. Standard assembly is also more practical and structurally sound, and will save you time, money, and frustration while preventing fines, void warranties, and safety hazards.  

The Importance of Swing Set Supervision

No matter how many safety precautions you take, adult supervision is an irreplaceable part of playground safety. Research indicates that lack of supervision contributes to over 40% of playground-related injuries.

A present adult can quickly respond to falls and collisions or, in severe cases, strangulation and entrapment. Adult supervision can also prevent risky play, such as two children getting a single swing, modifying equipment, and jumping off moving swings.

Regular Swing Set Inspection and Maintenance

Learning how to build a swing set is only the first part of the adventure of owning one. After installation, playgrounds still need regular inspection to ensure that equipment is operating smoothly. These routine inspections greatly reduce the likelihood of playground injuries by helping you to spot accidents before they happen.

Here are some swing set maintenance tips you should add to your routine:

• Rake and fluff loose fill surfacing to avoid compaction and check for holes, flakes, or buckling in PIP and rubber tile installations.
• Check for foreign objects and tripping hazards such as roots, rocks, or exposed anchoring devices.
• Clean, sand, and repaint rusted areas with non-lead-based paint and oil moving parts as directed by the manufacturer.
• Check for sharp points, edges, corners, or any hazardous protrusions, and ensure that there are no missing or damaged protective caps.
• Check swing seats, chains, and ropes for deterioration and replace as needed.
• Check nuts and bolts twice a month and tighten as needed, and ensure that moving parts aren’t worn.
• Inspect wooden components for splitting and rot, and metal equipment for rust and corrosion.

Final Words on Swing Set Safety Standards

So, that’s the lowdown on swing set safety standards. Think of this as a manual to help you choose the right swing set for your needs, maintain it properly, and identify potential hazards before they cause harm to someone.  

If safety is your number one priority when shopping for swing sets, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Swing Set Mall, we have everything you need to transform your backyard into a safe, fun playground. You’ll find budget-friendly, state-of-the-art commercial and backyard swing sets for all ages from infant to special needs. 

Incredible customer support, unrivaled prices, and a diverse inventory - it's no wonder thousands of families and park directors choose Swing Set Mall. Browse our inventory and reach out to the support team to get started now!