Many small children are likely to be hurt outdoors on play sets that include items like swings, jungle gyms and monkey bars. To protect children from serious injury, check that rubber padding is placed underneath all outdoor play equipment that children can climb. Additionally, there should be no materials like cement, asphalt, linoleum, turf or carpeting under such equipment. Both parents and caregivers should inquire whether the dirt in the play area has been tested for toxic chemicals. All equipment should have guardrails to prevent intentional or accidental falls from play areas.
Playing in the classroom can present health hazards to children, including choking. As such, parents and caregivers must ensure that no toys with a diameter less than 1 1/14 inch are in reach of small children who may swallow and choke on them. Additionally, ensure that no plastic bags are within reach of young children as well. All toys should be checked for protrusions or sharp edges that may cause injury to small children.
All metal edges of equipment like chairs, tables and other fixtures must be rounded or rolled. Additionally, caution must be taken to ensure that children do not get caught on items like bolts that may protrude from such items. You should also check to ensure that any equipment protrusions are rounded and not sharp. There should be no open "S" hooks protruding from equipment either. Tables and chairs should be arranged in a way that allows children to pass without tripping over table and chair legs as well.
Check that all equipment contains no openings between 3 1/2 and 9 inches where children can have there heads caught. All outdoor equipment anchoring devices should be buried beneath ground to prevent tripping as well. All openings should be too big or too small to entrap a child's finger and all wooden surfaces should be smooth to prevent splinters. Ensuring that all chemicals and cleaning supplies are locked away in high cabinets also prevents accidental poisoning of children. Verify that all cabinets are bolted to the wall to prevent children from being harmed by falling furniture.