An adult, whether paid or volunteer, must be present while child plays on playground. If a child is injured, the supervising adult must provide reasonable care. A facility that does not protect children from injury can be held liable.
All facilities with playgrounds have safety regulations. Some regulations include supervision, ensuring safety of equipment and prompt post-injury care. If any playground duties are ignored, the preschool is also liable. A supervisor should be on the playground before the children start playing. He should monitor children and restrict them from playing rough will on equipment. She should never become distracted and should always stay attentive. A supervisor should also be trained in CPR for emergencies. Limit the number of children playing on one piece of equipment to reduce injury. The supervisor can also use a whistle to communicate with children quickly and should keep a first aid kit on hand.
The principal should delegate someone to make sure all equipment if free from rust and damage. The manufacturer should install all equipment to ensure the installation is correct. The supervisor or a maintenance worker should perform routine checks on all preschool playground equipment to keep up with warranty and replacement parts. This will also ensure bolts are tightened, s-hooks are closed and there are no sharp edges. It is important to fix small problems immediately so they don't turn into bigger problems.
Some playground hazards include sharp edges, broken equipment, cracks and splinters in the wood, loose or missing pieces and equipment that is placed too close together. Other hazards are: rust, toxic paint, water puddles and slippery surfaces. Equipment inspections can prevent hazards on the playground. If any hazards are discovered, they should be fixed or removed immediately to prevent injury. Check with your child's preschool for their playground regulation. Every preschool's safety regulations may vary.