IMPORTANT: Please read for important information. In this material we have tried to provide some requirements stated in the CPSC Handbooks, ASTM F2373-11, F1487-11 and F1148-09. However, we in no way intend for this to be a complete list of requirements. Also these publications are updated frequently with changes, therefore, you should read these publications yourself to determine if any part or installation could prove a danger to a child.
To help keep children safe from harm, review installation and maintenance instructions before installing equipment. For more information or see http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/325.pdf.
Installation: This swing is intended for children two years and three years old with Adult supervision. Read all instructions before attempting assembly. To determine proper use zones needed for swing set consult Figure 23, Table 7 for commercial swing sets. For residential sets see spacing dimensions on Page 4 of the Outdoor Home Playground Safety Handbook. Install swing set where a child can easily be supervised. Do not install playground equipment over concrete, asphalt, or any other hard surface. A fall onto a hard surface can result in serious injury to the equipment user. Grass and dirt are not considered protective surfacing because wear and environmental factors can reduce their shock absorbing effectiveness. Carpeting and thin mats are generally not adequate protective surfacing. Install your play equipment on level ground with adequate surfacing and anchoring. Use proper hardware, and tighten all connections.
This swing must be installed a minimum of 24 inches from resilient surfacing. Install this swing where a child can easily be attended at all times and not in direct sun. Warning on swing seat should face forward. Swings intended for the same age groups should be suspended from structures that are separate from those for other swings for different age groups, or at least suspended from a separate bay of the same structure. For instance, a full bucket swing should be in the same bay with another full bucket swing, not a full bucket and a strap seat in the same bay. To minimize the likelihood of children being struck by a moving swing, it is recommended that no more than two swings be hung in each bay of the supporting structure. The use zone for the swing should extend to the front and rear of the swing set, a minimum of twice the vertical distance from the top of the occupant’s sitting surface to the pivot point of the swing hanger. The use zone in front of and behind swings should never overlap with any other use zone. The use zone to the sides of a single-axis swing should extend a minimum of 6 feet from the perimeter of the swing. This 6-foot zone may overlap that of an adjacent swing structure or other playground equipment structure.
Measure each side of swing chain, so the swing hangs evenly. Attach the bottom of each chain to the large metal triangle on swing seat with either a Shackle or S-hook. The bolt on Shackle goes through the chain with “C” part of Shackle going through triangular hardware on swing seat. Close according to Figure A1.19 for Fastening Devices. Make sure that fasteners are strong enough to support weight and use. We suggest using an H170 Shackle or 3/8” diameter standard S-hooks to connect chain to seat. WARNING: Once the S-hooks have been opened they will have to be replaced to avoid injuries from coming open and/or breaking. Try swinging seat without child in it first, to make sure everything is working correctly before placing child in seat. If a large child gets trapped in seat, the easiest way to release child is to drill out rivets on swing hardware. Then, hardware can be removed, and seat will unassemble, releasing child.
Protective surfacing that meets ASTM F1292 must be installed under swing set and extends at least six feet from the sides of the set and twice the height of the top bar in the front and back of swing set. Protective surfacing is one of the most important things that you can do to reduce the likelihood of serious injuries.
The new CPSC standard states the owner/operator of the swing set needs to post warning signs outside the use zone that are readily visible to the intended viewer and alert them to the potential hazard in time to take appropriate action. This message may be on either a sign or label outside the use zone. Signs should be posted that state the appropriate age group for the swing set. Not for Adults. Adults should supervise children at all times. Do not allow children to stand on or use unsafely. Do not allow set to be used if damaged. Remove helmets, drawstrings or accessories around the neck which are all known to create head entrapment or entanglement hazards. Where applicable, Hot play surfaces are known to reach temperatures high enough to cause serious burns to children generally less than 4 years of age.
Specifications for all warning signs or labels should conform to ANSI Z535.1 and ANSI Z535.1 or ANSI Z535.1 in the following areas: legibility, type of lettering, clarity of message and symbol, color specifications and work message and visibility. The labels or signs should be durable and conform to UL 969. It has been and continues to be the responsibility of the owner/operator to replace signs or labels or both should they become illegible, destroyed or removed. Signs can be purchased at http://www.safetyplay.net/