RoSPA Play Safety : Frequently Asked Questions
Swings
1. How high should the swing seats be?
The minimum ground clearance at rest should be: 350mm (400mm for single point swings and tyres). This is measured from the underside of the seat to the ground. There is no maximum seat surface height but RoSPA recommends a maximum height of 635mm for cradles and flat seats
2. Can I mix cradle and flat seats?
Yes. The new playground equipment standards allow for mixing of seats. However, where more than one swing frame or bay is available we recommend that flat and cradle seats are kept in separate bays.
3. What area of surfacing should I have?
See answers under heading Surfacing.
4. What is bush/shackle pin wear?
The swing chains are normally secured with a D shackle which fits into the top bar of the swing. A special replaceable wear metal sleeve (the bush) is fitted into the fixing to absorb wear. If the bush becomes worn it can then lead to the shackle pin becoming worn. In turn this can lead to the pin snapping and sending the user on the swing flying.
5. The report stated that there was chain wear but we can’t see any.
Chains often "wear" into each other so that they outwardly appear sound. However if you separate the links then the wear becomes clear. Wear usually takes place where the two chains from the seat link into one chain, or at the seat fixings. Replace chains where there is 40% wear.
6. When should we replace swing seats?
- On flat seats where the front rubber surface has gaps of 100mm or more allowing a head to strike the underlying metal of the seat or when the seat becomes distorted
- On Cradle seats, besides the above, it is important to change/repair the seat if the vertical bar that goes between the child’s legs is not intact. They also need changing if metal on the top of the cradle becomes exposed
7. Are they swings which are particularly suitable for disabled children?
Whilst there are seats for disabled children that can be fitted to conventional swing frames care needs to be taken that these meet the requirements of EN1176. Basket swings are particularly suitable as they are equally suitable for disabled and non disabled children. They are also great for parents/carers to lie in the basket alongside children.
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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