Play Ground Safety and Mesh Fencing

Play Ground Safety

Playgrounds are a noticeable addition to our cityscapes and country sides. As our population grows it can be noted that playgrounds have been tucked into every conceivable location. The need for Mesh fencing quickly becomes apparent because of the conflicts and often hazards that exist near these playgrounds.

We often view perimeter fencing as a barrier to keep unwanted individuals out. On the contrary, however it is equally important that fencing performs multiple functions. Fences are very versatile and serve to provide many functions when it comes to the safety of our children. A review of these functions is critical to a safe play environment.

“A RoSPA post-installation inspection helps to ensure that the playground meets modern standards and has been correctly installed. Underground work and some other aspects requiring dismantling or destructive testing are not assessed.”  
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

The separation of play by age group as well as developmental ability helps to eliminate inappropriate interaction and play between different age groups, thus reducing the chance of injury. Another important advantage derived from the use of Mesh Fencing is its ability to allow an adult to visibly see beyond the perimeter fencing, in order to get a clear view of children at all times.

A playground can be an attractive nuisance and a fence helps to define the perimeter of the area where regulations can be set forth and instructional signage can be posted to help prevent misuse and abuse.

Playground and Mesh Fencing Guidelines

• The Mesh Fencing must be safe and in line with all regulatory standards. A site survey must be performed.
• The fencing should be stable, durable, maintainable and attractive.
• The fence should not be climbable and eliminate the chance of cutting through.
• The fencing will withstand impacts.
• The fencing, if chain link, should have a top rail with the diamond of the weave not protruding above the rail and fabric end selvage or knuckled over with ends filed down so penetration or entanglement cannot occur.
• Any ties should not be welded closed.
• Gates should fit flush to the fence uprights
• The fencing should have a maintenance strip along the bottom of asphalt, concrete or other material and have the bottom no more than one inch to prevent foot entrapment.
• The fencing can have a colourful vinyl coating, but of a durable, nontoxic and pick proof coating, which must be maintained.
• The fencing should have no protruding columns, sharp protruding’s or spear point caps.
• The fencing should be a permanent fixture, however as removable as any other fixtures and surroundings.
• The local zoning and building codes should also be reviewed in installing play environments.

In a nutshell, because playground fencing is so versatile, and thereby subject to well-intended and sometimes inappropriate use, the F-14 Committee on Fences of ASTM has accepted the challenge and has evolved a fencing standard. This three-year effort has produced F-2049-00 a Standard Guide for Fences/Barriers for Public, Commercial and Multi-Family Residential Use Outdoor Play Areas.

The playground-fencing standard approved in 2000, contains elements defining such things as:

·         Height, and Perimeters

·         Safe and appropriate spacing between vertical pickets

·         Latch replacement

·         Intrusion impact

The regulations are applicable to all public playgrounds and also applicable to school grounds, apartment complex playgrounds and many other publicly accessed locations.
Private property and family home units have been excluded unless the playground is in a common area accessed by the public. Another intended exclusion is for those playgrounds that are located at least 50 feet or more from a road, path, activity area or other hazardous condition.

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Purposes of Mesh Fencing

Safety of Children

• Restricts children to the suitable equipment for age groups
• Contains additional supplies
• Deters unwanted visitors and intruders

Play Environment Security

• Controls out of  hours visitors or intruders
• Prevents the misuse and abuse of playground equipment

Separates Play

• Eliminates conflict between ages and type of play
• Restricts children to age appropriate skill level
• Avoids collisions of children at busy times

Screening of Area

• Reduces sun glare from other objects
• Deters wind or dust

Stops outside Traffic Intrusions

• Prevents cars driving through
• Control pedestrians, bikes and carriages
• Directs pedestrian traffic around the perimeter.

Every effort should be made to keep children safe in public play areas. Appropriate fencing is an important factor and the use of Mesh Fencing should never be compromised. 

For information on Mesh fencing specifications and products visit Steel Fencing (Gates & Railings) Ltd