KENYA STANDARD  KS 2948 -
4:2022  
ICS ##.### 
First Edition  
  
 © KEBS 2022   
 Safe play environ ment for 
children  — Guidelines    
Part 4:  
Parts of the playground    
 
 
 PUBLIC REVIEW  DRAFT NOVEMBER  2022  
 
KS 2948 -4: 2022  
ii © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
AMC Group Africa Limited (formerly, Apex Management Systems - Consultants Ltd)  
Assist Development Solutions (ADS)  
Competition Authority of Kenya  
Consumer Information Network  
Ideaz Software  
Kenyatta University  
Topserve East Africa Limited  
Nairobi Sports House Limited  
Nile Road special school  
Mount Kenya University  
Kenya Bureau of Standards — Secretariat  
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya Standards shall be regularly reviewed.  
Suggestions for improvements to published standards, addressed to the Managing Di rector, 
Kenya Bureau of Standards, are welcome.  
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 2022  
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 130 of 2001 of  the Laws of 
Kenya, copyright subsists in all Kenya Standards and except a s provided under Section 25 of this Act, no Kenya 
Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of Standards may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or 
transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing from the Managing Director.   KENYA STANDARD  KS 2948 -
4:2022  
ICS ##.###  
First  Edition  
 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  iii 
  Safe p lay environment for children  — 
Guidelines    
Part 3: 
Parts of the playground    
Kenya Bureau of Standards,  Popo Road, Off Mombasa Road,  
P.O. Box 54974 - 00200,  Nairobi, Kenya  
 +254 020 6948000, + 254 722 2022 37, + 254 734600471  
 info@kebs.org  
 @KEBS_ke  
 kenya bureau of standards (kebs)  
  
KS 2948 -4: 2022  
iv © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
 Foreword  
This Kenya Standard was prepared by the Safety of toys  Technical Committee under the 
guidance of the Standards Projects Committee, and it is in accordance with the procedures of 
the Kenya Bureau of Standards  
This is the  First edition of this standard.  
The guidelines in this standard are focused on playground -related injuries and mechanical 
mechanisms of injury; falls from playground equipment have remained the largest single hazard 
pattern associated with playground use  
These guidelines do not represent the sole method to minimize injuries associated with 
playground equipment. However, the recommendations will contribute to greater playground 
safety.  
This is Par t 4 of KS 2948  which consists of the following parts, under the general title Safe play 
environment for children — Guidelines   
⎯ Part 1 : General playground considerations  
⎯ Part 2 : Playground hazards  
⎯ Part 3 : Maintaining a playground  
⎯ Part 4 : Parts of the playground  
During the preparation of this standard, reference was made to the following document (s):  
1. Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents – Accidents do not have to happen  
2. EN1176 Playground equipment standard  
3. US Consumer Product Safe ty Commission – Public playground safety hand book  
Acknowledgement is hereby made for the assistance derived from this (these) source s 
 KS 2948 -4: 2022    
 
© KEBS 2022 – All rights reserved   
 Safe play environment for children — Guidelines   
Part 4: 
Parts of the playground   
1 Scope  
This draft standard presents safety information for public playground equipment in the form of 
guidelines. This is Part 4 of KS 2948. It provides a broad overview of parts of a playground .  
2 Application  
 
This draft standard is intended for use by childcar e personnel, school officials, parks and 
recreation personnel, equipment purchasers and installers, playground designers, and another 
members of the general public (e.g., parents and school groups) concerned with public 
playground safety and interested in evaluating their respective playgrounds. Due to the wide 
range of possible users, some information provided maybe more appropriate for certain users 
than others.  
 
Public” playground equipment refers to equipment for used by children ages 6 months through 
12 years in the playground areas of:  
 
• Commercial (non -residential) child care facilities  
• Institutions  
• Multiple family dwellings, such as apartment and condominium buildings  
• Parks, such as city, state, and community maintained parks  
• Restaurants  
• Resorts and recreational developments  
• Schools  
• Other areas of public use  
 
These guidelines are not intended for amusement park equipment, sports or fitness equipment 
normally intended for users over the age of 12 years, soft contained play equipment, con stant 
air inflatable play devices for home use, art and museum sculptures (not otherwise designed, 
intended and installed as playground equipment), equipment found in water play facilities, or 
home playground equipment.  
 
Equipment components intended solel y for children with disabilities and modified to 
accommodate such users also are not covered by these guidelines.  
2 Normative references  
The following document is referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of its content  
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. 
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any 
amendments) applies.   
 
KS 2948 -1 Safe play environment for children — Guidelines  Part 1: General playground 
considerations  
 
           KS 2948 -2 Safe play environment for children — Guidelines  Part 2: Playground hazards   
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  iii 
  KS 2948 -3 Safe play environment for c hildren — Guidelines  Part 3: Maintaining a playground  
3 Terms and definitions  
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions in KS 2948 Part 1 shall apply.  
4 Parts of the playground   
4.1    Platforms, Guardrails and Protective Barriers  
4.1.1 Platforms  
⎯ Platforms should be generally flat (i.e., within ± 2° of horizontal).  
⎯  Openings in platforms should be provided to allow for drainage.  
⎯  Platforms should minimize the collection of debris.  
⎯  Platforms intended for toddlers sh ould be no more than 32 inches from the ground.  
4.1.2 Stepped platforms  
On some composite structures, platforms are layered or tiered so that a child may access the higher 
platform without steps or ladders. Unless there is an alternate means of access/egre ss, the maximum 
difference in height between stepped platforms should be:  
a) Toddlers: 7 inches.  
b) Preschool -age: 12 inches.  
c) School -age: 18 inches.  
An access component (such as a rung) is needed if the difference in height is more than 12 inches for 
preschool -age and 18 inches for school -age children.  
The space between the stepped platforms should follow the recommendations to minimize 
entrapment hazards in enclosed openings:  
a) Toddlers: if the space is less than 7 inches, infill should be used to reduc e the space to less 
than 3.0 inches.  
 
b) Preschool -age: if the space exceeds 9 inches and the height of the lower platform above the 
protective surfacing exceeds 30 inches, infill should be used to reduce the space to less than 
3.5 inches.  
 
c) School -age: if the  space exceeds 9 inches and the height  of the lower platform above the 
protective surfacing  exceeds 48 inches, infill should be used to reduce the  space to less than 
3.5 inches.  
4.1.2.1 Fall height  
The fall height of a platform is the distance between the top of the platform and the protective 
surfacing beneath it.  
 
  
iv © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
 4.1.3 Guardrails and protective barriers  
Guardrails and protective barriers are used to minimize the  likelihood of accidental falls from elevated 
platforms.  
Protective barriers prov ide greater protection than guardrails  and should be designed to discourage 
children from climbing  over or through the barrier. Guardrails and barriers should:  
a) Completely surround any elevated platform.  
 
b) Except for entrance and exit openings, the maximum  clearance opening without a top 
horizontal guardrail  should be 15 inches.  
 
c) Prevent unintentional falls from the platform.  
 
d) Prevent the possibility of entrapment.  
 
e) Facilitate supervision.  For example:  
 
f) Guardrails may have a horizontal top rail with infill consisting of vertical bars having openings 
that are greater  than 9 inches. These openings do not present an entrapment hazard but do not 
prevent a child from climbing  through the openings.  
 
g) A barrier should minimize the likelihood of passage of a  child during deliberate attempts to 
defeat the barrier. Any  openings between uprights or between the platform surface and lower 
edge of a protective barrier should prevent  passage of the small torso template . 
Guardrails or protective barriers should be prov ided on  elevated platforms, walkways, landings, 
stairways, and transitional surfaces. In general, the younger the child, the less  coordination and 
balance they have, therefore the more vulnerable they are to unintentional falls.  
Toddlers are the most  vulnerable, and equipment intended for this age should use  barriers on all 
elevated walking surfaces above 18 inches.  
Physical skills develop further in preschool -age children and  then more with school -age children; 
therefore, minimum  elevation recommendations  for guardrails and barriers  increase with each age 
group.  
Guardrails and barriers should be high enough to prevent the tallest children from falling over the top.  
For guardrails, the lower edge should be low enough so that the smallest children cannot wal k under 
it.  
Barriers should be low enough to prevent the smallest child from getting under the barrier in any way. 
This is generally done by designing the barrier so that the small torso probe cannot pass under or 
through the barrier.  
Vertical infill for protective barriers may be preferable for younger children because the vertical 
components can be grasped at whatever height a child chooses as a handhold.  
Guardrail and barrier recommendations are shown in Table 2. However, the recommendations do not 
apply if the guardrail or barrier would interfere with the intended use of the equipment, such as:  
a) Climbing equipment  
 
b) Platforms layered so that the fall height is: – Toddlers: 7 inches or less. – Preschool -age: 20 
inches or less. – School -age: 30 inches or less.  
  
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  v 
  Table 1 ⎯ Guardrails and Barriers  
 
                                                          Guardrail                                              Barrier                                            
Protects against   
accidental falls from platform                       Yes                                                 Yes                   
 
Discourages climbing over                           No                                                   Yes                  
Protects against climbing through                No                                                   Yes                  
Toddlers  
 
A   Top edge distance  
      from platform                                      Not recommended                             A = 2 4” or higher    
    
B   Bottom edge distance    
     from platform                                      Not recommende d                                B < 3”             
         
H   Recommended when  
     platform fall height is:                         Not recommended                           H = 1 8” or higher  
Preschool -age 
Top edge distance from platform              A = 29” or higher                              A = 29” or higher  
B Bottom edge distance  
from platform                                             9” < B ≤ 23”                                        B < 3.5”            
    
H Recommended when  
platform fal l height is:                                20” < H ≤ 30”                                       H > 30”           
School -age 
A Top edge distance from platform          A = 38” or higher                            A = 38” or higher  
B Bottom edge distance  
from platform                                            9” < B ≤ 28”                                          B < 3.5”                 
 
H Recommended when  
platform fall height is:                                30” < H ≤ 48”                                        H > 48”                
 
 
vi © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
  
Figure 1 ⎯ Examples of more challenging modes of access  
4.2   Access methods to play equipment  
Access to playground eq uipment can take many forms, such as conventional ramps, stairways with 
steps, and ladders with steps or rungs.  
Access may also be by means of climbing components, such as arch climbers, climbing nets, and tire 
climbers (see Figure 1).  
As children develo p, they gain better balance and coordination, so it is important to pick appropriate 
access methods based on the age group. Table 1 shows the most common methods of access and 
the youngest appropriate age group.  
Access to platforms over 6 feet high (excep t for free -standing slides) should provide an intermediate 
standing surface so that the child can pause and make a decision to keep going up or find another 
way down.  
Children generally master access before egress, that is, they can go up before they can get back 
down a difficult component. Therefore, if there are more difficult access methods, it is important to 
have easier components for egress.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  vii 
  Table 2 ⎯ Methods of access  and egress  
Method of  Access  Challenge Appropriate  Access Level for  
Ramps  Easiest  Toddlers +  
Straight stairways  Easy  Toddlers +  
Spiral stairways  Moderate  Toddlers* +  
Step ladders  Moderate  15 months* +  
Rung ladders  Moderate  Preschool* +  
Arch climbers  Difficult  Preschool* +  
Flexible climbers  
(nets, tires)  Difficult  Preschool* +  
* only if an easy egress method is also provided  
 
4.2.1 Ramps, stairways, rung ladders, and step ladders  
Ramps, stairways, rung ladders, and step ladders each have different recommendations for slope 
and tread dimension, but the steps or rungs always should be evenly spaced – even the spacing 
between the top step or rung and the surface of the platform.  
Table 3 contains recommended dimensions for:  access slope; tread or rung width; tread depth; rung 
diameter; and vertical rise for rung ladders, step ladders, and stairways. Table 3 also contains slope 
and width recommendations for ramps.  
However, these recomm endations are not  intended to address ramps designed for access by 
wheelchairs.  
⎯ Openings between steps or rungs and between the top  step or rung and underside of a 
platform should prevent  entrapment.  
 
⎯ When risers are closed, treads on stairways and ladders should prevent the accumulation of 
sand, water, or other materials on or between steps.  
 
⎯ Climbing equipment should allow children to descend as easily as they ascend. One way of 
implementing this recommendation is to provide an easier, alternate me ans of descent, such 
as another mode of egress, a platform, or another piece of equipment. For example, a 
stairway can be added to provide a less challenging mode of descent than a vertical rung 
ladder or flexible climbing device (see Table 2).  
 
⎯ For toddle rs and preschool -age children, offering an easy way out is particularly important 
since their ability to descend climbing components develops later than their ability to climb up 
the same components.  
 
 
 
  
viii © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
 Table 3 ⎯ Methods of access and egress  
                                                                          Age of intended use  
 
Type of Access  Toddler  Preschool -age School
-age 
 
Ramps  
Slope (vertical: horizontal)  
Width (single)  
Width (double)   
< 1:8 
≥ 19”  
≥ 30”   
≤ 1:8  
≥ 12”  
≥ 30”   
≤ 1:8  
≥ 16”  
≥ 36” 
 
Stairways  
Slope  
Tread width (single)  
Tread width (double)  
Tread depth (open riser)  
Tread depth (closed riser)  
Vertical rise   
≤ 35º  
12-21” 
≥ 30”  
Not appropriate  
≥ 8” 
≤ 7”  
< 50º  
≥ 12”  
≥ 30”  
≥ 7” 
≥ 7” 
≤ 9”  
< 50º  
≥ 16”  
≥ 36”  
≥ 8” 
≥ 8” 
≤ 12”  
 
Step ladders  
Slope  
Tread width (single)  
Tread width (double)  
Tread depth (open riser)  
Tread depth (closed riser)  
Vertical rise   
35≤65º  
12-21” 
Not appropriate  
Not appropriate  
8” 
> 5” and  ≤ 7”  
50-75º 
12-21” 
Not appropriate  
≥ 7” 
≥ 7” 
≤ 9”  
50-75º 
≥ 16” 
≥ 36”  
≥ 3” 
≥ 6” 
≤ 12”  
 
Rung ladders  
Slope  
Rung width  
Vertical rise  
Rung diameter   
Not appropriate  
Not appropriate  
Not appropriate  
Not appropriate   
75-90º 
≥ 12”  
≤ 12”  
0.95-1.55”   
75-90º 
≥ 16”  
≤ 12”  
0.95-1.55”  
 
 
* entrapment recommendations apply to all openings in access components  
 
4.2.2    Rungs and other hand gripping components  
Unlike steps of stairways and step ladders that are primarily for foot support, rungs can be used for 
both foot and hand support.  
4.2.2 .1  Rungs with round shapes are easiest for children to grip.  
4.2.2 .2 All hand grips should be secured in a manner that  prevents them from turning.  
4.2.2 .3 Toddlers: – Handrails or other means of hand support should have a diameter or maximum 
cross -section between 0.60 and 1.20 inches. – A diameter or maximum cross -section of 0.90 inches 
is preferred to achieve maximal gr ip strength and benefit the weakest children.  
4.2.2 .4 Preschool - and school -age: – Rungs, handrails, climbing bars, or other means of hand 
support intended for holding should have a diameter or maximum cross -section between 0.95 and 
1.55 inches.  
– A diam eter or maximum cross -section of 1.25 inches is preferred to achieve maximal grip strength 
and benefit the weakest children.   
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  ix 
  4.2.3   Handrails  
Handrails on stairways and step ladders are intended to provide hand support and to steady the user. 
Continuous handrails extending over the full length of the access should be provided on both sides of 
all stairways and step ladders, regardless of the height of the access. Rung ladders do not require 
handrails since rungs or side supports provide hand support on th ese more steeply inclined 
accesses.  
4.2.3.1   Handrail height Handrails should be available for use at the appropriate height, beginning 
with the first step. The vertical distance between the top front edge of a step or ramp surface and the 
top surface of the handrail above it should be as follows: • Toddlers: between 15 and 20 inches. • 
Preschool -age: between 22 and 26 inches. • School -age: between 22 and 38 inches.  
4.2.4  Transition from access to platform Handrails or handholds are recommended at all tra nsition 
points (the point where the child must move from the access component to the play structure platform).  
 
4.2.4.1  The handhold should provide support from the access component until the child has fully 
achieved the desired posture on the platform.  
 
4.2.4.2 Any opening between a handrail and an adjacent vertical structure (e.g., vertical support post 
for a platform or  vertical slat of a protective barrier) should not pose an entrapment hazard.  
 
4.2.4.3 Access methods that do not have handrails, such as rung ladders, flexible climbers, arch 
climbers, and tire climbers, should provide hand supports for the transition be tween the top of the 
access and the platform.  
 
4.3  Major Types of Playground equipment  
 
4.3.1 Balance beams  
 
Balance beams should be no higher than:  
 
a) Toddlers: not recommended.  
b) Preschool -age: 12 inches.  
c) School -age: 16 inches.  
 
4.3.1.1 Fall height  
 
The fall height of a balance beam is the distance between the top of the walking surface and the 
protective surfacing beneath it.  
 
4.3.2 Climbing and upper body equipment  
 
Climbing equipment is generally designed to present a greater degree of physical challenge than other 
equipment on public playgrounds.  
 
This type of equipment requires the use of the hands to navigate up or across the equipment. 
“Climbers” refers to a wide variety of equipment, such as but not limited to:  
 
a) Arch cli mbers  
 
b) Dome climbers  
 
c) Flexible climbers (usually chain or net)  
 
d) Parallel bars  
 
e) Sliding poles   
x © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
  
f) Spiral climbers  
 
g) Upper body equipment (horizontal overhead ladders, overhead rings, track ride).  
School -age children tend to use climbing and upper body equipment more frequently and more 
proficiently than preschool children.  
Young preschool children may have difficulty using some climbers because they have not yet 
developed some of the physical skills necessary for certain climbing activities (balance, coordination, 
and upper body strength).  
Older preschool children (i.e., 4 - and 5 -year-olds) are beginning to use flexib le climbers, arch 
climbers, and upper body devices.  
 
 
Geodesic dome climber  
 
Overhead horizontal ladder  
 
Overhead loop ladder  
Figure 2 ⎯ Examples of climbers  
 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  xi 
   
 
4.3.2.1 Design considerations  
4.3.2.1.1  Layout of climbing components   
When climbing components are part of a composite structure, their level of challenge and method of 
use should be compatible with the traffic flow from nearby components.  
Upper body devices should be placed so that the swinging movement generated by childr en on this 
equipment cannot interfere with the movement of children on adjacent structures, particularly children 
descending on slides.  
The design of adjacent play structures should not facilitate climbing to the top support bars of upper 
body equipment.  
4.3.2.1.2 Fall Height   
Climbers:  
a) Unless otherwise specified in this section, the fall height for climbers is the distance between the 
highest part of the climbing component and the protective surfacing beneath it.  
 
b) If the climber is part of a composite structure, the fall height is the distance between the highest 
part of the climber intended for foot support and the protective surfacing beneath it.  
 
c)  – Toddlers: The maximum fall height for free standing and composite climbing structures should 
be 32 inc hes.  
 
Upper Body Equipment:  
 
d) The fall height of upper body equipment is the distance between the highest part of the 
equipment and the protective surface below.  
4.3.2.1.3  Climbing rungs Some of the access methods discussed in Clause 4.2 are also considered 
climbing devices; therefore, the recommendations for the size of climbing rungs are similar.  
a) Rungs should be generally round.  
b) All rungs should be secured in a manner that prevents them from turning.  
c) Climbing rungs should follow the same diamet er recommendations as in Clause 4.2.2.  
4.3.2.1.4 Use zone  
a) The use zone should extend a minimum of 6 feet in all directions from the perimeter of the 
stand alone climber. See Figure 2.  
 
b) The use zone of a climber may overlap with neighbouring equipment if the other piece of 
equipment allows overlapping use zones a nd 
 
 – There is at least 6 feet between equipment when adjacent designated play surfaces are no 
more than 30 inches high; or  
 
 – There is at least 9 feet between equipment when adjacent designated play surfaces are 
more than 30 inches high.  
  
xii © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
  
 
Figure 3 ⎯ Use zone surrounding a freestanding arch climber  
 
4.3.2.1.5 Other considerations  
 
Climbers should not have climbing bars or other rigid structural components in the interior of the 
climber onto which a child may fall from a height of greater than 18 inches. See Figure 4 for an 
example of a climber that DOES NOT follow this consideration.  
 
 
Figure 4 ⎯ Climber with rigid structural components that DOES NOT meet 4.3.2.1.5  
 
4.3.2.2 Arch climbers  
 
Arch climbers consist of rungs attached to convex side supports. They may be free standing (Figure 4) 
or be provided as a more challenging means of access to other equipment (Figure 5).  
 
 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  xiii 
   
 
a) Arch climbers should not be used as the sole means of access to ot her equipment for preschoolers.  
b) Free standing arch climbers are not recommended for toddlers or preschool -age children.  
c) The rung diameter and spacing of rungs on arch climbers should follow the recommendations for 
rung ladders in Table 3.  
 
 
Figure 5 ⎯ Freestanding arch climber  
 
 
Figure 6 ⎯ Arch climber access  
 
 
Figure 7 ⎯   Examples of two - and three -dimensional  flexible climbers  
 
xiv © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
  
4.3.2.3 Flexible climbers  
 
Flexible climbers use a grid of ropes, chains, cables, or tires for climbing.  
 
Since the flexible parts do not provide a steady means of support, flexible climbers require more 
advanced balance abilities than rigid climbers.  
 
Rope, chain, and cable gener ally form a net -like structure that may be either two or three dimensional. 
See Figure 6.  
 
Tire climbers may have the tires secured tread -to-tread to form a sloping grid, or the tires may be 
suspended individually by chains or other means.  
 
a) Flexible clim bers that provide access to platforms should be securely anchored at both ends.  
 
b) When connected to the ground, the anchoring devices should be installed below ground level 
and beneath the base of the protective surfacing material.  
 
c) Connections between ro pes, cables, chains, or between tires should be securely fixed.  
 
d) Flexible climbers are not recommended as the sole means of access to equipment intended for 
toddlers and preschool -age children.  
 
e) Free-standing flexible climbers are not recommended on playgrounds intended for toddlers and 
preschool children.  
 
f) Spacing between the horizontal and vertical components of a climbing grid should not form 
entrapment hazards.  
 
g) The perimeter of any opening in a net structure should be less than 17 inches or greater than 28 
inches (see Figure 7).  
 
 
Figure 8 ⎯  Entrapment hazards in flexible climbers  
 
 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  xv 
   
4.3.2.4  Horizontal (overhead) ladders  
Horizontal (overhead) ladders are a type of climber designed to build upper body strength.  
They are designed to allow children to move across the ladder from end to end using only their 
hands.  
Four-year-olds are generally the youngest children able to us e upper body devices like these; 
therefore, horizontal ladders should not be used on playgrounds intended for toddlers and 3 -
year-olds.  
The recommendations below are designed to accommodate children ages 4 through 12 years.  
a) The first handhold on either en d of upper body equipment should not be placed directly 
above the platform or climbing rung used for mount or dismount. This minimizes the risk of 
children impacting rigid access structures if they fall from the first handhold during mount or 
dismount.  
  
b) The horizontal distance out to the first handhold should be: – No greater than 10 inches but 
not directly above the platform when access is from a platform. – At least 8 inches but no 
greater than 10 inches when access is from climbing rungs.  
 
c) The space be tween adjacent rungs of overhead ladders should be greater than 9 inches to 
prevent entrapment.  
 
d) Horizontal ladders intended for preschool -age children should have rungs that are parallel to 
one another and evenly spaced.  
 
e) The maximum height of a horizon tal ladder (i.e., measured from the center of the grasping 
device to the top of the protective surfacing below) should be: – Preschool -age (4 and 5 
years): no more than 60 inches. – School -age: no more than 84 inches.  
 
f) The center -to-center spacing of hori zontal ladder rungs should be as follows: – Preschool -
age (4 and 5 years): no more than 12 inches. – School -age: no more than 15 inches.  
 
g) The maximum height of the take -off/landing platform above the protective surfacing should 
be: – Preschool -age (4 and 5 years): no more than 18 inches. – School -age: no more than 36 
inches.  
4.3.2.5 Overhead rings  
Overhead rings are similar to horizontal ladders in terms of the complexity of use. Therefore, 
overhead rings should not be used on playgrounds intended for tod dlers and 3 -yearolds.  
The recommendations below are designed to accommodate children 4 through 12 years of 
age. Overhead rings differ from horizontal ladders because, during use, the gripped ring swings 
through an arc and reduces the distance to the gripp ing surface of the next ring; therefore, the 
spacing distance recommendations for horizontal ladders do not apply.  
a) The first handhold on either end of upper body equipment should not be placed directly 
above the platform or climbing rung used for mount or  dismount. This minimizes the risk of 
children hitting rigid access structures if they fall from the first handhold during mount or 
dismount.  
 
b) The horizontal distance out to the first handhold should be: – No greater than 10 inches but 
not directly above t he platform when access is from a platform. – At least 8 inches but no 
greater than 10 inches when access is from climbing rungs.   
xvi © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
  
 
c) The maximum height of overhead rings measured from the center of the grasping device to 
the protective surfacing should be:  – Preschool -age (4 and 5 years): 60 inches. – School -age: 
84 inches.  
 
d) If overhead swinging rings are suspended by chains, the maximum length of the chains 
should be 7 inches.  
 
e) The maximum height of the take -off/landing platform above the protective surfacing should 
be: – Preschool -age (4 and 5 years): no more than 18 inches. – School -age: no more than 36 
inches.  
5.3.2.6 Sliding poles  
Vertical sliding poles are more challenging than some other types of climbing equipment. They 
require uppe r body strength and coordination to successfully slide down the pole.  
Unlike other egress methods, there is no reverse or stop, so a child cannot change his or her 
mind. Children who start a sliding pole must have the strength to slide the whole way or th ey 
will fall.  
⎯ Sliding poles are not recommended for toddlers or preschool -age children since they 
generally don't have the upper body and/or hand strength to slide.  
 
⎯ Sliding poles should be continuous with no protruding welds or seams along the sliding 
surface.  
 
⎯ The pole should not change direction along the sliding portion.  
 
⎯ The horizontal distance between a sliding pole and any structure used for access to the 
sliding pole should be between 18 inches and 20 inches.  
 
⎯ The pole should extend at least 60 inches above the level of the platform or structure used for 
access to the sliding pole.  
 
⎯ The diameter of sliding poles should be no greater than 1.9 inches.  
 
⎯ Sliding poles and their access structures should be located so that traffic from other events 
will not interfere with the users during descent.  
 
⎯ Upper access should be on one level only.  
 
⎯ The upper access area through the guardrail or barrier should be 15 inches wide at most.  
 
4.3.2.6.1 Fall height  
 
⎯ For sliding poles accessed from platforms, the fall height is the distance between the platform 
and the protective surfacing beneath it.  
 
⎯ For sliding poles not accessed from platforms, the fall height is the distance between a point 
60 inches below the highest point of the pole and the p rotective surfacing beneath it.  
 
⎯ The top of the sliding pole’s support structure should not be a designated play surface.  
 
 
 
  
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  xvii 
  5.3.2.7 Track rides  
 
Track rides are a form of upper body equipment where the child holds on to a handle or other 
device that sl ides along a track above his or her head.  
 
The child then lifts his or her feet and is carried along the length of the track.  
Track rides require significant upper body strength and the judgment to know when it is safe 
to let go.  
 
These are skills not d eveloped until children are at least school -age; therefore, it is 
recommended:  
 
a) Track rides should not be used on playgrounds for toddlers and preschool -age children.  
 
b) Track rides should not have any obstacles along the path of the ride, including anythi ng that 
would interfere in the take -off or landing areas.  
 
c) Two track rides next to each other should be at least 4 feet apart.  
 
d) The handle should be between 64 inches and 78 inches from the surfacing and follow the 
gripping recommendations in 4.2.2.  
 
e) Nothing should ever be tied or attached to any moving part of a track ride.  
 
f) Rolling parts should be enclosed to prevent crush haza rds.  
 
5.3.2.7.1 Fall height  
 
⎯ The fall height of track ride equipment is the distance between the maximum height of the 
equipment and the protective surface beneath it.  
 
⎯ Equipment support posts with no designated play surfaces are exempt from this requir ement.  
 
4.3.3  Log rolls  
 
Log rolls help older children master balance skills and increase strength. Children must balance 
on top of the log as they spin it with their feet. See Figure 7.  
 
⎯ Log rolls are not recommended for toddlers and preschool -age children. These children 
generally do not possess the balance, coordination, and strength to use a log roll safely.  
 
⎯ Log rolls should have handholds to assist with balance.  
 
⎯ The handholds shoul d follow the guidelines in 4.2.2 .  
 
⎯ The highest point of the rolling log should be a maximum of 18 inches above the protective 
surface below.  
 
⎯ When not part of a composite structure, the use zone may overlap with neighbouring 
equipment if the other piece of equipment allows overlapping use zones (see 4.3.9 ) and  
 
– There is at least 6 feet between equipment when adjacent designated play surfaces are no 
more than 30 inches high; or  
 
– There is at least 9 feet between equipment when adjacent designated play  surfaces are more 
than 30 inches high.  
 
 
  
xviii © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
 4.3.3.1.1 Fall height  
 
The fall height of a log roll is the distance between the highest portion of the rolling log and the 
protective surfacing beneath it.  
 
 
 
Figure 9 ⎯  Log roll  
 
4.3.4   Merry -go-rounds  
 
Merry -go-rounds are the most common rotating equipment found on public playgrounds. Children 
usually sit or stand on the platform while other children or adults push the merry -go-round to 
make it rotate.  
 
In addition, children often get o n and off the merry -go-round while it is in motion. Merry -go rounds  
may present a physical hazard to preschool -age children who have little or no control over such 
products once they are in motion. Therefore, children in this age group should always be 
supervised when using merry -go-rounds.  
 
The following recommendations apply when the merry -go round  is at least 20 inches in diameter.  
 
a) Merry -go-rounds should not be used on playgrounds intended for toddlers.  
 
b) The standing/sitting surface of the platform should have a maximum height of:  
 
– Preschool: 14 inches above the protective surface.  
 
 – School -age: 18 inches above the protective surface.  
 
c) The rotating platform should be continuous and approximately circ ular.  
 
d) The surface of the platform should not have any openings between the axis and the 
periphery that permit a rod having a diameter of 5/16 inch to penetrate completely through 
the surface.  
 
 
 
 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  xix 
   
 
The difference between 
dimensions AC and AB 
should not e xceed 2.0 
inches.  
  
 
 
 
A = Axis of Rotation  
AB = Minimum Radius  
AC = Maximum Radius  
Figure 10 ⎯   Minimum and maximum radii of a  merry -go-round platform  
 
e) The difference between the minimum and maximum radii of a non -circular platform should not 
exceed 2.0 inches (Figure 10). 
 
f) The underside of the perimeter of the platform should be no less than 9 inches above the level 
of the protective surfacing beneath it . 
 
g) There should not be any accessible shearing or crushing mechanisms in the undercarriage of 
the equipment.  
 
h) Children should be provided with a secure means of holding on. Where handgrips are provided, 
they should conform to the general recommendations for hand gripping components in 4.2.2. 
 
i) No components of the apparatus, including handgrips, should extend beyon d the perimeter of 
the platform.  
 
j) The rotating platform of a merry -go-round should not have any sharp edges.  
 
k) A means should be provided to limit the peripheral speed of rotation to a maximum of 13 ft/sec.  
 
l) Merry -go-round platforms should not have any up a nd down (oscillatory) motion.  
 
4.3.4.1  Use zone  
 
⎯ The use zone should extend a minimum of 6 feet beyond the perimeter of the platform.  
 
⎯ The use zone may not overlap other use zones, unless the rotating equipment is less than 20 
inches in diameter and the a djacent equipment allows overlap.  
 
4.3.4.2  Fall height  
 
The fall height for a merry -go-round is the distance between  the perimeter of the platform where a 
child could sit or  stand and the protective surfacing beneath it.  
 
4.3.5 Seesaws  
 
4.3.5.1 Fulcrum seesaws  
 
The typical seesaw (also known as a “teeter totter”) consists  of a board or pole with a seat at each end 
supported at the  center by a fulcrum. See Figure 11. Because of the complex  way children are 
required to cooperate and combine their  actions, fulcrum seesaws are not recommended for toddlers  
or preschool -age children.  
 
xx © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
  
 
 
 
Figure 11 ⎯   Typical fulcrum seesaw  
 
⎯ The fulcrum should not present a crush hazard.  
 
⎯ Partial car tires, or some other shock -absorbing material,  should be embedded in the ground 
underneath the seats,  or secured on the underside of the seats. This will help  prevent limbs 
from being crushed between the seat and  the ground, as well as cushion the impact.  
 
⎯ The maximum attainable angle between a line connecting  the seats and the horizontal is 25°.  
 
⎯ There should not be any footrests.  
 
4.3.5.2  Spring -centered seesaws  
 
Preschool -age children are capable of using spring -centered  seesaws because the centering device 
prevents abrupt contact with the ground if one child dismounts suddenly.  
 
Spring -centered seesaws also have the advantage of not  requiring two children to coordinate their 
actions in order to  play safely. Spring -centered seesaws should follow the recommendations for spring 
rockers including the use of footrests  (4.3.7 ) 
 
4.3.5.3 Use zone for fulcrum and spring -centered seesaws   
 
⎯ The use zone should extend a minimum of 6 feet from each outside edge of the seesaw.  
 
⎯ The use zone may overlap with neighbouring  equipment if the other piece of equipment  allows 
overlapping use zones and  
 
– There is at least 6 feet between equipment when adjacent designated play surfaces are no 
more than 30 inches high; or  
 
– There is at least 9 feet between equipment when adjacent designated play surfaces are more 
than 30 inches high.  
 
4.3.5. Handholds  
 
⎯ Handholds should be provided at each seating position for gripping with both hands and 
should not turn when grasped.  
 
⎯ Handholds should not protrude beyond the sides of the seat.  
 
 
 
 
 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  xxi 
  4.3.5.5 Fall height  
 
The fall height for a seesaw is the distance betw een the highest point any part of the seesaw can 
reach and the protective surfacing beneath it.  
 
4.3.6 Slides  
 
Children can be expected to descend slide chutes in many different positions, rather than always 
sitting and facing forward as they slide.  
 
These other positions should be discouraged at all times to minimize injuries. Slides may provide a 
straight, wavy, or spiral descent either by means of a tube or an open slide chute.  
 
They may be either free -standing (Figure 12), part of a composite stru cture, or built on the grade of a 
natural or man -made slope (embankment slide). Regardless of the type of slide, avoid using bare 
metals on the platforms, chutes, and steps.  
 
When exposed to direct sunlight the bare metal may reach temperatures high enough to cause serious 
contact burn injuries in a matter of seconds.  
 
Provide shade for bare metal slides or use other materials that may reduce the surface temperature 
such as, b ut not limited to, plastic or coated metal.  
 
4.3.6.1 Slide access  
 
Access to a stand -alone slide generally is by means of a ladder with rungs, steps, or a stairway with 
steps. Slides may also be part of a composite play structure, so children will gain a ccess from other 
parts of the structure. Embankment slides use the ground for access.  
 
 
 
Figure 12 ⎯   Typical Free -Standing Straight Slide  
 
4.3.6.2 Slide platform  
 
All slides should be provided with a platform with sufficient length to facilitate the transition from 
standing to sitting at the top of the inclined sliding surface.  
 
Embankment slides are exempt from platform requirements because they are on ground level; 
however, they should not have any spaces or gaps as noted below.   
xxii © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
 The platform should:  
 
a) Be at least 19 inches deep for toddlers.  
 
b) Be at least 14 inches deep for pre school -age and school -age children.  
 
c) Be horizontal.  
 
d) Be at least as wide as the slide chute.  
 
e) Be surrounded by guardrails or barriers.  
 
f) Conform to the same recommendations as general platforms given in 4.1.1.  
 
g) Not have any spaces or gaps that could tr ap strings, clothing, body parts, etc. between the 
platform and the start of the slide chute.  
 
h) Provide handholds to facilitate the transition from standing to sitting and decrease the risk of 
falls (except tube slides where the tube perimeter provides han d support). These should 
extend high enough to provide hand support for the largest child in a standing position, and 
low enough to provide hand support for the smallest child in a sitting position.  
 
i) Provide a means to channel a user into a sitting positi on at the entrance to the chute, such as 
a guardrail, hood, or other device that discourages climbing.  
 
4.3.6.3 Slide chutes  
 
4.3.6.3.1 Embankment slides  
 
⎯ The slide chute of an embankment slide should have a maximum height of 12 inches above 
the underlying ground surface. This design basically eliminates the hazard of falls from 
elevated heights.  
 
⎯ Embankment slides should follow all of the recommendations g iven for straight slides where 
applicable (e.g., side height, slope, use zone at exit, etc.).  
 
⎯ There should be some means provided at the slide chute entrance to minimize the use of 
embankment slides by children on skates, skateboards, or bicycles.  
 
4.3.6.3.2 Roller slides  
 
⎯ Roller slides should meet applicable recommendations for other slides (e.g., side height, 
slope, use zone at exit, etc.).  
 
⎯ The space between adjacent rollers and between the ends of the rollers and the stationary 
structure should be l ess than 3/16 inch.  
 
⎯ Frequent inspections are recommended to insure that there are no missing rollers or broken 
bearings and that the rollers roll.  
 
4.3.6.3.3 Spiral slides  
 
⎯ Spiral slides should follow the recommendations for straight slides where appli cable (e.g., side 
height, slope, use zone at exit, etc.).  
 
⎯ Special attention should be given to design features which may present problems unique to 
spiral slides, such as lateral discharge of the user.  
  
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  xxiii 
  ⎯ Toddlers and preschool -age children have less abil ity to maintain balance and postural 
control, so only short spiral slides (one 360° turn or less) are recommended for these age 
groups.  
 
4.3.6.3.4 Straight slides  
 
⎯ Flat open chutes should have sides at least 4 inches high extending along both sides of the 
chute for the entire length of the inclined sliding surface.  
 
⎯ The sides should be an integral part of the chute, without any gaps between the sides and the 
sliding  surface. (This does not apply to roller slides).  
 
⎯ Slides may have an open chute with a circular, semicircular or curved cross section provided 
that: A.  
 
The vertical height of the sides is no less than 4 inches when measured at right angles to a 
horizon tal line that is 8 inches long when the slide is intended for toddlers, 12 inches long 
when the slide is intended for preschool -age children, and 16 inches long when the slide is 
intended for school -age children (Figure 1 3); or B. For any age group, the ve rtical height of the 
sides is no less than 4 inches minus two times the width of the slide chute divided by the 
radius of the slide chute curvature (Figure 1 4). 
 
 
 
Bottom of slide. Subject only to general  
requirements for protrusions  
Figure 13  ⎯   Minimum side height for slide with circular cross section  
 
 
 
 
 
  
xxiv © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
  
 
 
 
 
Figure 14  ⎯   Formula for minimum vertical side height for slide with curved chute  
 
 
⎯ For toddlers: – The average incline of a slide chute should be no more than 24° (that is, the 
height to horizontal length ratio shown in Figure 15 does not exceed 0.445). – No section of 
the slide chute should have a slope greater than 30°. – The slide chu te should be between 8 
and 12 inches wide.  
⎯  
⎯ For preschool - and school -age children: – The average incline of a slide chute should be no 
more than 30° (that is, the height to horizontal length ratio shown in Figure 15 does not exceed 
0.577). – No section of  the slide chute should have a slope greater than 50°.  
4.3.6.3.5  Tube slides  
⎯ Tube slides should meet all the applicable recommendations for other slides (e.g., side height, 
slope, use zone at exit, etc.).  
⎯  
⎯ Means, such as barriers or textured surfaces, should be provided to prevent sliding or climbing 
on the top (outside) of the tube.  
⎯  
⎯ The minimum internal diameter of the tube should be no less than 23 inches.  
 
⎯ Supervisors should be aware of children using tube slides since the children are not always 
visible  
 
4.3.6.4  Chute exit region  
 
All slides should have an exit region to help children maintain their balance and facilitate a smooth 
transition from sitting to standing when exiting.  
 
The chute exit region should:  
 
 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  xxv 
  ⎯ Be between 0 and -4° as measured from a plane parallel to the ground.  
 
⎯ Have edges that are rounded or curved to prevent lacerations or other injuries that could result 
from impact with a sharp or straight edge.  
 
⎯ For toddlers the chute exit region should:   
 
– Be between 7 and 10 inches long if any portion of the chute exceeds a 24° slope. – Be no 
more than 6 inches above the protective surfacing.  
 
– Have a transition from the sliding portion to the exit region with a radius of curvature of at 
least 18 inch es.  
 
⎯ For preschool - and school -age the chute exit region should:  
– Be at least 11 inches long.  
 
– Be no more than 11 inches above the protective surfacing if the slide is no greater than 4 
feet high.  
 
– Be at least 7 inches but not more than 15 inches above the protective surfacing if the slide is 
over 4 feet high.  
 
 
 
Figure 1 5  ⎯   Slide Slope  
 
4.3.6.5 Slide use zone  
 
Toddlers:  
⎯ In a limited access environment  
 
– The use zone should be at least 3 feet around the perimeter of the slide.  
 
– The area at the end of the slide should not overlap with the use zone for any other 
equipment.  
 
⎯ In public areas with unlimited access  
 
– For a stand -alone slide, the use zone should be at least 6 feet around the perimeter.  
 
– For slides that are part of a composite structure, the minimum use zone between the 
access components and the side  of the slide chute should be 3 feet.  
  
xxvi © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
 – The use zone at the end of the slide should be at least 6 feet from the end of the slide and 
not overlap with the use zone for any other equipment. Preschool - and school -age (see 
Figure 16):  
 
⎯ The use zone in front of the access and to the sides of a sli de should extend a minimum of 6 
feet from the perimeter of the equipment. This recommendation does not apply to 
embankment slides or slides that are part of a composite structure (see 4.3.9).  
 
⎯ The use zone in front of the exit of a slide should never overlap the use zone of any other 
equipment; however, two or more slide use zones may overlap if their sliding paths are 
parallel.  
 
⎯ For slides less than or equal to 6 feet high, the use zone in fro nt of the exit should be at least 
6 feet.  
 
⎯ For slides greater than 6 feet high, the use zone in front of the exit should be at least as long 
as the slide is high up to a maximum of 8 feet.  
4.3.6.6  Fall height  
The fall height for slides is the distance between the transition platform and the protective surfacing 
beneath it.  
4.3.6.7  Entanglement hazard  
Children have suffered serious injuries and died by getting parts of their clothing tangled on 
protrusions or gaps on slides. To reduce the chance of cl othing entanglement:  
 
 
 
Figure 1 6  ⎯    Use zone for stand -alone slides   
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  xxvii 
   
⎯ Projections up to 3 inches in diameter should not stick up more than 1/8 inch from the slide.  
 
⎯ There should be no gaps at the tops of slides where the slide chute connects with the platform 
that can entangle clothing or strings.  
 
5.3.6.8  Other sliding equipment  
 
Equipment where it is foreseeable that a primary use of the component is sliding should follow the 
same guidelines for entanglement that are in 4.3.6.7 .  
 
4.3.7  Spring rockers  
 
Toddlers and preschool -age children enjoy the bounc ing and rocking activities presented by spring 
rockers, and they are the primary users of rocking equipment. See Figure 17. Older children may not 
find it challenging enough.  
 
⎯ Seat design should not allow the rocker to be used by more than the intended nu mber of 
users.  
 
 
 
Figure 17  ⎯    Example of spring rocker  
 
⎯ For toddlers: – The seat should be between 12 and 16 inches high. – Spring rockers with 
opposing seats intended for more than one child should have at least 37 inches between the 
seat centers.  
 
⎯ For preschoolers: – The seat should be between 14 and 28 inch es high.  
 
⎯ Each seating position should be equipped with handgrips and footrests. The diameter of 
handgrips should follow the recommendations for hand gripping components in 4.2.2.  
 
⎯ The springs of rocking equipment should minimize the possibility of child ren crushing their 
hands or their feet between coils or between the spring and a part of the rocker.  
 
⎯ The use zone should extend a minimum of 6 feet from the “at rest” perimeter of the equipment.  
 
⎯ The use zone may overlap with neighbouring  equipment if t he other piece of equipment allows 
overlapping use zones and  
 
xxviii  © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
  
– There is at least 6 feet between equipment when adjacent designated play surfaces are no 
more than 30 inches high; or  
 
– There is at least 9 feet between equipment when adjacent designated play surfaces are 
more than 30 inches high; and  
 
– The spring rocker is designed to be used from a seated position.  
 
4.3.7.1  Fall height  
 
The fall height of spring rockers is the dis tance between either (1) the highest designated playing 
surface or (2) the seat, whichever is higher, and the protective surfacing beneath it.  
 
4.3.8 Swings  
 
Children of all ages generally enjoy the sensations created while swinging. Mostly they sit on t he 
swings; however, it is common to see children jumping off swings. Younger children also tend to swing 
on their stomachs, and older children may stand on the seats.  
 
To prevent injuries, these behaviors should be discouraged. Swings may be divided into two distinct 
types:  
 
a) Single axis: Sometimes called a to -fro swing. A single -axis swing is intended to swing back 
and forth in a single plane and generally consists of a seat supported by at least two 
suspending members, each of which is connected to a sep arate pivot on an overhead 
structure.  
 
b) Multi -axis: A multi -axis swing consists of a seat (generally a tire) suspended from a single 
pivot that permits it to swing in any direction.  
 
4.3.8.1 General swing recommendations  
 
⎯ Hardware used to secure the susp ending elements to the swing seat and to the supporting 
structure should not be removable without the use of tools.  
 
⎯ S-hooks are often part of a swing’s suspension system, either attaching the suspending 
elements to the overhead support bar or to the swing seat. Open S -hooks can catch a child’s 
clothing and present a strangulation hazard. Shooks should be pinched closed.  An S -hook is 
considered closed if there is no gap or space greater than 0.04 inches (about the thickness of 
a dime).  
 
⎯ Swings should be suspended from support structures that discourage climbing.  
 
⎯ A-frame support structures should not have horizontal cros s-bars.  
 
⎯ Fiber ropes are not recommended as a means of suspending swings since they may degrade 
over time.  
 
⎯ Swing structures should be located away from other equipment or activities to help prevent 
young children from inadvertently running into the path of moving swings. Additional protection 
can be provided by means of a low blockade such as a fence or hedge around the perimeter 
of the swing area. The blockade should not be an obstacle within the use zone of a swing 
structure or hamper supervision by blo cking visibility . 
 
 
  
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  xxix 
   
 
 
Figure 1 8  ⎯    Minimum Clearances for Single -Axis Swings  
 
 
Table 4  ⎯    Minimum clearance dimensions for swing  
 
Reason  Dimension  Toddler  
Full bucket  Preschool -
age 
Belt School -age 
Belt 
Minimizes collisions between a 
swing and the supporting 
structure  D1 20 inches  30 inches  30 inches  
Minimizes collisions between 
swings  D2 20 inches  24 inches  24 inches  
Allows access  D3  24 inches  12 inches  12 inches  
Reduces side -to-side motion  D4 20 inches  20 inches  20 inches  
 
4.3.8.2 Fall height  
 
The fall height for swings is the vertical distance between the pivot point and the protective surfacing 
beneath it.  
 
4.3.8.3 Single -axis swings  
 
4.3.8.3.1 Belt seats used without adult assistance  
 
⎯ The use zone to the front and rear of single -axis swings should never overlap the use zone of 
another piece of equipment.  
 
⎯ To minimize the likelihood of children being struck by a moving swing, it is recommended that 
no more than two single -axis swings be  hung in each bay of the supporting structure.  
 
⎯ Swings should not be attached to composite structures.  
 
⎯ Swing seats should be designed to accommodate no more than one user at any time.  
 
xxx © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
 ⎯ Lightweight rubber or plastic swing seats are recommended to help red uce the severity of 
impact injuries. Wood or metal swing seats should be avoided.  
 
⎯ Edges of seats should have smoothly finished or rounded edges and should conform to the 
protrusion recommendations in 4.3.8.5.  
 
⎯ If loose -fill material is used as a protect ive surfacing, the height recommendations should be 
determined after the material has been compressed.  
 
4.3.8.3.2 Full bucket seat swings  
 
Full bucket seat swings are similar to single -axis swings since they move in a to -fro direction. 
However, full buck et seat swings are intended for children under 4 years of age to use with adult 
assistance.  
 
⎯ The seats and suspension systems of these swings, including the related hardware, should 
follow all of the criteria for conventional single axis swings.  
 
⎯ Full bucket seats are recommended to provide support on all sides of a child and between the 
legs of the occupant (see Figure 17). 
 
 
 
 
Figure 1 9  ⎯    Example of full bucket seat swings  
 
 
⎯ The full bucket seat materials should not present a strangulation hazard, such as might be 
presented with a rope or chain used as part of the seat.  
 
⎯ Openings in swing seats should conform to the entrapment criteria.  
 
⎯  Full bucket seat swings should be sus pended from structures that are separate from those for 
other swings, or at least suspended from a separate bay of the same structure.  
 
⎯ Full bucket seat swings should not allow the child to enter and exit alone.  
 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  xxxi 
  ⎯ Pivot points should be more than 47 inches  but no more than 96 inches above the protective 
surfacing.  
 
4.3.8.3.3 Use zone for single -axis swings – belt and full bucket  
The use zone in front of and behind the swing should be greater than to the sides of such a swing 
since children may deliberately attempt to exit from a single -axis swing while it is in motion. See Figure 
20.  
⎯ The use zone for a belt swing should extend to the front and rear of a single -axis swing a 
minimum distance of twice the vertical distance from the pivot point and  the top of the 
protective surface beneath it.  
 
⎯ The use zone for a full bucket swing should extend to the front and rear a minimum of twice 
the vertical distance from the top of the occupant’s sitting surface to the pivot point.  
 
⎯ 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.  
4.3.8.4  Multi -axis (tire) swings  
Tire swings are usually suspended in a horizontal orientation using three suspension chains or cables 
connected to a single swivel mechanism that permits both rotation and swinging motion in any axis.  
⎯ A multi -axis tire swing should not be suspended from a  structure having other swings in the 
same bay.  
 
⎯ Attaching multi -axis swings to composite structures is not recommended.  
 
⎯ To minimize the hazard of impact, heavy truck tires should be avoided. Further, if steel -belted 
radials are used, they should be clos ely examined to ensure that there are no exposed steel 
belts or wires that could be a potential protrusion or laceration hazard. Plastic materials can be 
used as an alternative to simulate actual automobile tires. Drainage holes should be provided in 
the u nderside of the tire.  
 
⎯ Pay special attention to maintenance of the hanger mechanism because the likelihood of failure 
is higher for tire swings due to the added stress of rotational movement and multiple occupants.  
 
⎯ The hanger mechanisms for multi -axis tire swings should not have any accessible crush points.  
 
⎯ The minimum clearance between the seating surface of a tire swing and the uprights of the 
supporting structure should be 30 inches when the tire is in a positio n closest to the support 
structure (Figure 2 1).  
 
⎯ The minimum clearance between the bottom of the seat and the protective surface should not 
be less than 12 inches.  
  
xxxii © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
  
Figure 2 0  ⎯  Use Zone for Single -Axis Belt Swings  
 
 
 
Figure 2 1  ⎯  Multi -Axis Swing Clearance  
 
 
 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  xxxiii  
   
Figure 2 2   ⎯   Use Zone for Multi -Axis Swings  
 
⎯ The use zone should extend a minimum of 6 feet from the perimeter of the supporting 
structure. This 6 -foot zone may overlap that of an adjacent swing structure or other playground 
equipment structure.  
 
4.3.8.5 Protrusions on suspended members of swing ass emblies  
 
Protrusions on swings are extremely hazardous because of the potential for impact incidents. Nothing, 
including bolts or other parts, on the front, back, or underside of a swing should stick out more than 1/8 
of an inch.  
 
4.3.9 Fall height and u se zones for composite structure  
 
When two or more complementary play components are linked together in a composite structure (e.g., 
combination climber, slide, and horizontal ladder), the use zone should extend a minimum of 6 feet 
from the external perim eter of the structure (see Figure 2 3). Where slides are attached to a platform 
higher than 6 feet from the protective surfacing, the use zone may need to extend further in front of the 
slide (see 4.3.6.5 ). 
 
4.3.10 Fall height and use zones not specified el sewhere  
 
Most playground equipment belongs in one of the categories listed above. If it does not, the following 
general recommendations should be applied:  
 
a) The fall height of a piece of playground equipment is the distance between the highest 
designated playing su rface and the protective surface beneath it.  
 
b) The use zone should extend a minimum of 6 feet in all directions from the perimeter of the 
equipment.  
 
c) The use zones of two stationary pieces of playground equipment that are positioned adjacent 
to one anothe r may overlap if the adjacent designated play surfaces of each structure are no 
more than 30 inches above the protective surface and the equipment is at least 6 feet apart.  
 
xxxiv  © KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  
 d) If adjacent designated play surfaces on either structure exceed a height of 30 inc hes, the 
minimum distance between the structures should be 9 feet.  
 
e) Use zones should be free of obstacles.  
 
 
 
 
 
Figure adapted from ASTM F1487  
Figure 2 3  ⎯   Use Zones for Composite Structure  
 
 
 
© KEBS 2022  – All rights reserved  xxxv 
  Annex  A 
(Informative)  
 
Suggested general maintenance checklists  
 
General Upkeep of Playgrounds  
     There are no user modifications to the equipment, such as strings and ropes tied to 
equipment, swings looped over top rails, etc  (3) 
             Remove string or rope  
             Correct other modification  
     The entire playground is free from debris or litter such as tree branches, soda cans, bottles, 
glass, etc.  
         Clean playground  
    There are no missing trash receptacles.  
         Replace trash receptacle  
  Trash receptacles are not full.  
          Empty trash  
 
 
 
 
NOTES:  
DATE OF INSPECTION: ………….……………. INSPECTION BY: ………………………………..