Important Safety Concerns for Swing Sets
There are very important safety concerns for swing sets that include stability and structural strength. Parents should look for sets that are structurally solid and have plenty of board footage per swing than what’s out on the market.
Parents need to make sure that all the hardware on the swingsets are recessed, meaning they should leave no rough, exposed or sharp edges that can hurt their children. Recessed hardware also should not be covered with plastic caps which can pop-off and turn into a choking hazard according to the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) .
Swing ropes need to be UV protected to reduce fraying and dry rot. Double braided rope needs to be woven tighter in order to reduce stretching over time. For added safety, make sure the rope is ½-inch. Many swing set manufacturers use 3/8-inch or they incorporate a heavy-grade wire wrap to add strength to the rope, but can come loose and scratch your children. Find manufacturers who use 4″ x 4″ posts to support heavy duty deck framing. For example: if you decide to purchase a Redwood set, make sure to look for 4″ x 6″ or even 6″ x 6″ posts with steel bracing.
The best way to prevent accidents are to teach your children to avoid climbing on top of the money bars or the swing structure and remember to never use the bars if children are swinging on the swings.