Outdoor Play Areas
Susan Lane, REHS, CPSI
Environmental Health Specialist II
Outdoor Grounds

Maintenance: The
grounds shall be
maintained in a sanitary
condition, well drained
and free of refuse, litter,
animal droppings, insect
and rodent harborages,
poisonous plants, weed
overgrowth, and unused
equipment.
7.0
Outdoor Grounds

Exterior Garbage:
Exterior garbage and
rubbish containers shall
be easily cleanable,
covered with a tight
fitting lid, well
maintained, inaccessible
to children and
removed on a
frequency that prevents
creation of a nuisance.
Swimming and Wading Pools
Permanent Water Features
A Health Permit to operate a public pool
shall be maintained for a Child Care
Center swimming pool or permanent
wading pool.
 All bodies of water shall have a barrier
that conforms to NAC 444.136.

Swimming and Wading Pools
Swimming and
permanent wading
pools shall meet all
requirements of the
Nevada Administrative
Code (NAC) 444,
“Public Bathing Places
and Spas.”
 Portable wading pools
are prohibited

Playground Statistics

Purpose of Hazard Identification is to
reduce the number and severity of lifethreatening and seriously debilitating
injuries
#1 cause of DEATH: Entanglement due to
clothes or something around a child’s neck
becoming caught or entwined on a
component of playground equipment
Playground Statistics
#1 cause of INJURY: Falls which result in
brain damage, permanent paralysis, long
bone fractures, other long term, lifeimpacting injuries
Both of these causes may be abated by
proper use of equipment, supervision, and
handholds, guardrails and protective
barriers
Child Care Center
Outdoor Play Areas 7.4
An outdoor play area must
meet SNHD criteria for the
following:
7.4.1 Construction Plan Review
7.4.2 Enclosures
7.4.3 Visibility
7.4.4 Drinking Water
7.4.5 Shade
7.4.6 Playground Equipment
7.4.7 Protective Surfaces
7.4.8 Maintenance and
Supervision

Construction Plan Review 7.4.1

Properly developed plans for construction,
expansion, renovation or conversion shall
be submitted to SNHD Plan Review.
Enclosures 7.4.2
•
•
Perimeter fencing
or walls must be
no less than 48” in
height
Fencing and
components must
be sturdy, rigid and
non-deforming
Enclosures 7.4.2
Spacing between
vertical
components
and under the
fence
must be 3.5” or
less
Non-compliant fence
Enclosures 7.4.2
The fence shall be
constructed so that it
is non-climbable.
 Both examples show
climbable fencing due
to hand or foot holds
under 48 inches, and
abatement netting in
disrepair.

Hand or foot holds
Chain link exposed
Climbable Fences—Not Allowed
Both violations show hand or foot holds
under 48 inches
Enclosures 7.4.2

Acceptable measures
to abate climbable
enclosures
Slats
Netting
Both!
Enclosures 7.4.2
An additional abatement measure for
climbable fencing is total replacement of
the climbable fencing.
 Suitable non-climbable alternatives are
compliant vertical component fencing
(spacing between vertical components and
under the fence less than 3.5 inches) or a
solid wall

Enclosures 7.4.2
Two examples of acceptable
non-climbable fencing
Enclosure Hazards
An exposed bolt end that protrudes more
than 2 full threads is an entanglement
hazard—bolt ends must be trimmed to two
or less threads and sanded if necessary to
avoid an abrasion hazard
Enclosure Hazards
Trip Hazard
Inadequate
Enclosure Hazards
Protrusion
Good solution—
tennis balls
work also
Visibility 7.4.3
The outdoor play
area must be
arranged so all
areas are visible to
the Child Care
Providers.
 Areas to the sides
of a facility must
be inaccessible.

7.4.3
Visibility 7.4.3
Side yard accessible
Side yard inaccessible
Drinking Water 7.4.4
Potable water must be available in
each outdoor area.
 Fixtures must be clean and sanitary
 Fountain pressure must be regulated
to keep the stream in the fountain
basin and to avoid mouths touching
the water source

7.4.4
9.1.4
Drinking Water 7.4.4
Dirty fountain
Stream overshoots
Drinking Water 9.1.4
Potable water may be provided from
containers capable of being washed,
rinsed and sanitized.
 The container must be properly
secured to prevent tipping and
contamination.
 Single service cups must be stored in
a sanitary manner

7.4.4
Drinking Water 9.1.4
Approved means of supply
Drinking Water 9.1.4
Before coating
Metal surfaces must
be coated or shaded
to avoid burns
After
7.4.6
Drinking Water 9.1.4
Fountain has been made safe –
push button is covered with plastic,
bubbler is also plastic
Shade 7.4.5
•
•
•
•
Minimum 5 ft2 per child
per maximum facility
capacity as determined
by the Licensing
Authority.
Excludes shade provided
by walls of building
Required in each
separately fenced area
The ground area of the
canopy of mature living
trees can satisfy shade
requirements.
Unshaded plastic slide
temperature on a
summer day
7.4.5
Playground Equipment 7.4.6

Commercial grade
only, in compliance
with U.S.
Consumer Product
Safety Commission
Standards (CPSC)
7.4.6
Playground Equipment 7.4.6
Items not allowed:
Antique fire engines or vehicles,
unshaded metal
7.4.6
Playground Equipment
Items not allowed:
Concrete pipes
Truck tires
7.4.6
Playground Equipment 7.4.6
Age Appropriate Use: Access to play
equipment must be limited to
developmentally appropriate age groups
 Playground equipment must have signage
that defines the age range of children for
which the equipment is intended. 7.4.6

Playground Equipment 7.4
Playground
equipment must be of
safe design and
maintained in good
repair.
 Hazards that require
time for correction
shall be maintained
inaccessible to
children until
corrections are made.

Playground Equipment Testing

Required Equipment:
1. National
Playground Safety
Institute test probes
and gauges
2. Spade or digging
tool
3. Tape Measure
4. Camera
7.4.6
Playground Equipment Testing
Torso
Head
Completely Bounded
Opening Head and Torso
Probes:
If the Torso Probe passes
through an opening, the
Head Probe must also
pass
Playground Equipment Testing

The anthropometric basis for the threedimensional Head and Torso Probes:
5th percentile 2-year old for the Torso
Probe (smallest torso)
95th percentile 5-year old for the Head
Probe (largest head)
“Where the smallest torso goes,
the largest head must follow”
Playground Equipment Testing
50 FtLb Gauge used
in conjunction with
the head and torso
probes to test
completely bounded
nonrigid openings such
as flexible nets,
tot seats, and
plastic enclosures
Playground Equipment Testing
Partially Bounded
Opening Test
Template
Playground Equipment Testing
Protrusion Gauges used
to determine whether a
projection is a protrusion
Playground Equipment Testing
Pipe-size template
used for any
components
intended for use
as a hand support
Playground Equipment Testing
Angle finder used for:
• Designated Play Surfaces
• Steps/Rungs/Platforms to
be Horizontal to within ±2°
• See Saw angle ≤ 25°
• Slide Slope and Exit
regions
•55° Entrapment Angles
Playground Equipment Testing
S-Hook
connectors
are properly
closed
when there is
no gap or space
greater than
0.04 in./1.0mm
(width of a dime)
Playground Equipment Testing

Check upper and
lower loop alignment

Neither loop of an S
hook may overlap the
body
Non-compliant
Equipment Maintenance 7.4.8
Worn equipment and
cracked or broken
plastic components are
common problems
Equipment Maintenance
Missing bolts and screws
7.4.6
Equipment Maintenance
Duct tape used for repair—
also cracked plastic
7.4.6
Equipment Maintenance
View from underneath equipment—
missing fasteners replaced with
plastic coated cable
Equipment Maintenance
Missing fasteners
7.4.6
Equipment Maintenance
Check for structural integrity,
missing pieces, equipment that
has “settled” causing
joints to open
7.4.6
Equipment Maintenance
Broken swing chain
Corroding metal
bridge
Rusty
surface
7.4.6
Equipment Maintenance
Worn connecting devices
at points of moving contact
Duct tape used for repair
Equipment Hazards
Very common finger
entrapment—
equipment has been
modified from original
design, leaving this
hazard
Equipment Hazards
Crush, shear,
entanglement hazard
Abatement
May be abated by restricting movement
of wheel or replacing with a solid, not open-spoked
wheel or solid mounting piece
Equipment Hazards
Hand holds at the top of this chain climber
are missing—note the empty attachment bracket
Equipment Hazards
Non-commercial materials
used for repair
Equipment Hazards
Two examples of
entanglement hazards due
to protrusion of fasteners
Equipment Hazards
Finger entrapment
hazards
Equipment Hazards
Finger entrapment/integrity—
Are these missing bolts or just
non-essential caps or plugs?
Equipment Hazards
Metal equipment must be shaded
or coated to prevent burns
7.4
Equipment Hazards
3.5”-9.0” opening
is an
entrapment
hazard
Equipment Hazards
Entrapment
Hazard:
Torso probe (3.5”)
passes through
bars on play
equipment—
Head Probe (9.0”)
will not follow
Equipment Hazards
The highest designated
play surface
may not exceed 8 feet
for school aged, and 6
feet for preschool aged
children.
(Inspector is 5’11”)
Equipment Hazards
This little girl is 3 years old.
Highest play surface of equipment
is greater than 6 feet.
Equipment Hazards
CPSC recommends
that swings not be
attached to a
composite structure
Swings attached to
composite resulting in
insufficient use zone
Equipment Hazards
This piece
was modified
by the center
to add the swings
Both of these structures
are non-compliant due
to insufficient use zones
Equipment Hazards

CPSC recommends no
more than 2 swings
per bay
Equipment Hazards
Protrusion/Impalement
Equipment Hazards
Two legs of this play structure
did not touch the ground, and
contained metal edges
Maintenance/Supervision

The Child Care Center
Director or designee
shall inspect the
outdoor play area
daily before children
go out to play to
ensure there are no
hazards present.
7.4.8
Maintenance/Supervision


Sand boxes smaller than
100 square feet shall be
covered when not in use.
Larger sand play areas
left uncovered shall be
inspected a minimum of
daily, prior to children
entering the area, to
remove any animal fecal
matter or other foreign
debris.
7.4.8
Playground Hazards
Debris present in
children’s area
Playground Hazards
Climbable Fence
Abandoned Vehicle
Inadequate Use Zone
Inadequate Surfacing
Playground Hazards
Accessible storage area
Numerous debris hazards
Playground Hazards

Overhead obstructions (tree
branches, ropes), within the use
zones of play equipment must
be at least 84 in. (7 ft) above
each designated play surface
and the pivot point of swings
Playground Hazards
Tree branches within children’s reach
Playground Hazards
Overhead hazards
Playground Hazards
A splintered, climbable remnant
of an old piece of equipment
Plumbers tape used to
secure a fence opening
Playground Hazards
Splintered, peeling paint
Umbrella Stand Base—
Trip/Impalement
Playground Hazards
Impalement and
entanglement hazards
Playground Hazards
Broken bench
Missing cap exposing
rough surface
Playground Hazards
Trip hazards
Playground Hazards
Trip hazards
Playground Hazards
Trip Hazard
Playground Hazards
Fencing in disrepair
Playground Hazards
Utility meters must be
inaccessible
 Power supply boxes
must be locked or
inaccessible

Violation
7.4.8
Playground Hazards
Utility poles and their
supports need to be
made inaccessible
Tree supports need
to be high enough
to eliminate any hazard
7.4.8
Playground Hazards
Bird droppings on play structure handholds
7.4.8
Surfacing
Outdoor play areas may be dirt, grass,
concrete, asphalt, etc., and may not
contain hazards such as leftover
construction debris, rocks, irrigation
equipment or irregular surfaces.
 Adequate surfacing must be in good
repair—not lifting, cracking and free of
holes, trip hazards or worn spots

Surfacing
Cracked and uneven surfacing
Protective Surfacing
Required in the use
zone of
climbable equipment.
When a center has
no climbable
equipment or swings
no special surfacing
is required.
7.4.7
Protective Surfacing
Fall height—The vertical distance from a
designated play surface and the protective
surfacing beneath it
 Designated play surface—Any elevated
surface for standing, walking, sitting or
climbing, or a flat surface greater than 2
inches wide by 2 inches long having an
angle less than 30° from horizontal

Protective Surfacing
The slide platform is the highest elevated
surface on this piece.
The fall height is measured at this point.
Protective Surfacing
Critical height—The fall height below
which a life-threatening head injury would
not be expected to occur
 Protective surfacing—Material(s) to be
used within the use zone of any
playground equipment

Protective Surfacing
Check for proper surfacing in
the use zones of equipment
• Protective surfacing must be
installed to a depth
appropriate to the fall height
of the equipment and the
critical height of tested
materials per Handbook for
•
Public Playground Safety,
Consumer Product Safety
Commission Pub. No. 325,
Table 1
7.4.7
Protective Surfacing
Asphalt, concrete, soil, hard packed dirt,
grass and turf are unsuitable for use under
and around playground equipment of any
height
 Acceptable playground protective
surfacing materials are available in two
basic types, unitary or loose-fill

CPSC Table 1-Critical Heights of
Tested Materials (in feet/9in depth)
Tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM F1292
Protective Surfacing
The CPSC Table 1 contains select loose-fill
material data only.
 For other materials, including unitary materials
such as pour-in-place urethane and rubberized
artificial turf, or loose-fill materials such as tire
crumbs and bark nuggets, test data from an
independent testing laboratory certifying the
critical height of material (per ASTM F1292)
must be obtained and maintained on file by the
operator.

Protective Surfacing
Centers must maintain
loose surfacing
integrity.
The surface material
must be properly
drained.
When loose fill, resilient
material becomes
compacted, it must be
raked and/or turned
to restore resilience.
Garden spade used to
determine depth of material
7.4.7
Protective Surfacing
Inadequate surfacing often exposes trip
hazards—in addition to the hazard of
inadequate impact attenuation material.
Protective Surfacing
Trip hazard and an exposed rock
Protective Surfacing

Surfacing material accumulates under
platforms and slides…
Protective Surfacing
…leaving the use
zone areas with
inadequate protection
and exposed
hazards
Protective Surfacing

Inadequate surfacing
in equipment use
zones will result in
play area closure until
surfacing is restored;
the Licensing
Authority is notified.
7.4.7
Surfacing Problems
Squares have become hardened
and no longer provide protection.
They also pose a trip hazard.
Surfacing Problems
Worn surfacing and exposed sub-surface which has hardened—
this center attempted to replace the green turf
without going through Plan Review or
replacing the resilient surfacing underneath.
Surfacing Problems
Missing pieces in use zones mean no protection
plus they present trip hazards
Surfacing Problems
Uneven surfacing with
a hole
Exposed tree roots
Surfacing Problems
Unitary material in disrepair
Surfacing Problems
“Puzzle squares” are not appropriate surfacing
Surfacing Problems
Check the integrity
of these mats. They
age and harden and
often need to be
removed because they
provide no additional
impact attenuation
protection, and are
actually a harder
surface than the
protective surface
underneath.
Equipment Use Zones
Minimum 6 ft radius
from perimeter of
equipment to any
unyielding surface
• Consult CPSC
Handbook for Public
Playground Safety for
specific equipment
•
Equipment Use Zones:
Stationary Equipment (excluding slides):
6 feet in all directions from the perimeter of
the equipment
Use zones of two stationary adjacent pieces
may overlap (6 ft) if the designated play
surfaces are less than 30 inches—
9 ft if greater than 30 inches
Use Zone for Slides
In front of access
and to the sides:6ft
At the slide exit:
H + 4ft where
H=distance from
protective surfacing
to highest point of
the chute
Slide use zones may
never overlap
Use Zone for Single-Axis Swings
Front and rear
of swing:
2X Height from the
protective surfacing to
the pivot point
Side of swing:
6 feet
Front and rear use
zones may not
overlap. Side use
zones may overlap
.
Minimum Clearances for
Single-Axis Swings
Use Zone for Multi-Axis Swings
Tot Swings
The distance
from the
underside of an
occupied tot
swing seat
should be
no less than
24 inches
Equipment Use Zones

Many of the large
child care centers
have composite
play structures.
Shade structures
are often installed
after the
equipment—verify
that use zones
have not been
compromised.
Multiple Hazards
Use Zones, Metal Equipment, Fencing,
Surfacing, Overhead Hazards
Inadequate Use Zones
…due to non-anchored, non-commercial equipment
in same area with permanent equipment
Inadequate Use Zones
Inadequate Use Zones
Inadequate Use Zones
Inadequate Use Zones
Fall Protection

Either guardrails or protective barriers may
be used to prevent inadvertent or
unintentional falls off elevated platforms.
In addition, they should be designed to
prevent intentional attempts by children
seeking to defeat the barrier either by
climbing over or through the barrier.
Fall Protection

Guardrails or
protective barriers
should completely
surround an elevated
platform except for
entrance and exit
openings necessary to
access the play
equipment.
Fall Protection

The recommended elevated surface
heights that require protection are:
Preschool-Age—more than 20”
School-Age—more than 30”
Platforms that are more than 48” require a
protective barrier.
Fall Protection
The minimum height should prevent the largest
children from inadvertently falling over the
guardrail or protective barrier.
 A guardrail should extend low enough to prevent
the smallest child from inadvertently stepping
under it.
 A protective barrier should not permit children to
climb through or under it, and should preclude
passage of the torso template.

Fall Protection
Recommended specifications
for Guardrails taken from
CPSC Publication No. 325
Fall Protection
Guardrail
Protective Barrier
Fall Protection
Not required on this piece
Fall Protection

The recommended minimum height of a
protective barrier is:
Preschool-Age Children—minimum 29”
School-Age Children—minimum 38”

Consult the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission Handbook for Public
Playground Safety Publication No. 325 for
additional information regarding:
Surfacing
Use Zones for Equipment
Layout and Design
Installation and Maintenance of Equipment
Platforms, Guardrails & Protective Barriers
Stairways, Ladders & Handrails
General Hazards
Family Care Homes
The street address must be
affixed to the residence and
easily readable from
the street.
12.1.1
Family Care Homes
Enclosures:
Perimeter fencing or walls and gates must
be no less than 48 inches (48”) in height
Spacing between vertical components or
under the fence must be 3.5” or less
Gates must be secured so children cannot
gain unauthorized exit

12.3
Family Care Homes

All mechanical
equipment including
heating, ventilation,
air conditioning
systems (HVAC) must
be inaccessible
12.1.3
Family Care Homes

Exterior garbage and
rubbish containers shall
be easily cleanable,
covered with a tight
fitting lid and inaccessible
to children.

Anti-siphon, backflow
prevention, or vacuum
breakers shall be installed
on all water outlets to
which a hose may be
attached.
12.1
14.1.6
Family Care Homes

Use of residential
swimming pools, spas
and portable wading
pools is prohibited for
children in care
during business
hours.
12.2.1
Family Care Homes
Bodies of Water-Barriers to Access:
Wall or non-climbable,
permanent fence,
minimum 5 ft (5’0”)
high
Vertical openings not
more than 3 ½” apart
12.2.2
Family Care Homes
Bodies of Water-Barriers to Access:
Gates or doors must be
self-closing with
positive self-latching
mechanisms located
42-48” above the
ground on the side
facing the body of water
12.2.2
Family Care Homes

Shade must be provided in addition to the
shade offered by the exterior walls of the
residence:
Minimum 50 sq feet for Family Care Homes
Minimum 100 sq feet for Group Care Homes
Mature trees may satisfy this requirement
12.3.2
Family Care Homes
An elevated, portable
water table may be
used for water play—
it must be emptied,
cleaned and sanitized
immediately after
each use
 Sprinkler play is
permitted as long as
the area remains free
of pooling water

12.2.3
12.2.4
Family Care Homes

An outdoor play
area shall be
arranged so that all
areas in a given
enclosed play yard
are visible to the
Child Care Provider
12.3.1
Family Care Homes
Age Appropriate Use: Access to play equipment
shall be limited to age groups for which the
equipment is developmentally appropriate
according to the manufacturer instructions.
 Equipment not commercially manufactured shall
comply with the requirements of the most
current edition of the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission, Handbook for Public

Playground Safety, Publication No. 325.
Family Care Homes
Outdoor Play Equipment
Climb-on equipment shall be
positioned at least 6 feet away
from any unyielding surface
such as pavement, fences,
trees or other equipment.
Surfacing and use zones
are non-compliant
Family Care Homes
Backyard Hazards
Potentially dangerous tools or equipment,
pesticides and other toxic substances must
be maintained inaccessible to children
12.1.2
Family Care Homes
Backyard Hazards
Gas grills need to be inaccessible,
and trampoline use is
not allowed
12.1.3
12.3.3
Family Care Homes
Backyard Hazards
Storage sheds
shall be locked
at all times
12.1.2
Family Care Homes
Backyard Hazards
Garden hoses and
loose cable or
phone wires
on exterior walls pose
an entanglement hazard
Family Care Homes
Multiple Hazards
Impalement
Entanglement
Tripping
Abrasion
More Hazards, Same Location
Insufficient Use
Zone—6’ minimum
Insufficient
Surfacing—positioned
on unyielding surface
Family Care Home
Backyard Hazards
Inadequate Use
Zone
Insufficient
Surfacing
Chairs in the Use
Zone
Inspection and Compliance


The operator of the Child
Care Facility shall
maintain a copy of the
last health inspection
report as well as a copy
of the regulations on file
at the facility, readily
available for parental
review.
Unless otherwise noted
on the inspection report,
all items of violation shall
be corrected within 30
days.
2.0
Resources
www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org
which has links for:
--Southern Nevada Health District Regulations
Governing the Sanitation of Child Care Facilities
--Southern Nevada Health District Regulations
Governing the Sanitation of Food Establishments
--Playground Resource Guide (a copy of this
presentation)
 www.cpsc.gov
which has links for:
--U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
publication No. 325, Handbook for Public Playground
Safety, and the Outdoor Home Playground Safety

Handbook
Everybody play nice!
QUESTIONS???