Climbing Frame Safety
Climbing Frames spark imagination and can be the catalyst of make believe games within child led play. Whilst encouraging this, the priority is always ensuring climbing frame safety remains paramount. At Gorilla climbing frames, we consider protecting little ones our priority and climbing frame safety is paramount.
From proper supervision to routine maintenance, our guidelines help secure your children’s well-being as they leap, swing, slide, and climb for hours on end. Adhering to these fundamentals provides both freedom for adventure and provisions for security.
Regular Maintenance & Checks
Regular climbing frame inspections allows for identifying and addressing safety issues swiftly. Checking the hardware, including bolts, swing hangers, chains, and anchors, ensures connections remain secure. Allowing for the safe use of swings, monkey bars and other climbing structures. Checking wooden components for structural integrity, rot, cracks, or splinters is also essential. Ropes, nets, and accessories should also be assessed for fraying or damage. Maintaining proper tightness of all fixtures prevents loosening over time.
Age-Appropriate Play
Children have varying physical capabilities and coordination as they grow, so climbing frames must correspond with their developmental stage. Preschoolers lack strength and balance for towering structures, so encourage them to use ground level features instead. Great beginner activities include swings and short slides. School-aged children can enjoy more challenging activities like climbing walls, or using monkey bars but will still require adult supervision. Older children can take on more risk safely by themselves.
Swing Safety
Reinforced swing beams on Gorilla climbing frames prevent structural failure even under frequent use. Teaching sensible swinging and dismounting techniques to children promotes all round safety. Teach children to sit back firmly, grip well using their hands, and avoid swinging any empty seats. Weight limits are detailed in the manual, for each swing. Do not allow standing or jumping off.
Slide Safety
Supervising children is important. They should climb the ladder slowly, one at a time, using both hands. At the top, instruct them to sit facing forward before pushing off gently. Descending in a seated position is imperative – no headfirst diving.
Keep the slide exit clear to let kids disembark safely. Also, forbid crowding around slide exits or throwing items down slides.
Ensure slide runouts extend long enough for children to come to a stop and safely exit, walking away. We use guardrails on Gorilla climbing frame decks promote orderly slide access. Removable mesh barriers can restrict slide entry when supervision lapses for extra safety. Evaluate slide paths during inspections, too – any obstruction will impact safety.
Climbing Frame Safety Considerations
Ladders, ropes, and rock walls encourage skill-building but require extra diligence. Ensure all rungs and grips remain securely bolted with no protruding hardware. Show children how to use both hands while climbing and encourage turn taking, so children go one at a time. Maintain a safe play zone for all round climbing frame safety. Always promote responsible play and a sense of appreciation for the climbing frame your children have.
Sun Protection & Hydration
Children can get carried away with the fun of an outdoor climbing frame. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sun cream generously on all exposed skin – even on cloudy days when over 80% of UV rays penetrate. Strategically placed roof panels on Gorilla climbing frames create integrated shade coverage, too. Have plenty of water on hand and encourage children to take regular water breaks.
Supervision & Communication
Adhering to climbing frame safety rules means that play can be safe as well as enriching physical and social benefits too.
Safeguard your children’s health while unlocking the tremendous developmental perks of outdoor play. Gorilla climbing frames offer extensive safety-tested sets and accessories designed for families looking for durability, reliability, safe play and fun.
