When playgrounds are in directly sunlight they can become dangerously HOT! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises parents to check for hot surfaces on metal playground equipment before allowing young children to play on it. It has been reported in several cases where children suffer from second and third degree burns from being on play equipment that is too hot. Young children are most at risk because, unlike older children who react quickly by pulling away their hands or by getting off a hot surface, very young children may remain in place when they contact a hot surface.
One way to help lower the risk of playground equipment getting to hot, is to have a shade structure over it to protect it from the sun. One of the cool things about having shade structures is that it not only keeps the play equipment out of direct sunlight but it helps keep the kids from getting sun burnt as well.
There are some risk factors to consider when getting sun burnt because the UV rays causes skin damage that can lead to skin cancer and sunburn is also very painful. Any part of your body, including your earlobes, scalp and lips, can burn. Your eyes, which are extremely sensitive to the sun’s ultraviolet light, also can burn. Sunburned eyes may feel painful or gritty. This can make life difficult for anyone, especially kids because it affects their sleep, focus, and overall comfort levels. Sunburn should definitely be avoided as well as making sure sunblock is worn while outside playing.
Jon has designed dozens of unique custom shade structures for playgrounds and shopping malls. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your next shade structure with you.
Safety Starts w/ Stability!
Kurt Karriker
704-589-7455
Creative Playscapes