Playground Winter Safety:
Guidelines to Ensure Your Equipment Stands Up to Bad Weather Conditions
The continued safety of your playground is paramount, especially during the winter months when there are more potential hazards to take into consideration. With play equipment surfaces becoming icy, and bad weather causing possible structural damage, there is also a risk of slippery surfaces during winter, which can be dangerous and increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries. It is advised that you follow the recommended winter care tips to make sure that your playground remains an enjoyable place for children to play.
Do’s
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Do clear snow from canopies to prevent structural damage caused by excess weight.
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Do remove sail shades during high winds to avoid unnecessary damage.
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Do treat safety surfacing in icy conditions with a non-abrasive de-icer, such as Ice Melt.
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Do check and treat slides with surface de-icer to reduce slip hazards caused by ice or snow build-up.
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Do regularly inspect playground surfaces for ice, standing water or waterlogged areas, particularly after snow melt or heavy rain.
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Do check playground equipment for frozen moving parts, loose fixings or damage following severe weather.
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Do ensure drainage channels are clear to prevent water pooling and refreezing.
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Do increase supervision during winter months to help manage weather-related risks.
Don’ts
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Don’t use shovels or scrapers, as these can damage playground surfaces.
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Don’t use rock salt or traditional winter grit, as they can harm Wetpour surfaces and leave white residue stains.
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Don’t allow children to use equipment that is icy, frozen or unsafe during extreme weather conditions.
Maintaining safe playground surfaces during winter is essential, as snow, ice and freezing temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of safety surfacing and create slip and injury risks. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance, such as clearing snow and ice, using suitable de-icers, and checking equipment stability, help prevent hazards before they develop. By investing in weather-resistant materials, thoughtful design, and ongoing winter care, playground owners can ensure play areas remain safe, accessible, and inviting, allowing children to enjoy outdoor play safely throughout the colder months.
To ensure that your playground stands the test of time, we would recommend that you book our Annual Service and Inspection package.
At a cost of just £295 exc VAT, one of our own RPII (Register of Play Inspectors International) qualified installation inspectors will review your equipment and ensure that all loose fittings are tightened; all worn moving parts are replaced, and will provide you with certification that your playground continues to meet current British and European safety standards. A detailed report will also be issues including further information on any advisory work required.
For more information on winter care or on our maintenance services, please do not hesitate to call today on 01244 375627 or email us at [email protected]
Discovered some minor wetpour surfacing damage? Save the costs of a call-out charge with a DIY Surfacing Repair Kit – now available direct from the Creative Play website!