How to replace safety surfacing
Published 20/06/16The right safety surfacing that is well maintained is vital for ensuring that children remain safe while using playground equipment. It is the safety surfacing that can make the difference between a child falling and being able to get up to carry on playing or being seriously injured. It is the importance safety surfacing plays in ensuring children remain safe that makes it vital part of the playground to keep maintained in pristine condition.
If your safety surfacing is looking worse for wear, this guide provides the information and advice you need to repairing it and keeping it well maintained.
Tools you need to replace safety surfacing
While there are many types of safety surfacing available, the majority only need tools that can be found in any basic tool box to be repaired or replaced. Along with these tools, wearing protective gloves and ensuring you have the right type of binder and surface sealer is vital. As well as this, you will need to purchase the correct type of safety surfacing you need to replace; which would ideally be the same type that you are replacing and, if not, you need to research to find out the best type of surfacing for the equipment.
How to replace safety surfacing
When replacing safety surfacing you need to completely remove the existing surfacing, as well as ensuring the area is free from any obstructions and you should also ensure that the ground is as level as possible. It is important to follow the instructions of the specific safety surfacing type that you are using, as some can be added without needing additional tools such as binders, while other will be more complicated to replace. The majority of safety surfacing should be able to be replaced without professional help, however normally more than one person is needed to replace the surfacing.
How to repair safety surfacing
Repairing safety surfacing is normally easier and less expensive than replacing the entire surface. Again each type of safety surfacing will require specific tools and equipment to be repaired. It is possible to source the tools and equipment you need to repair safety surfacing individually, alternatively there are kits available for specific types of safety surfacing that provide almost everything needed to repair the surface.
As repairing safety surfacing is easier than replacing it is a good idea to regularly inspect surfaces looking for any damages that can be highlighted early to be quickly repaired and avoid serious long-term damage from happening.