Use of Chemicals on Play Areas
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Introduction
A range of chemicals and pesticides are used on children’s playgrounds for general weed control and cleanliness. This brief leaflet outlines some uses and products.
Use of Chemicals
The use of chemicals and pesticides is controlled by legislation such as the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
These:
- Cover the supply, sale, storage and use to agreed regulations
- Ensure staff have appropriate training - and, where necessary, a certificate of competence
- Prohibit unauthorised use
- Require a detailed usage log.
- Require the use of protective equipment
The use of CCA as a wood preservative is banned by the EU. The ban is not retrospective.
Chemicals will be used on playgrounds in a variety of ways but the above legislation should be complied with at all times.
Weed Control
Weed control is required to reduce trip hazards and certain types of long-term maintenance costs.
Weeds and grasses in hard surfaces
Suitable herbicide (weed control) products include those based on the active ingredient glyphosate which is non-toxic, short-lived and bio-degradable. Suggested brands include Roundup-Pro Biactive and Roundup-Pro.
Weeds and grasses in synthetic surfaces
Suitable herbicides include glyphosate. Suggested brands include Roundup-Pro Biactive and Roundup-Pro.
Weeds and grasses in bark and other loose-fill materials
Suitable herbicides include glyphosate. Suggested brands include Roundup-Pro Biactive and Roundup-Pro.
Algae
Algae on timber, metal and a variety of surfaces, can be a problem. The EU no longer recommends the use of chemicals to treat this. Power washing is recommended (but test a small area for surface stability first)
Hygiene
A cleansing treatment for sand pits is recommended. A suitable disinfectant would be 250ml of domestic bleach mixed with 20 litres of water and apply to a depth of 25mm of the sand pit surface. This should be applied by watering can with a fine rose. The sand pit must then be irrigated to a depth of 100mm with clean water using a sprinkler attachment after bleaching.
If excessive animal fouling occurs on bark and other timber loose-fill areas the affected area must be removed, disposed of and replaced.
Where animal or human fouling occurs in enclosed play equipment a suitable disinfectant for treatment after faeces have been removed is normal household disinfectant diluted at the manufacturers recommended rate.
Where animal or human fouling occurs on solid surfaces a suitable disinfectant for treatment after faeces have been removed is normal household disinfectant diluted at the manufacturers recommended rate.
Insects and Pest Control
It is suggested where insects and pest problems occur a specialist pest control company is consulted - these can be located through the Yellow Pages, etc.
Spraying
It is appreciated that in the case of small village playgrounds, maintenance is undertaken by a volunteer or local handyman. In this case:
- Obtain advice from a BASIS registered professional on chemicals and methods.
- Only use recommended approved chemicals
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Ensure children are off-site and kept away for the recommended safety period.
- Clean all equipment used
- Use protective clothing.
Prepared for RoSPA by Andy Ansell NDH, MILAM
Parks Technician, North Hertfordshire District Council.
Many thanks to: Barry Baker, Charles Lawrence Ltd.; Chris Dart, Fargro Ltd.; Arnie Stensones, Monsanto Chemicals; Barry Orme, BASIS Registration; D. Nairn SDK Kilsyt; M. Stidwill, Rigby Taylor; N. Butler, Royal Parks Authority.
It should be noted that listed products are not necessarily the only products of their type available. Other manufacturers may make similar products
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