RoSPA Play Safety : FAQs
Fences and Gates
1. Do we need a fence?
Fences are important for two reasons. Firstly they keep dogs out and incidents with dogs result in a significant number of visits to casualty departments each year (Dogs on Playgrounds Information Sheet). Secondly they help to secure younger children from running off whilst their carer's attention is distracted. Where neither of the above is a problem then a fence may not be necessary.
2. What height should the fence be?
Normally a 1m high fence is sufficient around play areas. However if there is water nearby (a stream or river for instance) a minimum of 1.2m is recommended. (Play Area Fencing Information Sheet)
3. Should gates open outwards in inwards?
We recommend that gates normally open outwards. This is to prevent dogs leaning against the gate and opening it and then getting trapped inside. However if the gate opens onto a traffic area (e.g. a footpath alongside a road) we suggest that then they open inwards to slow down the child when exiting the site. (Gates for Play Areas Information Sheet)
4. What is an entrapment at the side of a gate?
This is where the child's fingers can get crushed. There should be a minimum spacing of at least 12mm throughout the range of the gate. The use of a stop plate fitted with a rubber buffers is a preferred way of maintaining a gap when closed. (Gates for Play Areas Information Sheet)
5. How fast should the gate close?
Not faster than 3 and 5 seconds. Faster than this and the action is too strong and could injure a child. It also presents problems for access by disabled people The use of a self-closing mechanism is recommended for gates. (Gates for Play Areas Information Sheet)
6. Where should the gate be positioned?
It is important that the gate is in a convenient position in relation to the normal access lines to the site. It is also recommended that there are two gates to reduce the risk of intimidation. (Gates for Play Areas Information Sheet)
In positioning the gate, look at the likely movement clashes which might occur. After going through the gate are you then likely to go straight across the front of swings etc?
7. Should the gate have vertical or horizontal bars?
The gate should have vertical bars. Horizontal bars encourage swinging on the gate. (Gates for Play Areas Information Sheet)
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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