Children love to climb, play, jump, and explore their developing motor skills on the playground. However, kids also test the limits of their courage and endurability — it’s all part of growing up. To keep children safe while they play, ideal surface areas should cushion the blow in case of falls and slips. With recycled rubber surfacing from Dinoflex, schools can achieve an aesthetic that blends in with the natural environment and protects children at play.
Many schools build playground equipment at a maximum height of 6 feet to help limit the severity of potential injuries. Frequent fall zones include areas around climbing equipment, swings, and other equipment on a typical playground. With outdoor recycled rubber flooring, schools use a recycled construction material that enhances safety standards on school property.
What Is ASTM?
The American Society for Testing Materials is better known by its acronym ASTM. The organization has a certification program for materials, services, and processes used in construction projects such as building new schools. ASTM certification provides third party verification that materials meet certain regulatory and compliance standards.
What Is Fall Height?
The International Association for Testing and Materials (ASTM) defines fall height as the distance from the top of play equipment to the protective surface on a playground. ASTM sets fall height standards to ease the fall when children lose their balance or miscalculate a move on jungle gyms, slides, and other climbing equipment, such as:
- Swing sets
- Upper body equipment
- Spring rockers
- Seesaws
Equipment on most playgrounds has a maximum fall height of 6 feet or two meters. To protect children against bumps, bruises, and serious injuries, we recommend recycled rubber flooring. Dinoflex rubber flooring provides a firm surface for playing and can help prevent or lessen potential injuries.
Why Is Fall Protection Important?
About 70% of playground injuries happen after a fall. Schools use every means at their disposal to protect children under their care and supervision. Installing Dinoflex outdoor surfacing in playgrounds provides a more appropriate surface for children than concrete, asphalt, or dirt.
Want to learn more about how to protect kids at play? Call Dinoflex at 877-713-1899 or fill out our contact form for more information on how Dinoflex recycled rubber flooring meets fall height requirements. We will also provide a free quote to help you get started quickly.