Spring Means Thinking Playground Safety

Each year, about 200,000 children are injured on playgrounds, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission wants to remind caregivers how to protect them as part of National Playground Safety Week.

The groups tips include:

Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines or pet leashes to equipment because they can present a strangulation hazard

Make sure children remove helmets before playing. Helmets can become entrapped in equipment

Purchase play equipment that meets the latest safety standards.

Smooth sharp points or edges, close open "S" hooks and cover protruding bolts

Spaces between guardrails or ladder rungs should be either less than 3½ inches or more than 9 inches so that they don't present an entrapment hazard

Always supervise young children

For equipment up to 8 feet high, put down at least 9 inches of wood chips, mulch or shredded rubber. For equipment under 5 feet high, use sand or pea gravel. The CPSC said dirt and grass do not protect children well enough.

CPSC also plans to issue an updated handbook on playgrounds for designers and home owners later this year.