5.2.4 Transition from access to platform Handrails or handholds are recommended at all transition points (the point where the child must move from the access component to the play structure platform). • The handhold should provide support from the access component until the child has fully achieved the desired posture on the platform. • Any opening between a handrail and an adjacent vertical structure (e.g., vertical support post for a platform or vertical slat of a protective barrier) should not pose an entrapment hazard. • Access methods that do not have handrails, such as rung ladders, flexible climbers, arch climbers, and tire climbers, should provide hand supports for the transition between the top of the access and the platform. 5.3 Major Types of Playground Equipment 5.3.1 Balance beams • Balance beams should be no higher than: • Toddlers: not recommended. • Preschool-age: 12 inches. • School-age: 16 inches. 5.3.1.1 Fall height The fall height of a balance beam is the distance between the top of the walking surface and the protective surfacing beneath it. 5.3.2 Climbing and upper body equipment Climbing equipment is generally designed to present a greater degree of physical challenge than other equipment on public playgrounds. This type of equipment requires the use of the hands to navigate up or across the equipment. “Climbers” refers to a wide variety of equipment, such as but not limited to: • Arch climbers • Dome climbers • Flexible climbers (usually chain or net) • Parallel bars • Sliding poles 5.2.2 Rungs and other hand gripping components Unlike steps of stairways and step ladders that are primarily for foot support, rungs can be used for both foot and hand support. • Rungs with round shapes are easiest for children to grip. • All hand grips should be secured in a manner that prevents them from turning. • Toddlers: – Handrails or other means of hand support should have a diameter or maximum cross-section between 0.60 and 1.20 inches. – A diameter or maximum cross-section of 0.90 inches is preferred to achieve maximal grip strength and benefit the weakest children. • Preschool- and school-age: – Rungs, handrails, climbing bars, or other means of hand support intended for holding should have a diameter or maximum cross-section between 0.95 and 1.55 inches. – A diameter or maximum cross-section of 1.25 inches is preferred to achieve maximal grip strength and benefit the weakest children. 5.2.3 Handrails Handrails on stairways and step ladders are intended to provide hand support and to steady the user. Continuous handrails extending over the full length of the access should be provided on both sides of all stairways and step ladders, regardless of the height of the access. Rung ladders do not require handrails since rungs or side supports provide hand support on these more steeply inclined accesses. 5.2.3.1 Handrail height Handrails should be available for use at the appropriate height, beginning with the first step. The vertical distance between the top front edge of a step or ramp surface and the top surface of the handrail above it should be as follows: • Toddlers: between 15 and 20 inches. • Preschool-age: between 22 and 26 inches. • School-age: between 22 and 38 inches. Handbook for Public Playground Safety 2
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