Figure 14. Log roll 30 Handbook for Public Playground Safety 5.3.4 Merry-go-rounds Merry-go-rounds are the most common rotating equipment found on public playgrounds. Children usually sit or stand on the platform while other children or adults push the merrygo-round to make it rotate. In addition, children often get on and off the merry-go-round while it is in motion. Merry-gorounds may present a physical hazard to preschool-age children who have little or no control over such products once they are in motion. Therefore, children in this age group should always be supervised when using merry-go-rounds. The following recommendations apply when the merry-goround is at least 20 inches in diameter. • Merry-go-rounds should not be used on playgrounds intended for toddlers. • The standing/sitting surface of the platform should have a maximum height of: – Preschool: 14 inches above the protective surface. – School-age: 18 inches above the protective surface. • The rotating platform should be continuous and approximately circular. • The surface of the platform should not have any openings between the axis and the periphery that permit a rod having a diameter of 5/16 inch to penetrate completely through the surface. • Two track rides next to each other should be at least 4 feet apart. • The handle should be between 64 inches and 78 inches from the surfacing and follow the gripping recommendations in §5.2.2. • Nothing should ever be tied or attached to any moving part of a track ride. • Rolling parts should be enclosed to prevent crush hazards. 5.3.2.7.1 Fall height • The fall height of track ride equipment is the distance between the maximum height of the equipment and the protective surface beneath it. • Equipment support posts with no designated play surfaces are exempt from this requirement. 5.3.3 Log rolls Log rolls help older children master balance skills and increase strength. Children must balance on top of the log as they spin it with their feet. See Figure 14. • Log rolls are not recommended for toddlers and preschool-age children. These children generally do not possess the balance, coordination, and strength to use a log roll safely. • Log rolls should have handholds to assist with balance. • The handholds should follow the guidelines in §5.2.2. • The highest point of the rolling log should be a maximum of 18 inches above the protective surface below. • When not part of a composite structure, the use zone may overlap with neighboring equipment if the other piece of equipment allows overlapping use zones (see §5.3.9) and – There is at least 6 feet between equipment when adjacent designated play surfaces are no more than 30 inches high; or – There is at least 9 feet between equipment when adjacent designated play surfaces are more than 30 inches high. 5.3.3.1.1 Fall height The fall height of a log roll is the distance between the highest portion of the rolling log and the protective surfacing beneath it.
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