Exit close to horizontal Slide chute Platform Hood or other means to channel user into sitting position Access ladder or stairway Figure 17. Typical Free-Standing Straight Slide 32 Handbook for Public Playground Safety 5.3.6 Slides Children can be expected to descend slide chutes in many different positions, rather than always sitting and facing forward as they slide. These other positions should be discouraged at all times to minimize injuries. Slides may provide a straight, wavy, or spiral descent either by means of a tube or an open slide chute. They may be either free-standing (Figure 17), part of a composite structure, or built on the grade of a natural or man-made slope (embankment slide). Regardless of the type of slide, avoid using bare metals on the platforms, chutes, and steps. When exposed to direct sunlight the bare metal may reach temperatures high enough to cause serious contact burn injuries in a matter of seconds. Provide shade for bare metal slides or use other materials that may reduce the surface temperature such as, but not limited to, plastic or coated metal. 5.3. .1 Slide access Access to a stand-alone slide generally is by means of a ladder with rungs, steps, or a stairway with steps. Slides may also be part of a composite play structure, so children will gain access from other parts of the structure. Embankment slides use the ground for access. 5.3.5.3 Use zone for fulcrum and spring-centered seesaws • The use zone should extend a minimum of 6 feet from each outside edge of the seesaw. • The use zone may overlap with neighboring equipment if the other piece of equipment allows overlapping use zones 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. 5.3.5. Handholds • Handholds should be provided at each seating position for gripping with both hands and should not turn when grasped. • Handholds should not protrude beyond the sides of the seat. 5.3.5.5 Fall height The fall height for a seesaw is the distance between the highest point any part of the seesaw can reach and the protective surfacing beneath it.
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