Before you know it, your kids will be clamoring to get outside and play on their backyard swing set. So, now is the time to check the swing set and equipment to be sure that it’s ready for another year of heavy use. Follow these 7 steps to ensure a safe start to the season:
- Check the overall condition of the swing set — signs of wear and tear include broken or missing parts, bent tubing or pipes, splintering or decaying wood surfaces, and rusted metal surfaces. Replace worn or damaged parts and repair surfaces as needed.
- Examine the condition of swing seats, chains, ropes, cables, and other swing set equipment and accessories for wear. Replace worn or damaged equipment.
- Check and tighten all the nuts and bolts on your swing set.
- Make sure the protective caps on the ends of bolts are still in place.
- Oil all the moving metal parts with a squirt or two of WD40.
- If your swing set includes a sandbox, replace old sand with new, or ensure that existing sand is free from debris before allowing kids to play in it.
- Replace the protective surface beneath the swing set with new material or replenish what is already there.
Ideally, you should check your backyard swing set for safety every month, especially if your kids subject it to heavy use. Doing so takes only a few minutes and goes a long way toward preventing common swing set injuries and accidents.
