FAQ

• Playground safety surfacing is underneath the playground equipment that kids use.  This material has specific properties and helps in preventing serious injuries — although nothing can prevent harm totally. The following are some examples, but are not exhaustive.
• EWF or engineered wood fiber, is one type of safety surfacing.  EWF is a double grind material without bark or sticks. It is tested for the HIC value and is not the same as standard wood chips. 
• PIP or poured in place rubber. This product is installed wet and is mixed in  a mortar mixer, similar to concrete, and has different thicknesses for different heights of playground equipment. It is more expensive than EWF, but typically lasts much longer an can be very durable. 
• Artificial turf or fake grass.  This is much like carpet, but has a foam padding located underneath the turf. This can be various thicknesses and is determined by the type of playground equipment used.  You see this type of material in professional football and baseball stadiums.

Children like items that move. This includes, swings, merry-go-rounds, bouncing events, and teeter totters.

The more movement, the more chances there are of injuries. Most injuries occur from falls. Prevent falls, and many injuries go away.

• Children take risks every day. They can see the risk, and they gauge the event based on risks they are willing to take.
• Hazards, on the other hand, are not easily seen and are unexpected — such as, pinches, punctures, and head entrapments.

1. Above the ground, or above grade. This is the most economical choice. No soil has to be excavated and moved.
2. Below the ground or below grade. This is more expensive than installing above the ground. It involves excavation and hauling soil. It typically needs some sort of drainage. Different systems are available for containment of safety surfacing.