How would you check and maintain the condition of a climbing frame that is in the outdoor area of your chidlcare centre?

Answer 1

1. Check all nuts and bolts twice monthly during the usage season and tighten as required. (But not so tight that you crack the wood) We recommend you check the swing beam and hardware every two weeks due to wood expansion and contraction. It is particularly important that this procedure be followed at the beginning of each season.
2. Remove plastic swing seats and take indoors or do not use when the temperature drops below 32 °F.
3. Oil all metallic moving parts monthly during the usage period.
4. Check all coverings for bolts and sharp edges twice monthly during usage season to be certain they are in place. Replace when necessary. It is especially important to do this at the beginning of each new season.
5. Check swing seats, ropes, cables and chains monthly during usage season for evidence of deterioration. Replacement should be made of any swing seat that has developed cracks in the plastic seats or has exposed metal in the edges of the swing seat. If there are already exposed metal inserts on the edge of the seat, immediately remove the seats and chains to prevent serious injury. Ropes, cables and chains should be removed and replaced if excessive wear is found.
6. For rusted areas on metallic members such as monkey bars, hand supports, brackets, etc. Sand and repaint using a non lead-based paint meeting the requirements of Title 16 CRF Part 1303.
7. Inspect wood parts monthly. The grain of the wood sometimes will lift in the dry season causing splinters to appear. Light sanding may be necessary to maintain a safe playing environment. If you are treating your Playcenter with stain regularly, it will help prevent severe checking/splitting and other weather damage.
8. We have applied a waterborne transparent stain to your unit. This is done for color only. Once or twice a year, depending on your climate conditions, you must apply some type of protection (sealant) to the wood of your unit. Prior to the application of sealant, lightly sand any "rough" spots on your set. Please note this is a requirement of your warranty.
9. Creating and maintaining the Playcenter on a level location is very important. As your children play, your Playcenter will slowly dig its way into the soil, and it is very important that it settles evenly. Make sure the play set is level and true once each year or at the beginning of each play season.
10. Rake the surface periodically to prevent compaction and maintain appropriate depths.