S.A.F.E. — NATIONAL LEVEL
Summary of Action Steps at National Level

NATIONAL GOALS

Actions to Provide Proper Supervision On Playgrounds:

  1. Assist with the ongoing dissemination of information about the need for supervision on the playground.
  2. Develop criteria to be used by local agencies in their supervisory appraisal process.
  3. Produce descriptions of ways various equipment pieces should be used.
  4. Develop models of supervision that can be used at the local level.
  5. Provide a clearinghouse of information on supervisory practices.

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Actions To Design Age-Appropriate Playgrounds:

  1. Promote the use of the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Handbook for Public Playground Safety.
  2. Develop and promote information about design of age-appropriate playgrounds.
  3. Provide an evaluation form to be used on the local level to assess the age-appropriateness of playgrounds.
  4. Provide information to consumers through manufacturers about the developmental and age-appropriateness of specific playground equipment.
  5. Develop training workshops and seminars concerning the process of choosing and purchasing age-appropriate equipment.
  6. Identify and promote information about age-appropriate developmental characteristics of children.
  7. Provide training opportunities in the area of development and design of safe playgrounds.
  8. Develop information and products to help modify existing equipment to meet current safety guidelines and standards.

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Actions to Provide Proper Fall Surfacing Under and Around Playground Equipment:

  1. Assist with the ongoing dissemination of information about appropriate playground surfaces.
  2. Develop educational programs on playground evaluation methods.
  3. Provide consumer friendly information through manufacturers about their products' conformances to current surfacing standards and guidelines.
  4. Disseminate information about various playground surfaces.
  5. Train individuals to recognize appropriate playground surfaces.
  6. Initiate research concerning playground surfacing.

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Actions to Keep Playground Equipment Properly Maintained:

  1. Educate risk managers and insurance companies about the need for safe and sound maintenance practices and procedures.
  2. Disseminate information about maintenance policies and procedures.
  3. Conduct national studies on maintenance procedures and practices.
  4. Identify and promote information on good maintenance practices and procedures.
  5. Provide workshops and seminars in the areas of maintenance and inspections of playgrounds.
  6. Investigate the relationship between usage of playgrounds and maintenance requirements.
  7. Provide generic record-keeping computer programs to assist local agencies in compiling adequate records for maintenance and inspection.
  8. Provide lists of components needed for comprehensive playground safety maintenance programs.

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