From sharp corners and falls to entrapment, choking and toxic materials, here are the safety hazards I look for when designing children’s play spaces.
When designing a playroom, it is easy to focus on how fun, colorful, or beautiful the space will be. But before thinking about the equipment, colors, or finishes, safety should always come first.
There are several hazards that parents should be aware of when choosing or designing a playroom. Some are easy to identify, while others are less obvious.
These are the main hazards I pay attention to:
1. Physical Hazards: Sharp Edges and Corners
One of the first things I look for is anything that could physically hurt a child.
There should be no sharp objects or protruding parts that children could come into contact with, such as exposed nails, screws, sharp pieces of steel, or other objects sticking out from furniture or equipment.
The same applies to corners. Table corners, chair corners, and other exposed edges should be rounded or appropriately protected, rather than leaving sharp 90-degree edges where a child could fall or bump into them.
2. Fall Hazards
Falls are another important consideration, particularly when play equipment has different heights or elevated platforms.
There shouldn’t be open platforms or areas where children could easily fall from a height.
If a play structure includes equipment such as a slide or fireman’s pole from an elevated platform, the landing area should be properly considered and, where appropriate, have suitable impact-absorbing or safety surfacing.
The same principle applies to any area where a child could fall. The surface underneath and around the equipment is an important part of the overall safety design.
3. Entrapment Hazards
Entrapment occurs when a child can become stuck in an opening or gap.
This can include spaces where a child’s body could become trapped, as well as smaller openings where fingers or other body parts could get caught.
When designing play equipment, gaps and openings need to be carefully considered, particularly because what looks harmless to an adult may present a real risk to a small child.
4. Pinch and Crush Hazards
Moving parts can create pinch or crush points.
This is particularly important around doors and hinges. Finger guards and other protective solutions can help prevent children’s fingers from being caught when a door closes.
The same consideration applies to drawers and other moving components in children’s furniture and play spaces.
5. Strangulation Hazards
Anything involving loose or accessible ropes, cords, or similar materials needs careful consideration.
For this reason, we generally try to avoid unnecessary ropes or loose cords in playrooms, particularly where young children are involved.
Any rope, cord, or similar component used in a children’s environment should be carefully assessed for the age group and the way it will be used.
6. Choking Hazards
Choking is another major consideration, particularly for younger children.
The age group using the playroom should always be considered when selecting equipment, toys, and accessories. Small blocks, loose components, and other small objects can present a choking risk for young children.
Something that may be perfectly appropriate for an older child may not be suitable for a toddler.
7. Toxic Materials, Fire and Electrical Hazards
Some hazards are much harder for parents to identify because they aren’t always visible.
These include toxic materials, fire hazards, and electrical hazards.
Parents should pay attention to the materials and finishes used in anything they purchase for a playroom and, where possible, choose products that are designed and tested for children’s environments.
Electrical components should also be properly installed and protected, and materials should be selected with the appropriate fire-safety considerations for their intended application.
8. Thermal and Noise Hazards
Temperature and noise are also important considerations in children’s spaces.
Materials and equipment should not create unnecessary thermal risks, and the overall environment should be comfortable for children.
Noise is another factor that can easily be overlooked, particularly in larger playrooms or spaces with several children playing at the same time.
Safety Starts Before You Buy the Equipment
These are some of the main hazards I think parents should understand when designing a playroom.
Some, such as sharp corners, falls, and pinch points, can be relatively easy to identify. Others, such as entrapment, choking, material safety, fire, electrical, thermal, and noise hazards, require more attention and knowledge.
A safe playroom isn’t simply a room without sharp corners. Safety needs to be considered throughout the entire design — from the materials and construction to the equipment, layout, surfaces, and the age of the children using it.
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