If the child has to be helped onto the equipment it is for an older child. Only buy equipment (with the obvious exception of swings with cradle seats) which your child can access unaided.

A CE or GS mark on the equipment indicates a degree of quality.

Are full installation, maintenance and operating instructions included.

Make sure that there is plenty of space around the equipment. Ideally no item of play equipment should be nearer than 2m from another item or any hard object (fences, walls, seats etc). For swings there should be nothing for at least 3.5m either in front of, or behind, the swing seat when stationery.

Position the equipment on a soft surface and where possible purchase an impact attenuating surface to go under the equipment. Well maintained grass can be a reasonable surface for fall of up to 1m but should be well maintained. It helps if the grass is not cut too close as this helps to keep the ground moister and thus softer. When installing the equipment in your garden make sure that it is firmly anchored to the ground.

Supervise activity. For children under 5, stay close to the children as they play and be ready to catch them when they fall off the equipment.

Take off anything which could strangle your child before they go out to play. Use neck warmers instead of scarves, remove strings and drawstrings and don't let them take items such as skipping ropes and cycle helmets near the equipment.

Things to be considered

Some things to be considered when purchasing outside or large play equipment for the home:

General Comments

• Is there a CE or GS mark on the equipment which indicates a degree of quality?
• Are full installation, maintenance and operating instructions included?
• Is there an indication of recommended age or use and durability?
• Is paint used non-toxic and low lead?
• Are all the tube ends capped?
• Are there no protruding bolts or parts?
• Unless otherwise designated, are items capable of being secured to the ground securely?
• Are all hand grips less than 40mm?
• Is information given on appropriate surfaces?

Swings

• Are seats impact absorbing?
• Are all ropes protected against wear at fixing points?
• Swing ropes should not be crossed in the middle.
• Is the ground clearance at least 20mm?
• Are all 'S' hook fixings closed or capable of being closed?

Slides

• Are access ladders and steps securely fixed to the slide?
• Are the slide sides at least 64mm high?
• Are there guard sections and hand grips to the top of the side to prevent falls?
• Is the end less than 300mm from the ground?

Roundabouts

• Are there no protrusions underneath?
• Does it rotate noiselessly and smoothly?
• Are there hand-grips for children to hold?

Climbing Frames

• Are hand grips less than 40mm in diameter?
• Are any moving parts (i.e. ropes) fixed top and bottom to reduce movement?
• Is the frame less than 2m high?

Seesaws

• Are hand grips less than 40mm in diameter?
• Are there any protruding bars (i.e. hand grips should be loops)?
• Are there foot rests?

Combination Units

• Is there sufficient space between swinging units to avoid children striking each other?
• Are there less than three swinging items in a single bay?
• Do children have to go past a swinging item to access other play features?

Visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents online: www.rospa.com