Reprinted With Permission From The International Playground Contractors Association (www.playground-contractors.org)
Part 2 of 5
In this issue we are focusing on surfacing and in this article we are addressing engineered wood fibers.
Concentrated Use Zones
During routine inspections, heavily used areas such as under swings and slides exits should be raked to maintain proper depth.
If left unattended for long periods of time, the weed barrier may become exposed and impact attenuating properties of engineered wood fibers reduced.
Foreign Objects
Rake the play area level. During routine inspections, remove any foreign objects such as glass, rocks and litter.
Mats Under Concentrated Use Zones
Placement of mats will help limit displacement of engineered wood fiber in high traffic areas.
Trip hazards are created when the lip of the rubber mat is exposed due to the wood surfacing becoming displaced through use. To avoid trip hazards, maintain the engineered wood fiber over the edge of the rubber mat.
WARNING: Never use rubber matting next to sand. We recommend putting down six (6) inches of engineered wood fiber, then place down your mat and then put the remaining six (6) inches of engineered wood fibers on top of the engineered wood fibers.
Drainage And Winter Weather
We do not dictate what kind of drainage system is needed to be effective in removing water from the playground. Consumers should check with their local landscape professionals who are familiar with the local climate conditions affecting drainage such as type of soil, annual rainfall, slope of site, etc.
An inadequate drainage system will cause the wood surfacing to retain too much moisture. As with any surfacing material during freezing temperatures, engineered wood fibers will freeze. When the surface is frozen, the play area should not be used. It may be necessary to close the play area until the temperature rises. Life threatening injuries may occur when a child falls onto a frozen surface.
All water run-off including sprinklers must be redirected outside of play areas. It may be necessary to periodically turn the engineered wood fibers to allow excessive moisture to dry.
Engineered Wood Fibers Moisture Retention
The moisture content of engineered wood fibers is high because it is manufactured from virgin wood. Moisture helps the product retain its cushioning properties. If you live in an arid climate with little rainfall, an occasional wetting down of the product will help it to retain moisture.
Top-Offs
To maintain engineered wood fiber at the recommended 8- or 12-inch depth you will need to top-off the area every two to three years.
To figure how much engineered wood fibers is needed to top-off your play area:
a. Measure the total square feet of the playground.
b. Note measurement from the bottom of an upright footing to the top of the wood surface.
Warranty
Retain a copy of these instructions with your product warranty and make available to individuals responsible for playground maintenance.
Warning: Failure to maintain and inspect your playground on a regular basis could result in unsafe conditions on and around the play area and possibly invalidate the product warranty and/or lead to serious physical injury to persons using the playground.
