Resources
Prevent Burns on Hot Metal Playground Equipment
CPSC Document #5036
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises parents to check for hot surfaces on metal playground equipment before allowing young children to play on it. Solid steel decks, slides, or steps in direct sunlight may reach temperatures high enough to cause serious contact burn injuries in a matter of seconds. CPSC knows of incidents in which children suffered second and third degree burns to their hands, legs, and buttocks when they sat on metal stairs, decks, or slides. Young children are most at risk because, unlike older children who react quickly by pulling away their hands or by getting off a hot surface, very young children may remain in place when they contact a hot surface.
Parents should check for hot surfaces on metal playground equipment before allowing young children to play on it.
