Nationwide community members are stepping outside and enjoying their go-to summertime activities. Despite using sunscreen and wearing hats to protect skin from sunburns, children in particular are still being burned, but this time from their favorite playground equipment.
When playgrounds are not properly shaded, plastic slides, reflective equipment, and dark matted areas that sit in direct sunlight can reach temperatures of well over 100 degrees, severely burning young, fragile skin and destroying an afternoon of fun. Between 2010 and 2015, CPSC reported over 1,200 trips to the emergency room due to playground burns alone. And just last month a 14-month-old boy in Cleveland, TN received second degree burns and blisters on his hands from playing on uncovered, outdoor daycare equipment, an accident that could have been prevented.
It’s always a good idea to touch-test play equipment of all kinds prior to use. If it’s too hot for the back of your hand, it’s too hot for children’s delicate skin. A fabric-topped shade system keeps play equipment surfaces cooler, and reduces the likelihood of injuries and resulting liability claims for the owner. Ensure your public parks, schools, and pools have sufficient shade to keep temperatures and incident reports down. For more burn safety awareness tips view the CPSC Fact Sheet.
Shade Systems, Inc. provides permanent pre-engineered sun-screening and fly ball protection systems consisting of our tensioned membrane CoolNet™ shade fabric over durable, hurricane-rated steel frames. Check out these Shade Systems advantages:
- CoolNet shade fabric reflects 99% of the sun’s dangerous U.V. rays, keeping playground areas cooler.
- Unlike traditional awnings which can trap hot air underneath, our breathable CoolNet™ shade fabric allows hot air to escape, thereby reducing temperatures in the shade.
- Shade Systems products help preserve the life of expensive play equipment that can deteriorate rapidly when exposed to constant direct sunlight.
- All Shade Systems products are manufactured under one roof at our Ocala, Florida plant. No outsourcing and no third parties.
For more information, view our online catalog or contact our team of shade professionals to help you design the perfect shade system for your community: 1-800-609-6066 / info@shadesystemsinc.com
