Zipline/ web swing apparatus

Bumbles Day Care > Team Zone > Records > Risk Benefit Assessments > Zipline/ web swing apparatus
Setting Group / Location Created by Date created
Bumbles by the Park
Front garden
Sigourney
10/07/2024

A fun addition to the front garden environment, providing children more opportunities for play, promoting physical activity, balance and coordination and also risk benefit. Risk assessment to address potential risks & hazards and how we can minimise these and ensure that the children have beneficial use of  the  zipline and web swing.

  • Falls and Collisions:
    • Hazard: Children falling off the zipline and web swing or colliding with other children who may come into close contact when passing the apparatus.
    • Harm: Bruises, fractures, head injuries, sprains, and concussions.
  • Improper Supervision:
    • Hazard: Insufficient or inattentive supervision.
    • Harm: Increased risk of accidents and delayed response to injuries.
  • Unsafe Equipment:
    • Hazard: Damaged or poorly maintained zipline web swing or the main rope attachment, apparatus not set up correctly.
    • Harm: Equipment failure leading to injuries such as grazes, bumps of fractures.
  • Age-Appropriate Usage:
    • Hazard: Older children trying to help younger children onto the swings, also mixed ages as a group on the web swing.
    • Harm: Younger children are more susceptible to injury from larger, more forceful movements of older children. Older children are more susceptible to injury from their own forceful movements when pushing the swings.
  • Incorrect Usage:
    • Hazard: Children performing risky manoeuvres or not following safety rules. More than the assigned amount of the children on the web swing. There should be no more than 2 children on the web swing. One child at a time on the zipline and children who are waiting are to stand by the tyre at the starting end of zipline.
    • Harm: Increased risk of falls, sprains, and other injuries.
  • Supervision:
    • Constant adult supervision.
    • Supervisors trained in first aid and emergency procedures.
  • Equipment Maintenance:
    • Regular inspections and maintenance of the zipline and web swing apparatus and ropes.
    • Immediate repair or replacement of damaged parts.
    • Supervise children using the apparatus / instruct them in the correct use of all elements.
    • Staff to visually check all ropes – knots secure, no signs of abrasion or tampering
    • Staff to physically check the equipment – Check for pulley, web swing, zip line seat and climbing swing.
    • Check for any breakages, any sharp or rough edges
    • Check all equipment fastenings i.e nuts, bolts and carabiners – check carabiner screw gates are in working order
  • Age Segregation:
    • Designated times for different age groups to use the web swing.
    • Only one child on the zipline at any time and 2 children on the web swing at any time.
    • Children are not to climb up the zip line, only to use base of zipline.
  • Safety Rules and Education:
    • Clear guidelines, rules and print out of how web swing/ zipline mats are to be set up relayed to staff. Children to be explained the guidelines and rules of web swing and zipline.
    • Regular safety briefings and reminders for children.
    • No holding of sticks or toys while on swings.
    • There must be direct/ near supervision by staff members when zipline and swings are attached
  • Safe Environment:
    • A  ‘clear zone’ surrounding the zipline and web swing, to minimise risk of collisions. No passing children to be on the bark areas when swings are in use.
    • Before use of either swing, the 2 blue crash mats must be placed in position and fastened to the wall at the rear of the web swing or along the wall parallel to the zipline (as per illustrated photos on poster always stored with the web swing & zipline)
  • Health and Hygiene:
    • Regular cleaning and sanitisation of swings and crash mats.
  • Physical Development:
    • Enhances balance, coordination, and motor skills.
    • Promotes cardiovascular health and overall fitness.
  • Mental and Emotional Well-being:
    • Provides a fun and enjoyable activity, reducing stress and anxiety.
    • Encourages social interaction, turn-taking, and teamwork among children.
  • Cognitive Benefits:
    • Improves focus and concentration through the physical activity.
  • Engagement and Learning:
    • Encourages children to learn about safety, risk management and being aware of others in the physical environment.