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Technical level playgrounds and incidence of injuries incurred on these facilities.
JELÍNKOVÁ, Vlasta
The aim of the thesis ?Technical level of playgrounds and the injuries rate at these places? is to assess the overall condition of facilities and equipment located there and to analyse their safety for children using selected methods. The first part of the thesis focuses on a description of selected terms and introduction of child injuries depending on technical conditions and a state of playing equipment, then on an introduction of requirements of technical standards for design of playing equipment and appropriate safety of an impact attenuating surface and on regulations on cleanliness and hygiene of playgrounds. In the second part, I have analysed the current state of playgrounds at selected locations depending on injuries. For the field work, I had prepared forms ? a questionnaire (annex no. 1) and a check-playground report for entering the findings (annex no. 2). This form is based on standards ČSN EN 1176 and ČSN EN 1177 concerning equipment and surfaces on the playground. From acquired information, I have evaluated the safety level of playgrounds and defects and deficiencies of the equipment. The form contains 20 criteria, 15 of them are concerned with safety and accident prevention on the playing equipment. Five questions focus on cleanliness, hygiene and public awareness. Fulfillment of all 20 points is essential for evaluation - the playground is safe. Failing in any of hygienic criteria, the playground is qualified as safe under reservation. Failing to satisfy one of the 15 criteria according to the ČSN standard, the playground cannot be qualified as safe. I have analysed ten playgrounds in locations of Trhové Sviny, Ledenice and Jílovice. After the survey and forms evaluation, I found that the condition of playgrounds is not up to standards and seven playgrounds do not match the criteria. The biggest problem I found regards a surface where the impact attenuating surface is not deep enough. Technical design of playing equipment is fine, especially with the new equipment. The older ones are under reservation. Other defects are particularly in area drainage, they were found with six playgrounds. The suggested solution to these shortcomings is to use special suitable materials (special rubber and elastic mats) and sufficient depth of sand or gravel. You also need to ensure a sufficient drainage. I would also recommend that keepers should ensure the investigation in order to select the proper game equipment according to the age groups at particular playgrounds. The proposed method of removing defects should be used for the local keepers as a methodology for prevention of child injuries and thus to the reduction in the cost of subsequent treatment.
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