KNOW ABOUT WOOD
Unlike steel, wood is a natural, organic material and each piece will be unique, bearing its own knots, cracks and variations in colour and, unlike steel, wood will react significantly to changes in atmospheric conditions.
Wood will expand and contract as fluctuations of temperature and humidity affect the water content of the cell structure. In warm sunny weather it will shrink and in wet weather it will expand. As these physical changes do not necessarily take place uniformly throughout a piece of wood, forces are set up which cause cracks and splits to arise. This is a natural process and does not affect the structural integrity of the wood. Please use the following link to see what ROSPA has written about commercial play equipment. https://www.rospa.com/play-safety/advice/wooden-play-equipment.aspx
It is not necessary to stain your wooden frame. It is made from selected wood which has been pressure treated.
This is a process by which preservatives are forced under pressure into the fabric of the timber to protect it from decay and insect damage. If you do wish to stain your wooden frame for aesthetic reasons, please use a water-based stain, which is available from any good DIY store.
SAFETY WHEN INSTALLING YOUR STANDARD SWING
ASSEMBLY
This product must be assembled by an adult. It must be erected exactly in accordance with the assembly instructions. Enlisting the aid of at least one helper will make assembly easier and safer. Some small parts are used in the assembly and are not suitable for children under 36 months. We recommend that you place small parts on a tray, or something similar, to prevent the frustration and disappointment of mislaying them. Please take care during assembly as the manufacturing process can sometimes result in the occasional sharp edge and small pieces of waste metalwork. Should there be any missing parts, then the equipment must not be used until replacement parts have been fitted.
SITING
Under no circumstances should any of our equipment be positioned on a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt, unless the ground under the equipment plus the recommended free-space area is covered with a safety surface. Examples of suitable surfaces are grass, sand or a play surface intended for this use. Swing frames should be sited on level ground.
- We recommend that the swing is fixed to the ground using the supplied ground anchors.
- Consider upgrading to commercial hangers where the swings are likely to have excessive use.
We recommend a 2m space around all garden play equipment.
USAGE
This product is designed and made for domestic use only by children aged between 6 months and 14 years. Children under 36 months should be in an appropriate safety seat. Misuse can result in injury. “Warning only for Domestic use.” For outdoor use only.
MAXIMUM WEIGHTS
Frame – 250kg. Standard Swing Hangers – 50kg each. We recommend for regular teenage &/or adult use upgrade to our Adult Frame with commercial hangers at extra cost.
If you are unsure that the combination of frame, hangers, suspensions & seat you have bought are appropriate for your application please ask.
SUPERVISION
Children should always be supervised while they are using play equipment and should be instructed not to use the swing in an inappropriate or hazardous manner. We recommend that they do not wear loose-fitting clothing or jewellery that may catch or snag during play.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Special care should be taken as weather conditions change. In particular, outdoor play equipment can become slippery in wet weather and tongues and lips can stick to metalwork at subzero temperatures. In warmer and sunnier weather, parts can become hot, and the temperature should be regularly checked during play. If there is any doubt over safety then the toys should not be used. Please store plastic swing accessories indoors if temperature falls below 40˚F (4˚C).
FIRE RISKS AND DISPOSAL
Do not light a fire within the vicinity of the swing. When it becomes necessary to dispose of your equipment, remove all bolts and disassemble. Store out of the reach of children until it can be properly disposed of. These instructions are issued in the interest of child safety, and we do ask you to follow our advice.
MAINTENANCE
REGULAR MAINTENANCE & SAFETY CHECKS
It is vital that the equipment is checked regularly and often by an adult. The swing should be checked at least once weekly, and more often where the swing gets consistently high levels of use. Particular attention should be paid to connections and fastenings. If any parts exhibit signs of wear and tear, they may need to be replaced. Check all nuts and bolts for tightness and tighten when required. Failure to do this may result in the product malfunctioning and causing injury. Do not allow the swing to be used until properly installed and checked.
- Check all fixings are tight at least once weekly.
- Check all moving parts for wear and tear at least once a weekly.
- Check swing hanger bushes are in place and do not have excessive wear at least once weekly.