Wednesday, December 21, 2011

What is HOT DIP GALVANIZATION

HOT-DIPPED GALVANIZING requires vent holes in all closed channel or pipe prior to dipping, which allows galvanizing to occur both inside and out.  The metallic coating produced by the hot-dipped galvanizing process is the result of a metallurgical reaction called diffusion. The finished product consists of four layers adhered to the steel. The outer layer is pure zinc and the three inner layers are separate intermetallic layers that are metallurgically bonded to each other and the steel. The galvanized coating literally becomes part of the steel substrate, thus creating a superior adhesion bond between the two materials, which provides excellent abrasion resistance. Hot-dipped zinc galvanizing provides cathodic protection to the underlying steel. This means that in the event of a scratch or chip (1/4" length and/or width) the zinc will corrode instead of the steel. Hot-dipped galvanization substantially increases the useful life of steel.

Added by Nasir 12/31/2011
Hot-dip galvanizing is a form of galvanization. It is the process of coating iron, steel, or aluminum with a thin zinc layer, by passing the metal through a molten bath of zinc at a temperature of around 860 °F (460 °C).

For more information, visit us ONLINE

What is POWDER Coating?

POWDER COATING is an advanced method of applying a decorative and protective finish to a wide range of materials and products that are utilized by both industry and consumers. The powder used for the process is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin, which is sprayed onto the surface to be coated. The charged powder particles adhere to the electrically grounded surfaces until heated and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven. The result is a uniform, durable, high-quality, and attractive finish. This outer layer of material is often applied over other coatings or primed surfaces, such as zinc or polymer layers
 For more information, visit us

Friday, December 9, 2011

Why & How to get a Playground Inspected

(from nrpa.org document 5141)
The Why... In the time that it will take you to surf our website and learn about playground safety, a child will be severely injured and admitted to an emergency room as a result of a playground accident. It is estimated that each year, over 205,850 such injuries occur in the United States. This year, approximately fifteen children will die from injuries as a result of a playground accident.


The National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI) has identified twelve of the leading causes of injuries on playgrounds, and have subsequently published The Dirty Dozen - A Checklist for Safe Playgrounds, a brochure that identifies and discusses these twelve most common safety concerns of playgrounds. By familiarizing yourself with The Dirty Dozen, you can inspect your local playground to see how safe it is.

As parents and caregivers, we are responsible for providing safe play opportunities for our children. Should you identify any of the issues brought up in The Dirty Dozen, notify the owner/operator of the play area of the condition so that they may take steps to eliminate the hazards.

Being knowledgeable about the 12 most common hazards found among play areas gives you the upper edge in the fight to help keep children safe. However, this does not give you the right to "inspect" playgrounds to the point where you've now become a "playground cop".

This is where Certified Playground Safety Inspectors come into play. Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSI's) are trained professionals who have the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to complete playground audits and inspections once hired by an owner/operated to do so. The role of the CPSI is to provide an insight into unsafe conditions, and provide recommendations on how to alleviate and correct potential problems. This is generally done in the form of a written report. It is then up to the owner/operator of the play area to make the corrections.

The How... CPSI's inspect and perform audits on PUBLIC playgrounds only. This does not include residential or "private" playgrounds. What defines a public playground, are two things: Generally, a public playground is anchored into the substrate or surface - as opposed to the playground equipment pieces that simply 'sit' on top of the ground.

Generally speaking, if there may be 6 or more children who are not related to each other in one play area, the playground may be considered "Public". Often times, public playgrounds include daycare facilities, church or religious facilities, schools, and more.

Please contact DunRite Playgrounds for information on having your playground inspected .

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Friday, September 23, 2011

Swing Sets

We hear a lot of question about swing sets!  Swing and slide are probably the most popular playground events.  Swingsets, swing seats and components should be the right type, style and size for the intended age group of use.

General Rules
1. Locate swings or other moving and rotating equipment away from other play equipment.   Note where children circulate and place your swing set outside of the circulation path.  You don't want children cutting through the swing chains enroute to other features!  This would suggest not putting your swing at the entrance to the playground.

2. In commercial playgrounds, a swing must NOT be attached to any other structure.  This is one easy way to spot residential equipment.  If the swing is attached to a play fort, climber or monkey bar- you are most looking at residential playground equipment.  Swings should discourage climbing or any type of play other than the swing seat itself. 

3. There MUST be a use zone.  This is the protected area around the physical swing structure itself.  Children need to be able to safely circulate AROUND the equipment, not cut through.   The safety zone also prescribes the area AROUND the equipment that needs to have safety surfacing installed. 

4. There MUST be no more than TWO seats in a bay.  A bay is the area between the outside posts.  A typical A-Frame style unit with a horizontal bar in the middle is a ONE BAY design.   A TWO BAY design would have legs on the outside and then legs in the middle to separate the bays.

Helpful Definitions
TO-FRO SWING: Swing moves on a single axis, such as forward and backward.

SWING HANGER: This is where a lot of the action ends up.  Where the chain meets the structure, the axis or pivot point.  You should see some sort of a bearing, bushing or mechanism that reduces the friction that occurs from the constant back and forth motion.   A spring loaded clip that resembles something you would hang your bathtub curtain with, regardless of the material, it likely a residential component. 
SWING BEAM: The top bar or where the chains attach at the top.  This may be constructed from wood or metal.   Wood beams are likely to violate some commercial requirements and are likely residential grade. 
ATTACHMENT: Your chain is connected to the seat below and pivot mechanism at top by an S-Hook, clevis or shackle.  The S-HOOK has some fine print about how it needs to be closed to prevent injury.  A clevis or shackle may resemble something of a horseshoe shape.  They should always be securely closed, usually with a specialized tool to prevent tampering.
SURFACING:  With the greater number of playground injuries coming from falls to the surface, the area below the swing and the USE ZONE around it must be appropriately covered.  This often comes at a great expense due to the required size of the zone.  Safety needs to come before budget.  If you can't afford the surfacing, postpone the swing structure. 
USEFUL Measurements
There are DOZENS of teeny little specifications that apply to each age group and style structure.  If you aren't in the manufaturing business, you probably don't want to read all the fine print required for this department.  Consult a professional to assist you with determining what standards SHOULD apply, and does your chosen equipment meet the appropriate requirements.




Copyright 2011 DunRite Playgrounds

Thursday, July 28, 2011

FISHER PRICE WAGON RECALL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


July 28, 2011

Release #11-287



Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 432-5437

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983



Fisher-Price Recalls to Repair Little People Builders' Load 'n Go Wagons due to Laceration Hazard



WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.



Name of Product: Little People(r) Builders' Load 'n Go Wagon



Units: About 208,000 in the United States and 2,800 in Canada



Importer: Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y.



Hazard: The back of the wagon's plastic handle has molded-in reinforcement. This design adds stiffness and facilitates children gripping the handle. The handle poses a laceration hazard if a child falls on it.



Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and Fisher-Price are aware of seven reports of injuries, including five reports of children requiring surgical glue or stitches.



Description: This recall involves the Fisher Price's Little People(r) Builders' Load 'n Go Wagon model number P8977. The product includes a red wagon with a yellow handle, multi-colored plastic blocks and a dog figure. The model number is located on the bottom of the wagon. "Little People(r) Builders" is found on a label on the side of the wagon and "Fisher Price" is embossed on the handle. Wagons with green handles are not included in this recall.



Sold at: Mass merchandise retail stores nationwide from June 2009 through July 2011 for about $25.



Manufactured in: Mexico



Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled wagons away from children and contact Fisher-Price for instructions on how to obtain a free repair kit.



Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Fisher-Price at (800) 432-5437 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.service.mattel.com



Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1379



To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11287.html

Friday, July 22, 2011

Should a Playground Be GREEN?

Playgrounds may be GREEN, Red, Blue, Purple, or a dozen or so other colors.   We're not referring to colors here, though.   Environmental footprints, eco-conciousness, environmentally friendly are all terms that we are becoming more familiar with.   As our children learn recycling at school by filling up paper containers, or perhaps even recycle waste cans in the schools, they may be playing eco-friendly also!
 
Our RECYCLED playground line features PolyTuf ™ plastic lumber posts made from post-consumer and post-industrial HDPE plastics, the kind found in milk jugs. Using recycled HDPE keeps tons of plastics out of landfills every year and HDPE is the most environmentally stable plastic, giving off no harmful fumes into the environment. The Healthy Building Network recommends HDPE resin-based products as the most environmentally friendly plastic building materials.

 
Playground components and steel posts are nearly 100% recyclable and much of the materials used to build our playgrounds are made from material that is already partially recycled. Our steel is made from a minimum of 30% recycled material and may contain up to 100% recycled material and our poly sheet plastic contains up to 50% post-industrial recycled material.

 
Our playground manufacturing facility is ISO 14001:2004 certified. We have a program in place to manage and comply and continually decrease our impact on the environment. 99.9% of our playground packing is wooden pallets, cardboard and/or plastic wrap, most all of which is reused or recycled.

 
SITE FURNISHINGS

 
Pressure treated products are treated with ACQ as a more environmentally friendly product.  This falls in line with the industry ban on CCA.   CCA is the material formerly used to prevent pests from damaging wood.  Rat poison on the playground wasn't a safe consequence.    We have a variety of woods to choose from, such as cedar, fir or redwood.  While chopping down a tree doesn't seem to be friendly, it keeps other materials out of the landfill.  Redwood, for example is naturally pest resistant, and offers longer term beauty for a wood bench or table.  Steel tables follow the same process as our playground components.  Using recycled metal in the manufacturing process or simply sending your table to recycle after it has finished its life as a table or BOTH - offer a valuable contribution to better use of this resource.
 
100% recycled plastic lumber can be used in most designs and applications.  Imagine a school recycle drive and directing the proceeds to buy a bench made from recycled material. 
 

 
SURFACING APPLICATIONS

 
Patented manufacturing technology is used to recycle pre and post consumer rubber waste, additionally reducing landfills. Rubber surfacing tiles are manufactured with minimal water use and with no use of smoke stacks. Scrap is reused to eliminate waste. Annual recycling of over 80 million pounds of scrap rubber shows the big picture of this program.   Designed to meet stringent criteria required to earn points under 2 out of the 6 categories of LEED. Based on these criteria, potentially contributing toward earning up to 8 points toward LEED certification. We now have a REDEUX or material buy back program to support customers in preventing future waste after the use life of these products.

 
  • Supports ASTM E2129-05 Sustainability Assessment
  • Meets State of Washington standard for low VOCs
  • Composed of post-consumer SBR and EPDM rubber
  • Meets FloorScore standards for indoor applications
  • FloorScore Certified for compliance to air quality emission requirements
  • Meets CHPS Criteria

We also utilize waste rubber, particularly from used tires in a strict process to create a loose fill mulch. This eco-friendly result meets and exceeds safety requirements for playground or landscaping applications

 
Wood surfacing products are from virgin wood processing facilities. Through a strict ASTM process, waste materials in lumber processing are graded and processed for use in playground, sport, recreation and other venues. Waste materials not accepted within these guidelines are further processed and conveyed to paper manufacturing facility to ensure optimum use of this natural resource.

Going GREEN can be a fun thing, even more fun while on the playground!






Copyright 2011 DunRite Playgrounds

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Mizuno USA Inc. Recalls Baseball and Softball Gloves Due to Presence of Mold

Mizuno USA Inc. Recalls Baseball and Softball Gloves Due to Presence of Mold


WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Mizuno Supreme Series and Ballpark Pro baseball and softball gloves
Units: About 131,000
Importer: Mizuno USA Inc., of Norcross, Ga.

Hazard: Some gloves were found to contain a variety of molds that could cause respiratory or other infections in individuals with chronic health problems, or in individuals who have impaired immune systems.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled items are leather Mizuno baseball and softball gloves. The gloves have a sewn-in white label on the heel of the glove with the words "Made in Vietnam" and the model number. Supreme Series gloves affected are further identified by the date code imprinted on the heel of the glove near the thumb opening. The following models are affected by this recall:

Model
Description
Date Code

GSP1251TG
The glove is dark brown on the top and palm sides with a yellow wrist strap. The words "SUPREME SERIES" are stamped into the palm of the gloves.
SV0910, SV1110, SV1210, SV0111, SV0311

GSP1300T
The glove is light tan on the top and palm sides with a dark brown wrist strap and dark brown bindings. The words "SUPREME SERIES" are printed in dark brown on the palm of the gloves.
SV0310

GSP1401TG
The glove is dark tan on the top and palm sides with a brown wrist strap and dark brown bindings. The words "SUPREME SERIES" are printed in dark brown on the palm of the gloves.
SV0610, SV0910, SV1010, SV1110, SV0111, SV0311

MMX122P
The glove is dark brown on the top and palm sides with a dark brown wrist strap and dark brown bindings. The words "BALLPARK PRO" are printed in gold on the palm of the gloves.
N/A

MMX115PWM
The glove is tan on the top and palm sides with a light tan wrist strap and dark brown bindings. The words "BALLPARK PRO" are printed in dark brown on the palm of the gloves.
N/A

MMX130
The glove is tan on the top with dark brown palm and webbing and tan wrist strap and bindings. The words "BALLPARK PRO" are printed in gold on the palm of the gloves.
N/A

Sold at: Walmart and Target stores nationwide from April 2010 through May 2011 for between $24 and $60.

Manufactured in: Vietnam

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the gloves and contact Mizuno USA to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Mizuno USA Inc. at (800) 451-7913 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11271.html





Copyright 2011 DunRite Playgrounds

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Playset Recall Announced by CPSC

Swing Sets Recalled by Adventure Playsets due to Fall Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Adventure Playsets Wooden Swing Sets

Units: Approximately 240,000; a number of these products were recalled in November 2009 for a similar hazard, which listed 275,000 playsets in the U.S. and 6,800 in Canada.
Importer: Adventure Playsets, of Pittsburg, KS
Hazard: The wood in the posts of the fort sections on the swing sets can weaken due to rotting, posing a fall hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Adventure Playsets has received more than 500 complaints reporting concern over the weakened wood in the 2x4 plastic-coated uprights. One report of a fall was received when the ladder failed resulting in bruises and scratches.

Description: The swing sets come with swings, slides and ladders. Each set has a fort structure that uses green or cranberry colored plastic coated 2"x 4" wood upright posts and a green nylon fabric covered shade. The sets were sold under the following names: Bellevue, Bellevue II, Belmont, Durango, Durango II, Sedona, Tacoma, Tacoma II, Ventura, Venture II and Yukon,. The name is printed on the manufacturer's instructions that came with the play set. The recalled swing set name, model number, name of the retailer and year sold follow:

SwingSet Name
Model No
Retailers
Years Tacoma or Tacoma II
1-AP017, 1-AP017-06, 1-AP051-07
Walmart
2005, 2006, 2007 Bellevue or Bellevue II
1-AP012, 1-AP012-06, 1-AP048-07
Toys-R-Us
2005, 2006, 2007 Durango or Durango II
1-AP016, 1-AP018, 1-AP016-06, 1-AP018-06, 1-AP016-07
Walmart
2005, 2006, 2007 Yukon
1-AP052-07
Academy Sports
2007 Sedona
1-AP002
Walmart
2004 Belmont
1-AP003
Mills Stores
2004 Ventura or Ventura II
1-AP008, 1-AP011
Mills Stores and Menards
2004
Sold at: Academy Sports (the Yukon); Mills and Menards (the Ventura/II) all from 2005 to 2007; Mills (the Belmont) in 2004; Toys-R-Us (the Bellevue/II); and Walmart (the Tacoma/II, Durango/II, and Sedona). The units sold for $300-$600.

Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled swing sets and contact Adventure Playsets to obtain a free repair kit. Repair kits will include the appropriate angled or vertical upright posts for each model with instructions for dissembling and reassembling each set.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Adventure Playsets toll free at (877) 840-9068 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, visit the firm's website at www.recall.adventureplaysets.com or email the firm at custservice@adventureplayets.com
To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11262.html

Monday, April 11, 2011

Tired of Watering Your Lawn?

Tired of watering your lawn? Tired of the annual mulch replenishment in your flowerbed? Consider rubber mulch in landscape grades to do the hard work.


In some parts of the country where heat is high and humidity is low, watering the lawn is out of the question. Landscaping includes generous amount of rock rather than grass. Consider colors of rubber mulch to make your lawn and landscape more attractive. Typically only 1-3 inches of rubber is used rather than the 4-6 inches seen for playground surfacing.

In your flower beds, rubber mulch isn't only visual or curb appeal. It helps to regulate the soil's moisture and temperature. The mulch prevents the soil from drying out as quickly. The groomed look is a wonderful bonus. Even more valuable, a decrease in the number of weeds you have to pull! The weeds have a harder time rooting in the soil. During the winter months, or at least for cold areas, much will help perennial plants to survive. With less rot and decay, insect population is reduced. It resists mold, mildew and general decay better than its organic counterparts.

Around trees, a mulch ring serves a lot of the same purpose as a garden. When mowing the lawn, a mulch ring around the tree will help protect some of the roots that form around the tree and surface.

On the playground, mulch is non-toxic. This is also important in your garden when looking at pH sensitive flowers and plants. Acidic pine bark mulch and needles on your carnation bed isn't a good idea. The prefer alkaline soil. Forget pH testing and matching the mulch to your garden. Rubber mulch isn't decomposing, so you have saved a step and time on gardening day.

Rubber mulch is a little more heavy and dense than typical mulch materials. This helps keep your mulch in place, rather than blowing away or floating away in a rain. Although heavier than organic materials, it won't sunk into the soil as easily and last longer, even years.

Visit us for more information on RUBBER MULCH.

Copyright 2011 DunRite Playgrounds

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Serving in the Military can be a CUSHY job...

At least training can be cushioned.   Rubber mulch is a perfect ground cover for use in obstacle courses, training pits, and rope courses. Because of the amount of training injuries in the military, rubber mulch is the ground cover of choice. This can be the proper intervention needed to prevent injuries to our men and women while in training. Rubber mulch when applied at the correct depth will cushion their fall. Using rubber mulch in obstacle courses, training pits, and rope courses will help prevent those time and money prohibitive injuries.  For more information on RUBBER SURFACING





Copyright 2011 DunRite Playgrounds

Friday, March 4, 2011

Scorer's Table

With baseball season starting up, we've had a lot of inquiries into field furniture.   One of the more popular items has become the Scorer's Table with an attached bench.   All aluminum construction.  Features 10" anodized or powder coated aluminum seat plank with 18" ribbed aluminum table top. Assembly required. Note: Benches are shipped knock-down and require assembly on site.  This product ships by truck. Cannot be shipped to a PO Box, APO or FPO address. DunRite Playgrounds

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Escalade Sports Recalls Oasis Playsets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


February 8, 2011

Release #11-120 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 742-6009

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908





Escalade Sports Recalls Oasis Playsets Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.



Name of Product: Outdoor Playsets



Units: About 4,600



Manufacturer: Escalade Sports of Evansville, Ind.



Hazard: The swing seats on the playsets can crack and break in half, causing the user to fall to the ground.



Incidents/Injuries: Escalade Sports has received 24 reports of the seats breaking, no injuries have been reported.



Description: This recall involves belt-style swing seats on four models of Oasis Playsets: PG01W, PG02W, PG03W and PG04W. Model numbers are located on a plate on the swing's horizontal beam. The green plastic seats are about 26 inches long and are hung from green, plastic-coated chains. The swing seats have rounded ends with black grommets on each end. Printed on one side of the seat is:



MADE IN CHINA

GUARANTEED FOR ONE YEAR

ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED

DO NOT INSTALL IN AREAS WHERE

TEMPERATURES EXCEED 120DEG F

Printed on the other side of the seat is:



WARNING

IMPROPER USE

MAINTENANCE INSTALLATION OR VANDALISM

CAN DAMAGE SEAT AND LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY

FOR RESIDENTIAL

USE BY ONE CHILD



Sold by: Oasis distributors and dealers nationwide from April 2008 to December 2010 for between $1,500 and $2,200.



Manufactured in: China



Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these swing seats and contact Escalade Sports for free replacement swing seats.



Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Escalade Sports at (800) 742-6009 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.escaladesports.com. Consumers can also e-mail the firm at safetyinfo@escaladesports.com