Playground Safety: Insulate Equipment Surfaces from the Sun’s Heat
Playgrounds are essential spaces for children’s physical activity and social development. However, during warmer months, playground equipment can become excessively hot, posing burn risks to children. Implementing effective heat mitigation strategies is crucial to ensure these areas remain safe and enjoyable. Some surfaces and materials can reach over 80°C during a hot day.
Understanding the Heat Hazard
Materials commonly used in playground equipment, such as metal and dark-colored plastics and metals, absorb and retain heat when exposed to intense solar light also containing UV, visual and infrared heat. Studies have shown that even on days with moderate ambient temperatures, these surfaces can reach temperatures high enough to cause burns within seconds of contact.
For instance, a report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission highlights incidents where children suffered second-degree burns from playground surfaces. Remember that playground equipment, as well as playground surfacing, may cause burns.
Fortunately in some places such as handrails, equipment and safe zones, Super Therm® has been utilised because it doesn’t allow heat load into the steel or other materials. This keeps the surface near ambient which below 50C is considered safe for children.



Effective Heat Mitigation Strategies
- Shade Structures
Installing shade structures over playgrounds can significantly reduce direct sunlight exposure, thereby lowering surface temperatures. Options include permanent canopies, shade sails, or strategically planting trees to provide natural shade. A study by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation found that shaded areas in playgrounds had substantially lower surface temperatures compared to unshaded areas. (Source) - Heat-Blocking and Reflective Coatings
Applying heat-reflective coatings to playground equipment can effectively reduce heat absorption. Products like Super Therm® have been designed to block a significant portion of solar heat. For example, at Honeysuckle Park Playground in Newcastle, NSW, heritage maritime bollards coated with Super Therm® remained cool to the touch even during peak summer temperatures, enhancing safety for children. - Material Selection and Colour Choices
Opting for materials that naturally reflect heat and selecting light-coloured finishes can aid in maintaining lower surface temperatures. Darker colours tend to absorb more heat, while lighter shades reflect it, keeping equipment cooler. This principle is supported by guidelines from playground equipment manufacturers, which recommend using light colours and reflective materials to minimise heat absorption. (Source) - Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Routine checks of playground equipment are essential to identify and address potential heat hazards. This includes ensuring that heat-blocking insulation coatings are intact and effective, and that shade structures are properly maintained. Regular maintenance helps in promptly addressing wear and tear that could compromise the effectiveness of heat mitigation measures. (Source)
Similar to Award Winning Hoover Dam project
The same heat block principle and coatings were used on the award winning Hoover Dam bridge railings project. No other coatings could produce the level of corrosion protection, ease of application, and radiant heat reduction on the railings as demonstrated by the SPI products. Super Therm® blocks 96.1% heat and with the extreme temperatures of the Arizona and Nevada desert averaging 35 degrees to 43 degrees on most days it needed a safe, long term solution for visitors. Read More >


Keeping Playgrounds Safe
By implementing these strategies, communities can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related injuries in playgrounds. Prioritising shade, utilising the right heat blocking insulation coating Super Therm®, selecting appropriate materials and colours, and conducting regular maintenance are all effective measures to ensure playgrounds remain safe and comfortable spaces for children, even during the hottest months.
For more information on Super Therm® and why it’s the best at blocking heat visit here.