If you manage a daycare, school, or municipal park in the Chicagoland area, the safety of the children in your care is your top responsibility. When it comes to playground accidents, the surface is more important than the equipment.
But what do “Fall Height Ratings” actually mean, and how do you ensure you are compliant with Illinois safety standards?
What is a Fall Height Rating?
A fall height rating (ASTM F-1292) measures the “critical height” from which a child can fall onto a surface without suffering a life-threatening head injury.
While wood chips and pea gravel provide some protection, their ratings are often inconsistent because the materials shift, compact, or rot away over time.
Why KinderMulch Leads the Industry
Our KinderMulch is specifically engineered for maximum impact absorption. We are IPEMA certified, meeting the highest safety standards in the industry.
- 16-Foot Fall Protection: At a depth of 6 inches, KinderMulch is certified for falls from up to 16 feet.
- 10-Foot Fall Protection: Even at a residential depth of 4 inches, it protects children from 10-foot falls.
- ADA Approved: Safety isn’t just about falls; it’s about accessibility. Our mulch meets ASTM F-1951 standards for wheelchair accessibility, ensuring every child can play.
Maintenance and Compliance
To maintain your safety rating, your surface must remain at the proper depth. Because rubber mulch doesn’t decompose or blow away, it is much easier to stay compliant with state inspections than with wood or sand.
The KinderMulch Promise: Safe. Soft. Sustainable. We provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing your playground is protected by the best-recycled material in the USA.
