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'Startling' temperature tests reveal danger of hot playgrounds ahead of summer

By Naomi White|

Have you ever wondered just how hot the playgrounds can get during warm weather? There have been fresh warnings for parents about hot playground equipment and surfaces during the summer months.

Sharing an update to their social accounts, First Aid group CPR Kids posted an image of a child's feet, which had been burnt while playing barefoot at a playground.

Revealing the photos were taken "10 days after" the injury occurred, they urged parents to be vigilant, saying they had conducted temperature tests in playgrounds across Sydney during a 30-degree-plus day last summer. And the results were alarming.

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CPR Kids has warned parents to be mindful of how hot playgrounds can get during the summer months after a child had their feet burnt while playing barefoot.
The blisters seen 10 days after a child was burnt at a playground. Credit: CPR Kids. (Instagram)

"These are startling measurements that were recorded from sun-exposed areas across Sydney, on a Summer afternoon," they shared, revealing the dangerous temperatures that were reached:

  • The metal part of a rubber tire swing: 105กใC
  • Artificial turf surface: 98กใC
  • Rubber flooring: 90กใC

"It's not uncommon to see a parent at the park check the slide that is sitting in the sun, to find it is scorching hot."

Some parents shared their own shock at how hot playground equipment could get.

"We had to put a towel in the baby swing last weekend as it felt hot to touch. I really wish councils would invest in shade cloth over parks," one mum said.?

They're not to first to flag concerns over playground temperatures. In 2020, a study by Western Sydney University found that play equipment in the area could reach 80 degrees, while for unshaded rubbed equipment this could be as high as 100 degrees celsius.

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The first aid group also shared the results of a test on ground temperatures. Credit: CPR Kids.
The first aid group also shared the results of a test on ground temperatures. Credit: CPR Kids. (Facebook)

CPR Kids also tested the ground temperature in south-west Sydney. Taken on January 24 last year at 1.30pm on a 38-degree day, their readings show just how hot surfaces such as bricks and grass can get.

While the grass reached 52.7 degrees, the concrete got as high as 67 degrees, and the bricks a shocking 68.6 degrees. ?

"A child is at risk of a burn when a surface exceeds 50 degrees celsius and when the skin is heated to 45 degrees for a prolonged period," they warned. "At surface temperatures greater than 50 degrees, tender young skin can be burned severely within seconds and may require surgery.

"As well as the ground, many playground surfaces and equipment (including plastic parts) can exceed these temperatures when there is low humidity and sunny, warm weather."

The child safety experts said it is vital that kids have shoes on when going outside in hot weather - and to also keep this in mind when walking pets.

"If going outside, young children are particularly at risk because they may be slower to pull away from hot surfaces."

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Hoses also posed a burns risk, as the sun can heat any water that's been left in the hose. (Getty)

Other heat-related risks parents should be aware of include car seats, covered prams and hose water.

To treat burns, Kidsafe recommends removing all clothing and nappies, unless they are stuck to the skin. Parents should also run the burn under cool, running water for at least 20 minutes, before covering the area with either a clean, damp cloth or cling film.

Seek immediate medical advice if ?the burn is bigger than the size of a 20cent coin; Is on the face, groin, hands or feet; Or was caused by chemicals, electricity or there are signs of an inhalation injury.

According to Health Direct a first aid kit can also help in emergencies. Things to include are:
Non-stick dressings such as Elastoplast, bandages (including triangular ones), plasters, gauze swabs, alcohol swabs, disposable gloves, stainless steel scissors, a shock (thermal blanket) and sting spray.

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