With UK temperatures set to soar to 34 degrees and families ready to spend more time outside, an urgent safety warning has been issued to all parents.
And particularly if your are going to be having fun on a or a this weekend, you’ll need to listen up.
Experts at Outdoor Toys have shared a stern warning to parents – and it involves inspecting carefully as the heat rises.
According to the pros, prolonged sun exposure can cause damage and affect the safety of such over time.
Alex Price, product manager at Outdoor Toys, highlighted the importance of regular slide safety checks, as he warned: “Slides are a garden staple in warmer , but over time, repeated sun exposure can cause plastics, especially ones, to become brittle, chalky, or cracked.
“This not only affects how the slide looks, but can lead to sharp edges or structural weaknesses that put children at real risk of injury.”;
Alex advised parents to inspect slides regularly, as he stressed: “Before each use, run your hands along the sliding surface and sides.
“Check for any signs of fatigue, such as cracks, fading, warping, or signs that the plastic feels brittle.
“Make sure all bolts are tight and the equipment feels sturdy. If anything seems off, it’s best to stop using it and contact the manufacturer.”;
Check all outdoor equipment
But it’s not just your slides that need to be checked – according to Alex, there’s more items that also need to be given attention.
He advised: “All outdoor equipment, including swings, climbing frames, monkey bars, and trampolines, should be regularly checked before allowing your children to play during hot weather.”;
Alex shared a hot metal warning, as he explained: “Outdoor play equipment with metal features can heat up rapidly in direct sunlight and reach temperatures that can cause when handled.
“Before allowing your children to play on outdoor equipment, check the metal surface with the back of your hand to test the temperature.”;
He also recognised: “Burns from overheated metal equipment are common during the months. Metal handlebars, metal slides, and trampoline springs can maintain significant heat during hot temperatures and cause harm.”;
Outdoor play equipment with metal features can heat up rapidly in direct sunlight and reach temperatures that can cause burns when handled
Alex Price
As well as this, Alex acknowledged that “ doesn’t affect all toys the same way”; and stressed that cheap toys without UV-resistant are more likely to show signs of wear and tear.
“If your slide or swing set looks faded or chalky, it could be a sign the plastic is starting to break down, and may no longer be safe to use,”; he recognised.
Storing garden toys correctly
But even with UV-resistant plastic, proper storage matters.
“We always advise keeping outdoor toys in shaded areas or storing them indoors when not in use.
“If that’s not possible, a cover or tarp works well to prevent UV damage and keep surfaces cool to the touch.
“A quick check and a bit of care can go a long way in preventing serious accidents, of replacement and keeping outdoor fun safe all long,”; added Alex.
