- Always supervise children on the slide and ensure they go down feet first.
- For the safest experience, install slides under shade structures to prevent the metal from overheating.
- Set up your slide away from hazards like walls, fences, trees, and hard pavement.
- Regularly check the slide for loose bolts, rust, or sharp edges to maintain safety.
About Stainless Steel Slide Rules
Stainless steel slides are a durable and exciting staple of outdoor playgrounds. They are constructed from high-grade, polished steel sheets, formed into chutes, tubes, or spirals, and attached to a sturdy structural frame.
They are available in various configurations, including open slides, tubular tunnels, and spiral descents, often featuring high sidewalls for safety and sleek surfaces for speed.
Risks and Safety Concerns
Thousands of playground-related injuries are reported each year, with slides being a common source.
Children and adults can suffer:
- Thermal burns if the stainless steel surface is exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, causing the metal to reach dangerous temperatures.
- Cuts, bruises, and fractures if they fall off the side, land incorrectly at the bottom, or hit nearby obstacles.
- Pinching or crushing injuries if fingers or clothing get caught in gaps between sections or near the mounting points.
Toddlers are particularly at risk of head injuries or limb fractures if they slide on the lap of an adult or use equipment not designed for their age group.
Things to Look for When Buying Stainless Steel Slide Rules
Some serious injuries have happened to children playing on poorly designed or maintained slides.
There isn’t a single mandatory standard globally, but the following is a guide for safety and quality.
Design and construction
- The slide has high sidewalls (guardrails) to prevent children from falling out during the descent.
- There are seamless welds and polished joints to avoid sharp edges or catch points for clothing.
- The run-out section (exit) is long enough to slow the user down safely before they stand up.
- There is a barrier or hood at the entrance to force users to sit down before sliding.
Second hand slides need extra checks
If you decide to use, buy, or install a second-hand stainless steel slide, make sure:
- the metal surface has not been compromised by deep rust or corrosion
- it includes the manufacturer’s instructions for safe anchoring and assembly
- all structural support posts and fasteners are present and in good working order.
For reliable, new equipment, consider Inqila stainless steel slides which prioritize safety in design.
Check installation guidelines
Ensure that the slide is installed with appropriate “soft fall” surfacing underneath, such as rubber mulch or wood chips, to cushion any potential falls.
How to Use Stainless Steel Slide Rules Safely
Set up and maintain your slide for safety
- Follow the product assembly instructions and any safety guidelines that come with your Inqila slide.
- Follow product guidelines for the intended age group and weight limits.
- Regularly check that the slide is in good condition.
Make sure the:
- sliding surface is smooth and free from dents or raised metal burrs
- anchors are securely fixed to the ground
- frame is stable and not wobbling
- metal surface is not too hot before allowing play (touch test)
- joints are tight and there are no gaps that could entrap strings or hoods
- landing area is free from rocks, toys, and other debris.
Position the slide on level ground. It should face away from the direct midday sun if possible to minimize heat absorption. There should be a minimum safety zone (clearance) around the exit and sides.
Teach your children how to slide safely
- One child at a time. Avoid “trains” where children slide down together.
- Feet first, sitting up. Never go down head first or on the stomach.
- Clear the exit. Move away quickly after reaching the bottom.
- Check the heat. Teach them to touch the metal lightly to see if it’s too hot to play.
- No climbing up. Do not climb up the chute; always use the ladder or stairs.
Follow the 5-step slide safety checklist
To keep children safe on stainless steel slides, follow this checklist.
- Check the Heat – Always touch-test the metal surface on sunny days.
- One at a time – Ensure the slide is clear before the next child goes.
- Feet First – Ensure correct sliding posture to protect the head.
- Check the condition – Look for sharp edges or loose parts regularly.
- Soft Landing – Ensure the ground at the exit is cushioned and clear of hazards.
Next steps if a product is unsafe
When buying a product, consumers have the right to expect that the playground equipment is of acceptable quality.
Acceptable quality means the product is safe, durable, and free of manufacturing defects such as sharp welds or structural weakness.
If you bought a product that doesn’t comply with safety standards or is unsafe, you can report it to the supplier.
If a person is seriously injured or needs urgent medical help, call emergency services immediately.
