What is Use Zone?

A Use Zone, sometimes called a Fall Zone, is the floor surface area under and around any play equipment, climber, climbing gym slide, or loft onto which a child falling from or exiting from the equipment would be expected to land. ASTM standards and Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines dictate how many linear feet out from each play unit will be included in a Use Zone. A Use Zone must be free of obstacles that a child could run into or fall on top of and possibly be injured.

Why is Use Zone Important?

Fall related injuries can be reduced with the appropriate Use Zone. Usually, any fall occurring from a height doesn’t happen straight down. A Use Zone gives ample space surrounding elevated play equipment to cushion a fall.