Bleachers: Hazards
Because millions of spectators watch school sporting events from various types of bleachers each year, school administrators need to be aware of and correct the following hazards:
- Large Gaps: Gaps of more than four inches between seatboards and footboards are considered unsafe. That is because small children can slip through them. The CPSC suggests using rigid materials to close the opening between these surfaces.
There are many different types of bleachers.
- Unsafe Guardrails: Guardrails that do not properly prevent falls need to be replaced. Also, guardrails are often fun climbing targets for children. If the bleacher guardrails are so tall that a child can pass under it, it is not safe.
- Guardrails should be used on any bleacher where the top row is 30 or more inches off the ground.
- The top surface of the guardrails should be no less than 42 inches from the highest point of the bleachers.
- Nowhere in the guardrails should a four-inch diameter sphere be able to pass through.
- Guardrails should discourage climbing in one of the following three ways:
- Only use vertical fill-ins between the top and bottom rails.
- If there are openings in the fill-ins that could provide a foothold for climbing, the widest measurement of the opening should be limited to 1.75 inches. Opening patterns that provide a ladder effect should be avoided.
- Use solid surfaces to fill in spaces, but only use this if the visibility would not be significantly impaired.
- Structural Problems: Older bleachers that are not maintained correctly or have aged due to weather, overuse, or misuse may become structurally unsafe. Bleachers should be strong enough to handle a maximum load and be mechanically operational.
- Entrance & Exit: Spectators must be able to enter and leave the bleachers in a safe manner. Aisles and walkways should have non-skid surfaces and be wide enough for spectators to reach exits in an emergency.
Bleachers can become structurally unsafe over time.
The area underneath the bleachers can also be dangerous. For this reason, it is important to completely block off the space underneath them. If your facility has larger rows of outdoor bleachers that cannot be closed off completely, you may want to consider having someone supervise the area to keep kids away.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-5. Gaps of more than _____ inches between bleacher seatboards and footboards are considered unsafe.
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