Pixieland To Repair Potentially Hazardous Playground Equipment

Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Pixieland, Incorporated, Swainsboro, Georgia, today announced a voluntary repair program on five different models of its metal playground equipment which may present head entrapment hazards to children. The products involved are the Double Climber Slide, Single Climber Slide, Toddler Climber, Fence Climber and Rainbow Climber.

The five models of metal playground equipment, which range in cost from approximately $85 to $450, are intended for use by pre-school children, and are sold to day care centers, child care centers and other similar facilities.

The spacing between some of the rungs on these five models pose a potential entrapment hazard because they are wide enough to allow a child's body to pass all the way through, but are too narrow for the head to follow. Consequently, a child could be hung, with his head trapped between the rungs and his feet off the ground. This could result in head injuries, neck injuries, or strangulation. All spacings ranging from 4.5 inches to 7.5 inches represent potential entrapment hazards.

The Commission has investigated three incidents in which children's heads became entrapped between the rungs on these playground structures. One victim received contusions and abrasions to the neck and head, while another victim had to be resuscitated because his breathing and pulse had been stopped.

Pixieland has been manufacturing these playground structures since 1978, with distribution to 21 states east of the Rockies. In 1978, the firm began to redesign this equipment to eliminate the potential head entrapment hazard. However, some of these units still have spacing between the rungs which are in the potential entrapment range of 4.5 to 7.5 inches.

The Double Climber Slide, Single Climber Slide, and Rainbow Climber all are rainbow-shaped with apex approximately 4' from the ground. Each is approximately 4'4" wide and 15' to 16' in length. The Single Climber and Double Climber Slides have one and two sliding boards respectively, while the Rainbow Climber has no slide. The Toddler Climber is 3' high, 3' wide, and 4' long, while the Fence Climber is similar in design but measures 4' high, 4' wide, and 6' long. A sticker label with the Pixieland name and address may be found on some of these structures.

All day care centers, child care centers, etc., are urged to determine whether they have any of the five models of playground equipment. If they do, the spacings between all rungs should be measured. If any spacing measures from 4.5 inches to 7.5 inches, discontinue use of the equipment immediately. Firm is out of Business.

Further information on this playground equipment can be obtained by calling the Commission's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.

Update: Firm no longer in business. Recall remedy no longer available. Discard the product. Do not donate or resell.

All day care centers, child care centers, etc., are urged to determine whether they have any of the five models of playground equipment. If they do, the spacings between all rungs should be measured. If any spacing measures from 4.5 inches to 7.5 inches, discontinue use of the equipment immediately.

The Commission has investigated three incidents in which children's heads became entrapped between the rungs on these playground structures. One victim received contusions and abrasions to the neck and head, while another victim had to be resuscitated because his breathing and pulse had been stopped.