LAC 51:XXI.501. General Standards [formerly paragraph 21:020]

A. The outdoor play area shall be enclosed with a fence or natural barriers. The barrier shall be at least 4 feet in height and the bottom edge shall be no more than 3 1/2 inches off the ground. There shall be at least two exits from such areas with at least one remote from buildings. Gates shall be equipped with self-closing and positive self-latching closure mechanisms. The latch or securing device shall be high enough or of a type that cannot be opened by small children. 1. The openings in the fence shall be no greater than 3 1/2 inches to prevent entrapment. The fence shall be constructed to discourage climbing, at least equivalent to a chain link fence. B. [Formerly paragraph 21:020-1] Outdoor areas shall be kept free of excessive dust, weeds, brush, high grass, debris, and standing water. C. [Formerly paragraph 21:020-2] Outside play areas shall be free from unprotected swimming and wading pools (both in-ground and above-ground), ditches, quarries, canals, excavations, fish ponds or other bodies of water. All water hazards shall be enclosed with a fence which is at least 5 feet high and comes within 3 1/2 inches of the ground with no openings of greater than 3 1/2 inches. D. [Formerly paragraph 21:020-3] All pieces of playground equipment with play surfaces 4 feet or higher from the ground shall have an appropriate energy absorptive surface such as wood chips at a depth of 8-10 inches or rubber mats manufactured for such use meeting A.S.T.M. Standard F-355, under the fall zone of the equipment. E. [Formerly paragraph 21:020-4] Sandboxes shall be constructed to permit drainage, and shall be covered when not in use and be kept free from cat or other animal excrement.