Instructions for maintenance

These instructions apply to the entire range of TP Toys: Steel Climbing Frames and Swing Sets and Trampolines. They also apply to Wooden Climbing Frames and Wooden Swing sets, Slides, Garden Toys, Play Pools and Sandpits

TP toys must be assembled by an adult. They must be erected exactly in accordance with the assembly instructions which are provided with all our outdoor toys.

Under no circumstances should any of our outdoor toys be positioned on a hard surface, unless the ground under the toy plus the recommended free space area is covered with a safety surface. Outdoor toys should ideally be sited with grass, sand or a recommended play surface covering the free space area. A fall onto a hard surface can result in serious injury. TP Toys should be sited on level ground away from the house, overhanging branches, laundry lines, electrical wires or any other similar obstruction. Installing your outdoor toys on sloping ground can cause it to lean or ‘rack.’ This puts additional stress on all the connections and joints and in time will cause them to fail. This is not covered by any guarantee.

TP Toys are designed and made to be used by children aged between 12 months and 12 years, unless otherwise stated, and must not be used by anybody else. TP Toys are designed for family outdoor domestic use only.

Children should always be supervised while they are playing on TP Toys and should be instructed not to use outdoor toys in an inappropriate or hazardous manner. Make sure they do not wear loose-fitting clothing or jewellery that can catch or snag. Children should not wear cycle helmets while playing on TP Toys.

Many surfaces can become slippery in wet or icy conditions. Lips, tongues and wet skin can stick to metalwork in very cold weather. Therefore, in these conditions children must not be allowed to use their outdoor toys. Extra caution and supervision is required when combining water (eg. paddling pools, aqua slides, etc.) with outdoor play.

With all outdoor toys it is vital that the equipment is checked regularly and often by an adult. The complete toy should be checked at least once a month, and particular attention should be paid to the suspension system, ropes, and all fittings, bolts, nuts, and shackles, etc. If any parts exhibit signs of wear and tear, they may need to be replaced. Failure to do this may result in the product malfunctioning and causing injury. If a sharp edge or protruding bolt is found, saw and file it down until flush and smooth. Children must not be allowed to use outdoor toys until properly installed and checked.

This range of TP Toys is made from either zinc-coated or hot-dipped galvanised tubing and includes steel climbing frames, swingsets and trampolines. If surface rust appears it should be removed with either a wire brush or coarse sandpaper, and the area treated with a cold galvanising paint such as Galvafroid or Polygalv. These are two well-known names, although other makes of paint are available from most hardware or DIY stores.

As a natural material, wood is subject to changes due to atmospheric conditions. Wood will expand and contract as temperatures and humidity changes and therefore may splinter and split. This will not affect the structural integrity of your TP outdoor toys. However as a result of this characteristic, you should be prepared to check your wooden climbing frame or wooden swing regularly so as to identify any splintering or lifting of the surface layers of the wood. Any affected areas can be rubbed down using coarse sandpaper to restore a smooth, safe surface.

These must always be used with the stakes provided. Stakes must be concreted in. Please note you must never set the legs of a swing frame in concrete.

TP swing sets and some climbing frames employ nylon bush bearings. Swing accessories should be fitted to these in accordance with the original product instructions. When fitting swinging toys it is vital that moving parts have no metal to metal contact. Children should be instructed not to pass in front of or behind moving items, not to twist or swing an empty swing seat, and not to get off a swinging toy when it is in motion.

These ropes will degrade over time. This can be recognised by the rope becoming pale in colour and giving off a fine powder when rubbed. When either of these signs appears, the outdoor toy should be withdrawn from use. Products where the rope is joined with aluminium crimp will need to be completely replaced.

TP slides are manufactured with a UV stabiliser that prolongs their life. Always check that the slide is not hot from the sun before allowing children to play. If the slide is hot, pour cold water down the slide until it feels cool to touch. Check the slide several times during extended play.

Trampolines are great fun for all the family. However it is very important they are used within their safety guidelines. These safety guidelines are included with every TP trampoline.

Never allow TP Toys to be placed or used near a fire. When it becomes necessary to dispose of your equipment, remove all bolts and disassemble. Store out of the reach of children until it can be properly disposed of.

These instructions are issued in the interest of child safety, and we do ask you to follow our advice.