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SAN JUAN ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT |
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Crumb Rubber remaining at "Big Toy"posted 09/29/2008
The FHES PTA worked for the past two years to raise $50,000 to replace the "Big Toy" and completed the installation in early August just prior to fair week. Crumb rubber (from recycled tires) was chosen as the protective underlayment due to its high rating for "fall protection." Some parents raised concerns about potential toxicity of the product, concerns about asthmatic reactions, and concerns about ADA accessibility for disabled students. Over the past several weeks the PTA, administration and board members have researched these concerns. State regulatory agencies and the District's insurance carrier, Canfield and Associates, have provided assurance that the use of crumb rubber underlayment provides a high level of "fall protection", that the product is used widely in the State, and the product continues to be approved for use. Toxicity studies reviewed by the District stated that there was no proof of harmful health effects. A number of studies recommended additional research to determine any potential for long term health effects including effects of trace level elements for which little data are available. However, the State and County Health Departments, and Canfield and Associates, report no ill health effects associated with crumb rubber, and continue to recommend its use. The District will make accommodations necessary to provide access to disabled students. However, the District's legal counsel's opinion is that "there is no basis to conclude the new installation violates specific ADA accessibility standards." Rod Turnbull, Maintenance and Operations Director, will develop a plan for any necessary accommodations, and will also develop the maintenance plan to assure the crumb rubber maintains the prescribed depth. In considering its decision the Board recognized that 80% of the injuries on playground equipment result from falling. Any potential underlayment product has advantages and disadvantages, however, the crumb rubber provides the highest margin of safety of any product currently available. The Board found no compelling reasons to replace the crumb rubber in consideration of the guidance given above and the excellent margin of safety that the product provides for "fall protection." The Board voted unanimously to retain the crumb rubber underlayment. FH PTA responds to concerns about Big Toyposted 09/05/2008
The FHES PTA is looking for volunteers to serve as members of the advisory committee, to help research crumb rubber, and alternate playground underlay materials. In addition to researching suitable materials for playground cover, volunteers on the advisory committee will need to research the costs of removing and replacing approximately 160 cubic yards of the existing material, costs of labor, and sources of funding. The PTA is soliciting opinions on either removing the crumb rubber material, or keeping it at the playground. Please send your opinions to fhes.pta@gmail.com. The FHES PTA and Principal Pflueger will meet again in the elementary school cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. September 17 to discuss solutions and concerns about playground covers. Everyone who would like their opinion heard is encouraged to attend. Volunteers who are interested in being on the advisory committee should contact the FHES PTA before that date by e-mailing fhes.pta@gmail.com. Friday Harbor Elementary School "Big Toy" Playground Opens with Concerns Raised by Some Parentsposted 09/05/2008
However, while the toy itself is ready to go, some FHES parents have raised their concerns about the "crumb rubber" material which was chosen as underlayment to protect children when they jump or fall from the toy. Three options for the underlayment were offered by the company, each meeting current ASTM safety standards. "Crumb rubber" is a standard product that is installed in playgrounds throughout the nation, however concerns have recently been raised about potential long term effects of exposure to the chemicals in the recycled tire rubber. The District has consulted the State of Washington Department of Health as well as Steve Grout, the risk management representative from the District’s insurance carrier Canfield and Associates. Canfield and Associates insures 80% of the school districts in Washington State. The insurance carrier and the health department said that they had received no reports of adverse affects from this product, and that it has been successfully used by school districts and park departments in our state. However, though the product has been in use for fifteen years, studies of the long term exposure to the product have yet to be conducted. The PTA and District administration have formed a committee to immediately conduct a thorough review of the product as well as other product options for the safety underlayment. The committee will consider product options, including potential benefits and risks, in order to make a recommendation to either keep the "crumb rubber" or to replace it with another product. The PTA has placed this issue on its meeting agenda scheduled for Wednesday, September 3rd, 6:30 p.m. at the elementary school. Parents wishing to learn more and/or participate in the evaluation process are encouraged to attend the meeting. Parents who have concerns, and who wish to exclude their children from using the playground equipment until a final decision is made about the product may do so. |
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