Outdoorplay experts warn of garden safety risks during heatwaves

As heatwaves bring temperatures reaching up to 40 °C across parts of Europe, experts from the British company Outdoorplay are advising parents to inspect garden play equipment for safety hazards.

Product designer Alex McMullan warns that high temperatures and dry conditions can attract wasps, spiders, and other insects to outdoor structures, particularly if the equipment has not been used for several days. Parents are encouraged to check under platforms, inside tunnels, around roofs, and within hollow sections where insects may seek shelter.

In addition to biological hazards, extreme heat can impact the structural integrity of play equipment. While high-quality materials are designed for outdoor use, prolonged sun exposure can soften certain plastics, causing them to warp, weaken, or become brittle upon cooling. Furthermore, dry soil can cause ground to crack and compress, potentially reducing the stability of anchored items like trampolines and football goals. Heat can also affect the elasticity of trampoline springs, altering bounce heights.