Child safety in schools and playgrounds: the priority role of appropriate fencing and locks

The safety of children is one of the most important tasks facing educational institutions and local governments. In places such as schools and playgrounds, special attention is paid to:

  • access control,
  • failure to close gates or wickets,
  • the risk of the child escaping outside the premises,
  • potential accidents related to inadequate infrastructure.

Modern technical solutions from hardware manufacturers, such as Locinox products, can significantly increase the level of safety in areas used by children.

Why do proper closures and fencing matter?

Fencing a facility or playground not only establishes boundaries but also ensures that children do not leave the premises unsupervised and that unauthorized persons do not enter. Technical requirements for playgrounds in Poland already require securing the area, including fencing and proper maintenance of all infrastructure elements.

In accordance with applicable regulations:

  • playground fences should be stable and safe,
  • regular inspections of equipment and surroundings are the responsibility of owners and managers,
  • neglect of these obligations may result in criminal liability.

LION

Gate closer for existing gate

Key Locinox products for increased security

Locinox Lion gate closer

The Lion gate closer is a high-class hydraulic device mounted on fence gates:

  • closes the gate automatically,
  • has adjustable closing speed,
  • works smoothly even in extreme temperatures,
  • ensures that the gate will not be left open accidentally – crucial, for example, when leaving school or kindergarten.

This minimizes the risk of a child leaving the facility unsupervised and also limits the possibility of unauthorized entry into the facility by third parties.

Locinox Tiger gate closer

The Tiger model works on a similar principle to the Lion, but is built into the gate hinge, which:

  • provides an aesthetic appearance,
  • reduces the possibility of mechanical damage,
  • offers adjustable closing force.

This solution works great where the gate serves as the main entry/exit point from a playground or school grounds.

TIGER

Gate closer for a new gate

KIDLOC

Knob with safety lock

Locinox KIDLOC Safety Knob

The KIDLOC knob has been designed to prevent younger children from opening the lock on their own – to unlock it, you need to press an additional element, which is a safety feature that minimizes the risk of accidentally opening the gate.

Legal regulations regarding the safety of playgrounds and fences

In Poland, applicable legal acts impose specific obligations on playground owners and managers:

📌 1. Construction Law (Act and Article 91a, Article 93)

  • Failure to maintain playgrounds in proper technical condition or to ensure safe use may result in a fine, restriction of liberty or even imprisonment for up to one year.

📌 2. Standards PN-EN 1176 and PN-EN 1177

These standards define detailed requirements for the safety of playground equipment and surfaces, and are a technical indicator of the proper condition of the infrastructure.

📌 3. Technical regulations (technical conditions for buildings and locations)

They regulate, among others:

  • minimum fence height,
  • width and accessibility of the gate,
  • method of execution to prevent hazards (e.g. sharp elements, fragile joints).

Responsibility for ignoring the regulations

Failure to take actions such as:

  • egular *inspections and maintenance,
  • failure to comply with the obligation to secure the area,
  • lack of appropriate technical documentation and control,

not only exposes children to the risk of injury, but can also result in legal consequences – from administrative fines to criminal liability.

The most comprehensive entrance automation solution.

Modern systems can also be motorized. An example is the VENUS electric gate closer from Locinox—an advanced product that automatically controls gate closing using a motor.

Key features of VENUS:

  • Motorized door closer with brushless motor that ensures smooth closing even under heavy use.
  • Supports gates up to approximately 1.4 m wide and a maximum weight of approximately 100 kg.
  • The device is plug-and-play – easy to install on various types of posts and hinges thanks to a set of three types of arms.
  • Built-in electronics with obstacle detection prevent closure if passing people or strollers have not yet reached a safe location.
  • Possibility of integration with an access control system, which allows it to be used as an energy-saving drive opening the gate at authorized entry.
  • Weather- and vandal-resistant construction thanks to steel gears and anodized aluminum housing.

Summary

Child safety in schools, playgrounds, and public spaces is not only a matter of proper supervision, but also of selecting the right technical infrastructure and complying with regulations. Solutions such as Lion and Tiger gate closers, KIDLOC security systems, or the Fortima deadbolt offered by Locinox can significantly reduce the risks associated with accidental opening of a fence or gate. Combined with mandatory inspections and compliance with legal standards, they constitute a coherent safety strategy.