What type of hazard is entrapment in the context of playground equipment?

Entrapment in the context of playground equipment is classified as a physical hazard. This type of hazard arises from the design and construction of the equipment and involves situations where a child's body or limbs can get caught in openings or gaps, posing a risk of injury or asphyxiation. Physical hazards are related to tangible structures or objects that can directly cause harm through impacts, entrapment, falls, or similar physical interactions.

Understanding that entrapment is a physical hazard helps to emphasize the importance of proper equipment design, regular safety inspections, and adherence to safety standards to prevent injuries. Other types of hazards, such as biological, chemical, or environmental, do not directly relate to physical structures or mechanisms of play equipment in the same way. Thus, recognizing entrapment as a physical hazard highlights the need for thorough risk assessments and safety protocols in playground environments.