Young Children's Ability to Climb Fences
Authors: Rabinovich, Beth A.; Lerner, Neil D.; Huey, Richard W.
Source: Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Volume 36, Number 4, December 1994 , pp. 733-744(12)
Publisher: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
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Abstract:
Three studies were performed to evaluate the fence-climbing abilities of children who are in the high-risk age group for drowning in residential pools. Study 1 examined the ability of children in the age range of 24 to 54 months to climb commonly used fences (common chain link, small chain link, picket, iron, and stockade) at a 4-ft (1.22-m) height. Study 2 examined children's abilities to climb fences retrofitted with features that would potentially make them more difficult to climb. Study 3 examined children's abilities to climb 5-ft (1.52-m) fences. Results of the three studies show that the common chain-link fence is easy to climb even by two-year-old toddlers. Other fence types offered more effective barriers, especially for younger children.Document Type: Research article
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