CPSI EXAM 2023-20234 CERTIFIED PLAYGROUND SAFETY
INSPECTOR EXAM LATEST VERSIONS 250 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES|AGRADE
Physical definition of flat play surface – ANSWER- 2″x2″, <30 degrees Roofs above play equipment is how many inches? – ANSWER- Greater than 84″ Slide non-entanglement should not have bolts more than? – ANSWER1/8″ All hooks , such as S – hooks and C – hooks , should be closed . A hook is considered closed if there is no gap or space greater than “? – ANSWER- 0.04” inches (thickness of a Dime) Bolts should not expose more than threads beyond the end of the nut. – ANSWER- 2 threads Certain openings could present an entrapment hazard if the distance between any interior opposing surfaces is greater than inches
and less than __ inches – ANSWER- 3.5″ and less than 9″
Loose-fill materials will compress over time due to use and weathering.
At least how much? – ANSWER- 25%
Rungs/handrails: what is the diameter or maximum cross-section
preferred to achieve maximal grip strength, also benefit the weakest
children. – ANSWER- 1.25″ inches
Handrails provide Balance or support:
Handrail height between “-” for leading edge of each step? –
ANSWER- 22″ and 38″ inches
Play equipment : no more than 30″ high
The use zone should extend a minimum of how many feet in all
directions? – ANSWER- 6 feet or 72″
Play equipment : more than 30″ high
The use zone should extend a minimum of how many feet in all
directions from the perimeter of the stand alone climber ? – ANSWER- 9
feet or 108″
Flexible Climbers:
The perimeter of any opening in a net structure should be?
Preschool & school age – ANSWER- 18″inches & 20″ inches
Horizontal ladders:
horizontal distance out to the first handhold should be, when access from
the platform? – ANSWER- No greater than 10 inches
Horizontal ladders:
horizontal distance out to the first handhold should be, when access is
from climbing rungs? – ANSWER- At least 8 inches but no greater than
10 inches
Horizontal ladders:
space between adjacent rungs of overhead ladders should be? –
ANSWER- greater than 9 inches to prevent entrapment
The maximum height of a horizontal ladder for Preschool-Age should
be? – ANSWER- No more than 60″ inches
The maximum height of a horizontal ladder for School-age should be? –
ANSWER- No more than 84″ inches
overhead swinging rings are suspended by chains , the maximum length
of the chains should be? – ANSWER- 7″ inches long
The diameter of sliding poles should be no greater than? – ANSWER1.9″ inches
The highest point of the rolling log should be a maximum of __“
inches above the protective surface below . – ANSWER- 18″ inches
An equipment’s fall height must be _ the protective surface’s critical height in order to conform the protective to ASTM safety standards . – ANSWER- Lower than or equal to A fall height is only measured in whole feet. True or false? – ANSWERFalse Professional judgement – ANSWER- Must be based on knowledge , skill , or expertise in the specific field of playground safety . The user range covered by ASTM F1487 is : – ANSWER- 5th percentile 2 year old to 95th percentile 12 year old Where is the best source for accessible design information ? – ANSWER- DOJ 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design The purpose of ASTM Standard 1487 is : – ANSWER- To reduce life threatening and debilitating injuries Maximum incline of a rotating play equipment? – ANSWER- 45 degrees Maximum ramp slope is :_ratio? – ANSWER- 1:12 Maximum ramp run without a landing “? – ANSWER- 144”
inches
To be compliant with ASTM 1487, a designer or manufacturer of playground equipment should
provide buyers with a parts list for the playground
- The fish or wedge probe is used to determine whether or not a hazard exists on
a partially bounded opening - Which of the following is correct regarding the impact-attenuation of surfacing material
Critical height must equal or exceed fall height - When evaluating the structural integrity of a support structure for a swing that appears to be failing, a CPSI should
hire a licensed professional engineer to certify the integrity of the equipment - Manufacturers of playground equipment must: provide the manufacturer’s identification of the equipment
- The majority of injuries associated with playground equipment result from
falls to the surface on which the equipment was located - An opening may present a common crush or shear hazard only if it
grabs the 5/8″ (16mm) dowel - The criteria for unitary surface materials includes meeting requirements of
ASTM F1292 and F1487 - Regarding playground safety signage, which of the following is correct
Signage may not prevent accidents but may reduce liability - Which of the following factors is MOST important when determining the frequency of inspections of surfacing
Type of surfacing and amount of use - When planning a playground for public use, the play equipment that is chosen must
be appropriate for the age of intended users - A spring rocker with seat height of 26″ is about to be installed adjacent to the side of a fully enclosed bucket swing set. The minimum distance required between the swing set and the rocker is
108″ or 9′ - The Site History File for a playground should contains
a comprehensive inventory of all equipment, a parts list, maintenance, and inspection recommendations - What is the minimum use zone between a stand-alone climber and a standing-rocking/springing playground piece
156″ or 13′ - The _ of each play structure shall provide clear and concise inspection instructions
Manufacturer - Heights of guardrails and protective barriers are determined by which of the following characteristics of children
Center of gravity - Which of the following is allowed on a public playground
Swinging exercise rings less than 7″ in length are approved for public playgrounds - A component on stationary equipment that fits within a projection gauge and extends beyond the face of the gauge is technically defined as a
protrusion - According to the CPSC, which of the following statements is correct
The use zone is the area under and around the equipment where protective surfacing is required - According to CPSC, good playground supervisors must understand all EXCEPT
general playground design - Where is the best source for accessible design information
DOJ 2010 ADA Standard for Accessible Design - How should the CPSI determine the impact attenuation of the poured-in-place safety surfacing when auditing a playground
Verify the documentation from the manufacturer - In the case that a CPSI will be training co-workers. The initial goal of the staff training should be to
ensure awareness of playground safety - What is the most serious type of injury that can occur from a play component projection
entanglement - Which of the following covers selecting and specifying surface systems under and around playground equipment
ASTM F2223 - It is the responsibility of the __ to replace signs or labels or both, should they become illegible, destroyed, or removed
Owner/Operator - Upon doing a routing inspection, a maintenance worker finds a badly cracked child’s swing seat. There is no other seat available. The maintenance worker should
remove the swing seat and chains - The ADA requires that accessible equipment on new or renovated playgrounds must
be on an accessible route - Which of the following is exempt from the head entrapment requirements
The opening between the surface and the first rung - When evaluating a site for it’s potential as an appropriate site for future playground, all of the following should be considered EXCEPT
proximity to the closest existing public playground with similar design - Which areas on a playground using loose fill surfacing are more susceptible to displacement
Under swings and slide exits - The purpose of installing and maintaining an appropriate amount or type of impact attenuating surfacing under and around play equipment is to
minimize the likelihood of a serious head injury - Which of the following is compliant with ASTM F1487
An accessible bolt end projecting two full threads beyond the face of a nut exposed on a guardrail is acceptable - The standard that is used to determine whether the playground surfacing is firm, stable, and slip resistant is
F1951 - The standards of the CPSI Code of Professional Conduct include all of the following EXCEPT
Protecting the assets of the playground owner as a paramount objective - The guiding philosophy of risk reduction is to
be proactive rather than reactive - Which of the following pieces of equipment is for children ages 2 to 5
72″ high slide - The CPSC Handbook is a
federal guideline - Which of the following statements is correct regarding guardrail design
Horizontal infill cross-pieces should be spaced no farther than 3.5″ apart - A CPSI conducts an audit of a public playground without the authorization or consent of the playground’s owner The CPSI has violated the
CPSC Code of Professional Conduct - Which option is best when a piece of playground equipment must be taken out of service for an extended period of time
Place heavy duty construction fencing around the component and place signage in the area - Which of the following statements about playground inspections is true
High frequency inspections should focus on routine maintenance - Which of the following has the greatest potential to create a Priority 1 hazard on a 120″ long embankment slide
A slide chute clearance zone less than 15″ has greatest potential - When evaluating non-traditional playground equipment for hazards it is recommended that
All components are identified and the appropriate performance requirements be applied - The determination of what constitutes a playground hazard according to the ASTM Standards and CPSC Guidelines is derived from all of the following EXCEPT
IPEMA International Playground Equipment Manufacturer’s Association - A child sustains a serious head injury at a playground. The Playground owner has performed regular safety inspections but has not documented the inspections or any corrective actions taken. The owner is now subject to possible accusations of
Negligence - Which of the following is covered by ASTM F1487
Public use playground equipment - Low frequency inspection forms should be
assembled using information from the Site History File and Mannufacturer’s recommendations - Which of the following statements regarding fasteners and other hardware is true
Must be corrosion resistant or have a corrosion - The fall height for an elevated platform is determined by measuring
the height of the platform above the protective surfacing - Children ages 2 to 5 are most likely to have trouble with climbers that
don’t have an easy way down - Which of the following is an acceptable distance for the opening between two adjacent platforms
3″ - A tot swing with fully enclosed seats has a top beam height of 96″ above the protective surfacing, a pivot point of 6″ below the top of the beam and a swing seat 24″ above the ground what is the minimum use zone
132″ or 11′ - When installing climbing ropes over engineered wood fiber, the rope should
be secured at both ends - What establishes the public playground owner’s standard of care for their risk management program
The owner’s safety policy - According to CPSC, the quality of supervision depends upon the extent of the supervisor’s knowledge of
safe play behavior - A sitting spring rocker with a fall height of 28″ is placed next to a large composite structure with a fall height of 72″ What is the minimum acceptable distance between the spring rocker and composite structure
108″ or 9′ - Which of the following is the most important factor when determining placement of play equipment for 2 to 5 year olds
Circulation of users - What is the purpose of a playground safety audit
Record compliance with current guidelines and standards - Which of the following is a hazard associated with track rides when the rolling portions of the hand gripping is not enclosed
Crush and shear points - Which of the following will BEST protect against litigation related to playground safety
Maintaining play areas in compliance with ASTM standards - The CPSC recommends that children of which age group use Horizontal ladders, ring treks and chinning bars
4 years of age and older - Stepping forms for pre-school age children must be permanently affixed and shall have a hand support if the step is greater than
20 inches - A CPSI Audits a new playground designed for children 2 to 5 and documents all compliant and non-compliant conditions found. Which of the following is non-compliant
A platform used to access a track ride that is 38″ by 36″ - According to the current CPSC Handbook, fatal injuries of children involving playground equipment include which of the following
Impact from equipment tipping over - For which of the following has the fall height as the maximum height of the structure
The fall height for horizontal ladders is the maximum height of the structure - Trees can be utilized for sun protection if
the trunks are located outside the use zone - What is the minimum use zone between a stand-alone climber and a standing-rocking/springing playground piece
156″ or 13′ - Which of the following statements regarding swings is true
Swings require bushings, bearings, or other means of reducing friction and wear - What is the minimum use zone between a merry-go-round and sitting-rocking/springing equipment
144″ or 12′ - If fencing is installed on a playground, the fencing shall comply with
ASTM 2049 - Playgrounds made of wood or containing wood components must
be naturally rot resistant or treated to resist rot - When performing a safety audit, a 5/8″ diameter rod is used to check for
crush or shear hazards on a moving component - All of the following are factors identified to contribute to playground injuries EXCEPT
equipment designed to encourage risk taking
Without alternate means of egress, max. difference in height between stepped platforms for Pre-School age and School-Age
Pre-School: 12 inches
School-Age: 18 inches
An access component is needed if the difference in platform height is more than _ for pre-school age and _ for school age.
12 inches
and
18 inches
Except for entrance/exit openings, the max. clearance opening without a top horizontal guardrail should be __.
15 inches
Guardrail/Barrier is not required in fall height is less than:
Pre-School __
School-Age
<20 inches
<30 inches
Pre-School Age Guardrail, >20″ < or = 30″: Total Height, Gap at Bottom 29″+ <9″, > or = 23″
Pre-School Age Barrier, >30″: Total Height, Gap at Bottom
29″+
<3.5″
School Age Guardrail, >30″ < or = 48″: Total Height, Gap at Bottom
38″+
9″, < or = 28″
School Age Barrier, >48″: Total Height, Gap at Bottom
38″+
<3.5″
Access platforms over __ should provide intermediate standing surface so child can pause and make decision to keep going up or go down.
6′
Handrails- Preschool/Schoolage: should have a diameter or max. cross-section between __ and . Preferred diameter is .
.95″ and 1.55″
1.25 inches
Continuous handrails extending over the full length of the access should be provided on both sides of all _ and _.
stairways and stepladders
Handrail Height: The vertical distance between the top front edge of a step or ramp surface and the top surface of the handrail above should be (Preschool, Schoolage)
P: between 22 and 26″
S: between 22 and 38″
Transition Point
Point where child must transition from access component to play structure platform
(T/F) Handrails or handholds are recommended at all transition points.
True
Balance Beams should be no more than __ (P/S)
P: 12 inches
S: 16 inches
Use Zone- Climbers: Should extend a min. of _ in all directions. (MAY/MAY NOT) overlap with neighboring equipment, if allowed by that equipment type AND -there is at least _ between equipment when adjacent designated play surfaces are no more than _ . OR There is at least _ between equipment when adjacent play surfaces are more than __.
6′
MAY
6′
<30 inches
9′
30 inches
Climbers should not have climbing bars or other rigid structural components in the interior of the climber onto which a child may fall from a height of __.
18 inches
(T/F) Arch climbers should be used as the sole means of access to other equipment for preschoolers.
False
(T/F) Free Standing climbers are not recommended for toddlers or preschool age children.
True
Climbers: Rung Width, Vertical Rise, Slope, Diameter (Preschool/Schoolage)
Preschool:
RW: > or = 12″
VR: > or = 12″
Slope: 75-90 degrees
Dia: .95″-1.55″
School-Age:
Preschool:
RW: > or = 16″
VR: > or = 12″
Slope: 75-90 degrees
Dia: .95″-1.55″
(T/F) Free-standing flexible climbers are not recommended on playgrounds intended for toddlers and preschoolers.
True
Free-standing flexible climbers: The perimeter of any opening in a net structure should be less than _ or greater than _.
17 inches
28 inches
Horizontal Ladders: The horizontal distance out to the first handhold should be:
-No greater than _ but not _ the platform, when access is from a platform.
-At least _ but no greater than _ when access is from climbing rungs.
10 inches
directly above
8 inches
10 inches
Horizontal ladders intended for preschool age children should have rungs that are _ and _.
parallel
evenly spaced
The max. height of a horizontal ladders (measured from center of grasping device to top of protective surfacing) should be __ (Preschool/School-age
P (4 and 5 yrs old): 60 inches max.
SA: 84 inches max.
Horizontal Ladders: The center-to-center spacing of horizontal ladder rungs should be __ (Preschool/School-age)
P (4 and 5 yrs old): 12 inches max.
SA: 15 inches max.
Horizontal Ladders: The max. height of the take-off/landing platform above the protective surface should be __ (Preschool/School-Age)
P (4 and 5 yrs old): 18 inches max.
SA: 36 inches max.
Overhead Rings: The horizontal distance out to the first handhold should be:
-No great than _ but not _ the platform when access is from a platform.
-At least _ but no greater than _ when access is from climbing rungs.
10 inches
directly above
8 inches
10 inches
Overhead Rings: The max. height of overhead rings measured from the center of the grasping device to the protective surfacing should be __ (Preschool/School-age)
P: 60 inches
SA: 84 inches
If overhead singing rings are suspended by chains, the max. length of the chains should be __.
7 inches
Overhead Rings: The max. height of the take-off/landing platform above the protective surfacing should be __ (Preschool/School-age).
P: 18 inches max.
SA: 36 inches max.
(T/F) Sliding poles are not recommended for toddlers/preschool since they generally do not have the upper body/hand strength to slide.
True
Sliding Poles should be _ with not _ or __ along the sliding surface.
Continuous
Protruding welds or seams
(T/F) Sliding Poles should not change direction alone the sliding portion.
True
The horizontal distance between a sliding pole and any structure used for access to the sliding pole should be between _ and _.
18 inches
20 inches
A Sliding Pole should extend at least __ above the level of the platform or structure used for access to the sliding pole.
60 inches
The diameter of a Sliding Pole should be no greater than __.
1.9 inches
(T/F) Sliding Poles: Upper access should be from one level only.
True
The upper access area through the guardrail or barrier should be __ at most.
15 inches.
For sliding poles accessed from platforms, the fall height is the distance between the _ and the _.
platform
protective surfacing
For sliding poles not accessed from platforms, the fall height is the distance between a point __ the highest point of the pole and the protective surfacing.
60 inches
(T/F) The top of the sliding pole’s support structure should not be a designated play surface.
True
(T/F) Track Rides should not be used on playground for toddlers/preschool.
True
Two Track Rides next to each other should be at least __ .
4 feet apart
Track Rides: The handle should be between _ and _ from the surfacing and follow standard gripping recommendations.
64 inches
78 inches
(T/F) Track Rides: Rolling parts do not need to be enclosed.
False
Enclose to prevent crush hazards.
Track Rides: The fall height is the distance between __ and the protective surfacing.
max. height of the equipment
(T/F) Track Rides, Fall Height: Equipment support posts with no designated play surfaces are exempt from fall height rule.
True
The highest point of a log roll should be a max. of __ above the protective surface below.
18 inches
Use Zone- Log Rolls: When not part of a composite structure should extend a min. of _ in all directions. (MAY/MAY NOT) overlap with neighboring equipment, if allowed by that equipment type AND -there is at least _ between equipment when adjacent designated play surfaces are no more than _ . OR There is at least _ between equipment when adjacent play surfaces are more than __.
6′
MAY
6′
< 30 inches
9′
30 inches
The fall height of a lot roll is the distance between the __ and the protective surfacing.
highest portion of the rolling log
Merry-Go-Round recommendations apply when it is a least __.
20 inches in diameter.
The standing/sitting surface of a Merry-Go-Round platform should have a max height of __ (preschool/school-age)
P: 14 inches max.
SA: 18 inches max.
The surface of a Merry-Go-Round platform should not have any openings between the axis and the periphery that permit a rod having a diameter of __ to penetrate completely through surface.
5/16 inch
The difference between a min. and max. radius of a non-circular Merry-Go-Round platform should not exceed __.
2 inches
The underside of the perimeter of a Merry-Go-Round platform should be no less than __ above protective surfacing.
9 inches
(T/F) No components of a Merry-Go-Round apparatus, including __, should extend beyond perimeter or platform.
True
handgrips
Merry-Go-Round: A means should be provided to limit the peripheral speed of rotation to a max. of __.
13 feet per second
(T/F) Merry-Go-Round’s may have up and down ocillatory motion.
false
Merry-Go-Round Use Zone: __ beyond perimeter of platform.
6 feet
Merry-Go-Round Use Zone MAY/MAYNOT overlap with other use-zones, unless the rotating equipment is less than __ and the adjacent equipment allows overlap.
MAY NOT
20 inches
Seesaws ARE/ARE NOT recommended for preschool
ARE NOT
Seesaws: The fulcrum should not present a __.
Crush Hazard
Seesaws: The max. attainable angle between a line connecting the seats and the horizontal is __.
25 degrees
Seesaws: There SHOULD/SHOULD NOT be any footrests.
SHOULD NOT
Pre-school age children are capable of using __ seesaws.
Spring Centered Seesaws
Seesaws, Use Zone: Should extend __ from each outside edge of seesaw.
6 feet
Use Zone- Seesaws: Should extend a min. of _ in all directions. (MAY/MAY NOT) overlap with neighboring equipment, if allowed by that equipment type AND -there is at least _ between equipment when adjacent designated play surfaces are no more than _ . OR There is at least _ between equipment when adjacent play surfaces are more than __.
6′
MAY
6′
< 30 inches
9′
30 inches
Seesaw, Handholds: Should be provided at each sitting position for gripping with __ and should not . Handholds should not .
Both Hands
Turn when grasped
Extend beyond the sides of the seat
The fall height of a Seesaw is the distance between the __ and the protective surfacing.
highest point any part of the seesaw can reach
F1487
Range of Users _ to _
Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use.
5th percentile 2 year old to 95th percentile 12 year old
F2373
Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Public Use Play Equipment for Children 6 Months through 23 Months.
F1292
Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment.
F2075
Standard Specification for Engineered Wood Fiber for Use as a Playground Safety Surface Under and Around Playground Equipment.
F2223
F2223 Standard Guide for ASTM Standards on Playground Surfacing.
F2479
F2479 Standard Guide for Specification, Purchase, Installation and Maintenance of Poured-In-Place Playground Surfacing.
F1951
Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment.
F1816
F1816 Standard Safety Specification for Drawstrings on Children’s Upper Outerwear.
Designated Play Surface
Any elevated surface for standing, walking, crawling, sitting or climbing, OR a flat surface greater than 2 inches wide by 2 inches long having an angle less than 30 degrees from the ground.
Playground Layout: Key Factors
Accessibility
Age Separation
Conflicting Activities
Sight Lines
Signage/labeling
Supervision
Moving equipment, such as swings or merry-go-rounds, should be located __.
Toward a corner, side or edge of play area
maintain use-zone.
The diameter of a projection should not _ in the direction _ from the surrounding surface toward the exposed end.
increase
away
Bolts should not be exposed more than __ beyond the end of the nut.
2 threads
An S-hook is considered closed if there is no gap or space greater than . About the thickness of a .
.04 inches
dime
Certain openings could present an entrapment hazard if the distance between any interior opposing surfaces is greater than _ and less than _.
3.5 inches
9 inches
Angles formed by two accessible adjacent parts should be greater than __ unless the lowest led is horizontal or below horizontal.
55 degress
Suspended components can become hazards when they are _ of horizontal and are less than _ above protective surfacing.
45 degrees
7 feet
Suspended components should not be able to loop back on themselves or other ropes, cables, or chains to create a circle with a __ perimeter.
5 inch or greater
Suspended components should be fastened at both ends unless they are _ or _.
7 inches or less longs
attached to a swing seat.
Suspended component hazard recommendations do not apply if the suspended component is more than above protective surfacing and is a min. of at its widest cross section.
7′
1 inch
6 Types of Playground Hazards
- Crush and Shearing Points
- Entanglement and Impalement
- Entrapment
- Sharp Points, Corners and Edges
- Suspended Hazards
- Tripping Hazards
Slide platform should be at least __ deep.
14 inches
Embankment slide : Slide chute should have a max. height of __ above the underlying ground surface.
12 inches
Roller Slides: The space between adjacent rollers and between the end of the rollers and the stationary structure should be __.
less than 3/16 inch
Flat open chutes should have sides at least __ extending along both sides of the chute for the entire length of the inclined sliding surface.
4 inches
Slides may have an open chute with a circular, semicircu- lar or curved cross section provided that:
The vertical height of the sides is no less than _ when measured at right angles to a horizontal line that is _ when the slide is intended for preschool/school-age.
OR
For any age group, the vertical height of the sides is no less than
4 inches
P: 12 inches
SA: 16 inches
4 inches minus two times the width of the slide chute divided by the radius of the slide chute curvature
H=4-[(2x slide chute width)/slide chute radius]
For preschool/school-age:
The average incline of a slide chute should be no more than _ (that is the height to horizontal length ratio does not exceed _).
30 degrees
0.577
For preschool/school-age:
No section of the slide chute shall have a slope greater than __.
50 degrees
Tube Slides: The min. diameter of the tube should be no less than __.
23 inches
Slide chute exit region should be between _ and _ as measured from a plane parallel to the ground.
0 degrees
-4 degrees
Slide Chute Exit, Toddlers: Should be between _ and _ long if any portion of the chute exceeds a __ slope.
7 and 10 inches
24 degree
Slide Chute Exit, Toddlers: Should be no more than __ above protective surfacing.
6 inches
Slide Chute Exit, Toddlers: Should have a transition from the sliding portion to the exit region with a radius of curvature of at least __.
18 inches
Slide Chute Exit, Preschool/School Age: Should be at least __ long.
11 inches
Slide Chute Exit, Preschool/School Age: Should be no more than _ above the protective surfacing if slide is no greater than _.
11 inches
< 4 feet
Slide Chute Exit, Preschool/School Age: Should be at least _ but no more than _ above protective surfacing if slide is over __.
7 inches
15 inches
4 feet
Slide Use-Zone, Preschool/School-Age: Use zone in front of the access and to the side of a slide should extend a min. of _ from the perimeter of the equipment. This recommendation does not apply to _ and __ slides.
6 feet
embankment
composite structure
Slide Use-Zone, Preschool/School-Age: The use zone MAY/MAY NOT overlap with use zone of other equipment; two or more slide use-zones may overlap if their sliding paths are __.
MAY NOT
parallel
Slide Use-Zone, Preschool/School-Age: For slides less than or equal to , use zone in front of the exist should be at least .
< or = 6 feet
Slide Use-Zone, Preschool/School-Age: For slides greater than , use zone in front of the exist should be at least .
6 feet
8 feet
Slide, Entanglements: Projections up to _ in diameter should not stick up more than _ from the slide.
3 inches
1/8th inch
Slide, Entanglements: There should be no __ where the slide chute connects with the platform that can entangle clothing or strings.
gaps at the tops of slides
Spring Rockers, Preschool: Seat height should be between _ and _.
14 and 28 inches
Spring Rockers: Each seating position should be equipped with _ and _.
handgrips
footrests
Swings: Distance from chain to structure when measured at 60 inches above surfacing.
30 inches
Swings: Distance between chains of adjacent swings when measured 60 inches above surfacing
24 inches
Swings: Distance from seat surface to protective surface (Toddlers (full bucket), Preschool, Schoolage)
T: 24 inches
P: 12 inches
SA: 12 inches
Swings: Distance between chains suspending single swing
20 inches
Full Bucket Seat pivot points should be at least _ but no more than _ above protective surfacing.
47 inches
96 inches (8 feet)
Multi-Axis Swing: The minimum clearance between the seating surface and the uprights of the support structure should be __ when the tire is in a position closest to the supports.
30 inches
Multi-Axis Swing: The minimum clearance between the bottom of the seat and the protective surfacing should be not less than __.
12 inches
Multi-Axis Swing: Use should extend a distance of _ plus the _ in any direction
6 feet
length of suspended members (pivot point to top of seat surface)
No protrusions, including bolts or other parts, on the front back or underside of a swing should stick out more than __.
1/8 inch
Major causes of death and seriously debilitating injury:
1-4
- Entanglement
- Falls
- Head/Neck Entrapment
- Impact
Hazard Priority is based on these 3 factors
Possibility
Probability
Consequence
There must be no overhead obstructions within __ above designated playing surface
84 inches
Torso Probe: Dimensions are based on __.
5th percentile 2 year old
Head Probe: Dimensions are based on __
95th percentile 5 year old
Head/Torso probe must be inserted at least __.
4 inches
Partially Bounded Opening Template, “B” is considered fully inserted if it goes below the top of the opening more than __.
3/4 inch
Partially Bounded Opening Entrapment Exception:
Where contact with side of the opening is less than _ inches above protective surfacing OR Lower leg of opening is _ or pointed __.
24 inches
horizontal or downward
Smallest projection gauge is based upon __.
Thickness of a child’s skull at temple region
Middle projection gauge protects child from __.
Projection entering brain through eye-socket
Largest projection gauge prevents __.
Soft tissue damage such as bruised or ruptured organs in abdominal area.
Test procedure for Completely Bounded Nonrigid Openings: apply a force of __ to the probe to attempt to pass it through opening.
50 lb/ft (222N)
If the unbounded part of a partially bounded opening is between _ and _ in width when measured perpendicular to each surface, the opening can be considered accessible and must meet specified conditions.
1.875 inches
9.0 inches
Suspended members, such as rings on upper body equipment, shall have a min. radius of __ on corners and edges.
.25 inches
Ramps that are a component of a play structure and intended to provide wheelchair access shall have a horizontal run between landings not to exceed __.
< 144 in.
Landings with play components shall include space for a wheelchair user to park and play with an adjacent circulation path not less than __ wide.
36″
The depth of the outer edge of the tread on spiral stairways shall be __ or greater (Preschool/Schoolage).
p: 7″+
SA: 8″+
Platforms, landings, walkways, ramps and similar transitional play surfaces that are elevated above protective surfacing and that are accessible to wheelchairs shall provide a clear width of not less than . Clear width may be reduced to for not more than __ along the path of travel.
36″
32″
24″
Turning spaces and parking spaces provided at a transfer point on wheelchair accessible platforms MAY/MAYNOT overlap.
MAYNOT
Wheelchair accessible ramps less than or equal to _ above the protective surface for preschool or _ for school-age, shall have two handrails on each side of the ramp that are _ to _ and _ to _ high.
< or = 30″
< or = 48″
26″ to 28″
12″ to 16″
Wheelchair accessible ramps must have a curb projecting above the ramp a min. of _ at both edges when any of the following conditions are present: -Guardrails of barriers not extending to within _ of ramp surface
-Ramps with _ and no barrier -Ramps where the barrier is _ of the ramp surface.
2″
1″
two rails
beyond the edge
On stairways, all steps greater than __ above protective surfacing shall require protective barriers.
48″
Wheelchair-accessbile ramps that require barriers shall have a handrail _ to _ high on each side of the ramp.
26″ to 28″
Upper body equipment intended for users in wheelchairs shall have grasping devices no greater than __ above accessible surface.
54″
The radius curvature of the sliding surface in the exit region shall be __ or greater.
30″
Suspended elements shall to impart a peak acceleration in excess of _ and shall have a HIC score not to exceed _ when tested in accordance with impact attenuation requirements.
100g
500 HIC
How many multiple occupancy suspended elements can be mounted within a single swing bay.
only one
Seesaws/Spring Rockers: Handgrips intended to be gripped by one hand shall have a min. length of . Handgrips for two hand shall have a min. length of .
3″
6″
Seesaws shall be constructed so the maximum attainable seat height is __.
60 inches
Spring Rockers: Footrests shall have a min. width of __.
3.5 inches
Track Rides: The lowest portion of the hand gripping component shall be a min. of _ and max. of _ above protective surfacing.
64 inches min.
78 inches max.
Track Rides: When elevated surfaces are used they shall include a landing space with a min. length of _ and min. width of _.
36 inches
32 inches
Roof that are an integral part of a play structure may be at any angle, provided that the roof line (lowest edge), excluding support members, is at least __ above underlying designated play surface.
84 inches
Stepping Forms: Shall contain a min. designated play surface of _ and shall have a surface slope no greater than _ from horizontal.
10 inches
30 degrees
Stepping forms shall be no greater than _ above protective surface (Preschool/School Age). Above than hand supports are required at heights between _ and __ above stepping surface.
P: 20 inches
SA: 30 inches
22″ and 38″
These two stepping form shall be stationary _ and _.
Those intended for Preschool
and those above 30 inches
Distance between stepping forms (Preschool/School Age)
12 inches
18 inches
The use zone for springing/rocking equipment on which the user in intended to stand shall be no less than __. Other allowed use zones MAY/MAYNOT overlap.
84 inches
MAY NOT
Vertical Projection Gauge
1/8″ (.12)
Roller Slides: Size of Crush/Shear Test Probe
3/16″ (.19)
Merry-Go-Round: Size of crush/shear test probe
5/16″ (.30)
Openings with movement size of crush/shear test probe
5/8″ (.62)
Partially Bound Opening Probe- min. insertion depth
3/4″ (.75)
Torso Probe Thickness/Min. insertion depth
3.5″
4″
Head Probe Diameter
9″
Max. clear opening without top horizontal guardrail
15″
Elevated Structures- max. height without guardrails
20″
Guardrail 2-5: max. height of lower rail
23″
Guardrail 5-12: max. height lower rail
28″
Guardrail 2-5: max. height upper rail
29″
Barriers 2-5: min. height upper rail
29″
Elevated structures for 2-5: max. height without barriers
30″
Elevated Structure 5-12: max. height without guardrails
30″
Guardrail 5-12: min. height upper rail
38″
Barriers 5-12: min. height upper rail
38″
Elevated structures for 5-12: max. height without barriers
48″
Check painted equipment installed before __ for lead paint.
1978
A projection is not an entanglement unless 4 conditions are present:
- must fit within projection gauge
- must be above horizontal plane
- must have perpendicular sides
- must extend > .12 (1/8″) form initial surface
Slide Non-Entanglement Zone: Projections greater than _ are note allowed within the _ (measured from ) regardless of their .
1/8″
21″
inside chute wall
orientation
Exceptions to Crush Shear Criteria
- Chain and its method of attachment
- attachment area of coil springs
- Area between top rail and swinging element
- area between lightweight moving parts
Height for Transfer platform
11″-18″
Openings in platform and between edge and railing may not exceed __.
1/2″
Reduced Gradient Exit (length/orientation)
11 inches
0 to -4 degrees
Slide Clearance Zone is _ above bed way for entire bed way and _ through the exit use zone
60″
continues
Signage must communicate:
- age appropriateness
- supervision recommended
- warning to remove helmets, drawstrings or accessories around the neck
- warning message regarding hot surfaces/surfacing
All signs must meet ANSI/UL 969 criteria
ASTM 1292 Test Method: Gmax threshold and HIC benchmark
200 Gmax
1000 HIC
critical height relates to , fall height relates to
surfacing
equipment
Accessbile Route: Min. Clearance, min. width, max. slope
80″
60″
1:16 (6.25%)
Only surfacing exemption
where a ramp or elevated walkway connects to the perimeter of the play area
Elements of a comprehensive risk management plan
- Playground Safety Policy (establish standard of care)
- Leadership (safety coordinator)
- Documentation
- Safety Audit
- Inspectors and Maintenance
When should an audit be performed
- Prior to opening new playground
re-audit
-after installation of new equipment
-after major repairs or medication to existing equipment
-when standards or guidelines change
-if state playground laws change
Factors effecting inspection frequency
-Use Factors (extent, age, vandalism, accidents)
-Equipment/Surfacing Factors (type, age, static v. moving)
-Environmental Factors (drainage/soil, location, climate)