Preserving the Play Environment Promoting the Value of Play

Protecting Children

Provided as a public service by

PLAYGROUND MAINTENANCE GUIDE

TeresaB.Hendy,CPSIPresident,SiteMasters,Inc.

Teresa (Teri) is the President and owner of Site Masters Inc., a Cincinna9, Ohiobasedconsul9ngfirmspecializinginthedesignandsafetyofchildren’splayenvironments.For the past twenty six years Teri has been ac9vely involved as a design and safetyconsultanttotheschool,childcare,andparkandrecrea9onindustriesaswellastoprivatefounda9ons,sciencecenters,museums,andna9onalquickserverestaurants.

Teribringsextensiveknowledgeofthestandardsandguidelinesthatapplytotheplaygroundindustryasshehasac9velyworkedwiththeASTMsubcommiKeessince1987todevelopindustrystandards.TeriisontheVoiceofPlayAdvisoryBoardtoIPEMAand

anexecu9veboardmember,instructor,andco-chairofthecurriculumcommiKeefortheNa9onalPlaygroundSafetyIns9tute.Sheisana9onallyrecognizedauthor,speaker,andexpertintheareaofplaygroundsafetyanddesign.DanielM.Hendy,CPSISiteMasters,Inc.

Danhas over twentyyears of experiencein therecrea9onindustry workingwithearlychildhoodcenters,government,municipali9es,andschools.Havingpreviouslyowned and operated a sales and construc9on company, Dan possesses extensiveknowledge and experience in managing the construc9on and design of playgroundfacili9esaswellasthemanufacturing and fabrica9on of playground equipment andsitefurnishings.Danhasexperienceinfacilita9ngthedesignandconstruc9onofplaygroundstomeetthedevelopmentalneedsofthechildrenandusersoftheplayspaces.Hisbackgroundineduca9onandteachinghasenabledhimtodevelopprogramming to meet the goals ofowners,designers,andbuildersofplayfacili9es.Danhasfacilitatedmanylocallandmark

projects: HighfieldGardens,EvendaleRecrea9onCenterPlayground,JuilfsPark,BicentennialCommonsPlaygroundAddi9on,ZieglerPark,CrescentParkPlayground.DanhasaMastersinEduca9on,holdsaUSpatent,isaCer9fiedPlaygroundSafetyInspector,anda^er30yearsintheplaygroundindustry,hasjoinedSiteMastersInc.asapartnerinthefirm.

ThisGuideisapartoftheSafetyResourceSeriesandisprovidedasapublicservicebyBigToys.TheSafetyResourceSeriesismadeupofthePlaygroundMaintenanceGuideandthePlaygroundSupervisionGuide.Formoreinforma9onabouttheSeriesortorequestdigitalcopiesoftheGuides,visitwww.bigtoys.comorcall(866)814-8697.

DisclaimerThepurposeofthisoverviewresourceistoraiseawarenessaboutsomeconsidera9onsforarou9neplaygroundmaintenanceprogram;itisnottobeconsideredasanallinclusivelist.Donotrelyuponthisoverviewinlieuofthenormalsafetyinspec9onsthatmightotherwisebeconducted.Pleaserefertothemanufacturerspecifica9onsandwarnings,whichweresuppliedwiththeequipment,andcon9nuewithnormalinspec9ons.Pleasedonotconstrueourfailuretoeitheritemizeanypar9cularmaintenanceac9vityorlistanypar9cularcondi9onasastatementthattheseac9vi9esareunneededorthatthesecondi9onsdonotrequireaKen9on.PlayCoreanditsdivisionsvolunteerthesecommentsintheinterestofsafetywhileadvisingoftherestrictedcontextinwhichtheyaregiven.Copyright©2012byTeresaHendyandPlayCore,Inc.Allrightsreserved.Allmaterialscontainedinthisguideareprotectedbycopyrightlawsandmaynotbereproduced,republished,distributed,transmiKed,displayed,broadcastorotherwiseexploitedinanymannerwithouttheexpresswriKenpermissionofPlayCore,Inc.Sampleinspec9onformsmaybereproducedinlimitedquan99es,withoutpermission,forthesolepurposeofeduca9onortrainingwithinindividualorganiza9ons.

2

AbouttheAuthors

PlaygroundMaintenanceGuide

TableofContents

WhyisMaintenanceImportant?............................................................4

ManagementandStaffingPriori9es.......................................................5

MaintenanceInspection—FrequencyandProcess.................................6LowFrequencyInspections

SampleInspectionForm................................................................7InspectionGuide............................................................................9

HighFrequencyInspections

SampleInspectionForm..............................................................25InspectionGuide..........................................................................27

Resources.............................................................................................29

ReplacementParts...............................................................................30

3

TableofContents

Well-maintainedplaygroundequipmentcanhelpchildrentodevelopcogni9vely,physically,communica9vely,socially,andemo9onallyinasaferenvironment.Alongwithhelpingtopromotechildren’sdevelopment,aqualitymaintenanceprogramhasmanyposi9veoutcomes.

• Protectyourinvestment: Playequipment,protec9vesurfacing,planning,andsitedevelopmentofaplaygroundaresignificantinvestments.Itsimplymakesgoodeconomicsensetomaintaintheequipmenttoextenditslifeandprotectyourschooloragency’sinvestment.

•  Managerisk:Proper,rou9ne,and9melymaintenanceisawayofmanagingrisks in the community’s play areas, helping to protect them fromcostlyaccidents,anddemonstra9ngthecommunity’sstandardofcare.

•  Improvechildren’splayexperiences:Whenplaygroundequipmentisbroken or otherwise unusable, children miss opportuni9es for play.Thatmoment of connec9on with others and fun-filled learning mightbelost.ThebeKermaintainedtheequipment,thebeKerthechancethatachild’slifeisimproved.Yourworkcouldmakethedifference!

•  Promotecommunityvalues:Maintainedandgroomedplayenvironmentsareasourceofprideforthecommunity.Takinggoodcareoftheplaygroundequipmentandmaintainingabeau9fulenvironmentisanexpressionofyourcommunity’svalues.

•  Controlexpenses:Timely,preven9verou9nemaintenanceprocedureshelpcontrolexpensesbyreducingupkeepandreplacementcosts,enablingmoreaccuratebudge9ng.

LearningOutcomes:•  Definetheimportanceofmaintenanceasakeyto

maximizingplaygroundvalueandmanagingrisk•  Generatehighandlowfrequencyinspection

protocolsandproceduresforasustainablemaintenanceprogram

•  Identifypotentiallyhazardousconditionsintheplayenvironmentanddefinepropermaintenancepracticesforplaygroundequipmentandsurfacing

•  Summarizeavarietyoftoolsandgenerateamaintenanceprogramuniquetoyourschooloragency

Byidentifyingandeliminatingthesehazardousconditions,youcanplayanimportantrolein…

PreservingthePlayEnvironment,PromotingtheValueofPlay,and

ProtectingChildren.

DidYouKnow?

Ithasbeenestimatedthatat

least33%ofplaygroundaccidentscouldbeavoidedwithaplannedmaintenance

program(NationalRecreationand

ParkAssociationsCPSICourse).

4

WhyisMaintenanceImportant?

Whendesigningaplaygroundmaintenanceprogram,managersshouldconsider,amongotherfactors,theseconcepts:

•  InspecHonsshouldberouHne,Hmely,andfollowedupwithacHon.o  Tip:Designtheprogramtobeconsistentwithmanufacturer’sinstruc7onswhenavailableandtake

intoaccountenvironmentalcondi7ons.•  Haveasysteminplacethatensuresanappropriateresponseto

hazards.o  Ahazardisanythingthatcouldhurtsomeone. Serioushazards

shouldbeimmediatelyrepaired,removed,ortakenoutofservice.

o  The play environment is constantly changing; yoursystemshould be capable of responding in an ongoingmanner.

o  Tip: Daily or high frequency inspec7ons may help withrespondingtothedynamicplayenvironment.

•  Asuccessfulprogramrequirescomprehensivecommitment.o  Yourprogramrequirescommitmentthatbeginsatthetopbecausefundsmustbeallocatedtosupportit.o  Everyoneassociatedwiththeplayground,fromthemanufacturertotheci9zen,hasaroletoplay

inprovidingaccesstosaferandageappropriateplay.

•  ConHnuallyeducatestaffintheseandotherareas.o  Howtoeffec9velyiden9fyproblemsandrepairplay

equipmento  Howtoprovideongoingmaintenanceo  Howtokeeprecordsanddocumenta9onofwork

•  Whennecessary,bringinoutsidevendorstoperforminspecHonsand/ordotechnicalrepairs.

•  PracHcecompletedocumentaHon.o  Completerecordsofmaintenanceandrepairsareessen9alfora

soundmaintenanceprogramandriskcontrol.Providingdocumentedevidencethatmaintenanceisbeingperformedverifiesastandardofcareassetforthbytheoperatorandcreatesahistoricalrecordthatcouldbeuseful.

o  O^en,warran9esarenothonoredifthereisnoproofofmaintenance.

5

Management&StaffingPriori9es

MaintenanceInspection—FrequencyandProcessBecauseplayequipmentandsurfacingaresubjecttochangesfromuse,abuse,andclimate,theymustbeinspectedonaregularbasis. Thefrequencyofinspec9onwillbedeterminedbymanyfactorsincludingequipmentage,usage,andmaterialsandexternalfactorsliketheageoftheusers,climate,andvandalism.Regardlessofsite-specificaKributesoftheplayground,twotypesofinspec9onsshouldbeperformedonallplaygrounds:lowfrequencyandhighfrequency.LowFrequencyInspecHonsO^enperformedquarterlyorsemi-annually, lowfrequency inspec9onsare in-depth inves9ga9onsof theequipmentandsurfacing looking for wear and tear. This inspec9on requires a staff member with mechanical knowledge andextensiveknowledge about play equipment and surfacing standards. During or immediately a^er the inspec9on,staff should dopreven9vemaintenanceandrepairsand/orremovedamagedequipmenttoremedyproblemsdiscoveredin the inspec9on. An example of this type ofmaintenancewould be replacing heavilyworn “S” hooks thatwere notedduringtheinspec9on.Seepages7-24forasampleinspec9onformandcorrespondingguide.HighFrequencyInspectionsO^enperformeddailyorweekly,highfrequencyinspec9onslookatfrequentlychangingcondi9onscausedbyuse,weather,and/orvandalism. Duringahighfrequencyinspec9on, staffchecksandcorrectsplaygroundcondi9onssuchasloose-fillsurfacingdepths,sanita9onissues,andthepresenceoftrashanddebris.Ifanyhazardsarediscovered,staff should follow school or agency procedures such as comple9ng documenta9on, taking the area out of use, and/orcorrec9ngtheproblem.Seepage25-28forasampleinspec9onformandcorrespondingguide.PlaygroundInspecHonProcess

When new play equipment is installed and atthe introduc9on of a new playground safety andmaintenanceprogram,itisgoodprac9cetohaveanaudit of theequipment performed by a Cer9fiedPlayground Safety Inspector (CPSI). Theauditwill notecondi9ons that are not compliant with current industrystandardsandwillformthebasisforasystema9cprogramofremoval,repair,and/orretrofit.

InspecHonsForms:Reportsdetailinginspec9ons,maintenance,andrepairsneedtobecompletedforalltypesofinspec9ons and maintenance. File these reports in an accessible loca9on because they may be invaluable forongoingmaintenance,budge9ng,staffing,designingnewplayareas,futureplayequipmentselec9on,andotherpurposes.Samplelowandhighfrequencyformsareincludedaspartofthisprogramguide. Theycanbereproducedandtailoredtomeetthesiteandpolicyspecificneedsofyourschooloragency. Becauseofthevarianceofeachplayarea,theseformsshouldnotbeconsideredascomprehensivelistsofplaygroundhazardsormaintenancerequirements.

ForalistofCertifiedPlaygroundSafetyInspectorsinyourareaorforinformationaboutbecomingaCPSI,contacttheNationalRecreationandParkAssociationat(800)626-6772oronlineatwww.nrpa.org/cpsi.

6

MaintenanceInspec9on

7

LowFrequencyPlaygroundInspecHon(Quarterly/Semiannually)

ReviewedBy:_ Date:_ Note:Thisisaquarterly/semi-annualreportanddesignedasasampleinspec7onreport.Manufacturer’smaintenanceinstruc7onsforinspec7onschedulesandreplacementpartsaretobereferredtopriortoanyrepairs.“Maintenanceschedulesshouldbedevelopedbaseduponactualoran7cipatedplaygrounduse”(CPSC).Retainallinspec7onreportstoassistindevelopingcomprehensivemaintenanceprograms,inspec7onschedules,andforfuturebudge7ngandplanning.

Playground Inspector DatePage of (HandsOn-PhysicalCheck-Inspector) EquipmentList

GENERALSAFETY1.Warninglabelsandagesignagepresentandlegible2.Equipmentfreeofcrushandshearhazards3.Equipmentfreeofentanglementhazards,protrusions4.Equipmentfreeofsharppoints,edges5.Boltsendslessthantwothreads,rounded,smooth6.Nochangeinopeningscausingheadentrapment7.Noinsect,birdoranimalinfestationFINISHES&MATERIALCONDITIONS1.Metalsurfacesarefreeofrustandloosepaintchips2.Surfacesareclean,freeofgraffitiandvandalism3.Woodisfreeofrot,splinters,warping,checking4.Freeofbent,broken,missingparts,excessivewear5.Plasticscomponentsarefreeofcracks6.Weldsareintactandcrackfree7.PVCcoatingsarenotpeelingandingoodconditionFASTENERS1.Hardwareispresent,tightandfullyengaged2.Pipecapsarepresentonendsoftubing3.FiKings/bearingsarefunctional,greased,squeakfree4.Turnbucklesareengagedandproperlyadjusted5.Cables/ropesareanchoredandnotunraveledSTRUCTURALMEMBERS1.Footings/anchoringdevicesaresecureandstable2.Structuralmembersaresoundandsecurelyfastened3.Springs/rockingcomponentsingoodrepairGRIPPING&STEPPINGCOMPONENTS1.Handgrippingcomponentssecureanddonotrotate2.Steppingsurfacesarelevel,stableandclean3.Footholds/rungsaretightandfreeofexcessivewearSLIDES1.Slidebedwayandrailsaresmoothandclearofdebris2.BedwayatplatformisfreeofentanglementhazardSWINGS&MOVINGCOMPONENTS1.Chainsarenottwistedandarefreeofexcessivewear2.S-hooksarenotwornandclosedtowithin0.04inch3.Swinghangers&bushingsarefreeofexcessivewear4.Swingseatsaresmooth&ingoodcondition5.Tireseatsarelightweight,smooth&ingoodcondition6.Tireswingassembliesgreasedandingoodcondition7.Allmovingcomponentsareingoodcondition,secure,&lubricatedOTHERPROTECTIVESURFACING Commentonreverse1.Loose-fillsurfacingislevelandatproperdepth2.Usezonesareclearofobstaclesanddebris3.Surfacedrainageisfunctionalwithnostandingwater4.Wearmatsareproperlysecuredinplace,level5.Unitarysurfacesareintact,freeofdepressions&ruts6.Surfacesintendedtobeaccessibleareessentiallylevel(1:48crossslope,1:16runningslope)

7.Accessiblesurfacesarefreeofabruptchangesofelevationgreaterthan½inchanddonothavecracksorgapsgreaterthan½inchhorizontal.8.Transferplatformshaveaheightabovethesurfacingbetween11and18inches.

Codes √=Okay M=Maintenance R=RepairRequired O=OutstandingIssue P=PartsNeeded X=Corrected

8

CodesThefollowingcodesareusedtoindicatethepresentcondi9onoftheequipment.

Comments:

Code Explana9on

√(Okay) Acheckmarkindicatesthatthecomponenthasbeencheckedandthatthecondi9onsaresa9sfactory.

M(Maintenance) An“M”indicatesthatthecondi9onwascorrectedduringtheinspec9on.Exampleswouldbe9ghteninghardwareorremovingdebris.

R(Repair) An“R”indicatesthatrepairscannotbereadilycompletedwhiletheinspectorisonsiteandfollowuprepairswillbenecessarybyaskilledstaffmemberoroutsidevendor.Ifthecondi9oncouldpresentahazardtousers,theequipmentshouldbetakenoutofserviceun9lthesitua9oncanbecorrected.Whentherepairshavebeenmade,indicatesobymarkingan“X”forcompletedmaintenance.

O(Outstanding) An“O”indicatesthataserioushazardmaybepresentrequiringaddi9onalac9onorthattheinspectorwantsorneedsasecondopinion.Ifthecondi9oncouldpresentahazardtousers,theequipmentshouldbetakenoutofserviceun9lthesitua9oncanbecorrected.Whentherepairshavebeenmade,indicatesobymarkingan“X”forcompletedmaintenance.Examples:o  Theinspectormaynothavetheauthoritytoordertheremovalofapieceofequipment.o  Theinspectormaybeunsureoftheexistenceofaprotrusionorentanglementhazard

andneedstoconsultwithaCPSI.o  Thestructuralintegrityofapieceofplaygroundequipmentisinques9onandastructural

engineermustbeconsulted.P(Parts) A“P”indicatesthatreplacementpartsarerequiredandneedtobeorderedandinstalled.Ifthe

condi9oncouldpresentahazardtousers,theequipmentshouldbetakenoutofserviceun9lthesitua9oncanbecorrected.Whentherepairshavebeenmade,indicatesobymarkingan“X”forcompletedmaintenance.

X(Completed) An“X”indicatesthatallnecessaryworkandac9onshavebeentakentorepair,replaceorremoveanunacceptablecondi9on.Makecertainthatthedateofcorrec9oniswrittenbesidethe“X.”

Thesampleinspec7onformprovidedonpage7isdesignedasalowfrequencyreportforanexis7ngplayground.Itisnotintendedasaninstrumentforaplaygroundaudit.Itisunderstoodwhenusingthisinspec7onreportthattheplayequipment, play surfaces, use zones, and accessibility were compliant at the 7me this play area wasdesigned andinstalled. Shouldtherebeanyques7onsregardingtheabovecompliancemaOers,afullscaleauditneedstobeconductedbyaCer7fiedPlaygroundSafetyInspector(CPSI),priortousingthisform.

ImportantHeadings

•  Thename,loca9on,orpropermeansofiden9fyingtheplaygroundshouldbetypedorprinted.•  Thenameofthepersonconduc9ngtheinspec9onshouldbetypedorprinted.•  Thedateoftheinspec9onshouldbetypedorprinted.•  Shouldmul9plepagesbenecessary,numbertheaddi9onalpagesandindicatethetotalnumberofpages.•  Printtheequipmentnamesinthe“EquipmentList”columns(onepieceofequipmentpercolumn). Shouldmore

columnsbenecessary,addaddi9onalpages.Beasdescrip9veaspossibleforeachpieceofequipment,usingcharacteris9cssuchasheight,color,loca9on,numberofswingseats,etc.

GeneralSafety Thissec9onaddressescondi9onsthatapplytoeverypieceandtypeofplaygroundequipment.Shouldyouhaveanyconcernsregardingwhetherornotahazardexists,marktheboxwithan“O”foroutstandingissueandconsultwithaCPSIand/orthemanufactureroftheequipment.

1.  Checkforrequiredsignsandlabels.•  TheASTMstandardrequiresthenameofthemanufacturer

orcustomdesignerbepresentontheequipment.Typically,themanufacturer’snameismoldedintoplas9ccomponentsorcastintosteelpipecapsorcollars.

•  Anagerecommenda9onandadultsupervisionsignorlabelmustbepresentonorneartheequipment.

•  Othersignsand/orwarninglabelsthatarerequired;

o  Warningsregardingdangerofwearingsportshelmets and clothing with drawstrings, whichcanbecome strangula9on hazards when wornontheequipment.

o  Hotsurfacewarningwhenapplicable.o  Surfacingwarningwhenapplicable.

9

GuideforLowFrequencyInspec9ons

A.  Checkforentanglementhazards.1.  Checkthattherearenomorethantwothreadsexposedonaboltend.Inthisphoto,

morethantwothreadsareexposed,sothisboltwouldbeconsideredanentanglementhazard.

2.  Checkthathardwaredoesnotincreaseindiameterfromtheini9alsurfaceoutofwhichitprojects,crea9ngahook,asseeninthisphoto.Ifa1/8”diameterrodcanbeinsertedfullyintothespacebetweentheprojec9onandtheini9alsurfacethentheprojec9onisconsideredanentanglementhazard.

3.  Checkthatthegapsinan“S”hookarenotgreaterthan.04inches(approximatethickness

ofadime).

2.Checkforcrushandshearhazards.Such hazards may crush a child’s finger or cause amputa9on. Crushandshearpointscanoccuroncomponentsthatare inmo9onlikesee-sawsandmovingbridgeplanks. Tocheckforacrushorshearhazard,placea5/8inchdiameterdowelintheopening.Ifthecomponentcouldclosedownonthedowel,thenacrushorshearhazardispresent.Lightweightobjectssuchas 9c-tac-toe game pieces are not considered for crush and shear. Tip:Shouldyouhaveanyconcerns regardingcrushandshearhazards,mark theboxwithan “O” for outstanding issue, and consult with a CPSIand/orthemanufactureroftheequipment.

3.Checkforentanglementandprotrusionhazards.Typicallycausedbyhardwareorsmalldiametercomponentsthatprojectoutfromasurface,entanglementandprotrusionhazardsmayentangleclothing resul9ng instrangula9onand/or impaleskincausinga lacera9on,contusion,orotherso^9ssuedamage.Projec9ongaugesshouldbeusedtocheckforentanglementandprotrusionhazards.Projec9ongaugesarepartofaninspec9ontoolkitthatisavailableforpurchasefromBigToysandtheNa9onalRecrea9onandParkAssocia9on(NRPA).ItispossibletofabricateyourowngaugesusingthedimensionsoutlinedintheConsumerProductSafetyCommission’s Handbook for Public Playground Safety, publica9on #325, available for free at www.cpsc.gov. Tip:Shouldyouhaveanyconcernsregardingentanglementsandprotrusions,marktheboxwithan“O”foroutstandingissueandconsultwithaCPSIandthemanufactureroftheequipment.

ProjectiongaugesarepartofaninspectiontoolkitthatisavailableforpurchasefromBigToys.Toorder,contactyourlocalrepresentativeat(866)814-8697orwww.bigtoys.comandaskforPart#ASTM.

Demonstrationoftestforcrushandshearhazard.

10

1.

3.

2.

GeneralSafety

4. 4.   Check that there are no gaps at the entrance to a slide at thepoint ofadachment of the slide to the plaeorm, as seen in thisphoto. If a gap ispresent, itmustbe consideredforentanglement.Since there is no standard test method, use your best judgment todetermine if a draw string on a child’s coat or outerwear could becomeentangled in the gap. If in doubt, photograph the gap and contact themanufacturer.

5.   CheckthathardwareandsmallcomponentsdonotprojectverHcallyaboveahorizontalunlesstheprojecHonislessthan1/8ofaninchoritisrounded. Inorderforapieceofhardwareorsmallcomponenttobeconsideredaver9calentanglementhazard,allofthefollowingcondi9onsmustexist:

a.  Theprojec9onwouldfitinsideathreeinchdiameterring,asseeninthisphoto.

b. Theprojec9onprojectsver9callyaboveahorizontal andis perpendiculartothesurface it comes out of (90 degrees), as seen in this photo. If thecomponent projects out horizontally or below horizontal it is not considered forentanglementunlesstheprojec9onisonthesidewallofaslide.

c.  Theprojec9onisnotrounded.Inthisphoto,theprojec9ononthele^hasperpendicularsidesandmustbeconsideredforentanglement. Theprojec9ononthe right, however, is rounded and, therefore, is not considered aver9calentanglementhazard.

d.  Theperpendicularpor9onoftheprojec9onistallerthan1/8ofaninch,asseeninthisphoto.

Examinegapbetweenslideandplatform.

Gaugesareusedtotestthecomplianceofallprojections.

11

GeneralSafety

B.   Checkforprotrusionhazards.1.   PlaceeachofthethreegaugesoverallprojecHons,regardlessofshapeandorientaHon,asseeninthis

photo.

2. IftheprojecHonextendsthroughthegaugeandprojectsbeyondthefaceofthegauge,thentheprojecHonisconsideredaprotrusionhazardandhasthepotenHaltoimpaleachild. Inthisphototheprojec9onisaprotrusionhazard.

3. Suspendedcomponents,suchasswings,havestricterprotrusionrequirements

because theymoveandmayhold theaddedweightofachild, changing thedynamics of the hazard. On a suspended component, any projec9ons thatwouldfitinsidea1¼inchdiametergaugemaynotprojectoutmorethan1/8ofaninch.(Asuspendedprojec9onhazardgauge,resemblingalargeflatwasher,ispartoftheprotrusiongaugekit.)

• Ifthediameterormaximumcrosssec9onofaprojec9onislessthanorequalto½inch,theprojec9onshouldnotextendmorethan¼ofaninchabovethesurfacetowhichitisaKached.Ifthediameterormaximumcrosssec9onofaprojec9onislessthanorequalto1½inches,theprojec9onshouldnotextendmorethan3/4ofaninchabovethesurfacetowhichitisaKached.Ifthediameterormaximumcrosssec9onofaprojec9onislessthanorequalto3inches,theprojec9onshouldnotextendmorethan1½inchesabovethesurfacetowhichitisaKached.

•

•

Whenprojec9ongaugesarenotavailable,usethefollowingproceduretodeterminethepresenceofaprotrusionhazard.

Thisunsafeprotrusionisusefulforvisualizing

extensionanddiametermeasurements.

Diam

eter

12

QuickReferenceProtrusionHazardChart

If the diameter ormaximum cross sec9on of aprojec9onislessthanorequaltothisDiameter,

Theprojec9onshouldnotextendmorethanthisExtensionabovethesurfacetowhichitisaKached.

Diameter Extension½inch ¼inch1½inches ¾inch3inches 1½inches

Source:CPSCThisboltendisanunsafe

protrusion.

Testswingsforprotrusionhazardswiththisspecialgauge..

Extension

GeneralSafety

4.   Checkforsharppointsandedges. Useyourjudgmenttodeterminewhetherornotapointoredgecouldharmachild;generally, all edges should besmooth and rounded. Pay par9cular aKen9on to rough edges onhardware,wornorcrackedmaterials,splinteredwood,rustedorcrackedmetal,andweldspaKersonmetalsurfaces.

5.   Checkthatboltendsshowlessthantwothreadsandareroundedandsmooth.PaycloseaKen9ontoboltendsbecauseroughorprojec9ngboltendscouldbeentanglementandprotrusionhazards.

A. Testallcompletelyboundopeningsthatmeasurebetween3.5and9inches.Anopeningwheresafetysurfacingisthelowestboundaryisnotconsideredahazardandisnottested.

6.   Checkforheadentrapmenthazards.Head entrapment and a resul9ng strangula9on hazard can occur whenchildrenenteranopeningfeetfirstwithonlytheirlegsandtorsopassingthrough theopening. Completelyboundopenings thatmeasurebetween3.5inchesand9inchesmustbeconsideredforheadentrapment. Iftheequipmentwas installedcorrectlyandaudited a^er installa9on, there should not beentrapmenthazardsunlesstheequipmentshi^sorreceivesimproperrepairs.Head entrapment probes andtemplates are available for purchasefromPlay&ParkandtheNRPAaspartoftheinspec9ontoolkitandmen9oned

inaprevioussec9on.aretwoprobes/templates:atorsoprobe/templateandaheadprobe/template. Theprobeisthreedimensionalandshouldbepurchasedinordertoguaranteeaccuracy.Templatesaretwodimensionalandmaybeusedinplaceofprobes. Itispossibletomakeyourowntemplatesusingthedimensionsoutlinedinthe CPSC Handbook for Public Playground Safety, but when making your owntemplates,makecertainthatthefinalproductisaccurate.

Morethan2threadsareshowing,sothisboltisahazard.

Source: CPSC

Thisphotoshowstheuseofentrapmenttemplatesasopposedtothethree

dimensionalprobes.

13

Thiscrackedcomponentisahazard.

GeneralSafety

B. Insertthetorsoprobe/templateintotheopeningasshowninthephotograph.Ifthetorsoprobe/templatedoesnotentertheopening,thentheopeningiscompliantanditdoesnotneedtobecheckedfurther.Ifthetorsoprobe/templategoesintotheopeningtoadepthoffourinches,thentheopeningisconsideredaccessibletoachildandtheopeningmustbecheckedusingtheheadprobe/templatetodetermineifanentrapmenthazardispresent.

C. Inserttheheadprobe/templateintoanyopeningthatallowedthetorsoprobe/templatetoenter.Iftheheadprobe/templatewillfreelypassthroughtheopening,noheadentrapmenthazardispresent.Iftheheadprobewillnotenterandexittheopeningfreely,theopeningisconsideredaheadentrapmenthazard.

Ifaheadentrapmenthazardexists,itshouldbecorrectedimmediately.Thedegreeofseverityofthehazardwillbedeterminedbythelikelihoodthatachildcangetintotheopeningandtheheightoftheopeningabovetheground.Higheropeningswhereitisunlikelytheentrappedchild’sfeetwillcontactthegroundposeagreaterrisk.Tip:Ifyouareuncertainwhetherornotaheadentrapmenthazardexists,closeofftheopeningandtaketheequipmentoutofserviceunAlaCPSIand/orthemanufacturercanbecontactedtolookattheissue.7.   CheckthecleanlinessandsanitaHonoftheplayenvironment.

Serioushealthhazardscanbecreatedbyanimalfeces,bodilyfluids,andbirddroppings.Also,checkregularlyforthepresenceofpests,likeinsectsandvermin,andremovethemandtheirnestsfromplayareas.

Thetorsoprobefreelyenterstheopeningandthereforerequiresfurthertesting.

Theheadprobedoesnotfreelyenter;therefore,thistic-tac-toepanelposesaheadentrapmenthazardandshouldbecorrected.

14

GeneralSafety

Finishes&MaterialsConditionsThissec9onappliestospecifictypesofsurfaces,finishes,andmaterialsandmaynotapplytoallcomponentsoftheplayequipment.

1.  Checkthatmetalsurfacesarefreefromrust&chippingpaint.

2.  CheckthecondiHonsofallsurfaces.•  Surfacesshouldbefreefrommoldandmildewas

theycanbehealthandsliphazards.•  Equipmentandsurfacingshouldbecarefully

checkedtoverifythatanygraffi9orvandalismdidnotcreateahazard. Graffi9breedsmoregraffi9andshouldberemovedimmediately.

3.  Checkthatwoodsurfacesarefreefromrot,splinters,warping,andseverechecking.Removeanysplinters,smooththearea,andfillwithcaulkifnecessary.Ifwarpingorrotexists,checktheintegrityofthewoodanditsanchoringpoint.(Hiddenrotcanoccurwherethewoodmemberintersectstheprotec9vesurfaceandconcretefooters.)Minorcrackingorcheckingisnormalforwoodproductsexposedtotheweatherandaffectstheappearanceonlytoaveryminorextent.Thestrengthofacolumnwithminorcheckingisvirtuallyunaffected.Occasionally,alargercrackorcheckwilloccuronacolumnthatmayrequirefurtheradenHon.Generally,cracksorcheckslessthan¼inchwideareconsideredtobenormalweatheringandagingofcolumns.Duetothenatureofwoodandtheinconsistentgrowthratesoforganictrees,thestainingwillvary.Tip:Whenpossible,obtainreplacementwoodfromthemanufacturerofthewoodenplayequipment.SeeLogReplacementGuideonpg.16.

Firedamagetothisplaygroundsurfacehasmadeitunsafe.

Thewoodenuprightpostisunstable.

VandalizedsurfacescanbecleanedusingBigToys

GraffitiRemover(#GRAFF).

15

Cleanandpaintallsurfacesifrustappears.Preparethesurfacesproperlybeforepain9ng.TouchuppaintisavailableforpurchasefromBigToys(Part#G004BR)

Finishes&MaterialsCondi9ons

4.  Checkthattherearenodamaged,bent,broken,ormissingparts.Damaged,bent,broken,ormissingcomponentscouldcompromisetheintegrityofthestructure.

Thispipeissplitting.5.  CheckthatplasHccomponentsarefreefromcracks,holes,andburns.

Damagedplas9ccomponentsshouldberepaired,removed,orisolated.Beforealteringadamagedcomponent,consultwiththemanufactureroftheequipmenttodetermineifrepairispossible.

Crackedplasticcouldbeacutorscratchhazard.

Note:BigToyswoodstructurescanbesealedwithanoil-basedsemi-transparentdeckstainoranoilbasedwoodfinish.BigToysrecommendsusingabrush-onapplica9ontoavoidoversprayonothercomponents.

16

BigToysLogReplacementGuide

Alogisconsideredstructurallyimpairedduetocheckingonlyifacheckofaprescribedwidthintersectsadrilledholethatisoccupiedbyancomponentofhardwareitemotherthanthelogholeplug(aplas9cfiller).Tomeasurethewidthofacheckmeasureperpendiculartothedirec9onofthecheckatthesurfaceofthelogwithin1”ofthedrilledhole.Oneofthefollowingcondi9onsmustbepresentforachecktowarrantlogreplacement:

•  SingleCheck: Anycheckinthelogthatpenetratesanoccupiedlogholewherethecheckwidth(whenmeasureasindicatedabove)isatleastaswideasthevalueshownforsinglecheckonthechartbelow.

•  Double Check: A pair of checks on opposite sides of a log thatpenetrate opposite sides of an occupied log hole where the checkwidths(whenmeasuredasindicatedabove)arebothatleastaswideasthevalueshownforadoublecheckonthechartbelow.

SingleCheck DoubleCheck

6”DiameterUpright

¼”(6.35mm)

1/8”(3.18mm)

6.   Checkthatnoweldjointsarebroken,rusHng,orrough.Askilledweldershouldmakerepairswithintheparametersofmanufacturerandplaygroundindustrystandards.Besuretorepaintthewelda^erward.TouchuppaintcanbepurchasedfromBigToys(#G004BR).Donotweldswing“S”hooksclosed.

7.   CheckPVCcoatedcomponentsforsignsofwearandpeeling.Frequentlyusedtocoatswingchain,pla{orms,andothercomponents,PVCcoa9ngsaresubjecttodegrada9onandUVbreakdownandneedtobecheckedforsignsof wear andpeeling. Whenpossible, correct peelingbyre-coa9ngthecomponent immediately because, in some cases, exposed metal maydeterioratemorequickly.

Fasteners Thissec9onappliestospecifictypesofhardwareandotherfastenersandmaynotapplytoallplaycomponentsontheplayground.

1.   Checkthatallhardwareispresent,Hght,andfullyengaged.Physicallycheckhardwaretoconfirmthatitis9ght.Mostmanufacturersu9lizeselflockingboltsorlock-9te,butintensiveuseoftheequipmentcancauseboltstoloosen.Ifnon-movingequipmentmoves,thehardwaremaybemissingornotfullyengaged.

2.   Check that caps andplugs arepresent on the endsof all pipes and tubes.Exposedtubingandpipemusthavecappedends. Capscoversharpedges,prevent insect infesta9on, and protect the metal from freeze cycles.The caps should berounded, securely fastened, and should not createanentanglementorprotrusionhazard.

3.   CheckthatallfimngsandbearingsarefuncHonal,lubricated,andsqueakfree.Fi|ngsandbearingsshouldbeingoodcondi9on,notshowingexcessivesignsofwear.Lubricateduringinspec9ontoprolongthelifeofthecomponent.Replacefi|ngsandbearingsthatareinpoorcondi9on,showingexcessivesignsofwear.

ThePVCcoatingispeeling,exposingthemetalunderneathtotheelements.

Thisboltisloose.

Thecapismissingandshouldbereplaced.

Hardwareismissingcausingthecomponenttocomeapart.

17

Fasteners

4.   Checkthatturnbucklesarefullyengagedandproperlyadjusted.Usedtokeepcomponentssuchasclimbingnetstaut,turnbucklesmayloosenover9me.Adjustturnbuckle

tensionasrequired.

StructuralMembers Thissec9onappliestothestructuralintegrityoftheplaygroundandappliestoalltypesofcomponents.1.   ChecktomakecertainthatallfooHngsandotherformsofanchoringdevicesare

stableandarenotexposed.

•  Foo9ngsandanchoringdevicesshouldbestableandingoodrepair.Standingwaterandseasonalfreezecyclescanso^enthegroundaroundthefoo9ngs,compromisingtheirintegrity.

•  Concrete foo9ngs and other

anchoring devices should be installed below the level of theprotec9vesurfacingmaterial. Ifthereareexposedfoo9ngs,theplayareashouldbe takenoutof service, and they shouldbe corrected as soonaspossible.

Theconcretefootingisexposed.

2.   Checktomakecertainthatstructuralmembersaresoundandsecurelyfastened.Structuralmembers,suchasuprightsupportposts,horizontalbeams,andpla{orms,mustbesoundandsecurelyfastened,fastenersbeing9ghtandsecure,withnounintendedmovement.Whenacomponentshi^s,headentrapmenthazardsmaybecreated.

Coilspringsandothertypesofrockingcomponentsaresubjecttoheavyuse.Forthisreason,theymaycrackorwearoutandbecomeloosefromtheiranchoringdevices.ItisimportanttocheckthepointsofaKachmenttothefoo9ngandtothebodyofthespringbouncer.Checkthespringsandrockingcomponentsforlooseormissinghardwareandforsignsofcrackingordegrada9on.

Standingwatercouldcauseinstability.

Thiscollarisslipping.

18

5.   Checkthatallcablesandropesaresecurelyfastened.Cablesandropesmustbesecurelyanchoredandnotcapableofloopingbackonthemselves.Theanchoringdevicemustbelocatedbelowtheminimumrequireddepthofprotec9vesurfacing.Checktomakecertainthatcablesandropesareingoodcondi9onandnotunravelingorcomingapart.

Wornropesandanexposedanchoringdevicemakethiscomponentunsafe.

3.   Checkthatspringsandrockingcomponentsareingoodrepair.

StructuralMembers

GrippingandSteppingComponents

1.  Checkthatallhandholds/gripsareHght,ingoodcondiHon,anddonotrotate.Unexpectedmovementofahandholdcouldcauseachildtofall.

2.  Checkthatallsteppingsurfacesarelevel,stable,andclean.•  Steppingsurfacesthatarenotlevelandstablemay

create a trip hazard. Stairs, pla{orms, andothertypes of access devices should nothaveabruptchangesoflevel.

•  All surfaces should be kept clean and free ofdebris.Pla{ormsshoulddrainwell.

•  Surfacesintendedforwheelchairuseshouldnothaveaver9calchangeofeleva9ongreaterthan½inchandmaynothaveahorizontalgaporspacegreaterthan½inch.

3.  Checkthatallfootrungs/holdsareHght,secure,andingoodcondiHon.•  Ifafootholdisnotintendedtomove,itshouldnotmove.MakecertainthatcomponentssuchasbuKonstepsand

balancebeamsarelevelandsecure.•  Excessivewearonasteppingcomponentmayimpacttheintegrityofthecomponentandalsocreatea

trippinghazard,especiallyifthesurfaceissepara9ng,suchaswhenapipesplits.

Slides

1.  Checkallslidestomakecertainthatthebedwaysandsidewallsaresmooth

andfreefromdebris.•  Lookforsmoothness,andnoteexcessivelywornslideparts.•  Lookforforeignobjectscaughtinthespacesbetweensec9onsoftheslide,

asseeninthisphoto.

Thisdebriscouldposeahazard.2.  Checktheslidebedwayandtheadachmentpointoftheslidetotheplaeorm

forcondiHonsthatmightentangleclothingorbodyparts.Theslidebedwaymustbefreefromentanglementhazards,asnotedintheentanglementsec9on.Clothingentanglementcanoccurwhenthebedwayseparatesfromthepla{ormcrea9ngagaplargeenoughtoallowdrawstringsorclothingtoenterthegap.Entanglementmayalsooccurwhensec9onsofthebedwayseparateorwhenthecomponentiscrackedordamaged.Tip:Ifyouareunsureoftheentanglementpoten7al,markan“O”foroutstandingissueontheinspec7onformandtaketheequipmentoutofserviceun7ltheissueisresolved.

Thistearcouldbeanentanglementhazard.

Openingsinthesurfaceofanaccessibleroutemaynotbelargeenoughtoadmit

a1/2"dowel.

19

Gripping&SteppingComponents

1.   Checkthatswingchainsorcablesarenottwistedandarefreefromexcessivewear.•  Check the links of the chain from top to boKom for kinks, paying

specialaKen9ontothelinksatthetopofthechainandattheswingseatconnec9on.

•  Unwrapswingchainsifthey arewrappedaroundthetoprailoftheswingstructure,checkingfordeepwear.

•  Tip:Purchaseswingchainfromaplaygroundequipmentmanufacturer.Chainpurchasedfromahardwarestorecanhaveadifferenthardnessthatisnotsuitableforplaygrounduse.

2.   Check“S”Hooksandothertypesoffastenersforexcessivewearandtomakecertainthattheyareclosed.•  Checkfrequentlythat“S”hooksarenotwornmorethan¼oftheir

thickness,asseeninthisphoto.Alwaysreplacethemwith“S”hooksfromaplaygroundequipmentvendor.Neverreusean“S”hook.Onceitisclosedandre-opened,itsstrengthhasbeencompromised.

•  Allfastenersshouldbeclosedsothattheopeningislessthan.04inchesasmeasuredwithanautomo9vefeelergauge.Forperspec9ve,aU.S.dimeisapproximately.04”thick.Neverweldan“S”hookclosed.

3.   CheckthatallswinghangersarefreefromexcessivewearandthatthebushingsarelubricatedandingoodcondiHon.Swinghangersandbushingsshouldbecheckedfrequentlyforsignsofexcessivewear.Becausebushingsaredesignedtowearoutsothatthecastswinghangerdoesnot,makecertainthatthecomponentthatsupportstheswingchainhasabushing,bearings,orsomeothermeansofreducingthefric9onyetmovesfreelywithintheswinghanger.Swinghangersshouldbesecurelyfastenedtothetoprailsothattheydonotspinorrotatearoundthetoprailunlessdesignedtodoso.

4.   Check that swing seatsare smooth, in good condiHon, and free fromcutsortears. Injuriescanoccur if swingseatsbreakwhile inuse. Makecertain thatfastenersarenot pulling through the swing seat material, the material isnotcrackedortornimpac9ngtheintegrityoftheseat,andtheedgesandsurfaces are rounded andsmooth. Whenachildjumpsoutofaswingseatwhileswinging, theseatmay flyback into the path of a child on anadjacentswingandanexposedmetaledgeorroughjaggedvinylmaycutachild.

5.   CheckthatHreswingseatsarelightweight,smoothandrounded,andingoodcondiHon.

•  Tireswingseatsmustbelightweight(lessthan35pounds).•  The9remustbesmooth,rounded,andingoodcondi9on. Check

tomakecertainthattherearenoexposedsteelbeltsorsharp orroughedges.Lookatthecondi9onoftheseatwherethe hardware comes through the 9re to make certain that therubberorplas9cisnotcracking.

Theswingchainsneedattention.

Wornhardwareposesahazard.

Thisstrapswingistearing.

Thistireiscracking.

20

Swings&MovingComponents

6.   CheckthatHreswingsassemblies,includingswivelsand/orbearings,remainproperlygreasedandareingoodcondiHon.

7.   CheckthatallothermovingcomponentsareingoodcondiHon,secure,andlubricated.•  Movingcomponentsmayincludebutarenotlimitedtoswingstructures,trackrides,trapeze

ladders,trapezerings,9reswings, Tilt-N-Twirl/uprighttwirlingcomponents,scoopdiggers,steering wheels, Speedy Spinners/spinning rides, chain net climbers, panels withmoving assemblies, spring bouncers, suspension bridges, and FunTrainer/pogo typebouncers.

•  Theintegrityofthecomponentandallitspartsshouldbecheckedfrequentlyandshouldbeingoodcondi9on.

•  Movingcomponentsmaycomelooseandshouldbecheckedfrequentlyattheconcretefoo9ngorotheranchor/aKachmentpoint.

•  Movingcomponentsshouldbegreasedorlubricatedduringinspec9on.OtherInthissec9onoftheinspec9onform,addanyothercondi9onnotlistedabovethatshouldbenoted.

21

Swings&MovingComponents

Providingnaturalplayopportuni9esforchildrenisgaininginpopularity.Childcarecenters,schoolsandparksarerecognizingtheneedforchildrentointeract with the natural world. A comprehensive program ofplaygroundsafetywillalsoincludeinspec9onandmanagementofnaturalplayareas.Forthepurposesofthisworkbook“NaturePlay”isanenvironmentthatallowschildrentoengageinunstructuredplaywithnaturalmaterialsinanaturalse|ng.Therearetwodis9ncttypesofnaturalse|ngs:Undevelopedareasandman-madeareas.

UndevelopedNaturalEnvironment–Thesearespecificenvironmentswherenatureissimplythereforthechildtobediscoveredandexplored.Theseareasmightbeameadow,waterway,andwoodsthataredesignatedfornaturalplay.Itmightbeasec9onofthewoodsoffofatrailthatisset-asideforchildrentointeractwith.Theundevelopednaturalareahasnotbeenalteredthereforenostandardsorguidelinesapply.Goodsafetymanagementprac9ceswouldsuggestthateventhoughtheseareasareundevelopedyouareinvi9ngthe children to play in this environment therefore care must be taken to ensure that no hazards arepresentbeyond those thatarepartofanaturalenvironment. A trained inspector shouldcheck theseareaslookingforhazardouscondi9onssuchasbutnotlimitedtobrokenbranches;leaningfallentrees,poisonplants,orevidenceofvandalismthathascreatedahazard.Rou9nemaintenancewouldbeperformedtoremovetrashanddebrisandtakecareofanyissuesthatmightsurface.Man-Made Natural Environment– A man made natural play area is one where the owner has takennaturalelementssuchasbouldersandtreesec9onsandplacedtheminanareawiththeinten9on thatchildreninteractwiththematerials inanunstructuredmanner. Manyof theseareasarerich indiverseplantmaterials,loosepartsandmay includenaturalormanmadewaterareas. Inthissecondcategorythere isquitearangeofcomplexityof design. O^en the intentof these areas is to allow children the freedom toexplore thenaturalmaterialsandtoprovide an element of risk taking that is appropriate for the age of the child. Carefulconsidera9onofsafetyconcernsshouldbegiventothesedevelopedareas.Therearenostandardsforthistypeofnaturalplayenvironment.Theareashouldbeevaluatedgivingconsidera9on to how the children will be using the natural materials. Take a common senseapproach usingprofessional judgment. If the intentoftheelement is forchildrentoclimb,protec9vesurfacingmaterialsshouldbeprovidedinanareawhereachildmightbeexpectedtofall.Precau9onsshouldbetakentomakecertainthatlargerocksandlogsareanchoredsecurely,arestableandnotindangerofcomingapartormoving.Whencombiningorconstruc9ngnaturalmaterialsmakecertaintoeliminateheadentrapmentincompletelyboundopeningsandprotrusionhazards.Theplaygroundstandardsdonothavetobeappliedinastrictsensebutdogivethemconsidera9on.Beforecrea9ngyourinspec9onandmaintenanceprotocolhaveconversa9onswithyouragencysafetymanagementstafftomakecertainthatyouhaveprovidedameanstofulfillyouragency’ssafetyobliga9ons.

When natural play elements are combined with tradi9onalplay equipment such as using boulders to access a pla{orm oraKaching a net climber to a log or a rock forma9on theconfigura9on should betreatedasifitisplaygroundequipmentandmustmeet the criteria of the ASTM F1487 Standards and protec9vesurfacingmustbeprovided.Mankindhasbeenplayinginnaturesincethebeginningof9me.Onlyinrecentyearshasoursocietyhasfelttheneedtodefineandorganizewhatun9lnowwasconsideredtobesonatural.Natureplayiseverchangingwiththedawnofanewdayandeachchangeofseason.Inspec9onandmanagementprotocolsneedtobejustasflexible.

Childrenplayingtogetherinanaturalizedoutdoorlearningenvironment. Ph

otoCo

urtesyoft

heNaturalLea

rningInstitu

te.

Asecondarypathwayencouragesexploration.

PhotoCo

urtesyoft

heNaturalLea

rningInstitu

te.

22

NaturePlay

ProtecHveSurfacing–Loose-fillandUnitary (Note:Becauseoftheimportanceofunderstandingthecharacteris7csofprotec7vesurfacing,descrip7onsareprovidedandfollowedwiththeexplana7onoftheuseofthissec7onoftheinspec7onform.)AllplaygroundequipmentmusthaveimpactaKenua9ng(protec9ve)surfacingunderandaroundit.Unacceptableplaygroundsurfacesincludegrass,packedearth,asphaltorconcrete,andotherhardsurfaces.Acceptablesurfacingmaterialsfallintotwocategories:loose-fillandunitarysurfacing.Yourbudget,theamountofusetheplaygroundgets,yourabilitytomaintainthesurface,andotherfactorswillhelpfacilitateplaygroundsurfacingselec9ons.

Althoughitcannoteliminateallinjuries,well-maintainedprotec9vesurfacingshouldbecapableofabsorbingsomeoftheimpactfromafallingbody.Forthisreason,yourroleinmaintainingthesurfacingisessen9al.ConsumerProductSafetyCommissionDocumenta9onofSurfacing:Materialsusedasprotec7vesurfacingunderplaygroundequipmentmustmeetimpactaOenua7oncriteria.TheCPSChasoutlinedtheperformancecriteriathatvarioustypesofsurfacesmustmeet. Manufacturersofunitarymaterials, shreddedrubber,recycled 7res, andengineeredwoodfiberareexpectedtosupplyallcomplianceandtestreportsfortheirsurfaces. Intheeventthat local landscapematerialsareused youmay consult with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Handbook for Public Playground Safety forinforma7onregardingthetypeanddepthofcommonsurfaces.Formoreinforma7on,visitwww.cpsc.gov, publica7on#325.Itisimportantthatthesurfacingmaterialbeabletoprotectachildfromafallfromtheheightoftheplaygroundequipment.Toproperlyassessthesurfacingmaterialthefollowingshouldbenoted;typeofmaterial,depthorthicknessofthesurfacingmaterialandtheheightoftheequipment.Seetherecommenda9onsforcri9calheightandfallheightfoundintheConsumerProductSafetyCommission’sHandbookforPublicPlaygroundSafety.

23

UnacceptablePlaygroundSurfacing AcceptablePlaygroundSurfacingExamples•  Grass•  Packedearth•  Concrete,asphalt•  Otherhardsurfaces

Grassandpackedearthareunacceptableplaygroundsurfaces.

•  Sand,gravel,shreddedrubber•  Woodchips,shreddedbarkmulch,engineeredwoodfiber•  Unitarymaterialscertifiedforplaygrounduse•  Poured-in-placerubber,rubbertiles,bondedrubber

BigToysSurfaceSureEngineeredWoodFiberisagood

choiceforloose-fillplaygroundsurfacing.

Protec9veSurfacing

Loose-fillSurfacingMaterialsWhenimpacted,loose-fillmaterialsmovedownwardand/oroutward,providingsomefallcushioningbutalsorequiringongoingraking and replenishment to keepthematerials in place at an appropriatedepth. Loose-fill materials must becontained in some manner either byusing earth berms,9mber, or plas9cborders called park9mbers. Rubberwear mats can be placed in high impactareas,suchasunderswingsandthebaseofslides,toreducethefrequencyofraking.TheCPSCclassifiesloose-fillmaterialsasorganicorinorganic.

Examples of organic loose-fill materialsare engineered wood fiber, recycled woodpallets, andshredded bark mulch. Engineeredwood fiber is a wood product that is madeexclusively for use under playground equipment.Organic materials require more frequentreplenishingthaninorganicmaterialsbecausetheynaturally decompose over 9me.Woodfibersmust be drained well and topped offregularlytomaintainthedesireddepthandtopreventthegrowthofmoldandbacteria.

Inorganic loose-fill materials include shredded rubber, sand, pea stone,andgravel. Inorganic materials do not decompose and require lessfrequent replacement. Frequently found on older playgrounds, sand andgravel require frequent raking and turning due to their tendency forcompac9on.Rakingandturningcanhelppreventgravelfromdevelopingahard layer known ashardpanthatresemblesconcrete. ShreddedrubberisaKrac9veanddurable,doesnotformhardpan,butmustbemaintainedatthedesireddepth.

Shreddedrubber PeastoneAlltypesof loose-fillmaterialsneedtobemaintainedatanacceptabledepthinordertoretaintheirfallaKenua9onproper9es. TheConsumerProductSafetyCommission’sHandbookforPublicPlaygroundSafetyrecommendsthatthere be 12 inches of loose-fillmaterialsunder playground equipment.Under nocircumstances should loose-fill materials be less than nine inches.Refer to Table 2 en9tled “Minimumcompressedloose-fill

surfacingdepths”forinforma9onaboutthefallaKenua9onproper9esofvarioustypesofsurfacing.Yourroleofrakingandlevelingtheloose-fillsurfacingmaterialswillbeessen9alinhelpingtoprotectchildrenontheplayground.

Source: CPSC Loose-fillmaterialsshouldbemaintainedatadepththatwillabsorbsomeimpactfromafall.

Exercisecautionwhenpurchasingrecycledpalletsforsurfacingaslargewoodfragmentscanbehazardous.

BigToysWearMats(#BTWM)andParkTimbers(#PTAC;PTAC1)helpkeeploose-fillsurfacingmaterialsin

place.

SurfaceSureEngineeredWoodFiberisagoodorganicloose-fillmaterial.

24

Protec9veSurfacing

Un i t a r y S u r f a c i n gMaterialsUnitary products include poured-in-place rubber (rubber par9cles bound with a liquid urethane), rubber 9les,bonded rubber, and synthe9c turf. Unitary surfacing does not require raking, decompressing, or replenishment;however,itmayrequire sani9za9on or maintenance due to surface debris, vandalism, movement in the 9les,erosion,poordrainage,orwornareasthatresultfromrepeatedimpacts.Whenunitarysurfacingisinneedofrepair,itshould be done immediately as per supplier’s instruc9ons. Always consult the manufacturer before applying anychemicalsorbeforepressurewashing.

MakingaPurchasingDecisionThegenerally lowerini9alcostofpurchasingloose-fillsurfacingmaterialsshouldbeweighedagainstthepredictablecost of maintaining it and topping it off regularly. Taking the maintenance costs into account, in the long termpurchasingunitarymaterialsmaybemoreeconomicalforyourschooloragency.Maintainingtheprotec9venatureandlongevityofloose-fillsurfacingincludesthefollowingtasks:

•  Rakingandleveling•  Removingdebris•  Decompressing,raking,turning,and9lling•  Replenishing,toppingoff,andreplacementofwornoutmaterials•  Installa9onandmaintenanceofbordermaterialorpark9mbers•  Drainage,drainage,drainage!

Thegreatestbenefitsofunitarymaterialsaretheeaseofmaintenance,predictablecushioningproper9es,andthatthematerialstaysinplace.Thedisadvantagesarethegenerallyhigherini9alcostandtheeventuallossof cushioningproper9esover9me. Mostunitarymaterialsrequireabaseofcompressedstoneorconcrete/asphalt.Thecostofthisbaseshouldbeconsideredintheoverallcostanalysisofthesurfacesystem.(Seeyourmanufacturer’swarrantyinforma9onforthepredictedproductlife.)

25

Protec9veSurfacing

Thissec9onofthesampleLowFrequencyInspec9onformappliestospecifictypesofsurfacing.Allcategoriesmaynotapplydependinguponthetypeofsurfacingonyourschooloragency’splayground.

1.   Checkthatloose-fillsurfacingislevelandtheproperdepth.

Becauseloose-fillmaterialsgetkickedoutandrutsdevelopinhighimpactareas,allloose-fillmaterialsmustberegularlyrakedlevel. Similarly,loose-fillmaterialsmustbereplenishedwhenthesurfaceleveldropsbelowtheminimumlevelrequiredforthe height of the equipment in the area. Sand and pea stone must beturnedregularlytoreducecompac9onandtheforma9onofhardpan.

2.   Checkthattheusezones(areaswithprotecHvesurfacing)areclearofobstaclesanddebris.Toys,sitefurnishings,andotherobjectsshouldnotbeintheusezones.Theseitemsandotherdebrismustberemovedbecausetheycanblockfallpathstothesafetysurfacing,endangeringchildren.Inthisphotothebenchhasbeenpulledintotheusezone.

3.   Checkthatthesurfacingmaterialdrainswellandisnotholdingwater.Standingwatercancausemossormoldgrowth,possiblesliphazards,anderosionofthesubsurfaceofunitarymaterialscrea9ngdepressionsandpossibletriphazards.

4.   Checkthatwearmatsareproperlysecuredinplaceandlevel.Thereshouldnotbeanyhardwareorconcretefoo9ngvisibleonoraroundthewearmat.

Theconcreteedgeofthiswearmatisexposed.

5.   Checkthatunitarysurfacesareintact,freefromdepressions,ruts,andwornareas.Lookforgeneralwear-and-tearoftheunitarymaterials,payingspecialaKen9ontohighimpactareaslikeswingsandslideexits.

Thebenchisintheusezone.

Surfacesshoulddrainproperlytopreventhazardousconditionscausedbyerosionandotherforces.Inthephotoontheright,erosionhasbrokendownthesurfacing

andexposedconcretefootings.

Thispoured-in-placesurfacingrequiresrepairs.

Rakeloose-fillmaterialtoproperdepth.

26

Inspec9onofProtec9veSurfacing

The Americans with Disabilities Act is a Federal law that requires that playgrounds installed after 1991 meet the recommendations of the American’s with Disabilities Act. Information regarding how to fully comply with the ADA may be found in the 2010 ADA Accessibility Design Standards. This document may be downloaded by going to; http://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm One of the largest deterrents to accessibility is the surface that a person using a mobility device must use to get from one location to another. If the surfacing or accessible route of travel is not maintained properly access to the playground equipment may not be provided. Unitary surfacing material, engineered wood fiber and some engineered rubber fibers are considered to be accessible to person’s using mobility devices. The manufacturers of these materials must be able to prove that their product meets the criteria found in the ASTM F1951-09 Standard. This standard tests whether or not a surface is considered accessible to a wheelchair user.

All surfacing materials, especially loose materials settle over time. During low frequency inspections check areas where two surfaces come together such as a concrete sidewalk adjoining a unitary material.

Make certain that the vertical change of elevation does not exceed ½ inch and that there is not a gap between the surfaces greater than ½ inch measured horizontally. Where loose surfaces are used check to make certain that there is an appropriate transition from a unitary surface such as a sidewalk or rubber accessible route and the loose material. The solid surface should be beveled or ramped down into the loose material so that a drop off is not created when the loose fill material compresses or is kicked away.

Check the surface at the base of a transfer platforms to make certain that the surface is essentially level and that the distance from the top of the protective surface to the top of the transfer platform is not less than eleven inches and is not more than 18 inches. Byensuringproper

surfacingprecautionsaretaken,theplay

experiencecanbefunandsaferforall.

27

In order for the above noted surfaces to be considered accessible they must be maintained. Accessible surfaces have to be essentially level with a cross slope of no more than 1:48 and a running slope that does not exceed 1:16. There can’t be a change of elevation greater than ½ inch with the top 1/4 inch beveled as noted previously.

MaintainingAccessibilityofSurfacing

28

HighFrequencyPlaygroundInspection(Daily/Weekly)

ReviewedBy: _Date: Note: Thisisahighfrequencyreportanddesignedasavisualassessmentoftheplayarea,playequipment,andplaysurfacing.Frequentlyusedplaygroundsmayrequireamoredetailedreportbyastaffmemberexperiencedinrepairandplaygroundinspec7on. Alwaysconsultmanufacturer’s maintenance instruc7ons for inspec7on schedules and replacement parts. “Maintenance schedules should bedeveloped based upon actual or an7cipated playground use” (CPSC). Retain all inspec7on reports to assist in developing comprehensivemaintenanceprograms,inspec7onschedules,andforfuturebudge7ngandplanning.

Playground Inspector Weekof

Walk-throughVisualCheck&Rou9neandCleaningTasks Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Su

GENERALAREAAreaisfreefromalltrash,brokenglass,weeds,andstormremnantsAllwalkwaysarefreefromiceandtriphazardsNohazardshavebeencreatedbyvandalismorusermodifica9onDrainsareworkingproperlyTherearenooverheadhazardsthatcouldfallonusersPROTECTIVESURFACES

SurfacesarefreefromalldebrisandforeignmaterialLoose-fillsurfacesarelevel,par9cularlyunderswings&slideexitsLoose-fillsurfacesarerakedtoproperdepthsandnotcompactedAllunitarysurfacesareintactandfreefromtriphazardsTherearenoexposedfootingsorlooseborders/curbsSurfacedrainageisfunc9onalwithnostandingwaterProtec9vesurfacesarenotfrozenPLAYGROUNDEQUIPMENT

Therearenodamaged,loose,vandalized,ormissingpartsEquipmentisnotbentandisstableTherearenousermodifica9ons,likeropestiedtopartsAllmovingparts,likeswingseatsandchains,areingoodrepairTherearenohazardsfromglassorotherliKerontheequipmentOTHER

Codes √=Okay M=Maintenance R=RepairRequired O=Outstanding P=PartsNeeded X=Corrected

InspecHonComments Details(usebackofformforaddi9onalcomments)o SeeAKached RepairDate

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

Sun

29

CodesThefollowingcodesareusedtoindicatethepresentcondi9onoftheequipment.

Comments:

Code Explana9on

√(Okay) Acheckmarkindicatesthatthecomponenthasbeencheckedandthatthecondi9onsaresa9sfactory.

M(Maintenance) An“M”indicatesthatthecondi9onwascorrectedduringtheinspec9on.Exampleswouldbe9ghteninghardwareorremovingdebris.

R(Repair) An“R”indicatesthatrepairscannotbereadilycompletedwhiletheinspectorisonsiteandfollowuprepairswillbenecessarybyaskilledstaffmemberoroutsidevendor.Ifthecondi9oncouldpresentahazardtousers,theequipmentshouldbetakenoutofserviceun9lthesitua9oncanbecorrected.Whentherepairshavebeenmade,indicatesobymarkingan“X”forcompletedmaintenance.

O(Outstanding) An“O”indicatesthataserioushazardmaybepresentrequiringaddi9onalactionorthattheinspectorwantsorneedsasecondopinion.Ifthecondi9oncouldpresentahazardtousers,theequipmentshouldbetakenoutofserviceun9lthesitua9oncanbecorrected.Whentherepairshavebeenmade,indicatesobymarkingan“X”forcompletedmaintenance.Examples:o Theinspectormaynothavetheauthoritytoordertheremovalofapieceofequipment.o Theinspectormaybeunsureoftheexistenceofaprotrusionorentanglementhazardand

needstoconsultwithaCPSI.o Thestructuralintegrityofapieceofplaygroundequipmentisinques9onandastructural

engineermustbeconsulted.P(Parts) A“P”indicatesthatreplacementpartsarerequiredandneedtobeorderedandinstalled.Ifthe

condi9oncouldpresentahazardtousers,theequipmentshouldbetakenoutofserviceun9lthesitua9oncanbecorrected.Whentherepairshavebeenmade,indicatesobymarkingan“X”forcompletedmaintenance.

X(Completed) An“X”indicatesthatallnecessaryworkandac9onshavebeentakentorepair,replace,orremoveanunacceptablecondi9on.Makecertainthatthedateofcorrec9oniswriKenbesidethe“X.”

GuideforHighFrequencyInspecHons

Thisinspec9onformguidedetailsdaily/weeklymaintenancetasksthatshouldbedonewithintheplayenvironment.Eachsec9onoftheformisdescribedindetailbelow.Refertotheprevioussec9onforaddi9onalinspec9ontaskdetailsandinforma9onaboutplaygroundsurfacing.

ImportantHeadings

•  Thename,loca9on,orpropermeansofiden9fyingtheplaygroundshouldbetypedorprinted.•  Thenameofthepersonconduc9ngtheinspec9onshouldbetypedorprinted.•  Thedateanddayoftheweekshouldbetypedorprinted.

GeneralAreas •  Theplayareashouldbecleanedoftrash,brokenglass,stormremnants(liketreelimbs),andotheritemsthatmay

behazardous.Trashcansshouldbeemp9edwhennecessary.•  EntryandperimeterwalkwaysshouldbefreefromiceandtriphazardssuchasscaKeredgravelorsand.•  Thegeneralareashouldbecheckedforvandalismandchangesmadetotheenvironmentbyitsusers.Examples

includeobjectslikesitefurnishingsmovedintotheusezonesandropesorotheritems9edtotheequipment.•  Visuallychecktoseeiftheareaisfreefromstandingwaterandthatdrainsareclearandworking.•  Visuallyinspectabovetheplayareafordeadtreesandbranches.A^erastorm,lookforbrokenlimbs

anddamagedtreesandelectricalwiresthatmayfallintotheplayarea.

ProtectiveSurfaces •  Cleanawayforeignmaterials,likerocks,thatcouldaffecttheimpactaKenua9on(cushioning)abilityof

thesurfaceorbeahazard.•  Loose-fillsurfacingmaterialsrequireregular/dailyrakingandleveling,par9cularlyunderandaroundswingsand

slideexits.Theuseofwearmatswillminimizetheneedforrakingunderthesecomponents.•  Rakingcankeeploose-fillmaterialslevelandpreventcompac9on. Tip:Markuprightsupportpostsand

borders/curbstoindicatethepropersurfacingdepth.•  Unitarysurfacescandeteriorate,crack,andseparate.Checkforanyseverewearingandcondi9onsthat

couldcreatetriphazards.•  Ifthereareexposedconcretefoo9ngs,leveland/ortopoffthesurfacingorclosetheareaforuse.

Looseborders/curbscanpresentatriphazardandshouldbecorrected.

Cleanupplaygroundlitter. Sweepoffwalkways. Beawareofdangerscreatedbyweatherconditionsandvandalism.

30

GuideforHighFrequencyInspec9ons

•  Standingwatercanbreedmold,mildew,andbacteria;speedupthedeteriora9onoforganicloose-fillmaterials;affecttheimpactaKenua9onofloose-fillmaterials;andfreeze,reducingtheprotec9vecharacteris9csofthesurfacing.

PlaygroundEquipment

•  Checkonandaroundtheequipmentfordamageresul9ngfromvandalismornormaluse.Damaged,missing,andloosepartsrequireimmediaterepairorreplacement.

•  Stability may becompromisedby looseconcrete foo9ngs, whichcan develop under moving equipment(swings,bouncers, Speedy Spinners) or when the ground has become saturated. Bent or unstableequipmentmustbeaddressedimmediately.

•  Foreignobjectssuchastoys,ropes,dogleashes,ands9cksshouldberemovedfromtheplaygroundequipment.Ropes9edontoequipmentneedtobecutoffimmediatelybecausetheycanbecomestrangula9onhazards.

•  Becausemovingpartsaresubjecttoheavyuse,theintegrityofthecomponent,allitsparts,andtheanchororaKachmentpointshouldbecheckedfrequentlyandshouldbegreasedorlubricatedduringinspec9on.

•  Glass,drugparaphernalia,andotherdangerousmaterialsshouldberemoved.Tip:Checkinsidetunnelsandtubeslidesaswellasbetweenthesec7onsofslidestomakecertaintherearenohiddendangerousmaterials.

OtherInthissec9onoftheinspec9onform,addanyothercondi9onnotlistedabovethatshouldbenoted.CodesSeethereverseofeachinspec9onformforanexplana9onofthecodes.

InspectionCommentsSpecificallydetailanyitemsrequiringac9onbypersonnelandnotethedateofrepair.U9lizethebackoftheinspec9onreportforfurtherdescrip9onsand/ordrawings.ReviewedByThisreportistobereviewed,approved,dated,andretainedbytheownerortheirrepresenta9ve,demonstra9nghisorherawarenessofthecondi9onsnotedinthereport.

31

GuideforHighFrequencyInspec9ons

Glossary CPSI-Cer9fiedPlaygroundSafetyInspectorisapersonwhoiscer9fiedbytheNa9onalPlaygroundSafetyIns9tutetoperformplaygroundsafetyinspec9ons.

Crushandshearpoints-Thesejuncturescancauselacera9on,abrasion,amputa9onorfractureduringuse.Theyaredefinedasanypointthatcan

entrapa5/8inchdiameterrodwhenonepor9onofthemovingcomponentclosesdownuponanothercomponent.

Entanglement-Thiscondi9onoccurswhenaperson'sclothingoritemswornaroundtheperson'sneckbecomecaughtorentwinedonplayequipment.Entanglementcanresultinstrangula9on,lossofabodypart,oremo9onalinjury.

Entrapment,head-Anycondi9onwhichimpedeswithdrawaloftheheadwhenthebodyhaspenetratedanopening.Headentrapmentcanresultin

strangula9on.

Guardrail-Thedevicearoundapla{ormorelevatedsurfacethathelpsprotectachildfromaninadvertentfall.

ImpactadenuaHngsurfacing-Material(s)tobeusedwithintheusezoneofanyplaygroundequipment.Protec9vesurfacingshallmeettheminimumimpactaKenua9onrequirementsofASTMspecifica9onF1292.

ParHallyboundedopening-Anyopeninginapieceofplayequipmentthatisnottotallyenclosedbyboundariesonallsidessothattheperimeteroftheopeningisdiscon9nuous.

ProjecHon-Acomponentwhich,duetoitsphysicalnature,mustbetestedtodeterminewhetherornottheprojec9onwouldbeconsideredtobeaprotrusionorentanglementhazard.Suchacomponentwouldfitinsideoneofthethreeprojec9ongauges.

ProtecHvebarrier-AnenclosingdevicearoundanelevatedsurfacethatpreventsbothinadvertentanddeliberateaKemptstopassthroughthedevice.

Protrusion-Aprojec9onwhich,whentestedinaccordancewiththerequirementshereinwouldbefoundtobeahazardhavingthepoten9altocausebodilyinjurytoauserwhoimpactsit.Sharpedge/point-Anedgeorpointthatcouldlaceratetheskin.Triphazard-Anabruptchangeineleva9onthatisnotclearandobvioustotheuser.

Usezone-Theareabeneathandaroundequipmentwhereachildmightbeexpectedtolandiftheyweretofallfromtheequipment.ThisareamustbecoveredwithanimpactaKenua9ngsurfacingmaterial.

OrganizaHons NRPAI-Na9onalRecrea9onandParkAssocia9on(www.nrpa.org/;800-626-6772)NPSIisaprogramoftheNa9onalRecrea9onandParkAssocia9on.

IPEMA-Interna9onalPlayEquipmentManufacturersAssocia9on(www.ipema.com;888-944-7362)IPEMAisanon-profit,membership,tradeassocia9onthatrepresentsandpromotesanopenmarketformanufacturersofplaygroundequipmentandsurfacing.

NPPS-Na9onalProgramforPlaygroundSafety(www.uni.edu/playground;800-554-7529)NPPSisthepremiernon-profitorganiza9onintheUnitedStatesdeliveringtrainingandservicesaboutoutdoorplayandsafety.ASTM-ASTMInterna9onal(www.astm.org;610-832-9500)ASTM,formerlytheAmericanSocietyforTes9ngandMaterials,isanindependentandrenowneddeveloperoftechnicalstandardsu9lizedintes9ngamul9tudeofproducts,includingplaygroundequipmentandrelatedproducts.CPSC-ConsumerProductSafetyCommission(www.cpsc.gov;800-638-2772)TheCPSCregulatesmanyproducts,includingplaygroundequipmentandrelatedproducts,tohelpensureconsumers/userssafety.

32

Resources

BigToyswww.bigtoys.com401ChestnutSt.,Suite410ChaKanooga,TN37412(866)814-8697Tomakeawarrantyclaim,sendyourwriKenstatementofclaim,alongwiththeoriginalpurchaseinvoiceorinvoicenumberto:BigToys,CustomerService,401ChestnutSt.,ChaKanooga,TN37412.Formoreinforma9onaboutyourwarrantycontactyourlocalBigToysrepresenta9veatthephonenumberorwebsitelistedabove.Topurchaseaddi9onalsurfacingmaterialsorreplacementBigToyspartsorcomponentsthatarenotunderwarranty,pleasecontactyourBigToysrepresenta9veat(866)814-8697orwww.bigtoys.comandprovidethepartnumberasindicatedbelow.

MaintenanceProducts

ASTMInspectionKit#ASTM

LabelsandSigns

Touch-upPaint#G004BRIndicatecolor

Graffi9Remover#GRAFF

ReplacementLabels#E401ILabelPackage6-23months#E401ELabelPackage2-5years#E401DLabelPackage5-12years#404293WarningLabel

CustomArchSignCreateyourowngraphicforawelcomesign,ageappropriatesign,ordonorrecogni9onsignforyourplayground.#BTCS1(1-sided)#BTCS2(2-sided)

33

ReplacementParts

There will be times when it is necessary to take a piece of equipment or a component out of service either temporarily while a repair is being made or longer term when replacement parts are on order. It is important that care is taken to protect the site while keeping children from coming into contact with the hazard that has been identified. How this is done can impact the safety of the playground. When making a repair such as replacing an “S” hook or swing seat or performing routine maintenance where the person making the repair is on site, it is acceptable to rope off the area using caution tape or plastic construction fencing. A sign stating that the equipment is temporarily closed for repair should be placed next to the equipment or on the plastic fencing. Caution tape is only acceptable for a very short time while the maintenance staff is performing the repair.

Plastic construction fencing in conjunction with a sign may be used for longer periods of time but should still be considered to be a temporary solution.

Keeping an inventory of items that are commonly replaced such as “S” Hooks, swing chain, swing hangers and swing seats allow maintenance to be performed without having to take the equipment out of service for any length of time.

When it will take days or weeks to make the repair a more permanent solution should be considered. If a component or section of equipment is damaged it may be necessary to keep children from using that piece of equipment while a replacement part is being ordered. If the equipment is free-standing, meaning it is not part of a composite unit, consider installing portable fencing around the entire piece of equipment with a sign that states that this equipment is closed for repair. If the play component is part of a composite structure and children could still play on the rest of the equipment without being in danger the damaged component could be taken out of service instead of the entire composite structure. When doing this it is important to avoid creating a greater hazard. Consider removing the damaged component and blocking off the entrance to the component from the platform it attaches to. A piece of plywood wide enough to block off the entire opening and at least 38 inches high could be attached to the structure. The plywood should be attached to the structure so that children are not able to remove it and in such a manner that sharp edges, protrusions, entrapment and entanglement hazards are not created.

Many agencies order extra protective barriers from their playground equipment suppliers so that when a component is damaged they can remove the component and put a protective barrier in the opening until a replacement component can be ordered and installed.

Often depending on the design of the damaged component there are metal pipes that are used to support the play component that are imbedded into the ground. It may not be desirable to remove these support pipes, especially if they will be reused when the replacement part is received. Care should be taken to properly protect children from any hazards that might be associated with the remaining product.

Never leave what was intended to be a temporary solution in place for an extended period of time. If there is no money for replacement parts a more permanent solution should be considered or the product should be removed completely.

34

TakingEquipmentOutofService

SwingAccessories

SwingHangers#1199SPSwingPendulumfor6”ODBeam#H772SwingHangersfor3.5”ODBeam#8108Non-wrapSwingHangerfor3.5”ODBeam

SwingSeats#H776RBeltSeat(shownle^)#H779RInfantSeat(shownright)

35

ReplacementParts

TireSwingAccessories#H787ATireSwingTireSeat-Black#D762TireSwingSwivel&Hardware

Surfacing

Shreddedrubber Engineeredwoodfiber Synthe9cturf

WearMats#BTWM

RubbertilesBondedrubberPoured-in-placerubber

36

ReplacementParts

ParkTimbers,4’sec9ons#PT48Recycledblack,8”high#PT412Recycledblack,12”high(shown)

37

Notes

38

Notes

39

Notes

37 401 Chestnut St, Suite 410, Chattanooga, TN 37402 1-866-814-8697 bigtoys.com

Provided as a public service by