X3. SECTION 4 OF THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY
COMMISSION’S OUTDOOR HOME PLAYGROUND SAFETY
HANDBOOK
X3.1
Select Protective Surfacing
– One of the most important things you can do
to reduce the likelihood of serious head injuries is to install shock-absorbing
protective surfacing under and around your play equipment. The protective
surfacing should be applied to a depth that is suitable for the equipment height
in accordance with ASTM Specification F 1292. There are different types of
surfacing to choose from; whichever product you select, follow these guide-
lines:
X3.1.1
Loose Fill Materials
:
X3.1.1.1 Maintain a minimum depth of 9 inches of loose-fill materials such as
wood mulch/ chips, engineered wood fiber (EWF), or shredded/ recycled rubber
mulch for equipment up to 8 feet high; and 9 inches of sand or pea gravel for
equipment up to 5 feet high. NOTE: An initial fill level of 12 inches will com-
press to about a 9-inch depth of surfacing over time. The surfacing will also
compact, displace, and settle, and should be periodically refilled to maintain at
least a 9-inch depth.
X3.1.2 Use a minimum of 6 inches of protective surfacing for play equipment
less than 4 feet in height. In maintained properly, this should be adequate. (At
depths less than 6 inches, the protective material is too easily displaced or com-
pacted.)
NOTE:
Do not install home playground equipment over concrete, asphalt, or
any other hard surface. A fall onto a hard surface can result in serious injury to
the equipment user. Grass and dirt are not considered protective surfacing be-
cause wear and environmental factors can reduce their shock absorbing effec-
tiveness. Carpeting and thin mats are generally not adequate protective surfac-
ing. Ground level equipment– such as a sandbox, activity wall, playhouse or
other equipment that has no elevated play surface– does not need any protective
surfacing.
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To reduce the likelihood of injury please follow the
guidelines as outlined in this manual.
Air Riderz spring action swing accessory has been tested to ensure safety and
complies with: ASTM F1148 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specifi-
cations for Home Playground Equipment, F1487 Standard Consumer Safety
Performance Specifications for Playground Equipment for Public Use, and
CPSIA Specifications for lead paint.
For assistance please contact:
M&M Sales Enterprises, Inc.
7425 Chavenelle Rd. Suite 100
Dubuque, IA 52002
877-242-0154
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