Owner’s Manual Play Set
Rev12/13/12
APPENDIX A
Information on Playground Surfacing Materials:
The following information is from the
United States Consumer Product Safety Commission’s
Information Sheet for playground surfacing material;
also see the following website for additional
information:
www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/323.html
.
X3. SECTION 4 OF THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION’S OUTDOOR HOME PLAYGROUND SAFETY
HANDBOOK
9
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
guidelines:
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 compress to about a 9-inch depth of
surfacing overtime. 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. If
maintained properly, this should be adequate. (At depths less than 6 inches, the protective material is too easily
displaced or compacted.) 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 because wear and environmental factors can reduce their shock absorbing effectiveness. Carpeting
and thin mats are generally not adequate protective surfacing. 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.
X3.1.3 Use containment, such as digging out around the perimeter and/or lining the perimeter with landscape
edging. Don’t forget to account for water drainage.
X3.1.3.1 Check and maintain the depth of the loose-fill surfacing material. To maintain the right amount of loose-
fill materials, mark the correct level on play equipment support posts. That way you can easily see when to replenish
and/or redistribute the surfacing.
X3.1.3.2
Do not
install loose-fill surfacing over hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.
X3.1.4
Poured-In-Place Surfaces or Pre-Manufactured Rubber Tiles
— You may be interested in using surfacing
other than loose-fill materials – like rubber tiles or poured-in-place surfaces.
X3.1.4.1 Installations of these surfaces generally require a professional and are not “do-it-yourself” projects.
X3.1.4.2 Review surface specification before purchasing this type of surfacing. Ask the installer/manufacturer for
a report showing that the product has been tested to the following safety standard: ASTM
F 1292
Standard Specification
for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment. This report should show the
specific height for which the surface is intended to protect against serious head injury. This height should be equal to or
greater than the fall height – vertical distance between a designated play surface (elevated surface for standing, sitting, or
climbing) and the protective surfacing below – of your play equipment.
X3.1.4.3 Check the protective surfacing frequently for wear.
X3.1.5
Placement
— Proper placement and maintenance of protective surfacing is essential. Be sure to:
X3.1.5.1 Extend surfacing at least 6 feet from the equipment in all directions.
X3.1.5.2 For to-fro swings, extend protective surfacing in front of and behind the swing to a distance equal to
twice the height of the top bar from which the swing is suspended.
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This information has been extracted from the CPSC publications “Playground Surfacing — Technical
Information Guide” and “Handbook for Public Playground Safety.” Copies of these reports can be obtained by sending a
postcard to the: Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C., 20207 or call the
toll-free hotline: 1-800-638-2772.
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