PLAYGROUND SURFACING MATERIALS
SECTION 4 OF THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION’S OUTDOOR HOME
PLAYGROUND SAFETY HANDBOOK
9
Select Protective Surfacing
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and around your play equipment. The protective surfacing should be applied to a depth that is suitable for the equipment height in accordance with
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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.
Maximum fall height for this playset is 82”.
Loose-Fill Materials:
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12 inches will compress to about a 9- inch depth of surfacing over time. The surfacing will also compact, displace, and settle, and should be
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Use containment, such as digging out around the perimeter and/or lining the perimeter with landscape edging. Don’t forget to account for
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play equipment support posts. That way you can easily see when to replenish and/or redistribute the surfacing.
Do not
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Poured-In-Place Surfaces or Pre-Manufactured Rubber Tiles:
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Installations of these surfaces generally require a professional and are not “do-it-yourself” projects.
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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.
Check the protective surfacing frequently for wear.
Placement
Proper placement and maintenance of protective surfacing is essential. Be sure to
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the swing is suspended.
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2H
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6 ft.
6 ft.
6 ft.
6 ft.
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6 ft.
6 ft.
Use Zone for Single-Axis Swings
Use Zone for Multi-Axis Swings
Denotes Use Zone with Protective Surfacing
Denotes Use Zone with Protective Surfacing
9
This information has been extracted from the CPSC publications “Playground Surfacing—Technical Information Guide” and “Handbook for Public
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Commission, Washington, D.C., 20207 or call the toll-free hotline: 1-800-638-2772