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CONSUMER INFORMATION FOR
PLAYGROUND SURFACING MATERIALS
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.
One of most important things to reduce the likelihood of serious head injuries is to install shock-absorbing
protective surfacing under and around playground.
Selective Protective Surfacing
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 over time. The surfacing will also compact, displace, and settle, and should be periodically refilled to
maintain at least a 9-inch depth.
1. It is adequate to use a minimum 6 inches of protective surfacing for play equipment less than 4 feet in
height if maintained properly.
2. 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.
3. Check and maintain the depth of the loose-fill surfacing materials. To maintain the right amount of loose-
fill materials, mark the correct level on play equipment support post. That way you can easily see when to
replenish and/or redistributing the surfacing.
4. DO NOT install loose-fill surfacing over hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.
5. You may be interested in using surfacing other than loose-fill materials like rubber tiles or poured-in –
place surfaces.
a) Installation of these surfaces generally requires a professional and are not “do-it-yourself” project.
b) Review surface specifications before purchasing the type of surfacing.
c) Check the protective surfacing frequently for wear.
d) Review surface specifications 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 F1292 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.
6. Proper placement and maintenance of protective surfacing is essential. Be sure to extend surfacing at
least 6 feet from the equipment in all directions.
Summary of Contents for TEETER TOTTER TT-320
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