Issued/Revised: 01/27/14
GENERAL COMMERCIAL PLAYGROUND SAFETY GUIDELINES
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Install Wood Mulch (EWF) at a depth of 12".
Over time this mulch will compress to a depth of 9"
as required by the U.S. Consumer Product Safery Commission, ASTM standard F-1487 and
Canadian Standard CAN/CSA-Z-614. For more information on the proper surfacing materials, call
the CPSC hotline at 1-800-638-2772.
Worn surfaces around equipment should be restored. Concrete footings should never be exposed.
Refer to the attached PLAYGROUND MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST.
Check for erosion and cratering of surfaces under slides and heavy traffic areas and restore
surfacing as necessary.
Surfacing leading to play opportunities for children with disabilities should be firm, stable, slip
resistant, and resilient.
Tip:
If your surfacing is of the loose variety, checking for proper depth over time can be made easy
by applying a non-removable fluorescent tape of paint in a bright color at the proper level on each
upright post. Thereafter, as the resilient material compacts or washes away, the person responsible
for regular maintenance inspections can easily see it must be replenished as the marks become
visible.
OVERHEAD OBSTRUCTIONS:
Overhead obstructions (for example, exterior obstructions such as tree limbs and interior lights)
within the use zones of play structures shall be a minimum 84" (2130 mm) above each designated
play surface outdoors and a minimum of 48" (1220 mm) above each designated play surface
indoors.
All overhead utility line clearances above outdoor supervised and outdoor unlimited access settings
shall comply with all local, state, and national codes, such as the National Electrical Safety Code.
For specific equipment fall zone requirements, refer to the CPSC and ASTM F1487 and use the
more stringent of the two.
CATCH POINT & PROTRUDING HARDWARE:
There should be no dangerous pieces of hardware, such as protruding bolt ends and narrow gaps in
metal connections. Exposed hardware can cut or puncture skin and catch clothing drawstrings,
which could strangle a child.
All protruding nuts and bolts should be eliminated; sharp edges on pipes should be capped or
removed. Check for bent, broken, or severely worn pipe and replace. Examine slide bedways,
bedrails, handrails and exits for foreign objects, holes, and rough edges.
