3
The data and information below are excerpted from the CPSC website and
publication
Outdoor Home Playground Safety Handbook
(Publication
#324*2005). The full version can be obtained by visiting
http://www.cpsc.gov
.
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 F1292. There are different types of surfacing to choose from; whichever
product you select, follow these guidelines:
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.
LOOSE-FILL SURFACING MATERIALS
• 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.
• 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.)
• 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.
• 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
• Do not install loose fill surfacing over hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.