Playground Protective Surfacing: The Next Frontier for Playground Owners, Designers,Manufacturer, and Inspectors

June 6th, 2021

by Ken Kutska, Executive Director, International Playground Safety Institute and Rolf Huber, President, Canadian Playground Advisory

The International Playground Safety Institute and the Canadian Playground Advisory have partnered to provide online training opportunities for those seeking to better their knowledge related to all aspects of protective playground surfacing. This 8 session course provides 10 one-hour narrated PowerPoint presentations covering all aspects of the good performing compliant of surfacing materials starting with the a review of the history of impact testing and the current testing requirements, understanding the terminology of all aspects of impact testing, current international standards requirements for impact testing, performance requirements for playground surfacing use zone compliance and the performance characteristics of different types of surfacing systems both good and bad. We end this course by putting it all together to look at suggestions for your purchasing specifications, warranty while considering your life expectancy for a compliant performing playground impact attenuating surface. To find this course along with other online training opportunities we are now offering go to www.standardscompliance.thinkific.com.

When landing on the site you must first register the first time as a student and then you can select a course. Once you select and pay for the course you will then be able to download the course syllabus and view and control the PowerPoint Video presentations. After each section there may be a quiz that you will need to take and retake to achieve the 70% or higher score that will then provide you with a certificate of completion and earn your ASLA LACES continuing education credits.

Click on Images to see more readable version of flyer below.

Playground Safety Is No Accident 6th Edition: Developing a Public Playground Management and Operation Program

June 12th, 2021

by Ken Kutska, Executive Director, International Playground Safety Institute, LLC

PRE ORDER NOW

Whether you are a National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) newly trained Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) or you have just been hired to manage your school or park and recreation agency’s playgrounds or a recently hired facilities operations employee responsible for playgrounds, this book is for you. Often times, people responsible for these unique facilities have little or no knowledge or experience with playgrounds. Each playground related job task requires specialized knowledge, training, and experience. Regardless of where your playground management program is today, you probably have many more questions than answers. I am often asked the following questions:

  • How do I conduct a playground inspection?
  • Am I qualified to conduct all of the different types of playground safety related inspections?
  • What do I need to look for and focus on during these inspections?
  • How often do I need to inspect the playground?
  • How long should an inspection take?
  • Should I take immediate action when I find something that needs corrective action?
  • How much does a comprehensive playground compliance inspection (Audit) cost?
  • If I become a CPSI should I expect to get paid more?
  • What if I am unable to immediately fix the problem I have observed?
  • How do I take playground equipment out of service if I cannot repair the problem immediately?
  • How do I know if my playground protective surfacing meets current requirements?
  • How do I prioritize my corrective actions based on all the identified non-compliant conditions?
  • How do I determine if a non-compliant condition is a top priority for corrective action?
  • Do I have additional personal liability as a playground safety inspector?
  • What additional training do you suggest related to playground management?

These are important questions. First of which is to assess your resources (staff capabilities, time available, funding, etc.)

Playground Safety Is No Accident 6th Edition is now available. The first Playground Safety Is No Accident manual is available through a posted article link on a web site blog. This edition reflects the revisions in the ASTM F1487-21 Standard and current 2010 CPSC Handbook. Awareness and understanding the content of these requirements is an important responsibility to all playground designers, managers, inspectors, maintenance technicians and the manufacturer’s sales force. The 6th Edition addresses the questions above and provides examples and suggestions for developing or improving your public playground management and operations program. Samples of different types of inspections forms required in a comprehensive program are included. The forms are provided on a credit card USB device included with the book purchase. These Adobe Auto Fill-in Forms can be completed, printed, and/or saved to your computer. This USB storage device will also include a PDF version of the book along with a copy of the 2010 CPSC Handbook and the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The revised comprehensive playground safety assessment form (Audit) includes the citation numbers for quick document reference related to the new ASTM F1487-21 Standards and CPSC Handbook. Another new feature of this edition is the inclusion of an accessibility and barrier free assessment form for your play area. This form is a stand-alone initial assessment (if you have never conducted such an evaluation process) to determine if you are meeting the minimum requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act which became U.S. Federal law in 1990. This form is also part of the “Comprehensive Playground Compliance Inspection and Assessment Form” process previously referred to as the Playground Audit for those who are:

  • Conducting their first new playground post installation inspection
  • Never performed a comprehensive inspection
  • Reassessing how the play area compares to the current playground safety “Standard of Care.”

To order a copy of Playground Safety Is No Accident, 6th Edition, click on the ORDER NOW button on this sites landing page and get your copy by entering your credit card information. You also can email your agency purchase order to ken@internationalplaygroundsafetyinstitute.com.

This book includes the following forms on a USB credit card style device along with the 2010 CPSC Handbook, the DOJ 2010 Standard for Accessible Design, and the full PDF version of the book itself.

List of Forms PSINA6

PG #           Form

C-6            A Guide to Developing and Conducting a Maintenance Needs Assessment Checklist for an Entire Playground Environment including Play Equipment, Impact Attenuating Surfacing, and Site Amenities as Part of an Operational Inspection or Annual Main Inspection Process

D-8            Guide to Frequency of Inspection Form/Inspection Frequency Summary Form for All Owner’s Sites

E-9            Routine Visual Inspection and Maintenance Form/Routine Visual Inspection and Maintenance Additional Comments

F-4            Itemized List of Playground Equipment

F-7            Operational/Annual Main Playground and Site Plan Inspection—Short Form

F-8            Operational/Annual Main Playground and Site Plan Inspection—Long Form

F-16          Operational and/or Annual Main Matrix Playground Inspection and Site Form

G-9            Barrier Free Accessible Use Playground Compliance Assessment

H-25          Protective Playground Surface Test Report

Comprehensive Playground Compliance Inspection and Assessment Form

I-1              Front Page/Introduction

                  Five Level Safety Concern Priority Rating System

                  A.1:  General Background Information

                  A.2 – A.4: General Conditions

I-9              B.1:  Use Zones: Stationary Equipment

I-9              B.2:  Use Zones: Rotating Equipment – Vertical Axis (Spinner, Whirl, Merry-go-round) for sit, stand, or hang

I-10            B.3:  Use Zones: Rotating Equipment: Horizontal Axis (Log Roll)

I-11            B.4:  Use Zones: Single Axis Swings (To-Fro Swings)

I-11            B.5:  Use Zones: Multi-Axis Swings (Rotating Swings)

I-12            B.6:  Use Zones: Combination Swing Use Zone

I-12            B.7:  Use Zones: Rocking/Springing Equipment

I-13            B.8:  Use Zones: Slides

I-14            B.9:  Use Zones: Trolley/Track Rides

I-14            B.10:  Use Zones: Composite Structures

I-15            B.11:  Use Zones: Placement of Equipment – Playground Equipment Layout

I-16            C.1:  Maintenance, Surfacing, Labeling, Signage: General Playground Maintenance Observations

I-17            C.2:  Maintenance, Surfacing, Labeling, Signage: Protective Surfacing

I-18            C.3:  Maintenance, Surfacing, Labeling, Signage: Labeling

I-18            C.4:  Maintenance, Surfacing, Labeling, Signage: Information Signage/Warnings

I-21            D.1:  Access and Egress Components

I-24            D.2:  Platforms, Landings, and Walkways

I-27            E.1:  Flexible Components and 3-Dimensional Climbing Nets

I-29            E.2:  Rigid Climbers

I-30            E.3:  Upper Body Equipment (Horizontal Ladder)

I-32            E.4:  Upper Body Equipment (Sliding Pole)

I-33            E.5:  Slides

I-35            E.6:  Embankment Slides

I-37            E.7:  Swings (Single-axis, Multi-axis, Combination)

I-40            E.8:  Vertical Axis Rotating Equipment – Merry-Go-Rounds (Whirls)

I-43            E.9:  Horizontal Axis Rotating Equipment (Log Rolls, Barrel Roll)

I-45            E.10: Seesaws – Sit/Stand/Upper Body (Teeter-Totters)

I-47            E.11: Spring Rocking Equipment

I-49            E.12: Trolley Rides – Sitting/Standing/Hanging (Track/Cable Ride)

I-54            E.13: Standing/Balance Equipment (Beams, Ropes and Stepping Forms)

I-56            E.14: Play Panels/Manipulative Play Events: Ground Level or Elevated

I-58            E.15: Roofs and Shade Structures

I-60            F:     Assessment of New Equipment Not Covered by ASTM Standard and/or CPSC Handbook

I-62            G.1:  Barrier Free Accessible Use Playground Assessment: Approach

I-64            G.2:  Barrier Free Accessible Use Playground Assessment: Enter

I-65            G.3:  Barrier Free Accessible Use Playground Assessment: Enter/Use— Elevated Accessible Route (EAR) by Ramp (EARR)

I-66            G.4:  Barrier Free Accessible Use Playground Assessment: Enter/Use— Elevated Accessible Route by Transfer (EART)

I-67            G.5:  Barrier Free Accessible Use Playground Assessment: Use—Ground Level Play Components

I-68            G.6:  Barrier Free Accessible Use Playground Assessment:
                           Number of Accessible Play Component Requirements

I-70            Summary of Non-Compliances and Comments:
                  Summary of Priority 1 Safety-Related Concerns

I-71            Summary of Non-Compliances and Comments:
                  Summary of Priority 2 Safety-Related Concerns

I-72            Summary of Non-Compliances and Comments:
                  Summary of Priority 3 Safety-Related Concerns

I-73            Summary of Non-Compliances and Comments:
                  Summary of Priority 4 Safety-Related Concerns

I-74            Compliance Post-Installation Site Summary of Non-Compliant Conditions

Playground Compliance Inspection and Assessment “Short Form”

J-4             2021 Playground Compliance Inspection and Assessment “Short Form”

J-38           Short Form Summary of Non-Compliances and Comments:
                  Short Form Summary of Priority 1 Safety-Related Concerns

J-39           Short Form Summary of Non-Compliances and Comments:
                  Short Form Summary of Priority 2 Safety-Related Concerns

J-40           Short Form Summary of Non-Compliances and Comments:
                  Short Form Summary of Priority 3 Safety-Related Concerns

J-41           Short Form Summary of Non-Compliances and Comments:
                  Short Form Summary of Priority 4 Safety-Related Concerns

J-42           Playground Compliance Inspection and Assessment “Short Form”
                  Site Summary of Non-Compliant Conditions

L-18         Taking Playground Equipment Out of Service Checklist

M-9          Training Roster

M-16        Understanding Quiz for all Operational, Annual Main, Comprehensive
Post-Installation Compliance Inspectors (Level 2 and 3)

N-7           Playground Site History Checklist

O-4           Incident/Accident Report

New playground surfacing Online Training on Playground Surrfacing: Putting Theory to Practice 1.1 CEUS

August 22nd, 2020

www.standardscompliance.thinkific.com

Playground Surfacing Technician Course:

Putting Theory to Practice

Statement of Purpose:

Falls in a playground are not the problem, rather it is the sudden stop when a child encounters the surface that results in the injury.  The frequency and severity of injury will generally be determined by the impact attenuating properties of the surface and the height from which they fell.  Although some believe that the orientation of the child when landing on the surface has a bearing on the outcome that is only partially true and then only to a minor extent since irrespective of the child’s body orientation or physical makeup the severity of the injury is totally on the performance of the surface.  With 72-78% of playground injuries around the world being related to falls to the surface failure to specify, purchase, install and maintain surfaces that consider injury outcome is a travesty to all users of the playground.  It is the role of professionals to understand the performance of surfacing in relation to injury outcomes and install a surface that results in injuries that are below the tolerable level.

The Canadian Playground Advisory and the International Playground Safety Institute have partnered to develop this first of its kind online training program on role of playground impact attenuating surfacing in relationship to injury frequency and severity. 10.5 CEUs will be awarded by LA-LES for each registered participant completing the course requirements

Overview

Each program participant must understand the performance standards related to the impact attenuating surfacing and their relationship to injury prevention.  This includes the history of medical studies, various international safety standards, and the development of performance measures such as Gmax, Severity Index (SI), and Head Injury Criteria (HIC) and why they will remain the measures for years to come.  Children want to climb high. They want to challenge themselves and their peers, but with height comes with consequences for greater velocity at the point of impact. How this force at impact is addressed must be addressed at the time the playground equipment and related use zone surfacing are being specified prior to purchase.

Those responsible for the final playground design must have a thorough understanding of the various performance requirement measures and testing procedures from the point of view of injury outcome.  Many times, there is a conflict with the need to provide a “soft” surface for the prevention of injury and a “firm and stable” surface to allow people with diminished ability to use the play space.  The selection of a surfacing type or supplier is further complicated with the need for long-term “functional” longevity. The surfacing life expectancy and compliance can be monitored and confirmed through field testing. Realistic product warranties beyond the typical one year for normal wear and tear is a must. Surfacing purchasing specifications and contract documents need to be performance based. These are all important considerations for the playground owner and designer when considering all the variables that can impact performance of the surfacing, such as; fall height of equipment versus critical height of the surfacing, site preparation, initial cost of installation, life-cycle cost of maintenance, installation and repair requirements, harsh environments, excessive wear, and accessibility for those with mobility limitations is generally a difficult balance for many surfacing systems.

Outcomes:        

The participant will fully understand the history of injury performance, and the degrees of injury severity associated increasing impact forces.  There will be a discussion of the key elements in the writing and requirements for comprehensive specifications and warranties for playground Surfacing that cover the needs of an owner at the time of installation and over the functional life of the playground. The participant will be versed in the performance of field testing and they will understand how to set both drop heights and performance values for impact attenuation, as well as being able to determine compliance with minimum requirements for accessibility. 

Each participant will be provided with a report template that covers the new requirements for surface field testing according to the ASTM F3313 and the new Specified Height Test F3351. Although it is not the focus of the course, the participant will be able to assess their own organization’s tolerance for risk for liability in the playground design, specification, installation and ownership process.

Certificates of Completion:

Upon registration and completion of the course, the participant will receive a certificate that they attended and participated in this training.  It is important to understand that this is not a substitute for the full day in depth training required to actually perform field drop testing according to ASTM F1292 and F3313, but this is a good pre-requisite for the more comprehensive course.

Intended Audience:

The course is intended for playground designers and managers including Architects, Landscape Architects, playground surfacing manufacturers and sales associates, playground safety inspectors and anyone else who has input into the overall playground design, purchasing and specifications. Each module includes a statement of purpose followed by various objectives that will be covered during the presentation. There is a list of “key words” that the participant must be able to understand if they are to be able to speak and understand the language of international playground safety. These term and concepts will be discussed throughout the presentation as participants expand their knowledge and begin to understand the role their individual decisions can have on the reduction of fall related injuries and extending the life expectancy and overall compliance of the surfacing to international performance recommendations. Go to www.standardscompliance.thinkific.com for more information

1989 Wheaton Park District IL Comprehensive Playground Safety and Inspection Program

July 20th, 2020

I already posted an article about my upcomming 6th Edition Playground Safety Is No Accident and I took out my only copy of my old playground safety manual for the Wheaton Park District. I was reading my old manual and it was a trip down memory lane, I decided to get it scanned and post it to my Web site for all to view. It started with State of Massachusetts Comprehensive Injury Prevention Program back in the 1980s when their focus was on playground injuries. Great idea back then, unfortunately they ran out of money before finishing their grant program. Their misfortune was our good fortune and we finished our program we started back in 1986. Attached is a copy of our program back then and it has been a model for many programs that came afterwards.

New Surfacing Putting Theory to Practice Online Course will be a available soon for all Landscape Architects

July 20th, 2020

Playground Impact Attenuating Surfacing Course

Putting Theory into Practice

Statement of Purpose:

Falls in a playground are not the problem, rather it is the sudden stop when a child encounters the surface that results in the injury.  The frequency and severity of injury will generally be determined by the impact attenuating properties of the surface and the height from which they fell.  Although some believe that the orientation of the child when landing on the surface has a bearing on the outcome that is only partially true and then only to a minor extent since irrespective of the child’s body orientation or physical makeup the severity of the injury is totally on the performance of the surface.  With 72-78% of playground injuries around the world being related to falls to the surface failure to specify, purchase, install and maintain surfaces that consider injury outcome is a travesty to all users of the playground.  It is the role of professionals to understand the performance of surfacing in relation to injury outcomes and install a surface that results in injuries that are below the tolerable level.

The Canadian Playground Advisory and the International Playground Safety Institute have partnered to develop this first of its kind two-day comprehensive education and training program on role of playground impact attenuating surfacing in relationship to injury frequency and severity.

Overview:

The playground practitioner and stakeholder must understand the performance standards related to the impact attenuating surfacing and their relationship to injury prevention.  This includes the history of medical studies, various international safety standards, and the development of performance measures such as Gmax, Severity Index (SI), and Head Injury Criteria (HIC) and why they will remain the measures for the coming years.  Children want to climb high. They want to challenge themselves and their peers, but with height comes with consequences for greater velocity at the point of impact. How this force at impact is addressed must be addressed at the time the playground equipment and related use zone surfacing are being specified prior to purchase. Those responsible for the final playground design must have a thorough understanding of the various performance requirement measures and testing procedures from the point of view of injury outcome.  Many times, there is a conflict with the need to provide a “soft” surface for the prevention of injury and a “firm and stable” surface to allow people with diminished ability to use the play space.  The selection of a surfacing type or supplier is further complicated with the need for long-term “functional” longevity. The surfacing life expectancy and compliance can be monitored and confirmed through field testing. Realistic product warranties beyond the typical one year for normal wear and tear is a must. Surfacing purchasing specifications and contract documents need to be performance based. These are all important considerations for the playground owner and designer when considering all the variables that can impact performance of the surfacing, such as; fall height of equipment versus critical height of the surfacing, site preparation, initial cost of installation, life-cycle cost of maintenance, installation and repair requirements, harsh environments, excessive wear, and accessibility for those with mobility limitations is generally a difficult balance for many surfacing systems.

Outcomes:        

The participant will fully understand the history of injury performance, and the degrees of injury severity associated increasing impact forces.  There will be a discussion of the key elements in the writing and requirements for comprehensive specifications and warranties for playground surfacing that cover the needs of an owner at the time of installation and over the following 2 to 12 years of the installation, remembering that the playground surface is an asset with high replacement cost consequences.  The playground practitioner will be versed in the performance of field testing and they will understand how to set both drop heights and performance values for impact attenuation, as well as being able to set measurements for accessibility.  Each participant will be provided with a report template that covers the new requirements for surface field testing according to the ASTM F3313 and the new Specified Height Test F3351. Although it is not the focus of the course, the participant will be able to assess their own organization’s tolerance for risk for liability in the playground design, specification, installation and ownership process.

Certificates of Completion:

Upon completion of the course, the participant will receive a certificate that they attended and participated in this training.  It is important to understand that this is not a substitute for the full day in depth training required to actually perform field testing to the requirements of ASTM F1292 and F3313, but this is a good pre-requisite for the more comprehensive course.

Intended Audience:

The course is intended for playground designers and managers including; Architects, Landscape Architects, playground surfacing manufacturers and sales associates, playground safety inspectors and anyone else who has input into the overall playground design, purchasing and specifications.

Course Content Outline

The following is a comprehensive outline of the course modules. Each module include a statement of purpose followed by various objectives that will be covered during the presentation. There is a list of “key words” that the participant must be able to understand if they are to be able to speak and understand the language of international playground safety. These term and concepts will be discussed throughout the presentation as participants expand their knowledge and begin to understand the role their individual decisions can have on the reduction of fall related injuries and extending the life expectancy and overall compliance of the surfacing to international performance recommendations.

Part 1

INTRODUCTION, HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, AND PUBLIC PLAYGROUND INJURY STATISTICS

 

KEY WORDS

American Society for Testing and Materials International [ASTM]

Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA]

  • 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Canadian Playground Advisory Inc. (CPA)

Entanglement

Entrapment

Falls

Impact

International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association [IPEMA]

International Playground Contractors Association [NPCAI]

International Playground Safety Institute, LLC (IPSI)

National Electronic Injury Surveillance System [NEISS]

National Recreation and Park Association [NRPA]

Pre-School and School Age Users                                    

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC]

Certified Playground Safety Inspector [CPSI]

This unit contains information about the establishment of the NRPA and other significant national and international players in the playground safety movement, playground safety and accessibility standards and guidelines; an historical perspective of play, how and why injuries occur on public playgrounds, functions of the play environment, and the basis for hazard identification. After completing this unit, you should be able to…

  1. Understand and discuss objectives of the Surfacing course.
  2. Identify the major organization associated with public playground safety.
  3. Identify the relevant ASTM standards and guidelines.
  4. Understand the application the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
  5. Distinguish differences between a risk and a hazard.
  6. Identify the major causes of playground injuries and death.
  7. Identify and discuss the significance of anthropometric measurements as they relate to playground user’s age.

Part 2

Overview of Playground Safety Standards, Terms and Definitions related to Surfacing Injury Thresholds

KEY WORDS

Acceptable Injury threshold                             Hazard

Harm                                                                   Hazard Analysis

Risky Play                                                          Hazard Identification                                             Reasonably Foreseeable Use                          Safe

Safety                                                                  Hazardous Situation   

Risk                                                                     Tolerable Risk      

Residual Risk                                                     Risk Reduction Measure

Risk Analysis                                                     Risk Evaluation          

Risk Assessment                                               Serious Injury

Debilitating Injury                                              Life-threatening Injury

Intended Use                                                      ISO TR20183                

US CPSC                                                            TBI

US CDC                                                               Standard Scope

ASTM F1487 (USA)                                            SS457-07 (Singapore) structures

SS495 (Singapore) surfacing                            CPSC doc 325 (USA) comprehensive

CSA Z614 (Canada) comprehensive                 En1176 (Europe) structures

AS 4685 (Australia) structures                         EN1177 (Europe) surfacing

AS 4422 (Australia) surfacing

The purpose of this unit is to give the necessary information to understand injury thresholds, injury severity and how they are dealt with in standards around the world.  After completion of this section you should be able to;

  1. Understand how children place themselves in harm’s way.
  2. What behavior lead to Risky Play?
  3. Know the types of injuries sustained in a playground.
  4. Know the international terms and definitions related to injury prevention.
  5. Identify the scopes of various playground standards around the world.
  6. Understand the injury severity our standards attempt to reduce or eliminate.
  7. Understanding that standards set a very low bar on tolerable injuries
  8. Understand the formula for all injury frequency and severity.
  9. Understand the purpose of a Risk Assessment.
  10.  Identify strategies are currently available to reduce injury frequency and severity.
  11. Understand the relationship between impact and velocity to severity of injury.

Part 3

IMPACT ATTENUATION HISTORY, INJURY THRESHOLDS, INJURY PREVENTION CONCEPTS AND STANDARDS

KEY WORDS

Col. John Stapp                                                 Sub-human primate

Cadaver                                                              Gmax

Gmax Threshold                                                AIS curves and g values                      Wayne State Tolerance Curve                          Severity Index (SI)                         Head Injury Criteria (HIC)                                   Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS)       AIS curves and HIC values                                Impact velocity                             Critical Height                                                      Fall Height                                       Drop Height

The purpose of this unit is to give the necessary information to understand the history of measuring impact values and factors that relate to injury.  A consideration of fall heights and the principles of impact attenuation.  After completion of this section you should be able to;

  1. Understand how today’s impact values have been determined.
  2. Understand the relationship between Impact and Injury Severity;
  3. Know the types of injuries and their severity related to impact values.
  4. Understand the definitions of g, Severity Index and Head Injury Criteria.
  5. Identify the various issues related to fall height and reasonable foreseeable use.
  6. Understanding that standards set a very low bar on impact values
  7. Understand the relationship between Critical Height, Fall Height and Drop Height.
  8. Understand why does Rotational Kinematics impact Risk of Concussion.
  9. Understand how Gmax and HIC relate to Head Injury.
  10. Understand how Fall Height relates to Velocity.
  11. Understand how including duration effects Injury Severity.
  12. Understand how to interpret Injury Risk Curves in relationship to HIC Values.
  13. Understand how Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) relates to Playground Injuries.

Part 4

PLAYGROUND PROTECTIVE SURFACING MINIMUM PERFORMANCE THRESHOLDS, EQUIPMENT FALL HEIGHTS AND USE ZONES

KEY WORDS

Accessible Surfaces                                                    Fall Height  

Accessible Route of Travel                                         Firm, Stable, Slip Resistant

ADA 2010 Standard for Accessible Design            Functionally Linked Play           

Clearance Zone                                                             G-Max

Combination Swings                                                   High Traffic Areas

Composite Play Structure                                           HIC (Head Injury Criteria)

Critical Height                                                               Impact Attenuation

Composite Surfacing                                                   Loose-Fill Surfacing

Containment Border                                                    Multi-Axis Swing (Rotating)

Critical Height                                                               Overlapping Use Zones

Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF)                                  Resilient Surfacing

Surface System                                                            Single Axis Swing (to-fro)

Unitary Surfacing                                                         Poured-In-Place (PIP)

Use Zone

The purpose of this unit is to give you the necessary information to enable you to select, maintain and inspect resilient surfacing materials to assure adequate protection for users. After completion of the section you should be able to…

1.    Understand impact attenuation, and the need for impact attenuating surfacing within the use zone.

2.    Understand critical height as it relates to surfacing materials.

3.    Discuss the G-max and HIC thresholds relating to the impact attenuation of various   surfacing  materials.

4.    Understand fall height as it relates to play equipment.

5.    Understand the vital relationship between critical height and fall height.

6.     Identify and distinguish differences between loose-fill, unitary, and composite            surfaces.

  • Understand the concept of use zones under and around play equipment

8.     Identify where use zones can be overlapped

9.     Identify where overlapping of use zones is not permitted

10.   Identify requirements for a playground accessible route of travel for children with disabilities

11.   Understand the concept of approach, enter, and use as it relates to accessibility

12.   Understand functionally linked play and its relationship to use zones

Part 5

PLAYGROUND PROTECTIVE SURFACING TYPES, CHARACTERISTICS, ADVANTAGES AND

DISADVANTAGES

KEY WORDS

Accessible Surfaces                              Loose-Fill Surfacing

Critical Height                                               Pea Gravel

Composite Surfacing                             Poured-In-Place Unitary Surfacing (F2749)

(Combination Surfacing System)        Rubber Mulch (Shredded Rubber) (F3012)

Containment Border                              Sand Types

Engineered Wood Fiber (F2075)           Surface System

Fall Height                                               Wood Mulch

High Traffic Areas

Impact Attenuation

The purpose of this unit is to give you the necessary information to enable you to select, inspect, maintain, and repair loose-fill and unitary resilient surfacing materials to assure adequate protection for users. After completion of the section you should be able to…

  1. Identify the different types of playground impact attenuating surfaces available today.
  • Know the advantages and disadvantages of each type of impact attenuating surface
  • Know the different types of user, material and environmental impacts on different surfaces.
  • Know what impacts an impact attenuating surface’s functional life expectancy.
  • Understand the importance of proper installation, inspection and maintenance to assure compliance to playground safety standards.
  • Understand some of the issues effecting the performance and long-term maintenance issues with various surfaces.
  • What impact attenuating surface types best meet accessibility needs of those with mobility challenges.

Part 6

PLAYGROUND PROTECTIVE SURFACING MINIMUM DROP TESTING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

KEY WORDS
Accessible Surfaces

Critical Height

Drop Height

Fall Height

G-Max

HIC (Head Injury Criteria)

Overlapping Use Zones

Reference Test Pad

Specified Height Test

Surface System

Triaxial Accelerometer

Unitary Surfacing

Use Zone
The purpose of this unit is to give you the necessary information to enable you to understand what is involved in conducting laboratory, field and specified playground surfacing impact attenuation drop tests to help determine current and future compliance to the minimum requirements of ASTM F1292 and ASTM F1487 Standards. After completion of the section you should be able to…

1.    Understand impact attenuation, and its purpose in surfacing within the use zone.

2.    Understand critical height as it relates to fall or drop height during surfacing material compliance testing.

3.    Understand differences between ASTM F1292, F3313, F3351, En1177 Standards

4.    Better understand the vital relationship between critical height and fall height.

5.    Be able to identify and distinguish the advantages and disadvantages between loose-fill, unitary, and composite materials.

  • Understand the concept of identifying most adverse conditions in use zones under and around play equipment where drop testing should occur.

7.    Understand each different “surface type” must be tested whenever more than one surface material is used within the equipment use zone.

8.    Understand the information that must be incorporated into reports for a Lab. Critical Height Test vs. Field Test vs. Lab. Specified Impact Height Test.

9.    Better understand how Specified Impact Height test results, lower than minimum F1292 impact thresholds, or higher owner specified post installation drop height can impact surfacing system life expectancy and standard compliance.

Part 7

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:                                          BEST PRACTICES FOR BARRIER FREE DESIGN AND SURFACING ACCESSIBILITY COMPLIANCE

KEY WORDS

Changes in Level                                                          Cross Slope

Rotational Penetrometer                                             Running Slope

Vertical Clearance                                                        Vertical Rise

Carpet pile height

This unit presents a brief overview of information presented in the previous 6 Parts of the program. Part 7 will put the participant in a position to begin to make well informed decisions about what surfacing types would be best for their specific situation. These decisions will take into account all aspects of selection process to selecting the right impact attenuating surface taking into account numerous variables   After completing this unit, you should be able to…

  1. Understand the basic requirements of barrier free design of accessible routes based upon best practices of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
  1. Understand the performance and physical definitions for various barrier free design requirements including; clear width of the route, allowable changes in surface grade, (maximum allowable running slope, cross slope, vertical rise in any surface or transition, max. opening or gap within the accessible route, minimum overhead clearance over width of the route and how much and where clear space and parking space is required  adjacent to equipment for wheelchair access.
  1. Understand what makes a surface minimally accessible.
  1. Understand how to determine whether the work required to pass over an IAS system exceeds the minimum allowed by ASTM F1951 test method.
  1. Understand how a Rotational Penetrometer field test instrument works in the field to measure compliance with the firmness and stability requirements of an accessible route with the ASTM F1951 Laboratory Test.

Part 8

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: BEST PRACTICES

 

KEY WORDS

Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS)

Functional Longevity

Hazard ID and Risk/Benefit Assessment

Injury Thresholds

Intended Use

©ISO TR20183:2015

Polyurethane Binder (Aliphatic vs Aromatic)

Reasonably Foreseeable Use/Misuse

Rotational Penetrometer

ASTM F2479

This unit presents a brief overview of information presented in the previous 7 Parts of the program. Part 8 will put the participant in a position to begin to make well informed decisions about what surfacing types would be best for their specific situation. These decisions will consider all aspects of selection process to selecting the right impact attenuating surface taking into account numerous variables   After completing this unit, you should be able to…

  1. Be able to start to put all objectives of the entire course into perspective when making management decisions on selecting the appropriate playground IAS System.
  2. Be able to make management decisions to reduce the frequency and severity of all injury
  3. Better understand the many IAS variables and their relationship to reducing the severity and frequency of fall related injuries.
  4. Introducing Hazard Identification and Risk/Benefit Assessment Process.
  5. Understanding the factors effecting Functional Longevity and Long-Term Compliance.
  6. Knowing how to specify long-term compliance.