Complete copies of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Designation F1487-93 may be obtained by writing to:

ASTM, 1916 Race St. Philadelphia PA 19103 or look for their link on our links page

Complete copies of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Playground Safety Guidelines may be obtained by writing to:

Consumer Products Safety Commission, Washington DC 20207

Safety Resource Materials:

* National Recreation and Park Association Playground Safety Video which includes head probes for inspecting head entrapment. Video/Head Probe Package is $69.95. To order call 703-578-5564

* Scholastic Safety Corporation Playground Maintenance Handbook. The handbook was designed to be used with the U.S. CPSC Handbook for Public Playground Safety. Handbooks are $14.00. To order call 1-800-274-6989.

* Information Exchange- "Inspecting Playgrounds for Hazards," a 35-minute VHS training video which includes a sample maintenance checklist, preventive maintenance schedule checklist, preventive maintenance schedule and video review questions. The video package is $134.95. To order call 1-800-334-9193.

Guideline Highlights

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission published a set of current guidelines for playground safety in November 1994. This overview has been developed to assist you in reviewing old playgrounds. These standards would also apply in the development of new playground environments. The current CPSC Guidelines should be reviewed in its entirety to have a complete understanding of its intent.

* Age separation of equipment: preschool age, 2-5 years; school-age, 5-12 years. (4.3) If possible, play environments should be designed with separate structures for each of the two age groups.

* Head Entrapment: No openings between 3.5 inches and 9 inches. (7.5.1) Head probes are available for testing on site.

* Use Zone for Stationary Equipment: Should extend a minimum of 6 feet away from perimeter of the equipment. (11.1.1) Use zones should not overlap, with certain exceptions.

* Use Zone for Slides: Is a minimum of 6 feet away from the end of the slide chute or for a distance of the height of the slide plus 4 feet, measured from point of slide chute where slope is less than or equal to 5 degrees, whichever is greater. (11.1.2)

* Use Zone for Single Axis Swings: To extend to the front and rear a minimum distance of two times the height of the pivot point and 6' to the sides of the support legs. (11.1.3.)

* Highest Accessible Part: Of equipment relative to critical heights of tested loose fill material is 12 feet. (Table2, 10.4)

* Swings: Single axis swings may not be attached to a component structure.(9.2.2) Multi axis swings (tire swings) may not be attached to a component structure. (9.9.2) Tot seats should be separated from regular swings or at least be suspended from a separate bay of the same structure. (single axis). (9.2.3) Multiple occupancy swings, (except tire swings), animal figure swings, or rope swings are not recommended. (9.2.5.) No more than two single axis swings shall be hung in each bay of the supporting structure. (9.2.2)

* Slides: Average incline of sliding surface should not exceed 30 degrees. (9.1.4) No gaps between sides and sliding surface. (9.1.4) Roller slides are not recommended. (9.1.9) Exit region is a minimum of 11" as a run out. Slides no more than 4' in height should have an exit region height of no more than 11" from the protective surface: slides over 4 feet should be 12" for preschool age children and 18" for school age children (8.6).

* Stepped Platforms: Unless there is an alternative means of access/egress, the maximum difference in height between stepped platforms should be 12" for preschool age children and 18" for school age children (8.6).

* Climbing Equipment: Climbers should not have components in their interior structure onto which a child may fall from a height of greater then 18". (9.3.2)

* Guardrails and Handrails (2-5 Years): Guardrails should be provided for platforms greater than 20" and less than or equal to 30" high. Protective barriers should be used for platforms that exceed 30". (8.5.3)

* Guardrails and Handrails (5-12 Years): For platforms higher than 30" and less than or equal to 48", guardrails are required. Platforms higher than 48" should always have a protective barrier. (8.5.3) Test gauges are available for protrusions. (7.2)

* Sliding Poles: Should be at least 18" away from the edge of the structure but not more than 20" away. The pole should extend at least 38" above the platform. Sliding poles are not recommended for 2-5 year olds. (9.3.6)

* Seesaws (teeter-totters): Fulcrum center seesaws with pinch or crush hazard are not recommended. (9.5)

Reference: CPSC Handbook for Public Playground Safety