b. Review / Approve Bid for Playground Surfacing Option at Virmond County Park

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1 AGENDA NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, :00 AM LASATA CARE CENTER - BOARD ROOM W67 N677 WAUWATOSA ROAD, CEDARBURG, WI CALL TO ORDER Roll Call 2. PROPER NOTICE/ADOPTION OF AGENDA 3. PUBLIC COMMENT 4. ACTION ITEMS a. Review/Approve RES.16-24: Establishment of an Annual Clean Sweep Program for Collection and Disposal of Household and Agricultural Hazardous Waste* b. Review / Approve Bid for Playground Surfacing Option at Virmond County Park 5. NEXT MEETING DATE TUESDAY, October 4, ADJOURNMENT A quorum of members of committees or the full County Board of Ozaukee County may be in attendance at this meeting for purposes related to committee or board duties, however, no formal action will be taken by these committees or the board at this meeting. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations for attendance at this meeting should contact the County Clerk s Office at , twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the meeting. Updated 9/15/2016 7:17 PM

2 4.a RESOLUTION NO ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ANNUAL CLEAN SWEEP PROGRAM FOR COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF HOUSEHOLD AND AGRICULTURAL HAZARDOUS WASTE* WHEREAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates the average household generates more than 20 pounds of household hazardous waste per year, and as much as 100 pounds commonly accumulates in the home, often remaining there until the residents move out or do an extensive clean-out; and WHEREAS, fifty-four Wisconsin counties in 2016 are administering Clean Sweep Programs to assist their residents with providing an affordable means for disposing of hazardous waste and unwanted chemicals; and WHEREAS, Ozaukee County recognizes the proper disposal of hazardous waste is important to the health and safety of county residents; and WHEREAS, the collection and proper disposal of hazardous wastes serves to protect the natural resources of the county; and WHEREAS, an annual Clean Sweep Program will provide county residents a consistent and affordable opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous waste products and lower the environmental risks associated with improper disposal; and WHEREAS, a Clean Sweep Program established as an annual event will provide county residents the certainty of a yearly opportunity to dispose of hazardous waste, allowing for adequate planning and avoidance of improper disposal; and WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection provides assistance to counties to reduce the health and safety risks posed by hazardous waste through a competitive Clean Sweep Grant. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ozaukee County Board of Supervisors approves of an Annual Clean Sweep Program to assure Ozaukee County residents of an annual opportunity to properly dispose of household and agricultural hazardous wastes. FURTHER RESOLVED, the Ozaukee County Board of Supervisors authorizes the use of county levy funding to support an Annual Clean Sweep Program. FURTHER RESOLVED, the Director of the Land & Water Management Department is hereby authorized to submit the Clean Sweep grant application for 2017 funds to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. FURTHER RESOLVED, that a non-lapsing account be established for the Clean Sweep Program. Dated at Port Washington, Wisconsin, this 21st day of September SUMMARY: Establishment of Annual Clean Sweep Program to provide county residents with an affordable opportunity to safely dispose of household and agricultural hazardous waste. VOTE REQUIRED: Majority NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE Packet Pg. 2

3 4.a Natural Resources Committee AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET AGENDA DATE: September 21, 2016 DEPARTMENT: Land and Water Management DIRECTOR: Andy Holschbach PREPARER: Andy Holschbach Agenda Summary Establishment of an Annual Clean Sweep Program for Collection and Disposal of Household and Agricultural Hazardous Waste* BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Request is to establish an annual Clean Sweep Program utilizing county and state funds that will provide county residents with an affordable opportunity to dispose of household and agricultural hazardous waste. A Clean Sweep Program established as an annual event will provide county residents with the certainty of a yearly opportunity to dispose of hazardous waste allowing for adequate planning and avoidance of improper disposal. Improper disposal jeopardizes the health and safety of county residents. The last Clean Sweep was held approximately 12 years ago. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection provide assistance to counties to reduce the health and safety risks posed by hazardous waste through a competitive Clean Sweep Program Grant. Applications are due September 30 th for 2017 grant funds. Through the Clean Sweep Program social media will be utilized to provide information and education on how to minimize hazardous wastes and unwanted chemicals. Used tire collection will also be included at the time of Clean Sweep events. Fifty-four Wisconsin counties are providing Clean Sweeps in The goal of the Clean Sweep Program is to reduce the health and environmental risks posed by hazardous wastes and unwanted chemicals. ANALYSIS: An effective Clean Sweep Program with a total operating budget of $50,000 will serve approximately 480 participants. A $10/vehicle charge will be subject to each participant. A Clean Sweep Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will assist to help defray the expense of disposing the collected hazardous waste. FISCAL IMPACT: $50,000 Balance Current Year: $0 Next Year s Estimated Cost: $50,000 FUNDING SOURCE: Packet Pg. 4

4 4.a County Levy: $35,000 Non-County Levy: $15,000 Indicate source: Clean Sweep Grant, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection RECOMMENDED MOTION: Approval to establish an Annual Clean Sweep Program, submit Clean Sweep Grant application and establish a non-lapsing account. Packet Pg. 5

5 4.b Natural Resources Committee AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET AGENDA DATE: September 21, 2016 DEPARTMENT: Planning and Parks DIRECTOR: Andrew Struck PREPARER: Matt Aho Agenda Summary Review / Approve Bid for Playground Surfacing Option at Virmond County Park BACKGROUND INFORMATION: As part of the 2016 budget and approved Capital Improvement Program (CIP) purchases for 2016, the County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase and installation of new playground equipment at Virmond County Park. A public bidding process was completed in August 2016, and a contract with Lee Recreation, LLC was approved by the Natural Resources Committee at their September 6, 2016 meeting for final grading and site preparation and installation of playground equipment and perimeter border, with multiple optional items. Lee Recreation, LLC also provided bids for multiple playground surfacing options including poured-in-place safety surfacing, rubberized mulch, and processed wood mulch. The Natural Resources Committee discussed potential health impacts associated with exposure to rubberized mulch at their September 6, 2016 meeting and requested a review and summary of available literature and product information from Planning and Parks Department staff for further consideration at their September 21, 2016 meeting. ANALYSIS: Rubberized mulch and crumb rubber is typically composed of shredded auto and truck tires. When used as a surface cover in playgrounds, it is shown to be more protective in preventing serious brain injury compared to similar depths of other surfacing options. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recommended the use of rubber mulch in 2008 and Some tire ingredients are considered occupational hazards at high exposure levels and various groups have expressed concerns about potential health impacts associated with exposure to rubberized mulch. According to the USEPA, limited studies to date have not shown a link to cancer or any other disease, but no long term usage or risk studies have been completed. In February 2016, the USEPA, CPSC, and Centers for Disease Control issued an action plan to test different types of crumb rubber for chemical compounds, whether they are released with human contact, and associated health risks. An initial report is due by the end of 2016, and the USEPA s current position is that the use of recycled tire rubber for safety surfacing use is a state and local decision. Processed wood mulch (e.g., engineered wood fiber) has the same fall safety rating as rubberized mulch if applied per manufacturers specifications (e.g., at a greater depth than rubberized mulch) and is also approved for use by the CPSC. The long-term estimated maintenance costs for both options are approximately the same. A safety surface is required for the new playground equipment and the processed wood mulch option was already awarded to Lee Recreation, LLC as part of the original contract. The rubberized mulch option, if awarded, would represent a $5,105 increase in contract cost. See the attached summary document for Packet Pg. 6

6 4.b additional information. FISCAL IMPACT: $0 (processed wood mulch) or $5,105 (rubberized mulch) FUNDING SOURCE: County Levy: X Non-County Levy: X Indicate source: Parks Division Cost Center (capital), Brookby Foundation Grant, Tendick Nature Park Land Sale Revenue, and Private Donations RECOMMENDED MOTION: Review / Approve bid for playground surfacing option at Virmond County Park. ATTACHMENTS: P&P_Dept_Rubberized Mulch Summary (PDF) P&P_Dept Engineered Wood Fiber Product Sheet (PDF) P&P_Dept_CPSCPublic Playground Safety Handbook (PDF) P&P_Dept_Rubber Mulch Handout (PDF) Packet Pg. 7

7 4.b.a Rubberized Mulch/Crumb Rubber Safety Considerations Composition Typically shredded auto and truck tires. Benefits When used as a surface cover in playgrounds, it is shown to be more protective in preventing serious brain injury compared to similar depths of pea gravel, sand and wood chips. Use of recycled materials. Potential Concerns May absorb heat and get uncomfortably hot. May release unpleasant odor in hot weather. May stain skin/clothing. Some tire ingredients are considered occupational hazards at high exposure levels. Contain heavy metals, PAH s, arsenic, and other materials that may be ingested or leach into the air when hot. May contain pieces of wire. Rubber allergies. Federal Research No long term usage/risk studies have been completed. EPA limited studies to date have not shown a link to cancer or any other disease, but studies have not comprehensively evaluated the risks. CPSC recommended rubberized mulch use in 2008 after limited short term testing. USEPA announced crumb rubber turf was safe to play on in USEPA, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and Centers for Disease Control have issued an action plan to test different types of crumb rubber for chemical compounds, whether they are released with human contact, and associated health risks. Report due by end of Industry Research 2013 report prepared for the Rubber Manufacturers Association o Thorough review of available literature was conducted including studies from both advocates and opponents to the use of recycled tire materials. o Concluded that adverse health effects are not likely for children or athletes exposed to recycled tire materials found at playgrounds or athletic fields. o Concluded no adverse ecological or environmental outcomes from field leachate are likely. o Tire manufacturing subjects tires to high temperature and pressure where raw materials undergo physical transformations and chemical reactions that permanently link Attachment: P&P_Dept_Rubberized Mulch Summary (3771 : Review / Approve Bid for Playground Surfacing at Virmond County Park) Packet Pg. 8

8 4.b.a o o o materials either chemically or physically. Process is designed so release of chemicals is inhibited. Studies assessed exposure from breathing in indoor sporting environments where tire materials are used did not find appreciable adverse health effects. Same conclusion for outdoor settings where particulate and gaseous phase air concentrations are expected to be 10 to 100 times lower. Tires are made from natural rubber in bale form, which does not contain the same level of active proteins which may trigger allergenic responses as found in liquid latex. Recommends a long term research goal of assessing fine particulate exposure at indoor and outdoor fields and assessment of airborne concentrations of volatile organic compounds as a function of temperature for general scientific consensus. Product Information from Lee Recreation Groundsmart Rubber Mulch o 99.99% metal free o Non-toxic, polyurethane coating bonded to rubber o Product will retain at least 50% of its color on opacity at 12 years o Certified by International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMAO) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), certified by US Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC) o Non-staining o Will not attract insects or termites o Will not decompose for many years o Rubber smell will dissipate within a few days after installation o Manufacturer estimates a 10% replacement every two years Engineered Wood Fiber o Complies with all relevant ASTM standards for playground use, including standard specifications for impact attenuation of surface systems under and around playground equipment and standard specifications for engineered wood fiber for use as a playground safety surface under and around playground equipment. o Manufacturer estimates a 25% top coat replacement every two-three years Approximately 10% - 15% of Lee s customers use poured-in-place safety surfacing, 25% use shredded rubber, and 60%-65% use processed wood mulch. Attachment: P&P_Dept_Rubberized Mulch Summary (3771 : Review / Approve Bid for Playground Surfacing at Virmond County Park) Packet Pg. 9

9 4.b.b Engineered Wood Fiber Complies with all relevant ASTM standards for playground use: ASTM F1292 Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment. Test results for Engineered Wood Fiber must show G-max values of less than 155G for an 8 thick system or 120G for a 12 system with a 12 drop height and HIC values less than 1,000 for both new and 12-year-old materials. Test results for Engineered Wood Fiber must show G-max values of less than 200G for a 12 system with a 14 drop height, and HIC values less than 1,000 for both new and 12-year old materials. ASMT F2075 Standard Specification for Engineered Wood Fiber for Use as a Playground Safety Surface under and around playground equipment. Material must undergo testing to determine the presence of tramp metal particles. Metal particles embedded or mixed in Engineered Wood Fiber may cause injury if a child were to fall on/or come in contact with them. The limit for tramp metal was set to reduce the potential of injury. Standard Wood chips, bark mulch or materials from recycled pallets will not be acceptable. ASTM F1951 Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems under and around playground equipment. Must meet the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Engineered Wood Fiber: The amount necessary to provide the approximate depth after compaction is as follows: 8 38 cubic yards per 1,000 sq. ft. of playground area 9 42 cubic yards per 1,000 sq. ft. of playground area cubic yards per 1,000 sq. ft. of playground area cubic yards per 1,000 sq. ft. of playground area cubic yards per 1,000 sq. ft. of playground area Attachment: P&P_Dept Engineered Wood Fiber Product Sheet (3771 : Review / Approve Bid for Playground Surfacing at Virmond County Park) Packet Pg. 10

10 4.b.c Public Playground Safety Handbook U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Saving Lives and Keeping Families Safe Attachment: P&P_Dept_CPSCPublic Playground Safety Handbook (3771 : Review / Approve Bid for Playground Surfacing at Virmond County Packet Pg. 11

11 4.b.c U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 4330 EAST WEST HIGHWAY BETHESDA, MD December 29, 2015 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission s ( CPSC or Commission ) Public Playground Safety Handbook was first published in 1981 under the name A Handbook for Public Playground Safety. The recommendations in the Handbook are focused on playground-related injuries and mechanical mechanisms of injury; falls from playground equipment have remained the largest single hazard pattern associated with playground use. Since the first edition, the Commission has included recommendations that playgrounds not be installed over concrete, asphalt, or paved surfaces to address serious head injuries due to falls from the equipment. Additionally, the Commission has made suggestions for commonly used loose-fill and unitary surfacing materials (e.g., wood mulch, pea gravel, sand, gym mats, and shredded/recycled rubber mulch) that provide head impact attenuation and can mitigate the hazard presented by falls from playground equipment. Maintaining the focus on falls, the Handbook s surfacing recommendations are based on the surfacing material s energy absorbing effectiveness. During the past 35 years, innovations in technology have led to new playground equipment and surfacing practices. Voluntary standards for equipment and impact attenuation for protective surfacing have evolved. The 2010 edition of the Handbook, the most recent version, still discusses common materials, but also covers new surfacing systems that are specifically designed and tested to comply with ASTM F1292, the voluntary standard for measuring impact attenuation of surfacing. Maintaining that focus, Section 2.4 of the Handbook identifies shredded/recycled rubber mulch as an Appropriate Surfacing product, given that this product can meet the impact attenuation requirements of ASTM F1292, as long as minimum depths of the material are maintained, as specified in Table 2 of Section 2.5. This notation is solely focused on the impact attenuation to minimize serious head injuries, and not on other aspects that may pose other risks, such as chemical exposure or ingestion. Attachment: P&P_Dept_CPSCPublic Playground Safety Handbook (3771 : Review / Approve Bid for Playground Surfacing at Virmond County Packet Pg. 12

12 4.b.c Handbook for Public Playground Safety Watching and stopping dangerous horseplay, such as children throwing protective surfacing materials, jumping from heights, etc. Watching for and stopping children from wandering away from the play area. 2.3 Selecting Equipment When selecting playground equipment, it is important to know the age range of the children who will be using the playground. Children at different ages and stages of development have different needs and abilities. Playgrounds should be designed to stimulate children and encourage them to develop new skills, but should be in scale with their sizes, abilities, and developmental levels. Consideration should also be given to providing play equipment that is accessible to children with disabilities and encourages integration within the playground. Table 1 shows the appropriate age range for various pieces of playground equipment. This is not an all-comprehensive list and, therefore, should not limit inclusion of current or newly designed equipment that is not specifically mentioned. For equipment listed in more than one group, there may be some modifications or restrictions based on age, so consult the specific recommendations in Equipment not recommended Some playground equipment is not recommended for use on public playgrounds, including: Trampolines Swinging gates Giant strides Climbing ropes that are not secured at both ends. Heavy metal swings (e.g., animal figures) These are not recommended because their heavy rigid metal framework presents a risk of impact injury. Multiple occupancy swings With the exception of tire swings, swings that are intended for more than one user are not recommended because their greater mass, as compared to single occupancy swings, presents a risk of impact injury. Rope swings Free-swinging ropes that may fray or otherwise form a loop are not recommended because they present a potential strangulation hazard. Swinging dual exercise rings and trapeze bars These are rings and trapeze bars on long chains that are generally considered to be items of athletic equipment and are not recommended for public playgrounds. NOTE: The recommendation against the use of exercise rings does not apply to overhead hanging rings such as those used in a ring trek or ring ladder (see Figure 7). 2.4 Surfacing The surfacing under and around playground equipment is one of the most important factors in reducing the likelihood of life-threatening head injuries. A fall onto a shock absorbing surface is less likely to cause a serious head injury than a fall onto a hard surface. However, some injuries from falls, including broken limbs, may occur no matter what playground surfacing material is used. The most widely used test method for evaluating the shock absorbing properties of a playground surfacing material is to drop an instrumented metal headform onto a sample of the material and record the acceleration/time pulse during the impact. Field and laboratory test methods are described in ASTM F1292 Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment. Testing using the methods described in ASTM F1292 will provide a critical height rating of the surface. This height can be considered as an approximation of the fall height below which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur. Manufacturers and installers of playground protective surfacing should provide the critical height rating of their materials. This rating should be greater than or equal to the fall height of the highest piece of equipment on the playground. The fall height of a piece of equipment is the distance between the highest designated play surface on a piece of equipment and the protective surface beneath it. Details for determining the highest designated play surface and fall height on some types of equipment are included in 5 Parts of the Playground Equipment not covered by protective surfacing recommendations The recommendations for protective surfacing do not apply to equipment that requires a child to be standing or sitting at ground level. Examples of such equipment are: Attachment: P&P_Dept_CPSCPublic Playground Safety Handbook (3771 : Review / Approve Bid for Playground Surfacing at Virmond County Packet Pg. 13

13 4.b.c Handbook for Public Playground Safety Sand boxes Activity walls at ground level Play houses Appropriate Surfacing Any material tested to ASTM F1292, including unitary surfaces, engineered wood fiber, etc. Pea gravel Sand Shredded/recycled rubber mulch Wood mulch (not CCA-treated) Wood chips Any other equipment that children use when their feet remain in contact with the ground surface Selecting a surfacing material There are two options available for surfacing public playgrounds: unitary and loose-fill materials. A playground should never be installed without protective surfacing of some type. Concrete, asphalt, or other hard surfaces should never be directly under playground equipment. Grass and dirt are not considered protective surfacing because wear and environmental factors can reduce their shock absorbing effectiveness. Carpeting and mats are also not appropriate unless they are tested to and comply with ASTM F1292. Loose-fill should be avoided for playgrounds intended for toddlers Unitary surfacing materials Unitary materials are generally rubber mats and tiles or a combination of energy-absorbing materials held in place by a Asphalt Inappropriate Surfacing Carpet not tested to ASTM F1292 Concrete Dirt Grass CCA treated wood mulch binder that may be poured in place at the playground site and then cured to form a unitary shock absorbing surface. Unitary materials are available from a number of different manufacturers, many of whom have a range of materials with differing shock absorbing properties. New surfacing materials, such as bonded wood fiber and combinations of loose-fill and unitary, are being developed that may also be tested to ASTM F1292 and fall into the unitary materials category. When deciding on the best surfacing materials keep in mind that some dark colored surfacing materials exposed to the intense sun have caused blistering on bare feet. Check with the manufacturer if light colored materials are available or provide shading to reduce direct sun exposure. Persons wishing to install a unitary material as a playground surface should request ASTM F1292 test data from the manufacturer identifying the critical height rating of the desired surface. In addition, site requirements should be obtained from the manufacturer because some unitary materials require installation over a hard surface while others do not. Manufacturer s instructions should be followed closely, as some unitary systems require professional installation. Testing should be conducted in accordance with the ASTM F1292 standard. 9 Attachment: P&P_Dept_CPSCPublic Playground Safety Handbook (3771 : Review / Approve Bid for Playground Surfacing at Virmond County Packet Pg. 14

14 4.b.c Handbook for Public Playground Safety Loose-fill surfacing materials Engineered wood fiber (EWF) is a wood product that may look similar in appearance to landscaping mulch, but EWF products are designed specifically for use as a playground safety surface under and around playground equipment. EWF products should meet the specifications in ASTM F2075: Standard Specification for Engineered Wood Fiber and be tested to and comply with ASTM F1292. There are also rubber mulch products that are designed specifically for use as playground surfacing. Make sure they have been tested to and comply with ASTM F1292. When installing these products, tips 1-9 listed below should be followed. Each manufacturer of engineered wood fiber and rubber mulch should provide maintenance requirements for and test data on: Critical height based on ASTM F1292 impact attenuation testing. Minimum fill-depth data. Toxicity. ADA/ABA accessibility guidelines for firmness and stability based on ASTM F1951. Other loose-fill materials are generally landscaping-type materials that can be layered to a certain depth and resist compacting. Some examples include wood mulch, wood chips, sand, pea gravel, and shredded/recycled rubber mulch. Important tips when considering loose-fill materials: 1. Loose-fill materials will compress at least 25% over time due to use and weathering. This must be considered when planning the playground. For example, if the playground will require 9 inches of wood chips, then the initial fill level should be 12 inches. See Table 2 below. 2. Loose-fill surfacing requires frequent maintenance to ensure surfacing levels never drop below the minimum depth. Areas under swings and at slide exits are more susceptible to displacement; special attention must be paid to maintenance in these areas. Additionally, wear mats can be installed in these areas to reduce displacement. 3. The perimeter of the playground should provide a method of containing the loose-fill materials. 4. Consider marking equipment supports with a minimum fill level to aid in maintaining the original depth of material Good drainage is essential to maintaining loose-fill surfacing. Standing water with surfacing material reduces effectiveness and leads to material compaction and decomposition. 6. Critical height may be reduced during winter in areas where the ground freezes. 7. Never use less than 9 inches of loose-fill material except for shredded/recycled rubber (6 inches recommended). Shallower depths are too easily displaced and compacted 8. Some loose-fill materials may not meet ADA/ABA accessibility guidelines. For more information, contact the Access Board (see 1.6) or refer to ASTM F Wood mulch containing chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood products should not be used; mulch where the CCA-content is unknown should be avoided (see ). Table 2 shows the minimum required depths of loose-fill material needed based on material type and fall height. The depths shown assume the materials have been compressed due to use and weathering and are properly maintained to the given level Installing loose-fill over hard surface CPSC staff strongly recommends against installing playgrounds over hard surfaces, such as asphalt, concrete, or hard packed earth, unless the installation adds the following layers of protection. Immediately over the hard surface there should be a 3- to 6-inch base layer of loose-fill (e.g., gravel for drainage). The next layer should be a Geotextile cloth. On top of that should be a loose-fill layer meeting the specifications addressed in and Table 2. Embedded in the loose-fill layer should be impact attenuating mats under high traffic areas, such as under swings, at slide exits, and other places where displacement is likely. Figure 1 provides a visual representation of this information. Older playgrounds that still exist on hard surfacing should be modified to provide appropriate surfacing. 2.5 Equipment Materials Durability and finish Use equipment that is manufactured and constructed only of materials that have a demonstrated record of durability in a playground or similar setting. Attachment: P&P_Dept_CPSCPublic Playground Safety Handbook (3771 : Review / Approve Bid for Playground Surfacing at Virmond County Packet Pg. 15

15 4.b.c Handbook for Public Playground Safety Finishes, treatments, and preservatives should be selected carefully so that they do not present a health hazard to users Hardware Table 2. Minimum compressed loose-fill surfacing depths Inches Of (Loose-Fill Material) Protects to Fall Height (feet) * Shredded/recycled rubber 10 9 Sand 9 Pea Gravel 5 9 Wood mulch (non-cca) 9 Wood chips 10 * Shredded/recycled rubber loose-fill surfacing does not compress in the same manner as other loose-fill materials. However, care should be taken to maintain a constant depth as displacement may still occur. When installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions: All fasteners, connectors, and covering devices should not loosen or be removable without the use of tools. Layer 5: Impact mats under swings Layer 4: Loose-fill surfacing material Layer 3: Geotextile cloth Layer 2: 3- to 6-inches of loose fill (e.g., gravel for drainage) Layer 1: Hard surface (asphalt, concrete, etc.) Figure 1. Installation layers for loose-fill over a hard surface All fasteners, connectors, and covering devices that are exposed to the user should be smooth and should not be likely to cause laceration, penetration, or present a clothing entanglement hazard (see also 3.2 and Appendix B). Lock washers, self-locking nuts, or other locking means should be provided for all nuts and bolts to protect them from detachment. Hardware in moving joints should also be secured against unintentional or unauthorized loosening. 11 Attachment: P&P_Dept_CPSCPublic Playground Safety Handbook (3771 : Review / Approve Bid for Playground Surfacing at Virmond County Packet Pg. 16

16 Attachment: P&P_Dept_Rubber Mulch Handout (3771 : Review / Approve Bid for Playground Surfacing at Virmond County Park) Playground Rubber Mulch 4.b.d Border Timbers Available in 4, 2 & 1 lengths 12 tall and 4 wide Includes 2.5 galvanized-steel stake Made of UV-stable, black, blow-molded recycled plastic that won t fade, splinter or crack Packet Pg. 17