PLAYGROUND SAFETY AUDIT

Transcription

1 Mike Stock, Coordinator of Health & Safety 10 SE 9½ Street Phone & Fax: PLAYGROUND SAFETY AUDIT Inspected by: Project Number (if applicable): Building: Date of Audit: Age/Size Appropriateness and Design The following play equipment is NOT recommended for 2- to 5-year olds (CPSC 6.3): Chain or cable walks Free standing arch climbers Free standing climbing events with flexible components Fulcrum seesaws Log rolls Long spiral slides Overhead rings Parallel bars Swinging gates Track rides Vertical sliding poles Upper body climbing equipment, other than turning bars The following pieces of equipment are RECOMMENDED for 2-5 year olds: Lightweight enclosed swing seats (bucket seats). (CPSC ) Short spiral slides, with one turn or less, and slides equal to or less than 4 feet high (CPSC ) 1. Does this playground have equipment intended for 2-5 year olds? Yes No NA 2. If yes, is this equipment separated from equipment intended for Yes No NA 5-12 year olds? 3. Additional Comments? _ 1

2 Playground Protective Surface 1. What type of surfacing material is present? 2. What is the depth of surfacing material throughout the play area? 3. What is the depth of surfacing material underneath swings and slides? 4. What is the height of the tallest designated play surface? All elevated play equipment (slides, swings, seesaws, climbing apparatus) should have proper depth of impact-absorbing material underneath the structure and its use zone. CPSC Table 1 - CRITICAL HEIGHT (in feet) OF TESTED MATERIALS Material Uncompressed Depth Compressed Depth 6 inches 9 inches 11 inches 9 inches Wood Chips Double Shredded Bark Mulch Engineered Wood Fibers 6 7 >12 6 Fine Sand Coarse Sand Fine Gravel Medium Gravel Shredded Tires Should be tested in accordance with ASTM F What areas (if any) do not meet the requirements as set forth in CPSC Table 1? 5. Does it seem that the surfaces are inspected and raked to prevent them Yes No NA them from becoming packed down and to remove hidden hazards such as litter or broken glass. (CPSC 7.2) 6. If the surface is comprised of loose materials, are they replenished as Yes No NA recommended to maintain adequate depth and coverage. (CPSC 7.2) 7. Is standing water found in any of the use zones? (CPSC 6.1) Yes No NA 8. Additional comments? 2

3 Use Zones 1. Do the pieces of equipment have adequate use zones? Yes No NA Use zones should be 6 feet in all directions for all equipment. (ASTM 9.2.1, CPSC 5.1.1) Use zones may overlap if the adjacent designated play surfaces are less than 30 inches above the protective surfacing. (ASTM 9.2.3, CPSC 5.1.1) If either adjacent structure exceeds 30 inches, the minimum distance between the structures should be 9 feet. (ASTM 9.2.3, CPSC 5.1.1) Swings, slide exits, and moving equipment (other than rocking equipment less than 30 inches high) can never overlap use zones. (CSPC 5.1.1, ) If no, which pieces? 2. The use zone for rocking/springing equipment intended for sitting Yes No NA is at least 6 feet. (ASTM ) 3. The use zone for rocking/springing equipment intended for standing Yes No NA is at least 7 feet. (ASTM ) 4. Swings with enclosed swing seats or buckets - use zones to the front Yes No NA and to the rear are a minimum distance of 2W, where W equals the distance from the top of the occupant's sitting surface to the pivot point on the swing. (CPSC 5.1.3, ASTM ) 5. Belt swings' use zones to the front and to the rear are a minimum Yes No NA distance of 2X, where X equals the distance from the top of the protective surfacing to the pivot point on the swing. (CPSC 5.1.3, ASTM ) 6. Slides have a use zone that is equal to the height of the slide (measured Yes No NA from the protective surface to the slide platform) with a minimum use zone of 72 inches and a maximum use zone of 96 inches. (CPSC 5.1.2, ASTM 9.6.2, , Fig. A1.32) 7. The use zone for a tire swing is a minimum of 6 feet in all directions Yes No NA of the support structure plus a minimum horizontal distance in all directions equal to the distance between the pivot point to the top of the seat plus 6 feet. (CPSC 5.1.3, ASTM 9.4.2) 8. Are retaining walls highly visible and are changes of elevation obvious? Yes No NA (CPSC 9.7) 9. Additional comments? 3

4 Slides Check this box if the playground does not have slides. 1. Number slides on map using numbers 1-8 Then use descriptive words to differentiate each slide Is the slide chute at least 12 inches wide for 2-5 year olds and 16 inches Yes No NA wide for 5-12 year olds? (ASTM ) 3. Is there is a flat surface the width of the slide bed at the top of the slide Yes No NA that is a minimum of 22 inches deep going back from the slide bedway and at least as wide as the slide chute? (CPSC , ASTM , ) If not, which slides? 4. Are there sufficient safety barriers at the top of the slides to prevent Yes No NA falls, with hand-holds to assist standing-to-sitting transition, and a means to channel the user to the sitting position before slide entry? (CPSC , ASTM , 8.5.3) If not, which slides? 5. Are the sides of slide bedway at least 4 inches high? Yes No NA (CPSC , ASTM ) If not, which slides? 6. Do any of the sliding surfaces exceed 50 degrees at any one point? Yes No NA (ASTM ) If yes, which slides? 7. Do any of the slides have an average angle of 30 degrees or more? Yes No NA Where H=height of slide from top of the slide (platform) to slide exit and L=length of slide from platform to edge of exit, H/L (CPSC , ASTM ) If yes, which slides? 8. Do the slides have a flat sliding surface (run out zone) at the bottom Yes No NA of the slide that is a minimum of 11 inches long and have an angle of 0-4 degrees from the horizontal plane? (CPSC , ASTM ) If no, which slides?_ 9. For slides greater than 4 feet high, is the slide exit between 7 and 15 Yes No NA inches above the protective surfacing? (CPSC , ASTM ) Measure the slide exits and enter here (use N/A if slide height is less than 4 feet): For slides less than 4 feet high, does the slide exit height exceed 11 Yes No NA inches above the protective surfacing material? (CPSC , ASTM ) Measure the slide exits and enter here (use N/A if slide height is greater than 4 feet):

5 11. Do the tube slides have a minimum diameter equal to or greater Yes No NA than 23 inches? (CPSC , ASTM ) If not, which slides? 12. Do the slides have a 21-inch use zone free of obstacles or protrusions Yes No NA that project more than 1/8 inch perpendicular to the plane of the initial surface? Underside of slide bedway is exempt. (ASTM , CPSC 9.4) If no, which slides and what protrusions? 13. On roller sliders, do the openings allow a 3/16-inch rod to enter? Yes No NA (ASTM , CPSC ) 14. If the slide is constructed in several pieces, does the sliding surface Yes No NA have gaps or rough edges at the top of the slide or at section seams that could entangle clothing or trap foreign material? (CPSC ) If so, which slides?_ 15. Are any of the slides made of metal, wood, or fiberglass? (CPSC ) Yes No NA If so, which slides? 16. Additional comments: 5

6 Flexible Climbing Equipment Check this box if the playground does not have climbing equipment. 1. Handholds, climbing bars, and handrails are between 0.95 and Yes No NA 1.55 inches in diameter. 2. When a net, chain, or tire climber is anchored to the ground, is Yes No NA the anchoring device installed below the surfacing material? (CPSC , ASTM ) 3. Do flexible climbing devices used as access by 2- to 5-year olds Yes No NA readily allow users to bring both feet to the same level before ascending to the next level? (ASTM ) 4. Do any of the climbers have climbing bars or other structural Yes No NA components in the interior of the structure onto which a child may fall from a height of greater than 18 inches? (CPSC ) 5. Do all the rung ladders and arch, tire, and flexible climbers have Yes No NA hand-support to provide for transition between top of access and platform? (CPSC 10.4, ASTM 7.3.2) 6. Is the stepping surface used for final access on rung ladders and Yes No NA arch, tire, and flexible climbers above the designated play surface (platform) they serve? (ASTM 7.3.3) 7. Is the balance beam maximum height from the playing surface 12 Yes No NA inches for 2- to 5-year olds and 16 inches for 5- to 12-year olds? (CPSC , ASTM 8.1.1) 8. Additional comments: 6

7 Upper Body Climbing Equipment Check this box if the playground does not have upper body climbing equipment. 1. Is the maximum height of upper body climbing equipment 60 inches Yes No NA for 2-5 year olds and 84 inches for 5-12 year olds? (CPSC , ASTM 8.3.3) 2. Is the maximum distance between rungs 12 inches for 2-5 year olds Yes No NA and 15 inches for 5-12 year olds? (CPSC , ASTM 8.3) 3. Are the chains for the overhead swinging rings a maximum length Yes No NA of 12 inches? (CPSC ) 4. Are climbing ropes secured at both ends and not capable of being Yes No NA looped back on themselves creating a loop with an inside diameter of greater than 5 inches? (CPSC , ASTM 6.6.1) 5. Is the horizontal take-off distance to first handhold no greater than Yes No NA 10 inches? If access and egress are by rungs, is the horizontal distance between 8 and 10 inches. (ASTM 8.3.2) 6. Is the maximum height of take-off/landing platforms for upper body Yes No NA equipment 18 inches for 2-5 year olds and 36 inches for 5-12 year olds? (ASTM 8.3.4) 7. Are the sliding poles a maximum of 1.9 inches in diameter and Yes No NA continuous with no protruding welds or joints within sliding area? (CPSC , ASTM ) 8. Are the sliding poles at least inches from the edge of the access Yes No NA structure (platform)? (CPSC , ASTM 8.4.1) 9. Is the top of the sliding pole at least 60 inches above the surface of the Yes No NA access structure? (ASTM 8.4.3, CPSC ) 10. Does the guardrail or protective barrier at a platform entrance or exit Yes No NA have an opening with a maximum horizontal dimension of 15 inches? (ASTM 8.4.6) 11. Additional comments: 7

8 Stairways and Ladders Check this box if the playground does not have stairways or ladders. 1. Are there continuous handrails on both sides for stairways with more Yes No NA than one tread? (CPSC 10.3, ASTM ) 2. On stairways with only one tread, is there an alternate handrail or Yes No NA means of hand support? (ASTM ) 3. Is the handrail height between 22 and 26 inches for 2-5 year olds and Yes No NA 22 and 38 inches for 5-12 year olds? (CPSC , ASTM ) 4. Do children have an easy, safe way to descend equipment when they Yes No NA reach the top (via platform, stairway, or stepladder)? (CPSC ) 5. Do the steps and rungs allow for accumulation of water and debris? Yes No NA (CPSC 10.2, ASTM 7.1.2) 6. Are the steps and rungs evenly spaced within a tolerance of +/-0.25 Yes No NA inches? This includes the spacing between the top step or rung and the surface of the platform. (ASTM 7.1.1) 7. All stairways, stepladders, and rung ladders, as they relates to the intended users, conform with Table 2 - Rung Ladders, Stepladders, Stairways, and Ramps (Access Slope; Tread, Rund and Ramp Width; Tread Depth; Rung Diameter; and Vertical Rise, by Age of Intended User: (ASTM 7.1.3): Type of Access Age of Intended User, Years 2 through 5 5 through 12 2 through 12 Rung Ladders:A Slope degrees degrees degrees Total ladder widthb 12 inches 16 inches 16 inches Vertical rise (top of rung to top of rung) 12 inches C 12 inches C 12 inches C Rung Diameter 0.95 to 1.55 inches 0.95 to 1.55 inches 0.95 to 1.55 inches Stepladders: Slope degrees degrees degrees Tread width: Single file access inches 16 inches inches Two-abreast access A 36 inches A Tread depth: Open riser 7.0 inches 3.0 inches 7.0 inches Closed riser 7.0 inches 6.0 inches 7.0 inches Vertical rise (top of step) 9.0 inches C 12.0 inches C 9.0 inches C Stairways: Slope < 50 degrees < 50 degrees < 50 degrees Tread width: Single file access 12 inches 16 inches 16 inches Two-abreast access 30 inches 36 inches 36 inches Tread depth: Open riser 7.0 inches 8.0 inches 8.0 inches Closed riser 7.0 inches 8.0 inches 8.0 inches Vertical rise (top of step) 9.0 inches C 12.0 inches C 9.0 inches C Ramps (does not address wheelchair use): Slope (vertical/horizontal) 1:8 1:8 1:8 Width: Single file access 12.0 inches 16.0 inches 16.0 inches Two-abreast access 30.0 inches 36.0 inches 36.0 inches A Not recommended as sole access for preschoolers B Excluding side supports C Entrapment provisions apply 8. Additional comments: 8

9 Decks and Platforms Check this box if the playground does not have decks or platforms. 1. Is the maximum difference in height between stepped platforms 12 Yes No NA inches for 2-5 year olds and 18 inches for 5-12 year olds (unless an alternate means of access is available)? (CPSC 11.7, ASTM ) 2. Is there is a 29-inch high (minimum) protective barrier on Yes No NA all elevated surfaces at least 30 high for 2- to 5-year old users' equipment? (CPSC 11.5, ASTM , ) 3. Is there is a 38-inch high (minimum) protective barrier on Yes No NA all elevated surfaces at least 48 inches high for 5- to 12-year old users' equipment? (CPSC 11.5, ASTM , ) 4. Are there guardrails or protective barriers present on all elevated Yes No NA surfaces greater than 20 inches for 2- to 5-year old users' equipment (29-inch top edge, 23-inch lower edge)? (CPSC 11.4, ASTM , ) 5. Are there guardrails or protective barriers present on all elevated Yes No NA surfaces greater than 30 inches for 5- to 12-year old users' equipment (38-inch top edge, 28-inch lower edge). (CPSC 11.4, ASTM , ) 6. Are there any partially bounded openings that are greater than 1-7/8 Yes No NA inches and less than 9 inches and fail the test method for partially bounded openings (fish probe)? (ASTM 6.1.4) 7. Additional comments: 9

10 Swings Check this box if the playground does not have swings. 1. Are any of the swings (to-fro and rotating) attached to main structure? Yes No NA [CPSC , ASTM (2), (2)] 2. Are all flying animal figure swings, multiple occupancy swings Yes No NA (except tire swings), and rope swings removed from public playgrounds? (CPSC ) 3. Are all to and fro swings and tire swings located away from circulation Yes No NA paths (a distance at least equal to the equipment use zone and an additional safety factor for circulation, with this area free of any obstructions). [CPSC , ASTM (1), (1)] 4. Are all swing seats smoothly finished, have blunt or rounded edges, and Yes No NA are not made with wood or metal? [CPSC , ASTM (3&4)] 5. Are there any open "S" hooks (can you slip a dime into the space?)? Yes No NA (CPSC ) 6. Are there two swings, evenly spaced, in any individual Yes No NA swing bay? [CPSC , ASTM (1)] 7. Are the swing seats of the same type in each bay? (CPSC ) Yes No NA 8. Are the swings at least 24 inches from each other? Measure this at 60 Yes No NA inches above the surface. [CPSC , ASTM (3)] 9. Are the swings at least 30 inches away from the frame? Measure this Yes No NA at 60 inches above the surface. [CPSC , ASTM (3)] 10. Is the vertical distance between underside of occupied seat and Yes No NA protective surface at least 12 inches for belt swings and 24 inches for tot swings? [CPSC , , ASTM (4)] 11. Are the swing hangers spaced wider than the seats, not less than 20 Yes No NA inches at the top? [CPSC , ASTM (4)] 12. For tire swings, is the minimum clearance between the seating surface Yes No NA and its supporting uprights at least 30 inches when tire is in a position closet to support structure? [CPSC , ASTM (1)] 13. Does each tire swing have a minimum clearance of 12 inches from the Yes No NA bottom of the tire to the protective surface? [ASTM (2)] 14. Is there only one tire swing in each bay? [ASTM (2)] Yes No NA 15. Do the tire swings have adequate drainage? (CPSC ) Yes No NA 16. Are the tire swings made out of steel belted radial tires? Yes No NA [CPSC , ASTM (2)] 17. Additional comments: 10

11 Rotating and Rocking Equipment Check this box if the playground does not have rotating or rocking equipment. 1. Does the seesaw's seating surface less than 60 inches above the Yes No NA underlying surface and is the maximum attainable angle 25 degrees? (ASTM ) 2. Is the seesaw fulcrum fixed, enclosed, or designed to prevent pinching? Yes No NA (CPSC 12.3, ASTM ) 3. Seesaw handgrips meant for one hand are at least three inches long, Yes No NA and with two hands are at least 6 inches long, and they do not protrude beyond the sides of the seat. (ASTM ) 4. Do the footrests have a minimum width of 3.5 inches? (ASTM ) Yes No NA 5. A rubber segment is buried in the surfacing under the seesaw seats Yes No NA unless the seesaw uses a spring centering device. (CPSC 12.3, ASTM ) 6. Do the log rolls have a maximum height of 18 inches above the Yes No NA protective surface (measured from the highest point of the top surface)? (ASTM ) 7. Spring rocking equipment seat height is between 14 and 28 inches. Yes No NA (ASTM ) 8. There are no equipment parts that could cause a pinching or crushing Yes No NA injury on spring rocking equipment. An exemption is the attachment of heavy-duty coil springs to the body and base of spring rocking equipment. (CPSC 12.5, ASTM 6.5, ) 9. Handholds and footrests stay in place when grasped and pass the Yes No NA protrusion test. (CPSC 12.5, ASTM &3) 10. Merry-go-rounds are approximately circular, and the distance between Yes No NA the minimum and maximum radii of a non-circular platform does not exceed 2 inches. (CPSC 12.2, ASTM ) 11. Components of the merry-go-round do not extend beyond the platform Yes No NA perimeter. (CPSC 12.2, ASTM ) 12. There are no openings in the surface of the platform that permit the Yes No NA penetration of 5/16-inch rod through the surface of the merry-go-round. (CPSC 12.2, ASTM ) 13. There are no accessible shearing or crushing mechanisms in the Yes No NA undercarriage of the equipment, and the platform does not provide an oscillatory (up and down) motion. (CPSC 12.2, ASTM ) 14. The peripheral speed of the platform does not exceed 13 feet per second. Yes No NA Platforms 20 inches in diameter are exempt. (CPSC 12.2, ASTM ) 15. There is a minimum of 9 inches between the protective surface and the Yes No NA underside of a merry-go-round platform with a maximum height of 14 inches for the platform surface. [ASTM , (2)] 16. Additional Comments: 11

12 General Environmental Concerns 1. Swinging exercise rings, trapeze bars, trampolines, and swinging gates Yes No NA and doors are present on the playground (not recommended). (ASTM 8.7.1) 2. Does equipment have at least 84 inch clearance from overhead wires Yes No NA and branches? (ASTM ) 3. Is a suitable barrier present if children may inadvertently run into a Yes No NA street or other hazardous area within 100 feet of playground? (CPSC 6.1, Playground Safety is No Accident) 4. Seating is in good condition (free of splinters, missing hardware, Yes No NA protruding bolts) and does not present an entrapment hazard. (CPSC 9.6, ASTM 6.1, CPSC 9.1) 5. Signs give information about: Regulations on the use of the playground (hours, pets, specific rules). Yes No NA Name and phone number of playground maintenance (to report Yes No NA problems or accidents). Age appropriateness of equipment. (CPSC 6.3) Yes No NA 6. Trash receptacles are provided and located outside of play area. Yes No NA (Playground Safety is No Accident) 7. Shaded area is provided. (Playground Safety is No Accident) Yes No NA 8. Play area does NOT contain toxic materials and preservatives, such as Yes No NA arsenic or lead in paint. (CPSC 8.1, ASTM 4.1.2, 4.1.3) 9. Equipment does not have sharp edges; there are no open holes in the Yes No NA equipment forming traps; and there are no pinch, crush, or shearing points. (CPSC 9.5, ASTM 6.2, 6.5) 10. Do any components fail the protrusion test? Nuts, bolts, and screws are Yes No NA recessed, covered, or sanded smooth and level. (CPSC 9.2, ASTM 6.3) If so, where? 11. Do more than two threads of the fastener protrude through any nut? Yes No NA (ASTM 6.4.3) 12. Are there are obstacles or protrusions that project upwards from a Yes No NA horizontal plane more than 1/8 inch perpendicular to the plane of the initial surface? (ASTM 6.4) 13. Are there are open "V" entrapment angles less than 55 degrees? Yes No NA 14. Do any components fail the entrapment test or are there are partially Yes No NA bounded openings. (CPSC 9.6, ASTM 6.1) If so, where? 15. Are the nuts and bolts tight and unable to be loosened without tools? Yes No NA Upon close inspection, they show no loose play or excessive wear. (CPSC 8.2, ASTM 4.2.2) 16. Does equipment have rust or chipping paint? (ASTM 4.1.1) Yes No NA 17. Does equipment have sharp edges, splinters, or rough surfaces or Yes No NA show excessive wear? Exposed open ends of equipment should be covered. (CPSC 9.1) 12

13 18. Have ropes, chains, and cables become frayed or worn out? Yes No NA (Playground Safety is No Accident) 19. Has equipment shifted or become bent? Yes No NA (Playground Safety is No Accident) 20. Is there corrosion or visible rotting at points where equipment Yes No NA comes into contact with ground surface? (ASTM 4.1.1) 21. Are any components missing? All parts of the equipment are present Yes No NA and in good working order with no loose play or excessive wear in moving parts. (Playground Safety is No Accident) 22. Handgrips are between 0.95 and 1.55 inches in diameter (1.25 inches Yes No NA is preferred). (CPSC ) 23. Footings for equipment are stable and buried below ground level or Yes No NA covered by surfacing material. (Playground Safety is No Accident) 24. Equipment and equipment use zone are free of litter or debris. Yes No NA (Playground Safety is No Accident) 25. Additional Comments: PHOTO LOG: Picture No. Equipment Hazard