PLAYSPACE PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

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1 PLAYSPACE PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE Vince Kreiser Program Coordinator/Instructor-Retired Recreation Leadership Diploma Program Phone: (604) Wilson Street, New Westminster, B.C. V3L 3R8 With special thanks to: ALBERTA Recreation and Parks, Recreation Development Division and PlayTech Distributors Inc.

2 TEN KEY AREAS CSA STANDARD Z CHILDREN S PLAYSPACES AND EQUIPMENT 1. USER AGE GROUPS - Clause 1.1 (page 13) - Section 4 (page 19) 2. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTIVE SURFACING ZONES AND NO- ENCROACHMENT ZONES - Section 14 (page 43) 3. SURFACING - Section 10 (page 26) - Section 15, Clause (page 67) 4. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF PROTECTIVE SURFACING - Section 10.4 (page 28) 5. ACCESSIBLE OPENINGS (HEAD AND TORSO PROBES, PARTIALLY BOUNDED OPENING TEMPLATE) - Section 12 (page 31) 6. SHARP POINTS, SHARP EDGES, PROTRUSIONS AND SURFACES - Section 12.3 (page 34) 7. ENTANGLEMENT - Section 12.4 (page 35) 8. GUARDRAILS AND PROTECTIVE BARRIERS - Section 13.4 (page 41) 9. REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF PLAY EQUIPMENT - Section 15 (page 49) 10. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT - Section 11 (page 29)

3 1. USER AGE GROUPS TEN KEY AREAS CSA STANDARD Z CHILDREN S PLAYSPACES AND EQUIPMENT - Clause 1.1 (page 13) states this standard provides requirements for children aged 18 months to 12 years with anthropometric limits based on the 95 th percentile with requirements split into two age groupings: 18 months to 5 years and 5 years to 12 years. - Section 4 (page 19) states that the standard takes into account the physical size, special characteristics and developmental needs of children so that appropriate and challenging play experiences are provided. - All play equipment designed for a specific age group shall have all play activities on that equipment meet the requirements for the designated age group. 2. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTIVE SURFACING ZONES AND NO- ENCROACHMENT ZONES - Section 14 (page 43). - Playspace layout requirements are covered in this section. - Protective surfacing requirements must comply with section 10 (page 26). - The protective surfacing zone for stationary play equipment shall extend no less than 1.8 m (70.87 in.) on all sides of the play structure. - The protective surfacing zones for the sides of swing structure shall be no less than 1.8 m (70.87 in.) measured in a semicircle from the end of the top beam. - No-encroachment zone exemptions for swings less than 2.4 m (94.49 in.) high (enclosed seats) (Clause page 49) and slides with a starting platform of 1.2 m (47.24 in.) in height or less (Clause page 47). 3. SURFACING - Section 10 (page 26). - All play equipment with a fall height shall be located on a protective surface. - Exemption for play equipment with no designated fall height % of all injuries on playground equipment are caused by falls to the surface (Protective Surfacing protects against serious head injuries). - Clause (page 67) states On elevated platforms where guardrails or protective barriers are required, the fall height shall be measured from the protective surfacing to 725 mm (28.54 in.) above the elevated platform when intended for children 18 months to 5 years old and 950 mm (37.40 in.) above the elevated platform for children 5 to 12 years old.

4 TEN KEY AREAS CSA STANDARD Z CHILDREN S PLAYSPACES AND EQUIPMENT 4. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF PROTECTIVE SURFACE - Section 10.4 (page 28). - The owner/operator shall maintain the protective surface to the appropriate fall height for each piece of equipment. - Periodic site testing of installed protective surfacing shall be performed. 5. ACCESSIBLE OPENINGS (HEAD, TORSO AND PARTIALLY BOUND OPENING PROBES AND TEMPLATES) - Section 12 (page 31). - Large Probe Head (head entrapment), Small Probe Torso (feet first entry) - Opening between 88.9 mm (3.5 in.) and mm (9 in.) is a potential entrapment space. - Partially Bounded Opening Template is used to test for possible neck entrapment openings such as can be found in picket fence style barriers. 6. SHARP POINTS, SHARP EDGES, PROTRUSIONS, AND SURFACES - Section 12.3 (page 34). - There shall be no accessible sharp points or sharp edges. - There shall be no protrusions including bolt ends with more than two threads exposed (Exemption if inaccessible per Fig. 11) (page 82). - Protrusion Test Gauges (Test per Clauses (pages 34-37) and Figures 7 thru 12) (pages 77-83). 7. ENTANGLEMENT - Section 12.4 (page 35) - On play equipment where there is uncontrolled motion, (slides and sliding poles) there shall be no causes of entanglement that could entangle drawstrings or other pieces of clothing. - Entanglement test per Section (page 36) and Figures 14 thru 17 (pages 86-88).

5 TEN KEY AREAS CSA STANDARD Z CHILDREN S PLAYSPACES AND EQUIPMENT 8. GUARDRAILS AND PROTECTIVE BARRIERS - Section 13.4 (page 41) - Guardrails (Sec page 41) and Protective Barriers (Sec page 42) requirements are based on the user group, (18 months to 5 years 5 years to 12 years). - Height of platform based on user group determine where a guardrail can be used and where protective barriers must be used. - Guardrails and protective barriers have specified requirements for entrance exit openings. - Guardrails and protective barriers shall contain no designated play surfaces. 9. REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF PLAY EQUIPMENT - Section 15 (page 49). - Equipment section outlines specific requirements for various types of play equipment listed within the standard. 10. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF PLAY EQUIPMENT - Section 11 (page 29). - Inspection and maintenance is a requirement of ownership. - The owner/operator shall establish a comprehensive maintenance program. - The owner/operator shall establish and maintain detailed installation, inspection, maintenance and repair records for each playspace. - Installation of new and replacement equipment shall be completed according to the manufacturer s instructions and the standard. *** NOTE: This list of Ten Key Areas has been created from an interpretation of the CSA Standard Z If there are any differences between this list and the CSA Standard Z614-14, the latter shall prevail.

6 1.1 PLAYSPACE PLANNING HINT: NEVER OVER-PLAN BUT PLAN ENOUGH TO GET THE JOB DONE PROPERLY SEVEN STEPS 1. ACCEPT You accept that your community has a need for a new or improved playspace. This task is your challenge. 2. ORGANIZE You approach others and form a planning committee to seek out information on playspace design. What do people want to have done? 3. DEFINE Develop what you want to do and then get people together to help with the project. 4. CREATE Tour possible sites and select the location which has the most potential. Brainstorm for design ideas (ASK THE CHILDREN!!!). 5. SELECT Select the best ideas that you came up with for your playspace. Draw up a preliminary budget and review funding sources. 6. IMPLEMENT You are ready to start the actual process of putting the playspace together. Fund raising, grants, site selection, construction, etc. 7. EVALUATE Draw up a timetable for the project. If there are any apparent problems, make revisions to your plan. Be flexible. Source: PlaySpace Planning Alberta Recreation & Parks

7 1.2 NEXT STEPS BEFORE CONSTRUCTION OF YOUR PLAYSPACE 1. Establish Designs - Your own. - Consultants. 2. Establish a firm budget - Confirm funding sources. 3. If you plan to use outside consultants, obtain at least three quotes. 4. Get everything in writing so there are no "hidden" items once you start actual construction (proposals and cost estimates). 5. MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION If your playspace will be including major pieces of equipment, it would be in your community s best interests to work with an outside consultant. They should supervise the design and installation of the equipment for safety sake. As much as possible, local labour can be used for the actual construction of the playspace.

8 1.3 CONSTRUCTION OF YOUR PLAYSPACE 1. Stake your selected site. 2. Dial before you dig. 3. Excavating, grading and drainage. 4. Foundations, footings and paving. 5. Play equipment and site furniture. 6. Landscaping. 7. Inspection. 1.4 TYPES OF CREWS 1. The heavy duty crew. 2. The cutting crew. 3. The assembly crew. 4. The finishing touch crew. 5. The planting crew. Source: PlaySpace Construction Alberta Recreation & Parks

9 1.5 INFORMATION RELATED TO THE USE AND LONGEVITY OF A PLAYSPACE Please read the following information carefully. Safety-in-play and accident frequency reduction are the most important goals in every play area environment. The recommendations and suggestions contained herein are intended to assist those people in your organization responsible for installation, supervision and maintenance of your playground. PLANNERS AND INSTALLERS CHECKLIST: 1. Separation of equipment relative to age groups. 2. Placement of swings and swing sets away from the other activities or equipment. 3. Layout which promotes a specific organized flow of traffic, designed not to cross paths with exits from play devices. 4. No equipment installed on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. A minimum of 8" of sand or pea gravel as recommended for protective surface. A MINIMUM DEPTH OF 300 mm (11.81 in.) IS NOW RECOMMENDED IN THE CURRENT CSA PLAYSPACE STANDARD FOR MOST TYPES OF LOOSEFILL MATERIAL (Annex D page 131). 5. No component or group of components forming angles or openings that could trap a child's head or any part of a child's body. 6. Protective barrier on raised platforms to reduce risks of accidental falls. 7. Hand gripping components of size and shape to meet the needs of children. Source: Paris Playground Equipment Owner's Manual

10 NOTE TAKING PAGE

11 NOTE TAKING PAGE

12 1.6 MISCELLANEOUS HINTS FOR YOUR PLAYSPACE 1. BASIC TOOLS REQUIRED: 10' to 50' tape measure, 4' level, plumb bob or equivalent, standard set of wrenches and sockets, hammer, vice grips, saw, rubber mallet, shovel, spud bar, tamper, wheelbarrow, step ladder, felt tip marker. Optional equipment: cement mixer, 12" diameter hole auger, transit level. 2. MATERIALS REQUIRED: Pre-mixed commercial concrete or crushed stone, sand and Portland cement for on-site concrete preparation. To determine concrete required, count number of holes including all play events and accessories X 3 cu. ft. Protective surfacing material: sand or pea gravel to a minimum depth of 8" is recommended. This surfacing should cover an area extending 6' from all points of structure. A MINIMUM DEPTH OF 300 mm (11.81 in.) IS NOW RECOMMENDED IN THE CURRENT CSA PLAYSPACE STANDARD FOR MOST TYPES OF LOOSEFILL MATERIAL (Annex D page 131). 3. SITE PREPARATION: The location for your playspace should be as level as possible. If necessary, excavate material to create a level site. The site can be backfilled with acceptable protective material after the system has been installed. DO NOT PLACE PROTECTIVE SURFACING MATERIAL IN SITE BEFORE INSTALLATION. If site is not level and no excavation takes place, you must adjust footing depths to allow for grade changes. 4. FOOTINGS: All uprights and play event legs are set in concrete footings. Concrete is 4 parts stone and sand to 1 part Portland cement. (See materials required). 5. UPRIGHTS: All uprights, except tire swing and to-and-from swings, are set in concrete to a minimum depth of 36" measured from grade to bottom of post. Recommended diameter of the hole is 12" with a bell shape at the bottom. Fill the hole around the posts to within 8" of the surface. Backfill this space with material selected so that concrete cannot be exposed to the playing surface. 6. UPRIGHTS: Tire and to-and-from swings only - All uprights are to be 144" and set in concrete 50 1/2" from grade to bottom of post.

13 7. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Read and understand manual before beginning installation. Plan your playspace location so that an unobstructed area (a minimum of 6') extends from all points of the structure. Maintain a minimum of 18' from proximate equipment or obstructions such as fences, curbs, etc. Do not let concrete footings become exposed. Fully understand mechanics of clamps. Check and re-check for tightness of all nuts, bolts and screws. Frequently inspect your playspace for any problems present or possible, and take action to correct them. After installation of your playspace, an acceptable protective surface (8" of sand is an example) should be installed. A MINIMUM DEPTH OF 300 mm (11.81 in.) IS NOW RECOMMENDED IN THE CURRENT CSA PLAYSPACE STANDARD FOR MOST TYPES OF LOOSEFILL MATERIAL (Annex D page 131). Check to see that all pipe ends are plugged. Select the correct half-clamp (Steel system only) when two or more components are located at the same level. Set screws must be coated with liquid Loc-tite as per tube supplied. 8. LAST WORD: Your installation will be easier if you: READ INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOW DRAWINGS TELEPHONE AND/OR REQUEST ASSISTANCE FROM YOUR SUPPLIER IF PROBLEMS SEEM UNSOLVABLE. Source: Paris Playground Equipment Owner s Manual

14 1.7 PLAYSPACE MAINTENANCE Inspections should be conducted on a frequent and regularly scheduled basis. It is recommended that all playground areas be checked according to frequency of use. We recommend that a maintenance checklist sheet be made up and times/dates/findings and follow-up remedial action of routine inspections be recorded. The following are some important points that should be checked on each tour. 1. Visible cracks, bending, warping, rusting or breakage of any component. 2. Deformation of open hooks, shackles, rings, links, etc. 3. Worn swing hangers, chains, bearings. 4. Missing, damaged, or loose swing seats, belt seats with sharp corners or missing sections. 5. Broken supports/anchors. 6. Footings exposed, cracked, loose in ground. 7. Accessible sharp edges or points. 8. Exposed ends of tubing that should be covered by plugs or caps. 9. Protruding bolt ends that should be cut off and peened smooth. 10. Loose bolts, nuts, etc. 11. Splintered, cracked or otherwise deteriorated wood. 12. Lack of lubrication on moving parts. 13. Broken or missing rails, steps, rungs, seats. 14. Protective surfacing material worn or scattered (in landing pits, etc.). 15. Hard surfaces, especially under swings, slides, climbers, etc. 16. Chipped or peeling paint. 17. Vandalism (broken glass, trash, etc. in landing pits, play devices and around play area). 18. Pinch or crush points (exposed mechanisms, junctions of moving components, example axis of seesaw). 19. Tripping hazards such as roots, rocks or other environmental obstacles. 20. Poor drainage areas. Winter ice build up. 21. Replace only with original manufacturers' authorized parts. Source: Paris Playground Equipment Owner's Manual

15 1.8 PUBLIC PLAYGROUND LEADER S CHECKLIST 1. Prepare written guidelines for playground operation, defining goals and procedures. 2. Insist on first aid and accident training for playground leaders. 3. Provide for constant supervision by establishing a written schedule. 4. Instruct children and Playground Supervisors on how to use equipment. (Clothing and/or proper dress, for example, trailing scarves, cords, etc.). 5. Conduct daily cleaning and check for broken glass and other litter. 6. Do not permit children to use wet or damaged equipment. 7. Do not permit too many children on the same piece of equipment at the same time; suggest that children take turns, or direct their attention towards other equipment or activities. 8. Constantly observe play patterns to note possible hazards and suggest appropriate equipment or usage changes. 9. Make periodic checkups, and request that worn or damaged pieces of equipment be replaced. 10. Prepare written accident reports with special attention to surface conditions, type and extent of injury, age and sex of child, how the accident occurred, and weather conditions. Names and addresses of witnesses should be recorded. Source: Paris Playground Equipment Owner s Manual

16 1.9 PM REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAYSPACES INTERVAL PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TASK 1. SPRING - inspect site for signs of winter damage. - roll, fertilize and water surrounding grass areas. - sweep all hard surfaces. - prune all trees and shrubs. - remove and store snow fences. - rake all protective ground surfaces; clear area of debris. - examine all equipment for evidence of damage incurred during the winter; repair as required. - install any equipment held in storage during the winter. - each nut, bolt, and nail should be thoroughly checked, tightened, or replaced. 2. DAILY - conduct all daily checks in the morning before children arrive to play. - begin work shift with a perimeter tour, checking the condition of the wood border; check whether any sections are loose or sagging. - check for any water build-up. - empty all litter containers and line with replacement bags. - inspect all play structure footings for possible exposure of concrete portions. - inspect under and around all play structures for possible damaged or missing components. - remove broken glass, animal droppings, or other debris from play area. - sweep all decks and stairs to climbing structures. - rake protective surface and level any ruts or depressions; areas requiring particular attention include swings, slides, teeter-totters, and merry-go-rounds. - check for any foreign objects in the slide bedway and sweep as necessary. - check each piece of play equipment and structure; test the item yourself! - be alert to the presence of glass, debris, splinters or abrasive edges. - test all hand rails; any exposed tube-ends should be covered with plugs or caps.

17 INTERVAL PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TASK 3. WEEKLY - mow and water surrounding grass areas. - sweep hard surfaces. - maintain on a consistent and on-going basis all site furnishings and fixtures, including benches, tables, bike racks, garbage containers, water fountains, signs, and lights; the overall appearance and safe operation of the playspace is extremely important. - check all moving parts of the various equipment, including swivels, track rides, swing bearings, steering wheels, teetertotters, merry-go-rounds, etc.; lubricate these parts as required using WD-40, 10W30 oil, grease, etc. - replace any moving parts if worn. - remove any graffiti. - check and re-tighten all screws, clamps, and bolts on equipment. - re-paint or re-stain equipment surfaces as necessary. - sand, plane or rasp any rough edges on wood or metal surfaces. - replace any split or cracked components constructed from wood or metal; small cracks in wood should be monitored for safety. - check 'S' hooks, chains, and other parts of the swing set for wear or damage; replace as necessary. - wash all slide beds. - check all rubber components such as tires and swing sets for wear and replace as necessary. - replenish protective surfacing as necessary. - dig sand boxes; turn sand over to loosen and remove buried debris such as broken glass, nails, bottle caps, etc. 4. FALL - complete year-end maintenance once the trees are empty of leaves and before snow arrives. - rake site and prune shrubs. - remove and store small pieces of equipment. - maintain larger pieces of equipment according to manufacturer's specifications. - lubricate all moveable metal parts to prevent rusting during winter months. - clear snow and ice from all equipment if winter play is permitted. - re-install snow fences around the various pieces of equipment. 5. EVERY 3 YEARS - re-stain all wood portions on play structures.

18 Canadian Playground Safety Institute (CPSI) The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association offers a number of training courses through the CPSI to help make playgrounds safer for children across the country. With the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) releasing the fifth edition of CSA Z614, Children s Playspaces and Equipment in 2014 it may be a good time for recreation practitioners and volunteers to consider participating in one or more of these courses. Participants in past CPSI courses should confirm what updates to their certificates are needed based on when they took their training. For further information on the CPSI please call their office at: or visit: Shelley Wagner (left) and Scott Belair conduct one of the Canadian Playground Safety Institute courses held in St. John s Newfoundland. One-Day Playspace Safety Course As a good introduction to the CPSI courses and the CSA standard Vince Kreiser offers a one-day Playspace Safety Course. Topics covered during the course include: an overview of the 2014 CSA standard, playspace planning, equipment purchasing and installation, maintenance and repair, and a "Hands On" site inspection. Further information on this course is available by calling Vince at: (604) or by at: vpkreiser@gmail.com Participants in the one-day Playspace Safety Course held in Comox, B.C. take a quick photo break during their afternoon site inspection.

19 PARTICIPANT EVALUATION 1. Region of Province or Territory 2. Your current work position 3. Number of years in work position 4. How would you rate your overall impressions of this course? (circle one) Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor 5. Will the material presented help you in your work situation? (circle one) Yes No 6. What was the best part of this course? 7. Are there parts that you would like to see changed? 8. Was the time of year convenient for you to attend or would you like this course scheduled some other time? (please specify). 9. Are there any other comments that you would like to make on this course? THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!