7
*ThisinformationhasbeenextractedfromtheCPSCpublications“PlaygroundSurfacing--TechnicalInformationGuide”and“Handbookfor
PublicPlaygroundSafety.”Copiesofthesereportscanbeobtainedbysendingapostcardtothe:OfceofPublicAffairs,U.S.ConsumerProduct
SafetyCommission,Washington,D.C.,20207orcallthetoll-freehotline:1-800-638-2772.
***Thisdataisfromtestsconductedbyindependenttestinglaboratoriesona6-inchdepthofuncompressedshreddedtiresamplesproduced
byfourmanufacturers.Itisrecommendedthatpersonsseekingtoinstallshreddedtiresasaprotectivesurfacerequesttestdatafromthesup-
pliershowingthecriticalheightofthematerialwhenitwastestedinaccordancewithASTMF1292.
CONSUMER INFORMATION SHEET FOR PLAYGROUND SURFACING MATERIALS*
**The maximum fall height for this product is 108 in (274 cm).
We recommend using 9 in (23 cm) of Double Shredded Bark Mulch.**
5ft 6ft 7ft 9ft 10ft 11ft 12ft
-- 6in -- -- 9in 12in --
-- 6in 9in -- -- -- 12in
6in -- 9in 12in -- -- --
-- 6in 9in -- 12in -- --
-- -- -- -- 6in -- --
TABLE 1 — Depth of Surfacing Material Required Based on Fall Heights
Material/FallHeight
DoubleShreddedBarkMulch
WoodChips
FineSand
FineGravel
ShreddedTires***
(152cm)
(183cm) (213cm)
(274cm)
(305cm) (335cm) (366cm)
(15cm)
(23cm) (30cm)
(15cm) (23cm) (30cm)
(30cm)
(23cm)(15cm)
(15cm)
(23cm)
(30cm)
(15cm)
Select Protective Surfacing—One of the most important things you can
do to reduce the likelihood of serious head injuries is to install shock-
absorbing protective surfacing under and around your play equipment.
The protective surfacing should be applied to a depth that is suitable for
the equipment height in accordance with ASTM Specification F1292.
There are different types of surfacing to choose from; whichever product
you select, follow these guidelines:
Loose-Fill Materials—Maintain a minimum depth of 9 inches of loosefill
materials such as wood mulch/chips, engineered wood fiber (EWF), or
shredded/recycled rubber mulch for equipment up to 8 feet high; and
9 inches of sand or pea gravel for equipment up to 5 feet high. NOTE:
An initial fill level of 12 inches will compress to about a 9-inch depth
of surfacing over time. The surfacing will also compact, displace, and
settle, and should be periodically refilled to maintain at least a 9-inch
depth.
Use a minimum of 6 inches of protective surfacing for play equipment
less than 4 feet in height. If maintained properly, this should be
adequate. (At depths less than 6 inches, the protective material is too
easily displaced or compacted.)
NOTE: Do not install home playground equipment over
concrete, asphalt, or any other hard surface. A fall onto a hard surface
can result in serious injury to the equipment user. Grass and dirt are not
considered protective surfacing because wear and environmental factors
can reduce their shock absorbing effectiveness. Carpeting and thin mats
are generally not adequate protective surfacing. Ground level equipment
– such as a sandbox, activity wall, playhouse or other equipment that has
no elevated play surface – does not need any protective surfacing.
Use containment, such as digging out around the perimeter and/or lining
the perimeter with landscape edging. Don’t forget to account for water
drainage.
Check and maintain the depth of the loose-fill surfacing material. To
maintain the right amount of loose-fill materials, mark the correct level
on play equipment support posts. That way you can easily see when to
replenish and/or redistribute the surfacing.
Do not install loose fill surfacing over hard surfaces such as concrete or
asphalt.
Poured-In-Place Surfaces or Pre-Manufactured
Rubber Tiles—You may be interested in using surfacing other than loose-
fill materials – like rubber tiles or poured-in-place surfaces.
Installations of these surfaces generally require a professional and are
not “do-it-yourself” projects.
Review surface specifications before purchasing this type of surfacing.
Ask the installer/manufacturer for a report showing that the product has
been tested to the following safety standard: ASTM F1292 Standard
Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials within the
Use Zone of Playground Equipment. This report should show the specific
height for which the surface is intended to protect against serious head
injury. This height should be equal to or greater than the fall height –
vertical distance between a designated play surface (elevated surface
for standing, sitting, or climbing) and the protective surfacing below – of
your play equipment.
Check the protective surfacing frequently for wear.
Placements—Proper placement and maintenance of protective surfacing
is essential. Be sure to:
Extend surfacing at least 6 feet from the equipment in all directions.
For to-fro swings, extend protective surfacing in front of and behind the
swing to a distance equal to twice the height of the top bar from which
the swing is suspended.
For tire swings, extend surfacing in a circle whose radius is equal to the
height of the suspending chain or rope, plus 6 feet in all directions.