Core Knowledge Areas Questions and Answers Flashcards

A CPSI is assessing a tot swing with full bucket-seat design. Which hardware component must be inspected for S-hook closure to prevent entanglement and disconnection?

Answer: S-hooks connecting chains to the seat and crossbeam

S-hooks at chain-to-seat and chain-to-crossbeam connections must be fully closed (no gap greater than 0.04 inches) to prevent hook disengagement and chain entanglement.

According to the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, what minimum percentage of ground-level play components in a playground must be accessible?

Answer: 50%

ADA Standards require that at least 50% of the ground-level play components in a playground be accessible to children with disabilities.

What is the primary purpose of the '5-minute inspection' (frequent inspection) category in a playground maintenance program?

Answer: To identify hazardous conditions that can develop quickly, such as vandalism or debris

Frequent (daily or weekly) inspections are designed to detect rapidly developing hazards like vandalism, litter, broken components, or displaced surfacing.

A slide's exit region must allow a child to exit smoothly. What does ASTM F1487 specify as the required angle of the exit flare (runout) at the bottom of a slide?

Answer: The runout must be between −4° and +4° from horizontal (or slope to slow the child)

ASTM F1487 requires that the slide exit region (runout) be inclined no more than 4° below horizontal to ensure children exit at a safe, controlled speed.

Which type of surfacing material is considered a 'loose-fill' surfacing option approved for use under playground equipment?

Answer: Engineered wood fiber (EWF)

Engineered wood fiber (EWF) is an approved loose-fill surfacing material that can meet ASTM F1292 impact attenuation requirements when installed at the correct depth.

During a high-frequency (operational) inspection, a CPSI discovers that wood fiber surfacing has compacted and is only 4 inches deep below a structure with a 7-foot critical fall height. What is the correct action?

Answer: Add surfacing material to restore the required depth before allowing use

Surfacing depth that no longer meets the required level for the equipment's critical fall height is a safety hazard that must be corrected immediately by adding material.

What does the term 'critical fall height' (CFH) refer to in playground safety standards?

Answer: The highest point from which a child may fall and the surfacing must attenuate the impact

Critical fall height is the designated height from which a child could fall; the protective surfacing must be able to attenuate the impact of a fall from that height to a safe HIC level.