CPSI Layout and Site Design Requirements (Use Zones) Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What is the use zone requirement for a merry-go-round?

Accepted Answer

6 feet from the outer edge of the platform at any position

Answer

6 feet from the pivot point of the merry-go-round

Answer

Equal to the diameter of the merry-go-round

Answer

No use zone is required for merry-go-rounds

Question 2

What is the minimum use zone required beyond the low end of a slide exit?

Accepted Answer

6 feet

Answer

4 feet

Answer

8 feet

Answer

Equal to the slide length

Question 3

How does the required use zone change for a playground located at a higher elevation with slopes adjacent to the equipment?

Accepted Answer

Use zones must extend further on downhill sides to account for increased rolling/sliding distance after a fall

Answer

No change — use zone requirements are the same regardless of topography

Answer

Use zones can be reduced if the slope carries children away from the equipment

Answer

Slopes are not addressed in ASTM F1487

Question 4

What separation distance from the use zone must be maintained for fixed objects like trees, utility poles, and fences?

Accepted Answer

The fixed object must be entirely outside the use zone — no set distance applies

Answer

3 feet

Answer

6 feet

Answer

No requirement for fixed objects if they are natural features

Question 5

What is the required minimum use zone for spring riders (spring animals and similar small spring-action equipment)?

Accepted Answer

6 feet in all directions

Answer

3 feet in all directions

Answer

The spring rider use zone equals the height of the seat above the ground

Answer

No use zone is required for small spring riders

Question 6

When two swings are installed on the same support structure on one side, what is the minimum use zone calculation?

Accepted Answer

The use zone extends 2 times the pivot height in front and back of the entire swing bay, and 6 feet to the sides of the outermost swings

Answer

Each swing needs its own 6-foot use zone that must not overlap

Answer

The use zones of adjacent swings on the same structure can overlap with each other

Answer

4 feet between adjacent swings is sufficient