CPSI Audit, Inspection, and Maintenance Questions and Answers 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CPSI is evaluating surfacing material compaction in a use zone. Which tool is most appropriate for measuring adequate loose-fill depth?
- A standard carpenter's ruler placed on the surface
- A depth probe inserted to the ground base below the loose fill (Correct answer)
- A visual comparison against a reference photograph
- A load cell attached to a drop weight apparatus
Correct answer: A depth probe inserted to the ground base below the loose fill
A depth probe inserted through the loose fill to the compacted base beneath provides an accurate measurement of the actual available cushioning depth.
Question 2: What is the maximum acceptable gap between a deck board and a platform edge guard on elevated playground equipment?
- 1 inch (Correct answer)
- 3.5 inches
- 0.5 inches
- 2 inches
Correct answer: 1 inch
Gaps between deck boards and edge guards should not exceed 1 inch to prevent foot or leg entrapment that could cause a child to fall while walking on the platform.
Question 3: During an inspection, a CPSI finds a chain-link climbing component where several links have opened or deformed. What is the primary hazard category?
- Protrusion hazard from sharp link edges
- Entanglement and entrapment hazard from irregular link gaps (Correct answer)
- Structural failure risk under load
- Corrosion accelerator that will spread to adjacent components
Correct answer: Entanglement and entrapment hazard from irregular link gaps
Deformed chain-link components create irregular gaps that can trap fingers, limbs, or clothing, creating entanglement and entrapment hazards.
Question 4: A CPSI audit report includes a 'priority matrix.' What does this tool communicate?
- The order in which equipment was inspected during the audit
- The ranking of identified hazards by severity and likelihood of injury to guide remediation sequencing (Correct answer)
- The cost estimate for correcting each identified deficiency
- The staffing requirements for conducting future inspections
Correct answer: The ranking of identified hazards by severity and likelihood of injury to guide remediation sequencing
A priority matrix ranks hazards by their potential severity and probability of occurrence so that facility managers can address the most critical deficiencies first.
Question 5: Which of the following represents an accessible route requirement under ADA as it applies to playground audits?
- All playground components must be on a continuous accessible route from the entry point
- At least 50% of ground-level play components must be accessible via a firm, stable, and slip-resistant surface (Correct answer)
- Accessible routes must be at least 60 inches wide throughout the entire play area
- All elevated platforms must be accessible via both ramps and transfer stations
Correct answer: At least 50% of ground-level play components must be accessible via a firm, stable, and slip-resistant surface
ADA requires that at least 50% of ground-level play components be accessible and connected by a surface that is firm, stable, and slip-resistant.
Question 6: A CPSI finds that a spring rider base has settled unevenly, creating a 4-inch differential in ground height around the component. What is the concern?
- Aesthetic non-conformance that should be documented but is not a safety issue
- A tripping hazard and potential fall risk as children approach or leave the equipment (Correct answer)
- A structural concern that requires immediate load testing of the anchor system
- A drainage issue that may accelerate corrosion of the spring mechanism
Correct answer: A tripping hazard and potential fall risk as children approach or leave the equipment
Uneven settling around a spring rider creates a tripping hazard for children approaching or dismounting the equipment, increasing fall risk.
Question 7: How often should a comprehensive audit by a CPSI be conducted at a public playground, according to best practice guidelines?
- Monthly
- Every 3 years
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
Correct answer: Annually
Best practice guidelines recommend that a comprehensive audit by a CPSI be conducted annually, in addition to more frequent operational and periodic inspections by trained staff.
CPSI Audit, Inspection, and Maintenance Questions and Answers 5
A CPSI is evaluating surfacing material compaction in a use zone.
Which tool is most appropriate for measuring adequate loose-fill depth?