CPSI Core Knowledge Areas 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CPSI inspects a playground and finds the protective surfacing has displaced significantly under swings and at slide exits. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- Document the finding and schedule repair within 30 days
- Close the affected equipment immediately until surfacing is restored to adequate depth (Correct answer)
- Post a warning sign and continue inspection
- Notify the manufacturer for warranty replacement
Correct answer: Close the affected equipment immediately until surfacing is restored to adequate depth
Displaced surfacing below critical depth is an immediate hazard; the affected equipment must be closed until surfacing is restored and verified adequate.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of an 'equipment-related entrapment' hazard as defined by ASTM F1487?
- A child's foot slipping off a rung
- An opening between 3.5 and 9 inches that could trap a child's head or neck (Correct answer)
- A rusted chain on a swing set
- A loose bolt on a platform connector
Correct answer: An opening between 3.5 and 9 inches that could trap a child's head or neck
ASTM F1487 identifies openings between 3.5 and 9 inches as entrapment hazards because a child's head or neck can enter but become trapped when trying to exit.
Question 3: What does the term 'fall height' mean in the context of playground equipment inspection?
- The total height of the tallest structure on the playground
- The vertical distance from the highest designated play surface to the playground surface below (Correct answer)
- The distance a child travels horizontally when falling from equipment
- The height at which protective barriers are required by code
Correct answer: The vertical distance from the highest designated play surface to the playground surface below
Fall height is the vertical distance from the highest designated play surface to the playground surface below, used to determine required surfacing depth.
Question 4: According to CPSC guidelines, what is the maximum acceptable g-max value for playground surfacing?
- 100 g
- 150 g
- 200 g
- 250 g (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 250 g
ASTM F1292 and CPSC guidelines set the maximum acceptable g-max at 200 g; surfacing exceeding this fails impact attenuation requirements.
Question 5: A CPSI is reviewing documentation for a newly installed playground. Which document should confirm the equipment meets current safety standards?
- Building permit from the local municipality
- Manufacturer's certificate of compliance with ASTM F1487 (Correct answer)
- Insurance policy covering the playground facility
- Installation receipt from the equipment supplier
Correct answer: Manufacturer's certificate of compliance with ASTM F1487
A manufacturer's certificate of compliance with ASTM F1487 confirms the equipment was designed and tested to meet current U.S. playground safety standards.
Question 6: Under ADA guidelines, what minimum percentage of play components on an accessible route must be accessible for a playground with more than 20 elevated components?
- 25%
- 50% (Correct answer)
- 60%
- 100%
Correct answer: 50%
ADA requires that at least 50% of elevated play components be on an accessible route when a playground has more than 20 elevated components.
Question 7: When should a CPSI recommend that playground equipment be taken completely out of service?
- When any visible rust is found on metal components
- When a hazard poses an immediate risk of serious injury and cannot be quickly corrected (Correct answer)
- When the equipment is more than 10 years old regardless of condition
- When surfacing materials need replenishment
Correct answer: When a hazard poses an immediate risk of serious injury and cannot be quickly corrected
Equipment should be taken out of service immediately when an identified hazard poses an imminent risk of serious injury that cannot be corrected on the spot.
CPSI Core Knowledge Areas 5
A CPSI inspects a playground and finds the protective surfacing has displaced significantly under swings and at slide exits.
What is the most appropriate immediate action?