CPSI Entrapment and Protrusion Hazard Testing 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to CPSC guidelines, how far may a bolt protrude beyond the face of the nut before it is considered a protrusion hazard?
- Flush with the nut face (0 threads)
- No more than 1 thread length beyond the nut
- No more than 2 thread lengths beyond the nut (Correct answer)
- No more than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) beyond the nut
Correct answer: No more than 2 thread lengths beyond the nut
Bolts should not extend more than 2 thread lengths beyond the nut face, as excess thread can snag clothing or puncture skin.
Question 2: S-hooks on playground equipment are flagged as a hazard when the opening gap is greater than:
- 0.02 inches (0.5 mm)
- 0.04 inches (1.0 mm) (Correct answer)
- 0.1 inches (2.5 mm)
- 0.5 inches (12.7 mm)
Correct answer: 0.04 inches (1.0 mm)
S-hook openings greater than 0.04 inches (1.0 mm) can snag strings, cords, or clothing and create strangulation hazards.
Question 3: A CPSI inspector finds a capped pipe end on a climbing structure where the cap has been removed. This is primarily classified as which hazard?
- Entrapment hazard
- Protrusion hazard (Correct answer)
- Fall hazard
- Impact hazard
Correct answer: Protrusion hazard
An open pipe end creates a protrusion hazard where a child can impale on the pipe or become entrapped in the hollow opening.
Question 4: Which fastener condition would a CPSI inspector mark as an immediate protrusion hazard?
- A carriage bolt flush with the surrounding wood surface
- A hex bolt with a nylon-insert lock nut protruding 1 thread beyond the nut
- A lag screw countersunk below the wood surface
- An exposed bolt head with 3 thread lengths visible beyond the nut (Correct answer)
Correct answer: An exposed bolt head with 3 thread lengths visible beyond the nut
Three thread lengths beyond the nut exceeds the 2-thread-length maximum, making it a protrusion hazard that should be cut back or capped.
Question 5: What test method is used to evaluate whether a hardware protrusion (hook, bolt head, bracket) poses a hazard under CPSC guidelines?
- A torque test measuring pull-out resistance
- A protrusion gauge or template confirming the projection is within tolerance (Correct answer)
- A visual inspection only at arm's length
- A load test applying 250 lbs to the hardware
Correct answer: A protrusion gauge or template confirming the projection is within tolerance
Inspectors use a protrusion gauge or defined template to physically measure whether any hardware projects beyond the allowable limit.
Question 6: Rings on playground equipment are considered entrapment hazards when their inside diameter falls between which two measurements?
- 1.0 inch (25.4 mm) and 2.0 inches (50.8 mm)
- 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) and 9.0 inches (228.6 mm) (Correct answer)
- 5.0 inches (127.0 mm) and 10.0 inches (254.0 mm)
- 2.0 inches (50.8 mm) and 4.0 inches (101.6 mm)
Correct answer: 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) and 9.0 inches (228.6 mm)
Like other openings, rings with inside diameters between 3.5 and 9 inches fall in the head entrapment hazard zone and must be avoided or redesigned.
Question 7: A CPSI inspector discovers a broken cable on a suspension bridge that now has a frayed end protruding outward. This is BEST classified as which type of hazard?
- Entrapment and protrusion hazard (Correct answer)
- Fall hazard only
- Impact hazard from the cable tension
- Tripping hazard at ground level
Correct answer: Entrapment and protrusion hazard
A frayed, protruding cable end creates both a protrusion hazard (puncture/laceration) and a potential entrapment hazard if strands can snag clothing or body parts.
CPSI Entrapment and Protrusion Hazard Testing 4
According to CPSC guidelines, how far may a bolt protrude beyond the face of the nut before it is considered a protrusion hazard?