CPSI Equipment and Site Design 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A spring rocker designed for toddlers (6–23 months) should have footrests positioned at what maximum height above the safety surface?
- 8 inches
- 12 inches (Correct answer)
- 14 inches
- 18 inches
Correct answer: 12 inches
For toddler spring rockers, footrests should be no higher than 12 inches above the safety surface so young children can reach them safely.
Question 2: Which condition would require immediate closure of a play area pending repair?
- Minor surface discoloration on a plastic slide
- A broken component creating an exposed sharp edge (Correct answer)
- Slightly faded paint on a steel climber
- A loose bolt that is still partially engaged
Correct answer: A broken component creating an exposed sharp edge
Exposed sharp edges from broken components represent an imminent hazard requiring immediate closure, while cosmetic issues or minor loose hardware can be scheduled for routine maintenance.
Question 3: What is the maximum diameter of a rope on a play structure to prevent finger entrapment?
- 0.5 inches (Correct answer)
- 1.0 inch
- 1.5 inches
- 2.0 inches
Correct answer: 0.5 inches
Ropes must be either less than 0.5 inches in diameter (too thin to trap fingers) or greater than 1.5 inches in diameter (too thick for a finger to wrap around) to prevent entrapment.
Question 4: When two pieces of equipment are placed adjacent to each other, what is the minimum separation distance required to avoid overlapping use zones for equipment over 30 inches high?
- 6 feet
- 9 feet
- 12 feet (Correct answer)
- 18 feet
Correct answer: 12 feet
Adjacent equipment over 30 inches tall must be separated by at least 12 feet (the sum of the 6-foot use zones of each structure) to prevent overlapping fall zones.
Question 5: On a playground designed for children ages 2–5, what is the maximum platform height above the safety surface?
- 32 inches
- 48 inches (Correct answer)
- 60 inches
- 72 inches
Correct answer: 48 inches
For preschool-age children (2–5), the maximum platform height is 48 inches to limit fall severity in age-appropriate designs.
Question 6: Which design feature on a horizontal tire swing is considered a serious entrapment risk?
- A solid rubber tire with no holes
- A center suspension point
- A tire with drainage holes larger than 1 inch (Correct answer)
- A chain length exceeding 8 feet
Correct answer: A tire with drainage holes larger than 1 inch
Drainage holes in horizontal tire swings that exceed 1 inch in diameter can entrap children's heads or necks, posing a strangulation risk.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of the 'use zone' designation around playground equipment?
- To mark areas reserved for adult supervision stations
- To define the area requiring adequate protective surfacing in case of a fall (Correct answer)
- To indicate zones where children must wear helmets
- To designate maintenance access paths
Correct answer: To define the area requiring adequate protective surfacing in case of a fall
The use zone defines the area surrounding equipment where a child might fall and therefore must be covered with adequate impact-attenuating safety surfacing.
CPSI Equipment and Site Design 3
A spring rocker designed for toddlers (6–23 months) should have footrests positioned at what maximum height above the safety surface?