CPSI Equipment and Site Design 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A playground inspector notices that the shock-absorbing surface under swings has compacted significantly. Which test method is used to determine if it still provides adequate impact attenuation?
- Profilometer surface scan
- Critical height test using a portable instrumented headform (Correct answer)
- ASTM D4169 compression test
- Visual depth measurement with a probe rod
Correct answer: Critical height test using a portable instrumented headform
The critical height test using a portable instrumented headform measures the HIC (Head Injury Criterion) and Gmax values to determine if the surfacing adequately attenuates impact.
Question 2: What is the maximum slope of surfaced areas within the playground boundary, excluding intentional play features, to remain compliant with accessibility guidelines?
- 2% (Correct answer)
- 5%
- 8%
- 10%
Correct answer: 2%
Ground-level areas within the playground boundary should not exceed a 2% slope in any direction to maintain accessibility for children using wheelchairs or mobility aids.
Question 3: Which component configuration on a composite structure is most likely to create a 'trap door' entrapment hazard?
- A deck with guardrails on all sides
- An opening in a deck platform between 3.5 and 9 inches (Correct answer)
- A slide with side walls less than 4 inches high
- A crawl tunnel with an internal diameter of 18 inches
Correct answer: An opening in a deck platform between 3.5 and 9 inches
An opening in a deck platform within the 3.5–9 inch range allows a child's leg or torso to slip through while their head or body becomes wedged, creating a trap-door entrapment.
Question 4: According to CPSC guidelines, what is the minimum depth of loose-fill material such as wood chips required under equipment with a maximum fall height of 7 feet?
- 6 inches
- 9 inches
- 12 inches (Correct answer)
- 18 inches
Correct answer: 12 inches
Under equipment with a 7-foot fall height, a minimum of 12 inches of loose-fill wood chips or engineered wood fiber is required to provide adequate impact attenuation.
Question 5: Which age group-specific design rule applies to playgrounds intended for children ages 6–23 months?
- Maximum platform height of 18 inches and no climbing structures (Correct answer)
- Equipment must include sensory panels and be fully enclosed
- Minimum platform height must exceed 24 inches for motor development
- Openings must not exceed 2.5 inches to prevent full-body entry
Correct answer: Maximum platform height of 18 inches and no climbing structures
For infants and toddlers aged 6–23 months, CPSC recommends maximum platform heights of 18 inches and avoiding traditional climbing equipment due to developmental limitations.
Question 6: A swing bay has two belt swings and one tot swing. What is the minimum required length of the use zone in front of the swings measured from the pivot point?
- Twice the height of the pivot point (Correct answer)
- Twice the chain/cable length
- Equal to the height of the pivot point plus 6 feet
- The height of the pivot point only
Correct answer: Twice the height of the pivot point
The use zone in front of and behind a swing must extend a distance equal to twice the height of the pivot point to account for the arc of a swinging child.
Question 7: When a composite structure includes a fire pole, what is the maximum height above the safety surface at which the fire pole may originate?
- 60 inches
- 72 inches (Correct answer)
- 84 inches
- 96 inches
Correct answer: 72 inches
Fire poles may originate from platforms no higher than 72 inches above the safety surface for school-age structures, ensuring children can safely reach and descend the pole.
CPSI Equipment and Site Design 5
A playground inspector notices that the shock-absorbing surface under swings has compacted significantly.
Which test method is used to determine if it still provides adequate impact attenuation?