CPSI Equipment and Site Design Requirements Questions and Answers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to ASTM F1487, what is the minimum width required for a stairway on playground equipment intended for children ages 5–12?
- 14 inches
- 18 inches
- 22 inches (Correct answer)
- 24 inches
Correct answer: 22 inches
ASTM F1487 requires stairways on equipment for ages 5–12 to have a minimum width of 22 inches.
Question 2: What maximum angle from vertical is permitted for a sliding pole on playground equipment per ASTM F1487?
- 0 degrees (perfectly vertical only) (Correct answer)
- 5 degrees
- 10 degrees
- 15 degrees
Correct answer: 0 degrees (perfectly vertical only)
Sliding poles must be perfectly vertical (0 degrees) to prevent entrapment and ensure predictable descent.
Question 3: Under ASTM F1487, which opening dimension range creates a head entrapment hazard?
- Less than 3.5 inches
- 3.5 to 9 inches (Correct answer)
- 9 to 12 inches
- Greater than 12 inches
Correct answer: 3.5 to 9 inches
Openings between 3.5 and 9 inches create head entrapment hazards because a child's head can enter but not exit.
Question 4: What is the maximum acceptable diameter for a hand grip (grasp bar) on playground equipment per ASTM F1487?
- 0.75 inches
- 1.25 inches
- 1.9 inches (Correct answer)
- 2.5 inches
Correct answer: 1.9 inches
ASTM F1487 specifies that handrail and grip diameters must not exceed 1.9 inches so children can grasp them safely.
Question 5: According to ASTM F1487, what is the maximum slope allowed for a ramp on playground equipment intended for preschool-age children (ages 2–5)?
- 20 degrees
- 30 degrees (Correct answer)
- 35 degrees
- 45 degrees
Correct answer: 30 degrees
Ramps for preschool-age children must not exceed 30 degrees of slope per ASTM F1487.
Question 6: Per ASTM F1487, what is the required use zone (fall zone) extension beyond the exit of a straight slide that is more than 4 feet in height?
- 3 feet
- 4 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 8 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
For slides taller than 4 feet, the use zone must extend at least 6 feet beyond the slide exit.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes a 'crush and shear point' hazard in playground equipment design?
- An opening that traps a child's neck
- Two moving components that can trap body parts between them (Correct answer)
- A protrusion that snags clothing
- A surface sharp enough to cut skin
Correct answer: Two moving components that can trap body parts between them
Crush and shear points occur where two components move relative to each other, creating a trap for fingers, hands, or other body parts.
CPSI Equipment and Site Design Requirements Questions and Answers 3
According to ASTM F1487, what is the minimum width required for a stairway on playground equipment intended for children ages 5–12?