CPSI Hazard Identification and Assessment 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum use zone requirement extending from the outer edge of a stationary piece of play equipment such as a climber?
- 3 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 9 feet
- 12 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
CPSC guidelines require a minimum 6-foot use zone around stationary equipment to provide a safe fall area.
Question 2: When assessing a merry-go-round, which specific hazard category does the space beneath the rotating platform belong to?
- Entanglement hazard
- Crush/entrapment hazard (Correct answer)
- Fall hazard
- Protrusion hazard
Correct answer: Crush/entrapment hazard
The undercarriage of a rotating merry-go-round can trap and crush body parts dragged underneath it as it spins.
Question 3: A CPSI inspector visits a playground in January and finds the wood fiber surfacing has been displaced by wind and compacted by foot traffic. Which test method best assesses whether the remaining surfacing is adequate?
- Visual depth probe check at multiple points
- HIC (Head Injury Criteria) field test using a triaxial accelerometer
- Gmax test using a drop test device (Correct answer)
- Core sample analysis sent to a laboratory
Correct answer: Gmax test using a drop test device
A Gmax test with a drop test device measures actual impact attenuation performance, which accounts for compaction and real-world conditions better than depth alone.
Question 4: An inspector finds a chain-link climber where the chain mesh forms an interior angle of 55 degrees when compressed. What hazard does this create?
- Laceration hazard from sharp wire ends
- Entanglement hazard from open chain loops
- Head and neck entrapment hazard in the compressed angle (Correct answer)
- Pinch hazard as the chains shift under weight
Correct answer: Head and neck entrapment hazard in the compressed angle
Interior angles of climbing components that compress to less than 55 degrees can entrap a child's head or neck.
Question 5: Which scenario correctly identifies a 'trip hazard' on a playground?
- A guardrail with a gap slightly wider than permitted
- Exposed concrete footing rising 2 inches above grade within the use zone (Correct answer)
- A slide exit 8 inches above surfacing
- A swing seat that hangs too low
Correct answer: Exposed concrete footing rising 2 inches above grade within the use zone
Exposed footings, edging, or anchoring hardware that protrude above the ground surface within the use zone are recognized trip hazards.
Question 6: A CPSI inspector evaluates a spring rocker shaped like a horse. The primary mechanical hazard associated with this equipment type is:
- Children falling off the seat at maximum displacement
- Pinch points between the spring mechanism and the frame base (Correct answer)
- The paint coating chipping and creating a sharp edge
- The handlebars loosening under repeated lateral load
Correct answer: Pinch points between the spring mechanism and the frame base
The spring mechanism creates pinch points as it compresses and extends, which can trap and crush fingers or toes placed near the base.
Question 7: When assessing elevated platforms for a preschool-age playground (2–5 years), what is the maximum height before guardrails become mandatory per ASTM F1487?
- 20 inches (Correct answer)
- 30 inches
- 12 inches
- 18 inches
Correct answer: 20 inches
For equipment intended for children ages 2–5, guardrails or barriers are required on elevated platforms higher than 20 inches.
CPSI Hazard Identification and Assessment 4
What is the minimum use zone requirement extending from the outer edge of a stationary piece of play equipment such as a climber?