CPSI Hazard Identification and Assessment Questions and Answers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a CPSI inspection, you observe a composite structure where the platform edge is 72 inches above the ground with no guardrail. What is the appropriate classification of this finding?
- Minor hazard requiring monitoring
- Moderate hazard requiring scheduled repair
- Serious hazard requiring immediate remediation (Correct answer)
- Not a hazard if the surface is compliant
Correct answer: Serious hazard requiring immediate remediation
Platforms 48 inches or higher require guardrails per ASTM F1487, making this a serious hazard requiring immediate action.
Question 2: A wooden balance beam is inspected and shows surface checking (shallow cracks along the grain) but no structural splits. Which action is most appropriate?
- Immediately remove the equipment from service
- Sand the surface smooth and monitor during future inspections (Correct answer)
- Apply sealant and classify as a serious hazard
- Replace the entire beam within 24 hours
Correct answer: Sand the surface smooth and monitor during future inspections
Surface checking in wood is normal weathering; sanding and monitoring is appropriate unless structural integrity is compromised.
Question 3: Which scenario represents a 'tripping hazard' as defined in playground safety standards?
- A swing chain with a missing link
- A concrete footer exposed 2 inches above grade within the use zone (Correct answer)
- A slide with a 35-degree angle of descent
- A ladder rung spaced 12 inches apart
Correct answer: A concrete footer exposed 2 inches above grade within the use zone
Exposed concrete footers protruding above grade within the use zone create a tripping hazard per ASTM F1487.
Question 4: When assessing a climbing net for entanglement hazards, which opening size in the interior of the net is considered a potential entanglement risk for clothing drawstrings?
- Openings less than 1 inch
- Openings between 1.5 and 3 inches (Correct answer)
- Openings between 3.5 and 9 inches
- Openings greater than 12 inches
Correct answer: Openings between 1.5 and 3 inches
Openings between 1.5 and 3 inches can catch clothing drawstrings, creating a strangulation entanglement hazard.
Question 5: A CPSI inspector finds a bolt on a climbing structure that protrudes 2 threads beyond the nut. How should this be documented?
- No action needed; protruding threads are within normal tolerances (Correct answer)
- Hazard — protrusion exceeds the maximum allowable one thread
- Schedule for repair within 30 days
- Only a concern if sharp edges are present
Correct answer: No action needed; protruding threads are within normal tolerances
ASTM F1487 allows bolts to protrude up to two threads beyond the nut without being considered a hazard.
Question 6: During a fall zone assessment, you discover that rubber tiles in the impact area have separated, creating a 1.5-inch gap between tiles. What is the primary hazard this presents?
- Impact attenuation failure if a child falls into the gap
- UV degradation of the sub-base material
- A tripping hazard and potential entrapment of small feet (Correct answer)
- Drainage failure leading to ice formation in winter
Correct answer: A tripping hazard and potential entrapment of small feet
Gaps between surfacing tiles create tripping hazards and can trap or twist children's feet or ankles.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the hazard assessment approach for a spring rider with a broken seat but intact spring mechanism?
- Low risk; the spring mechanism is the critical component
- High risk; the broken seat creates pinch/crush and fall hazards requiring removal from service (Correct answer)
- Moderate risk; wrap the seat with foam padding and allow use
- No risk if children are supervised during play
Correct answer: High risk; the broken seat creates pinch/crush and fall hazards requiring removal from service
A broken seat on a spring rider creates sharp edges, pinch points, and an unstable riding surface, requiring immediate removal from service.
CPSI Hazard Identification and Assessment Questions and Answers 3
During a CPSI inspection, you observe a composite structure where the platform edge is 72 inches above the ground with no guardrail.
What is the appropriate classification of this finding?