CPSI Hazard Identification and Assessment Questions and Answers 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CPSI inspector encounters a slide with a 10-inch wide chute and no contained sides for the first 24 inches of the descent. What standard is most likely violated?
- ASTM F1292 — surfacing standards
- ASTM F1487 — equipment containment and side height requirements (Correct answer)
- CPSC Handbook minimum chute width requirements
- ADA accessibility requirements for slide width
Correct answer: ASTM F1487 — equipment containment and side height requirements
ASTM F1487 requires slide chutes to have side containment of adequate height to prevent children from rolling off the edges during descent.
Question 2: During a high-frequency inspection, a CPSI finds that a belt swing has twisted chains that reduce the seat height by 6 inches below the standard 24-inch minimum. What is the most appropriate action?
- Document and schedule repair at the next maintenance cycle
- Untwist the chains and verify seat height meets the 24-inch minimum before returning to service (Correct answer)
- Remove the swing from service permanently
- Add a seat extension to compensate for the lost height
Correct answer: Untwist the chains and verify seat height meets the 24-inch minimum before returning to service
Twisted chains are correctable on-site; the inspector should untwist them and verify the seat height is restored to the minimum 24-inch clearance.
Question 3: A CPSI inspector is assessing a composite play structure for 2-5 year olds. A horizontal ladder rung is spaced 18 inches apart. How should this be classified?
- Acceptable — rung spacing is within developmental norms for this age group
- Entrapment hazard — rung spacing exceeds the maximum allowed for this age group (Correct answer)
- Fall hazard only — the spacing does not create entrapment risk
- No hazard if guardrails are present on adjacent platforms
Correct answer: Entrapment hazard — rung spacing exceeds the maximum allowed for this age group
Rung spacing for 2-5 year old equipment must not exceed 12 inches to prevent children from falling through between rungs.
Question 4: Which environmental factor should a CPSI inspector always consider when evaluating natural shade trees within a playground use zone?
- Whether the tree species produces edible fruit
- Whether overhanging branches, roots, or falling debris create hazards within the use zone (Correct answer)
- Whether the tree provides adequate UV shade for skin protection
- Whether the tree species is native to the region
Correct answer: Whether overhanging branches, roots, or falling debris create hazards within the use zone
Overhanging branches can fall, surface roots create tripping hazards, and falling debris (nuts, seeds, branches) can injure children within the use zone.
Question 5: A CPSI inspector finds a tunnel on a playground where the interior diameter is 23 inches. What is the primary concern this raises?
- Claustrophobia risk for children with anxiety disorders
- The diameter is below the 24-inch minimum, creating an entrapment risk for larger children (Correct answer)
- Inadequate ventilation creating a suffocation risk in hot weather
- The tunnel may not meet ADA width requirements for wheelchair access
Correct answer: The diameter is below the 24-inch minimum, creating an entrapment risk for larger children
Tunnels must have a minimum 24-inch interior diameter per ASTM F1487 to prevent children from becoming entrapped inside.
Question 6: When a CPSI inspector uses a template gauge and discovers an opening measures 4.5 inches in a deck structure, what hazard classification applies?
- Safe — openings must exceed 9 inches to be hazardous
- Head entrapment hazard — the opening falls within the 3.5 to 9 inch entrapment zone (Correct answer)
- Foot entrapment hazard — feet but not heads can pass through
- No hazard if the opening is oriented vertically rather than horizontally
Correct answer: Head entrapment hazard — the opening falls within the 3.5 to 9 inch entrapment zone
Openings between 3.5 and 9 inches are classified as head entrapment hazards because a child's head can enter but may not exit the opening.
Question 7: A CPSI inspector is documenting findings at the end of a site visit. Which hazard classification requires the inspector to notify the playground owner or operator BEFORE leaving the site?
- Low-priority cosmetic defects requiring monitoring
- Moderate hazards scheduled for repair within 30 days
- Imminent hazards that pose an immediate risk of serious injury or death (Correct answer)
- Accessibility barriers identified under ADA guidelines
Correct answer: Imminent hazards that pose an immediate risk of serious injury or death
Imminent hazards require immediate notification to the owner/operator before the inspector leaves so that the equipment can be taken out of service immediately.
CPSI Hazard Identification and Assessment Questions and Answers 5
A CPSI inspector encounters a slide with a 10-inch wide chute and no contained sides for the first 24 inches of the descent.
What standard is most likely violated?