CPSI Layout and Site Design Requirements (Use Zones) 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A zip line has a maximum height of 4 feet at its highest point and a run of 30 feet. How should the use zone be configured?
- 6 feet on all sides of the entire runway length
- Use zone extends 6 feet to the sides and 6 feet beyond each terminal end of the runway (Correct answer)
- Use zone is calculated only at the landing point based on fall height
- 12 feet on all sides because it is a moving-component piece of equipment
Correct answer: Use zone extends 6 feet to the sides and 6 feet beyond each terminal end of the runway
For zip lines and similar equipment, the use zone extends 6 feet laterally along the full length of the run and 6 feet beyond each terminal end.
Question 2: Which of the following surfaces is NOT acceptable within a required use zone under and around playground equipment?
- Engineered wood fiber (EWF) at proper depth
- Poured-in-place rubber surfacing
- Compacted dirt with no loose material (Correct answer)
- Sand at the appropriate ASTM-tested depth
Correct answer: Compacted dirt with no loose material
Compacted dirt does not meet CPSC or ASTM F1292 impact-attenuation standards and is not acceptable as protective surfacing in a use zone.
Question 3: A seesaw (teeter-totter) is installed on a playground. What unique use zone consideration applies to this equipment compared to stationary climbers?
- The use zone must account for movement at both ends simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Seesaws require a 12-foot use zone because of their lever action
- No use zone is needed because seesaws operate close to the ground
- The use zone is only required at the high end when fully raised
Correct answer: The use zone must account for movement at both ends simultaneously
Seesaws have moving ends that rise and fall simultaneously, so the use zone must account for potential falls from both ends at once.
Question 4: When calculating the use zone for a slide that is part of a composite structure, where does measurement begin?
- From the base of the slide structure's vertical support posts
- From the outer edge of the slide chute at each point along its length (Correct answer)
- From the center of the composite structure's footprint
- From the highest designated play surface regardless of slide location
Correct answer: From the outer edge of the slide chute at each point along its length
The use zone for a slide within a composite structure is measured from the outer edge of the slide chute, ensuring adequate clearance along the entire slide path.
Question 5: An inspector notices that resilient surfacing extends only 4 feet from the edge of a climbing structure whose highest play surface is 8 feet. What is the compliance issue?
- The surfacing must extend at least 6 feet from all sides of the structure (Correct answer)
- The surfacing depth must be doubled when the play surface exceeds 6 feet
- The surfacing meets minimum requirements since 4 feet equals half the fall height
- There is no issue; 4 feet satisfies CPSC requirements for structures under 10 feet
Correct answer: The surfacing must extend at least 6 feet from all sides of the structure
CPSC requires impact-attenuating surfacing to extend at least 6 feet from all sides of a piece of equipment regardless of the play surface height.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of maintaining a clear use zone free of obstacles around playground equipment?
- To comply with ADA accessibility requirements for maneuverability
- To provide an unobstructed area for children who fall or are propelled from equipment (Correct answer)
- To allow maintenance crews unrestricted access to inspect equipment
- To ensure adequate drainage of rainwater away from the structure
Correct answer: To provide an unobstructed area for children who fall or are propelled from equipment
The use zone's primary purpose is to provide a clear, impact-attenuating area where children who fall or are propelled from equipment will land safely.
Question 7: On a tripod-style swing (tire swing), what configuration applies to the use zone due to its 360-degree motion?
- 6 feet in the direction of prevailing wind only
- Twice the chain length in all directions from the pivot point
- 6 feet on all sides beyond the maximum displacement of the swing (Correct answer)
- Use zone equals the tire diameter plus 3 feet on all sides
Correct answer: 6 feet on all sides beyond the maximum displacement of the swing
A tire or multi-axis swing rotates 360 degrees, so the use zone must extend 6 feet in all directions beyond the maximum displacement (outermost arc) of the swing.
CPSI Layout and Site Design Requirements (Use Zones) 4
A zip line has a maximum height of 4 feet at its highest point and a run of 30 feet.
How should the use zone be configured?