CPSI Layout and Site Design Requirements (Use Zones) Questions and Answers 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A horizontal ladder (overhead ring traverse) has a fall height of 7 feet. A child exits at the end of the ladder onto the ground. What is the minimum use zone needed beyond the dismount end?
- 3 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 7 feet
- 14 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
The minimum use zone at the dismount end of overhead climbing equipment is 6 feet, consistent with ASTM F1487 requirements for upper-body equipment.
Question 2: A playground has a bank of 4 swings in a single bay. How is the use zone measured for the entire swing bay?
- Each swing has its own independent 6-foot use zone that may overlap with adjacent swings
- The use zone is measured from the outermost swings in the bay and must encompass the entire swing structure (Correct answer)
- Only the two end swings require use zone measurement
- The use zone is calculated per swing and added cumulatively
Correct answer: The use zone is measured from the outermost swings in the bay and must encompass the entire swing structure
For a multi-swing bay, the use zone is measured from the outermost components and must encompass the entire structure, creating one continuous use zone for the bay.
Question 3: A freestanding climber with a maximum height of 5 feet is installed on a playground. What minimum use zone is required on all sides?
- 5 feet (equal to height)
- 3 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
A freestanding climber requires a minimum 6-foot use zone on all sides, per ASTM F1487, regardless of structure height (as long as it is under the threshold requiring larger zones).
Question 4: Two pieces of equipment have use zones that would extend to the same area if each were installed separately. What must the designer do?
- Allow the overlap since the surfacing provides protection regardless
- Increase the spacing between equipment so use zones do not overlap (Correct answer)
- Reduce the use zone of one piece to accommodate both
- Install a low fence between the two pieces
Correct answer: Increase the spacing between equipment so use zones do not overlap
Equipment must be spaced far enough apart so their use zones do not overlap — the designer must reconfigure the layout to achieve the required separation.
Question 5: A playground is being built on a slope. How does the slope affect use zone requirements on the downhill side of equipment?
- Use zones are the same regardless of slope
- The use zone on the downhill side must be extended to account for the slope's effect on fall trajectory (Correct answer)
- Sloped sites exempt equipment from standard use zone requirements
- Only equipment above 4 feet requires adjusted use zones on slopes
Correct answer: The use zone on the downhill side must be extended to account for the slope's effect on fall trajectory
On sloped sites, the use zone on the downhill side must be extended because a falling child will travel farther downhill than on flat ground.
Question 6: Balance beams and stepping-stone-type ground-level equipment typically require what minimum use zone?
- No use zone is required for ground-level equipment
- 6 feet on all sides (Correct answer)
- 3 feet on all sides
- Only a 1-foot buffer is needed at the ends
Correct answer: 6 feet on all sides
Even ground-level balance equipment requires a 6-foot use zone on all sides because users can fall or step off unexpectedly in any direction.
Question 7: A CPSI is reviewing a layout where a bench for caregivers is placed 5 feet from the edge of a swing's use zone. Is this placement acceptable?
- Yes, 5 feet from the use zone boundary is sufficient clearance for fixed furnishings
- No, fixed furnishings such as benches must not be placed within or immediately adjacent to the use zone in a way that creates a hazard (Correct answer)
- Yes, benches are exempt from use zone restrictions
- No, benches must be at least 20 feet from any swing
Correct answer: No, fixed furnishings such as benches must not be placed within or immediately adjacent to the use zone in a way that creates a hazard
Fixed furnishings like benches must be placed outside the use zone boundary and positioned so they do not become a secondary hazard for children exiting equipment.
CPSI Layout and Site Design Requirements (Use Zones) Questions and Answers 5
A horizontal ladder (overhead ring traverse) has a fall height of 7 feet.
A child exits at the end of the ladder onto the ground.
What is the minimum use zone needed beyond the dismount end?