CPSI Protective Surfacing Requirements 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When determining the required depth of loose-fill surfacing, which factor is MOST critical according to ASTM F1292?
- The color and aesthetic appearance of the material
- The critical fall height (CFH) of the equipment (Correct answer)
- The brand or manufacturer of the surfacing material
- The age range of children using the playground
Correct answer: The critical fall height (CFH) of the equipment
ASTM F1292 requires that loose-fill surfacing depth be sufficient to achieve a Head Injury Criterion (HIC) below 1000 at the equipment's critical fall height.
Question 2: A playground uses 12 inches of engineered wood fiber (EWF). After 6 months of use, an inspector finds compaction has reduced depth to 6 inches in high-use zones. What is the BEST corrective action?
- Replace all EWF with a unitary surface system
- Redistribute and replenish EWF to restore the required depth (Correct answer)
- Close only the specific equipment pieces above the compacted areas
- Accept the reduced depth since EWF compaction is expected
Correct answer: Redistribute and replenish EWF to restore the required depth
Compacted or displaced loose-fill surfacing must be raked, redistributed, and replenished to restore the manufacturer-recommended and ASTM-compliant depth.
Question 3: Under CPSC guidelines, what is the minimum required depth of pea gravel for a piece of equipment with a critical fall height of 7 feet?
- 6 inches
- 9 inches
- 12 inches (Correct answer)
- 18 inches
Correct answer: 12 inches
CPSC guidelines indicate that pea gravel requires 12 inches of depth to provide adequate protection at a critical fall height of 7 feet.
Question 4: Which of the following unitary surfacing materials is tested using ASTM F1292 to confirm its impact attenuation performance?
- Concrete with rubber coating
- Poured-in-place rubber (Correct answer)
- Compacted grass turf
- Asphalt with paint markings
Correct answer: Poured-in-place rubber
Poured-in-place rubber is a unitary surface system tested per ASTM F1292 for impact attenuation performance at specified fall heights.
Question 5: A school is installing a new playground with equipment reaching 8 feet in height. Which surfacing option would be LEAST appropriate based on CPSC guidelines?
- Engineered wood fiber (EWF)
- Shredded rubber mulch
- Packed dirt (Correct answer)
- Poured-in-place rubber
Correct answer: Packed dirt
Packed dirt does not provide adequate impact attenuation and is not an acceptable protective surfacing material under CPSC guidelines.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of the 'use zone' (fall zone) around playground equipment?
- To designate a decorative border for aesthetic purposes
- To provide an area of protective surfacing where a child might fall (Correct answer)
- To mark the boundary for maintenance equipment access
- To indicate the maximum number of children allowed on equipment
Correct answer: To provide an area of protective surfacing where a child might fall
The use zone is the area around playground equipment that must be covered with protective surfacing because a child could land there if they fall.
Question 7: According to CPSC guidelines, what is the minimum use zone extension beyond the perimeter of stationary equipment (excluding swings and slides)?
- 4 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 8 feet
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
CPSC guidelines require a minimum 6-foot use zone extending in all directions from stationary playground equipment.
CPSI Protective Surfacing Requirements 4
When determining the required depth of loose-fill surfacing, which factor is MOST critical according to ASTM F1292?