CPSI Rotating Equipment and Rocking Equipment Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to ASTM F1487, what is the maximum height of the rotating platform surface on a merry-go-round above the protective surfacing?
- 12 inches
- 18 inches (Correct answer)
- 24 inches
- 30 inches
Correct answer: 18 inches
ASTM F1487 limits the rotating platform height of merry-go-rounds to a maximum of 18 inches above the protective surfacing.
Question 2: Which of the following is a critical protrusion hazard that a CPSI must check for on rotating equipment during a safety inspection?
- Exposed bolt ends extending beyond nuts (Correct answer)
- Smooth powder-coated handrails
- Rounded platform edges
- Factory-applied paint surfaces
Correct answer: Exposed bolt ends extending beyond nuts
Exposed bolt ends protruding beyond nuts can snag clothing or cause lacerations, making them a critical protrusion hazard on rotating equipment.
Question 3: When inspecting a merry-go-round, what hazard is a CPSI evaluating when examining the clearance between the rotating platform edge and the ground?
- Crush hazard for children who fall near the equipment (Correct answer)
- Aesthetic appearance of the equipment base
- Compliance with color-coding standards
- Manufacturer label placement requirements
Correct answer: Crush hazard for children who fall near the equipment
Inspectors check the clearance between the rotating platform and the ground to ensure no crush hazard exists for children who may fall or slide near the moving equipment.
Question 4: What set of records should a facility maintain for rotating and rocking playground equipment to demonstrate due diligence?
- Purchase receipts only
- Inspection records, maintenance logs, and incident reports (Correct answer)
- Manufacturer manuals only
- Annual photographic records only
Correct answer: Inspection records, maintenance logs, and incident reports
Comprehensive documentation—including inspection records, maintenance logs, and incident reports—is required to track safety history and demonstrate responsible management.
Question 5: In playground safety, what does 'critical height' mean when referencing the surfacing beneath rotating equipment?
- The maximum installed height of the equipment
- The fall height from which a life-threatening head injury is NOT expected (Correct answer)
- The minimum required depth of the surfacing material
- The height of any protective barrier surrounding the equipment
Correct answer: The fall height from which a life-threatening head injury is NOT expected
Critical height is the fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected, based on a Head Injury Criterion (HIC) value not exceeding 1000.
Question 6: Under which condition should rotating playground equipment be immediately removed from service by a CPSI or facility manager?
- When any surface discoloration is observed
- Only after a documented injury has occurred
- When structural defects, missing components, or imminent hazards are identified (Correct answer)
- After 10 years of use regardless of physical condition
Correct answer: When structural defects, missing components, or imminent hazards are identified
Equipment must be removed from service immediately when structural defects, missing components, or imminent hazards are found that cannot be corrected on the spot.
Question 7: What is the purpose of performing a torque check on bolts and fasteners during a rotating equipment inspection?
- To measure the rotational speed of the platform
- To verify fasteners are tightened to manufacturer specifications (Correct answer)
- To test the maximum weight capacity of the equipment
- To assess the balance and leveling of the platform
Correct answer: To verify fasteners are tightened to manufacturer specifications
A torque check confirms that bolts and fasteners are tightened to the torque values specified by the manufacturer, preventing loosening that could lead to structural failure.
According to ASTM F1487, what is the maximum height of the rotating platform surface on a merry-go-round above the protective surfacing?