CPSI Rotating Equipment and Rocking Equipment Standards 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A newly installed merry-go-round has a deck height of 14 inches. An inspector checks for entanglement hazards at the platform edge. Which condition would most likely create a shear/crush point?
- Smooth rounded deck edge flush with the support ring
- A gap of 6 mm between the rotating deck and stationary base ring (Correct answer)
- A painted non-slip surface on the deck
- Handrail posts anchored through the deck
Correct answer: A gap of 6 mm between the rotating deck and stationary base ring
A 6 mm gap between the rotating deck and stationary base ring falls within the entrapment zone (4–12 mm) and creates a shear/crush hazard for fingers.
Question 2: When inspecting a double-axis spring rocker designed for two riders, the inspector must verify that the footrests:
- Are painted a bright safety color
- Do not present protrusions exceeding 8 mm that could catch clothing (Correct answer)
- Are positioned at least 18 inches apart
- Are made of recycled rubber material
Correct answer: Do not present protrusions exceeding 8 mm that could catch clothing
ASTM F1487 requires that footrests and all protrusions on play equipment not exceed 8 mm to prevent clothing entanglement that could cause strangulation.
Question 3: A playground inspector observes that a seesaw's pivot guard cover is cracked but still in place. The seesaw otherwise functions normally. The inspector should:
- Allow use and schedule replacement within 90 days
- Remove from service immediately until the cover is replaced (Correct answer)
- Apply tape over the crack as a temporary fix
- Increase inspection frequency to weekly
Correct answer: Remove from service immediately until the cover is replaced
A cracked pivot guard exposes the pivot mechanism, creating entrapment and crush hazards; the equipment must be removed from service until the guard is properly replaced.
Question 4: Under ASTM F1487, which type of rotating equipment is specifically PROHIBITED on public playgrounds?
- Merry-go-rounds with a maximum speed governor
- Rotating climbers with full enclosure
- Equipment that rotates freely without a speed-limiting mechanism only if above 24 inches deck height (Correct answer)
- Seesaws with tire bump stops
Correct answer: Equipment that rotates freely without a speed-limiting mechanism only if above 24 inches deck height
ASTM F1487 prohibits freely rotating equipment (no speed governor) with a deck height above 24 inches, as the combination creates unacceptable fall and ejection risks.
Question 5: An inspector measures the deceleration of a merry-go-round after a child pushes it. It comes to a complete stop in 8 seconds from full spin. This is MOST relevant to assessing:
- Bearing friction and entrapment risk (Correct answer)
- Whether the unit meets impact attenuation standards
- The adequacy of the use zone size
- Compliance with anchor bolt torque specifications
Correct answer: Bearing friction and entrapment risk
Deceleration time reflects bearing condition and friction; overly free-spinning bearings increase fall and ejection risk, while excessively resistant bearings may indicate mechanical failure.
Question 6: A rocking boat designed for 4–5 riders has handholds installed at 36-inch height. An inspector notes one child is standing on the seat. What is the primary hazard classification?
- Entanglement from the handhold spacing
- Fall hazard due to misuse elevating the effective fall height (Correct answer)
- Crush hazard from the rocking motion
- Protrusion hazard from the handhold end caps
Correct answer: Fall hazard due to misuse elevating the effective fall height
Standing on the seat raises the child's center of gravity above the design fall height, significantly increasing fall severity risk beyond what the surfacing was specified to attenuate.
Question 7: According to CPSC Handbook guidelines, the use zone around a stationary spring rocking animal must extend at least how far from the equipment's perimeter in all directions?
- 3 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 8 feet
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
CPSC guidelines require a minimum 6-foot use zone in all directions around spring rocking equipment to protect children who may fall off during use.
CPSI Rotating Equipment and Rocking Equipment Standards 5
A newly installed merry-go-round has a deck height of 14 inches.
An inspector checks for entanglement hazards at the platform edge.
Which condition would most likely create a shear/crush point?