CPSI Specific Equipment Standards for Swings and Slides 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under ASTM F1487, what is the required minimum distance between adjacent swing bays on a multi-bay swing structure?
- 18 inches (45.7 cm)
- 24 inches (61 cm) (Correct answer)
- 30 inches (76.2 cm)
- 36 inches (91.4 cm)
Correct answer: 24 inches (61 cm)
ASTM F1487 requires a minimum of 24 inches (61 cm) between adjacent swings within the same bay to reduce the risk of collisions.
Question 2: A slide's maximum allowable incline angle for a straight slide intended for children ages 2–5 is:
- 30 degrees
- 35 degrees (Correct answer)
- 40 degrees
- 50 degrees
Correct answer: 35 degrees
ASTM F1487 limits the slide incline for children ages 2–5 to a maximum of 35 degrees to keep exit velocity within a safe range.
Question 3: Which material property makes a slide surface hazardous during summer months even without visible damage?
- High reflectivity causing glare
- Excessive surface temperature causing contact burns (Correct answer)
- Low coefficient of friction causing excessive speed
- Electrical conductivity during thunderstorms
Correct answer: Excessive surface temperature causing contact burns
Metal and certain plastic slide surfaces can reach temperatures exceeding 150°F (65°C) in direct sunlight, causing contact burns within seconds.
Question 4: For a tube slide (enclosed slide), what is the minimum internal diameter required to prevent entrapment of a child's head?
- 15 inches (38.1 cm)
- 18 inches (45.7 cm)
- 21 inches (53.3 cm)
- 23 inches (58.4 cm) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 23 inches (58.4 cm)
ASTM F1487 requires enclosed tube slides to have a minimum internal diameter of 23 inches (58.4 cm) to prevent head entrapment.
Question 5: A CPSI finds that a swing's chain links have elongated beyond their original shape. This finding indicates:
- Normal wear that should be documented at the next annual inspection
- Metal fatigue requiring immediate replacement of the chain (Correct answer)
- Acceptable stretch characteristic of galvanized chain
- A cosmetic issue with no safety impact
Correct answer: Metal fatigue requiring immediate replacement of the chain
Elongated chain links are a sign of metal fatigue or overloading, indicating structural failure risk, and the chain must be replaced immediately.
Question 6: According to ASTM F1487, the use zone for a slide must extend at minimum how far from the slide's exit point in the direction of egress?
- 4 feet (1.22 m)
- 6 feet (1.83 m) (Correct answer)
- 8 feet (2.44 m)
- 10 feet (3.05 m)
Correct answer: 6 feet (1.83 m)
The use zone must extend at least 6 feet (1.83 m) from the slide exit in the direction of egress to provide adequate landing and recovery space.
Question 7: Which swing seat type is specifically prohibited for installation on public playground equipment under ASTM F1487?
- Full-bucket infant seats
- Animal-figure seats with rigid components (Correct answer)
- Belt seats made of pliable material
- Flat board seats with rounded edges
Correct answer: Animal-figure seats with rigid components
Rigid animal-figure or novelty swing seats are prohibited on public playgrounds because their hard protrusions pose serious impact injury risk to bystanders.
CPSI Specific Equipment Standards for Swings and Slides 5
Under ASTM F1487, what is the required minimum distance between adjacent swing bays on a multi-bay swing structure?