CPSI Surfacing Requirements and Impact Attenuation Testing 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a portable field Gmax test on loose-fill surfacing, how many drops are required at each test location according to ASTM F1292?
- One drop only
- Two drops, use the second result (Correct answer)
- Three drops, use the lowest Gmax
- Five drops, discard the highest and lowest
Correct answer: Two drops, use the second result
ASTM F1292 field testing protocol requires two drops at each location; the result from the second drop is used as the valid measurement.
Question 2: A playground has a composite structure with a highest accessible platform at 8 feet. What is the minimum required unobstructed surfacing zone extending from the structure's perimeter?
- 4 feet
- 5 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 8 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
CPSC guidelines require a minimum 6-foot use zone extending from the perimeter of any play structure regardless of height.
Question 3: Which characteristic makes rubber tiles superior to loose-fill materials for playgrounds serving children with mobility impairments?
- Lower cost per square foot
- Firm and stable surface allowing wheelchair access (Correct answer)
- Higher impact attenuation values
- Easier replacement of damaged sections
Correct answer: Firm and stable surface allowing wheelchair access
Rubber tiles provide a firm, stable, and slip-resistant surface that meets ADA accessibility requirements for wheeled mobility devices.
Question 4: At what minimum depth must engineered wood fiber (EWF) be installed to provide adequate fall protection for equipment with a fall height of 8 feet?
- 6 inches
- 9 inches
- 12 inches (Correct answer)
- 15 inches
Correct answer: 12 inches
CPSC guidelines and ASTM F1292 testing data indicate that 12 inches of engineered wood fiber is required for fall heights up to 10 feet.
Question 5: A Gmax value is measured at 295 during a routine inspection of an in-use playground. What action is required?
- No action needed; 295 is within acceptable range
- Document the finding and re-test in 6 months
- Immediately close the area and restore or replace surfacing (Correct answer)
- Add 2 inches of loose-fill material and retest
Correct answer: Immediately close the area and restore or replace surfacing
A Gmax exceeding 200 g indicates the surfacing has failed to provide adequate impact attenuation and the area must be closed immediately until corrected.
Question 6: Which of the following loose-fill surfacing materials poses the greatest risk of becoming a health hazard if it retains moisture?
- Pea gravel
- Sand
- Shredded rubber
- Engineered wood fiber (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Engineered wood fiber
Engineered wood fiber can harbor mold, insects, and pathogens if it retains excessive moisture, requiring proper drainage and regular inspection.
Question 7: According to ASTM F1951, which test evaluates whether playground surfacing is accessible for children using mobility aids?
- Work of Propulsion test (Correct answer)
- Head Injury Criterion (HIC) test
- Gmax drop test
- Compressed load bearing test
Correct answer: Work of Propulsion test
ASTM F1951 measures the Work of Propulsion required to traverse surfacing in a wheelchair, determining if it meets accessibility standards.
CPSI Surfacing Requirements and Impact Attenuation Testing 4
When performing a portable field Gmax test on loose-fill surfacing, how many drops are required at each test location according to ASTM F1292?