CPSI Surfacing Requirements and Impact Attenuation Testing 5

Question 1

A newly installed loose-fill rubber surface passes Gmax testing but fails the HIC threshold of 1000. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Gmax alone is not sufficient to certify safety; HIC must also pass

Answer

Both Gmax (≤200 g) and HIC (≤1000) must be within acceptable limits under ASTM F1292 for surfacing to be considered safe.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of containment borders around loose-fill playground surfacing?

Accepted Answer

To prevent surfacing migration and maintain required depth

Answer

Containment borders keep loose-fill surfacing within the use zone, ensuring the material maintains adequate depth for effective impact attenuation.

Question 3

Under CPSC guidelines, what is the required use zone overlap when two swings are placed back-to-back (rear use zones meet)?

Accepted Answer

No overlap is permitted for swings; use zones must be separate

Answer

CPSC guidelines prohibit the overlap of swing use zones because simultaneous use creates a high-risk collision hazard.

Question 4

Which environmental condition most rapidly degrades the impact attenuation performance of pea gravel surfacing?

Accepted Answer

Displacement through heavy use creating thin spots

Answer

Heavy foot traffic and play activity displace pea gravel from high-use areas, creating dangerously thin spots directly beneath equipment.

Question 5

An inspector tests surfacing beneath a slide exit using a triaxial accelerometer and records a Gmax of 185 and HIC of 950. What should the inspector conclude?

Accepted Answer

Surfacing passes both criteria and no action is required

Answer

Both 185 g (below 200 g limit) and 950 (below 1000 HIC limit) are within acceptable ASTM F1292 thresholds, so no corrective action is needed.

CPSI - Certified Playground Safety Inspector Practice Test

CPSI - Certified Playground Safety Inspector Practice Test

CPSI Surfacing Requirements and Impact Attenuation Testing 5