Reprinted With Permission From The International Playground Contractors Association (www.playground-contractors.org)
Part 1 of 5
By Roger Davis – CPSI
President, Playground Safety Services
www.playgroundsafetyservices.com
This month we’ll talk a little bit about "Playground Surfacing." As we all know, in today’s market, the customer has several different choices in playground surfacing. Surfacing manufacturers have invested a great deal of research, dollars and time in pursuit of better surfacing products and to their credit there are many great products available.
As playground contractors, most of the time the "site" has already been chosen when we arrive, so I’ll limit this discussion to what we need to do to ensure we "correctly install" our customer’s choice of surfacing. Here are a few basic but essential guidelines we need to always follow when installing surfacing.
1. Drainage: No matter what the surfacing material, proper drainage is a must. If water doesn’t drain, there will be problems that will negatively impact the performance of the surfacing. There should be at least 1 percent slope to facilitate drainage.
2. Sub-Grade: Is a part of the drainage package and we can be sure that that the manufacturer will not warranty its product if the site prep, base/material and drainage issues have not been properly executed.
3. Weed Barrier: If using a loose-fill product with a stone base, a weed barrier is a must as it not only prevents the growth of vegetation, it also serves to separate the stone base from the loose-fill product. Make sure the thickness and permeability of the weed barrier is consistent with the manufacturer’s specifications.
4. Manufacturer’s Specifications: All surfacing manufacturers will furnish a Surfacing Installation Specification Sheet or Recommended Installation Guide that covers their required method of installation in order for their material to properly perform and be warranted. Follow The manufacturer’s specs without fail and everyone will be much happier campers at the end of the day.
5. Maintenance: ASTM F1487-07ae1 13.2.1 and 13.2.2 and CPSC 325-2008 4.3 both state that loose-fill materials will require inspections and maintenance. Since the future performance of the surfacing material will fall under the watch of the customer/client/owner/operator, we need to make every effort possible to ensure we’ve installed the protective surfacing correctly.
Surfacing in regards to the ADAAG was not addressed as we will leave that topic of discussion for another day.
Tool Box Tips: Used with permission
ASTM F 1487 – 07ae1
13.2 Protective Surfacing: 13.2.1 The owner/operator shall maintain the protective surfacing within the use zone of each play structure in accordance with Specification F 1292 appropriate for the fall height of each structure and Specification F 1951 where applicable.
13.2.2 The owner/operator shall maintain the protective surfacing within the use zone of each play structure free from extraneous materials that could cause injury, infection, or disease.
CPSC325-2008
4.3 Maintaining Loose-Fill Surfacing
Loose-fill surfacing materials require special maintenance. High-use public playgrounds, such as child care centers and schools, should be checked frequently to ensure surfacing has not displaced significantly, particularly in areas of the playground most subject to displacement (e.g., under swings and slide exits). This can be facilitated by marking ideal surfacing depths on equipment posts. Displaced loose-fill surfacing should be raked back into proper place so that a constant depth is maintained throughout the playground. Impact attenuating mats placed in high traffic areas, such as under swings and at slide exits, can significantly reduce
Handbook for Playground Safety
CPSC325-2008 (Did You Know)
2.4.2.2 - 7. Never use less than 9 inches of loose-fill material. Shallower depths are too easily displaced and compacted. Install and maintain at least 9 inches of wood chips, mulch, or shredded rubber for play equipment that reaches up to 7 feet high. If you use sand or pea gravel, you'll want at least 9 inches for play structures up to 5 feet high. Or, you can use surface mats made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like materials.
Handbook for Playground Safety
