CPSI Audit, Inspection, and Maintenance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a high-frequency operational inspection on a playground?
- To assess long-term structural integrity
- To identify hazards that change rapidly with use (Correct answer)
- To verify compliance with ASTM F1487 dimensions
- To document equipment age for insurance purposes
Correct answer: To identify hazards that change rapidly with use
High-frequency operational inspections are conducted daily or weekly to catch hazards—such as litter, vandalism, or drainage issues—that develop quickly with normal use.
Question 2: A CPSI discovers that a composite structure's platform has surface cracks but no visible deflection. What is the appropriate immediate action?
- Document and recheck in 90 days
- Close that piece of equipment until further evaluation (Correct answer)
- Apply sealant and return to service
- Issue a verbal warning to supervising staff
Correct answer: Close that piece of equipment until further evaluation
Any structural crack in a load-bearing platform warrants removing the equipment from service until an engineer or qualified professional can evaluate it.
Question 3: Which maintenance record element is MOST critical for establishing a legal defense if a playground injury lawsuit is filed?
- The brand name of lubricant used on hardware
- Dated, signed documentation of each inspection and corrective action (Correct answer)
- The original purchase invoice for equipment
- A photo of the playground taken at installation
Correct answer: Dated, signed documentation of each inspection and corrective action
Courts rely on dated and signed inspection and repair records to demonstrate that the owner exercised reasonable care in maintaining the playground.
Question 4: When evaluating surfacing depth after use, a CPSI uses a penetrometer. What does a penetrometer measure?
- Surface pH and chemical composition
- Impact attenuation relative to critical fall height
- Drainage capacity of loose-fill material
- Compaction and hardness of the impact surface (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Compaction and hardness of the impact surface
A penetrometer measures how hard or compacted the surfacing has become, which correlates with its ability to absorb impact energy.
Question 5: According to CPSC guidelines, how often should a comprehensive annual inspection be performed on public playground equipment?
- Every six months
- Once every two years
- At least once per year (Correct answer)
- Only when equipment is repaired
Correct answer: At least once per year
CPSC guidelines recommend a thorough comprehensive inspection at least annually to assess overall equipment condition and compliance.
Question 6: A maintenance crew replaces worn protective surfacing but does not compact it. What hazard does this create?
- Increased trip hazard at borders only
- Reduced impact attenuation until surfacing settles properly (Correct answer)
- UV degradation of the underlying geotextile fabric
- Increased risk of insect infestation
Correct answer: Reduced impact attenuation until surfacing settles properly
Uncompacted loose-fill surfacing has unpredictable depth and density, reducing its ability to attenuate impacts to the critical fall height standard.
Question 7: During an audit, a CPSI finds that a swing set's S-hooks are open more than 0.04 inches. What is the correct response?
- Lubricate and monitor monthly
- Replace or close the S-hooks before returning equipment to service (Correct answer)
- Wrap with tape as a temporary fix
- Document and schedule repair within 90 days
Correct answer: Replace or close the S-hooks before returning equipment to service
Open S-hooks beyond 0.04 inches present an entanglement hazard and must be closed or replaced immediately before the equipment is used again.
CPSI Audit, Inspection, and Maintenance 2
What is the primary purpose of a high-frequency operational inspection on a playground?