CPSI Layout and Site Design Requirements (Use Zones) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When two swings are installed side-by-side on the same structure, how should the use zones be treated?
- Each swing gets an independent use zone that must not overlap with any other equipment
- The use zones may overlap only between the two swings but not with other equipment (Correct answer)
- Use zones can fully overlap between swings since they share a common frame
- The inspector determines overlap allowance based on age group served
Correct answer: The use zones may overlap only between the two swings but not with other equipment
Use zones for swings on the same structure may overlap with each other but must not overlap with use zones of other equipment or structures.
Question 2: A merry-go-round has a diameter of 8 feet. What is the minimum required use zone radius measured from the outer edge of the equipment?
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 8 feet
- 10 feet
- 12 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
For rotating equipment like merry-go-rounds, CPSC guidelines require a minimum use zone of 6 feet beyond the perimeter of the equipment.
Question 3: A composite play structure has multiple elevated exit points at varying heights. Which height is used to calculate the required use zone?
- The average height of all exit points
- The height of the highest designated play surface (Correct answer)
- The height of the lowest exit point to be conservative
- Each exit point generates its own independent use zone calculation
Correct answer: The height of the highest designated play surface
The use zone for a composite structure is based on the height of the highest designated play surface, ensuring adequate fall protection for the worst-case fall.
Question 4: What is the minimum use zone required in front of and behind a belt swing with a pivot point 8 feet high?
- 8 feet in front and behind, measured from directly below the pivot
- Twice the height of the pivot point (16 feet) in front and behind (Correct answer)
- 6 feet in all directions around the swing
- 12 feet in front and behind, measured from directly below the pivot
Correct answer: Twice the height of the pivot point (16 feet) in front and behind
For swings, the use zone in front and behind equals twice the height of the pivot point, so an 8-foot pivot requires 16 feet of clearance in those directions.
Question 5: A slide structure's use zone at the exit must extend at least how far beyond the end of the slide chute?
- 3 feet
- 4 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 8 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
CPSC guidelines require the use zone at the slide exit to extend at least 6 feet beyond the end of the slide chute to accommodate children's exit trajectory.
Question 6: Two adjacent pieces of equipment have use zones that overlap. Which of the following is the correct remedy?
- Add a physical barrier between the equipment to separate their use zones
- Increase the fall-zone surfacing depth to compensate for the overlap
- Reposition one or both pieces of equipment to eliminate the overlap (Correct answer)
- Post a warning sign notifying caregivers of the overlapping zones
Correct answer: Reposition one or both pieces of equipment to eliminate the overlap
The correct remedy for overlapping use zones between separate pieces of equipment is to reposition the equipment so the zones no longer overlap.
Question 7: What is the minimum side use zone (lateral clearance) required for a single-axis swing measured from directly under the pivot point?
- 3 feet
- 4 feet (Correct answer)
- 6 feet
- 8 feet
Correct answer: 4 feet
CPSC guidelines specify a minimum lateral (side) use zone of 4 feet from directly below the pivot point for single-axis swings.
CPSI Layout and Site Design Requirements (Use Zones) 2
When two swings are installed side-by-side on the same structure, how should the use zones be treated?