Free CPSI Playground Audits and Inspection Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An owner/operator of a school playground establishes a maintenance program. As part of this program, a staff member walks the site weekly to look for vandalism, litter, and displacement of loose-fill surfacing. According to the NPRA, what type of inspection is this?
- A low frequency inspection
- A high frequency inspection (Correct answer)
- A post-installation audit
- An annual compliance inspection
Correct answer: A high frequency inspection
High frequency inspections are conducted often (daily or weekly) and are typically visual checks for obvious hazards and changing conditions like vandalism, trash, and displaced loose-fill surfacing. Low frequency inspections are more in-depth and less frequent (e.g., quarterly), focusing on wear and tear.
Question 2: A CPSI performs an initial, comprehensive examination of a newly installed playground to verify compliance with prevailing standards and guidelines before it opens to the public. Which term BEST describes this procedure?
- A routine maintenance check
- A low frequency inspection
- An audit (Correct answer)
- A risk assessment survey
Correct answer: An audit
An audit is a one-time, comprehensive process to verify that a new playground installation complies with all relevant standards (like ASTM and CPSC) before it is opened for use. It establishes a baseline for future inspections.
Question 3: During a playground inspection, a CPSI discovers a condition that could result in death or permanent disability. According to the CPSC hazard classification, what is the MOST appropriate immediate action for the owner/operator to take?
- Schedule the repair for the next routine maintenance cycle.
- Post a small warning sign near the identified component.
- Document the finding and wait for the annual audit to address it.
- Immediately prevent public access to the hazardous equipment. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Immediately prevent public access to the hazardous equipment.
A hazard that could cause death or permanent disability is a high-priority, critical hazard. The appropriate response is to immediately take the hazardous equipment out of service or close the area to prevent access until the hazard is corrected.
Question 4: Which of the following is the MOST critical reason for maintaining detailed records of all playground inspections, maintenance, and repairs?
- To provide a documented history of care and diligence. (Correct answer)
- To track the inventory of playground equipment parts.
- To create a schedule for playground staff.
- To justify the cost of new equipment to management.
Correct answer: To provide a documented history of care and diligence.
Complete and accurate records of inspections and maintenance provide documented evidence that the owner/operator is exercising a proper standard of care. This documentation is invaluable for risk management and can be a crucial defense in the event of an injury or litigation.
Question 5: A CPSI is creating an inspection schedule for a busy urban park playground that experiences heavy use and some vandalism. Which factor would most strongly suggest the need for a MORE frequent inspection schedule?
- The age of the playground equipment is less than one year old.
- The playground is located in a climate with minimal rainfall.
- The manufacturer's warranty is still active.
- The high volume of daily users and history of vandalism. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The high volume of daily users and history of vandalism.
The frequency of inspections should be determined by several factors, including the level of use and history of vandalism. Playgrounds with high use and frequent vandalism are subject to more rapid wear and unexpected hazards, necessitating more frequent inspections to maintain safety.
Question 6: During a low frequency inspection, a CPSI is checking for wear on moving components. Which of the following would be a primary focus of this type of inspection?
- Checking for litter and debris within the use zone.
- Confirming the playground rules sign is legible.
- Measuring the wear on swing hangers and chains. (Correct answer)
- Verifying the correct hours of operation are posted.
Correct answer: Measuring the wear on swing hangers and chains.
Low frequency inspections are in-depth investigations that look for wear and tear on equipment. Checking swing hangers, chains, and other moving parts for excessive wear is a key task during a low frequency inspection, as opposed to high frequency checks which focus on more superficial and rapidly changing conditions like litter.
Free CPSI Playground Audits and Inspection Questions and Answers 1
An owner/operator of a school playground establishes a maintenance program.
As part of this program, a staff member walks the site weekly to look for vandalism, litter, and displacement of loose-fill surfacing.
According to the NPRA, what type of inspection is this?