Layout and Site Design Requirements (Use Zones) Questions and Answers Flashcards

A CPSI measures the use zone under a set of swings and finds that protective surfacing is present but only 6 inches deep at the high-wear zone directly under the swing seats. The pivot height is 8 feet. Is this adequate?

Answer: No — for an 8-foot fall height, the required EWF depth is greater than 6 inches; 12 inches is required

A pivot height of 8 feet creates a critical fall height of approximately 8 feet, requiring a minimum of 12 inches of engineered wood fiber. 6 inches is inadequate.

How is the use zone for a slide measured when the slide has a curve or turn?

Answer: The use zone must encompass the entire slide footprint plus 6 feet from all edges of the slide structure and exit

For curved or unusual slides, the use zone must encompass the entire slide structure footprint plus 6 feet beyond all edges, not just the exit.

What is the use zone concern when a playhouse structure has an opening that exits at an angle toward adjacent equipment?

Answer: Children exiting through the angled opening may land in the use zone of adjacent equipment, creating an overlap

A directional exit from a play structure may project children toward adjacent equipment use zones, creating a prohibited overlap condition.

Why must the use zone surrounding a swing not have the entrance path cutting through it?

Answer: An entrance path through the swing use zone exposes people walking to the playground entry to being struck by moving swings

An entrance path through the swing use zone creates a collision hazard — people walking through are directly in the path of moving swings.

A CPSI is evaluating a playground renovation plan. The plan shows new equipment would reduce the use zone of existing adjacent equipment. What concern should be raised?

Answer: The renovation creates a use zone overlap violation and must be redesigned to maintain compliant use zones for all equipment

Adding equipment that reduces the use zone of adjacent equipment creates a use zone overlap violation — both pieces must have fully compliant, non-overlapping use zones.

How is the use zone affected when playground equipment is installed over a hard surface that cannot be replaced with protective surfacing?

Answer: Equipment over hard surfaces is not acceptable unless critical fall height is less than 20 inches

Equipment installed over hard surfaces is only acceptable if the critical fall height is less than 20 inches — a threshold where the hard surface may still pass ASTM F1292 requirements.