CPSI Common Playground Hazards 2

Question 1

What is the definition of 'head entrapment' as used in ASTM F1487?

Accepted Answer

An opening between 3.5 and 9 inches where a child's head can enter but cannot exit

Answer

Any opening that could trap a child's neck

Answer

An opening under 3.5 inches where a child's head cannot enter at all

Answer

An opening over 9 inches that traps an entire body

Question 2

Which clothing item is frequently identified as a strangulation hazard on playground equipment?

Accepted Answer

Drawstrings on hoods and waistbands

Answer

Velcro closures

Answer

Loose laces on athletic shoes

Answer

Metal belt buckles

Question 3

What is the 'protrusion' hazard category in ASTM F1487?

Accepted Answer

Exposed hardware extending beyond the nut that can snag clothing or cause lacerations

Answer

Surfaces that are slippery when wet

Answer

Equipment that protrudes into the use zone of adjacent equipment

Answer

Roots or rocks protruding from the ground in the use zone

Question 4

What is the hazard posed by a slide's surface temperature on a hot day?

Accepted Answer

Thermal burn injury from contact with overheated metal or dark-colored plastic surfaces

Answer

The slide becomes electrically charged

Answer

Sliding speed increases to unsafe levels

Answer

UV degradation of plastic only

Question 5

What is the 'tripping hazard' concern for playground use zones?

Accepted Answer

Exposed concrete footings, rocks, roots, or abrupt surfacing height changes within the use zone

Answer

Wet surfacing after rain

Answer

Surfacing that is too soft

Answer

Painted surfaces that become slippery

Question 6

What is the primary hazard concern with 'trip-wire' level horizontal cables or bars on playground structures?

Accepted Answer

Children running at the playground can clothesline or trip on cables installed at neck or leg height

Answer

They corrode and weaken over time

Answer

They are only a hazard when wet

Answer

They create excessive vibration in the structure