a life-threatening head injury in a fall onto four different loose-fill surfacing materials if they are
installed and maintained at depths of 6, 9, and 12 in. However, it should be recognized that all
injuries due to falls cannot be prevented no matter what surfacing material is used.
X3.3 It is recommended that a shock absorbing material should extend a minimum of 6 ft in all
directions from the perimeter of stationary equipment.
X3.4 This information is intended to assist in comparing the relative shock-absorbing properties of
various materials. No particular material is recommended over another. However, each material is
only effective when properly maintained. Materials should be checked periodically and replenished
to maintain correct depth as determined necessary for your equipment. The choice of a material
depends on the type and height of the playground equipment, the availability of the material in
your area, and its cost.
9 This information has been extracted from the CPSC publications "Playground Surfacing -Technical
Information Guide" and "Handbook for Public Playground Safety." Copies of these reports can
be obtained by sending a postcard to the: Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission, Washington, D.C., 20207 or call the toll-free hotline: 1-800-638-2772.
TABLE X3.1
Fall Height in Feet From Which a Life Threatening Head Injury Would Not Be Expected
Type of Material
6 inch.
depth
Double Shredded
Mulch
6
Wood Chips
6
Fine Sand
5
Fine Gravel
6
(Maximum fall height for product = 1750mm
Warning
Please instruct children not to use the equipment in a manner other than intended.
Installation instructions and information
Place the equipment on level ground, not less than 6ft (1.8m) from any structure or obstruction
such as a fence, Garage, house, overhanging branches, laundry lines, or electrical wires.
Do not install home playground equipment over concrete, asphalt, packed earth, or any other hard
surface. A fall onto a hard surface can result in serious injury to the equipment user.
Operating Instructions
Observing the following statements and warnings reduces the likelihood of serious or fatal injury.
We recommend on-site adult supervision for children of all ages Instruct children not to walk close
to, in front of, behind, or between moving items.
Instruct children not to use the equipment in a manner other than intended.
Instruct children not to get off equipment while it is in motion.
Parent to dress children appropriately (examples would include the use of well-fitting shoes and
the avoidance of ponchos, scarfs, and other loose-fitting clothing that is potentially hazardous
while using equipment).
Instruct children not to climb when the equipment is wet.
Instruct children not to attach items to the playground equipment that are not specifically designed
for use with the equipment, such as, but not limited to, jump ropes, clothesline, pet leashes,
cables and chain as they may cause a strangulation hazard.
Warning! the buyer to instruct children to remove their bike or other sports helmet before
playing on the playground equipment.
Maintenance Instructions -
At the beginning of each play season:
Tighten all hardware. Lubricate all metallic moving parts per manufacturer's instructions.
Check all protective coverings on bolts, pipes, edges, and corners. Replace if they are loose,
cracked, or missing. Check all moving parts including ropes, cables, and chains for wear, rust,
or other deterioration. Replace as needed. Check metal parts for rust. If found, sand and repaint
using a non lead-based paint meeting the requirements of 16 CFR 1303.
Check all wood members for deterioration and splinters. Sand down splinters and replace
deteriorating wood members. Reinstall any plastic parts that were removed for the cold season.
Rake and check depth of loose fill protective surfacing materials to prevent compaction and to
maintain appropriate depth. Replace as necessary.
Twice a month during play season:
Tighten all hardware. Check all protective coverings on bolts, pipes, edges, and corners. Replace
if they are loose, cracked, or missing. Rake and check depth of loose fill protective surfacing
materials to prevent compaction and to maintain appropriate depth. Replace as necessary.
Once a month during play season:
Lubricate all metallic moving parts per manufacturer's instructions.
Check all moving parts including ropes, cables, and chains for wear, rust, or other
deterioration. Replace as needed.
At the end of each play season or when the temperature drops below 40°F (4°C). Remove the
parts and take indoors or do not use. Rake and check depth of loose fill protective surfacing
materials to prevent compaction and to maintain appropriate depth. Replace as necessary.
9 inch.
12 inch.
depth
depth
Bark
10
11
7
12
5
9
7
10
8