Safety Warnings

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d. Check and maintain the depth of the loose-fill surfacing material. To maintain
the right amount of loose-fill materials, mark the correct level on play
equipment support posts. That way you can easily see when to replenish and/or
redistribute the surfacing.
e. Do not install loose fill surfacing over hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.
2. Poured-In-Place Surfaces or Pre-Manufactured Rubber Tiles:
You may be interested in using surfacing other than loose-fill materials – like rubber
tiles or poured-in-place surfaces.
a. Installations of these surfaces generally require a professional and are not “do-
it-yourself” projects.
b. Review surface specifications before purchasing this type of surfacing. Ask the
installer/manufacturer for a report showing that the product has been tested to
the following safety standard: ASTM F1292 Standard Specification for Impact
Attenuation of Surfacing Materials within the Use Zone of Playground
Equipment. This report should show the specific height for which the surface
is intended to protect against serious head injury. This height should be equal
to or greater than the fall height – vertical distance between a designated play
surface (elevated surface for standing, sitting, or climbing) and the protective
surfacing below – of your play equipment.
c. Check the protective surfacing frequently for wear.
3. Placement - Proper placement and maintenance of protective surfacing is essential. Be
sure to:
a. Extend surfacing at least 6 feet from the equipment in all directions.
b. For to-fro swings, extend protective surfacing in front of and behind the swing
to a distance equal to twice the height of the top bar from which the swing is
suspended.
c. For tire swings, extend surfacing in a circle whose radius is equal to the height
of the suspending chain or rope, plus 6 feet in all directions.