Maintenance Inspection - Low Frequency Inspection Guide
Maintenance Inspection - Low Frequency Inspection Guide
5a
5b
5c
5d
3
4
5
> 1/8 inch
Extension
Test swings for protrusion hazards with this special gauge.
This unsafe protrusion is useful for visualizing extension and diameter measurements.
This cracked component is a hazard.
More than two threads are showing, so this component is a protrusion hazard.
5. Check that hardware and small components do not project vertically above a horizontal unless the projection is less than 1/8 of an inch or it is rounded. In order for a piece of hardware or small component to be considered a vertical entanglement hazard, all of the following conditions must exist: a) The projection would fit inside a three inch diameter ring, as seen in Photo 5a. b) The projection projects vertically above a horizontal and is perpendicular to the surface it comes out of (90 degrees), as seen in Photo 5b. If the component projects out horizontally
or below horizontal it is not considered for entanglement unless the projection is on the sidewall of a slide. c) The projection is not rounded. In Photo 5c, the projection on the left has perpendicular sides and must be considered for entanglement. The projection on the right, however, is rounded and, therefore, is not considered a vertical entanglement hazard. d) The perpendicular portion of the projection is taller than 1/8 of an inch, as seen in Photo 5d. This is an entanglement hazard.
3. Suspended components, such as swings, have stricter protrusion requirements because they move and may hold the added weight of a child, changing the dynamics of the hazard. On a suspended component, any projections that would fit inside a 1 ¼ inches diameter gauge may not project out more than 1/8 of an inch. (A suspended projection hazard gauge, resembling a large flat washer, is part of the protrusion gauge kit.) When projection gauges are not available, use the following procedure to determine the presence of a protrusion hazard. • If the diameter or maximum cross section of a projection is less than or equal to 1/2 inch, the projection should not extend more than 1/4 of an inch above the surface to which it is attached. • If the diameter or maximum cross section of a projection is less than or equal to 1 ½ inches, the projection should not extend more than
3/4 of an inch above the surface to which it is attached. • If the diameter or maximum cross section of a projection is less than or equal to 3 inches, the projection should not extend more than 1 ½ inches above the surface to which it is attached. 4. Check for sharp points and edges. Use your judgment to determine whether or not a point or edge could harm a child; generally, all edges should be smooth and rounded. Pay particular attention to rough edges on hardware, worn or cracked materials, splintered wood, rusted or cracked metal, and weld spatters on metal surfaces. 5. Check that bolt ends show less than two threads and are rounded and smooth. Pay close attention to bolt ends because rough or projecting bolt ends could be entanglement and protrusion hazards.
Check for protrusion hazards 1. Place each of the three gauges over all projections, regardless of shape and orientation, as seen in Photo 1. 2. If the projection extends through the gauge and projects beyond the face of the gauge, then the projection is considered a protrusion hazard and has the potential to impale a child. In Photo 2, the projection is a protrusion hazard.
1
2
Quick Reference Protrusion Hazard Chart
If the diameter or maximum cross section of a projection is less than or equal to this Diameter.
The projection should not extend more than this Extension above the surface to which it is attached.
1/2 inch
1/4 inch 3/4 inch
Gauges are used to test the compliance of all projections. This projection is in compliance because it does not extend beyond the face of the gauge.
This bolt end is an unsafe protrusion.
1 ½ inches
3 inches
1 ½ inches
Preserving the Play Environment • Promoting the Value of Play • Protecting Children
Preserving the Play Environment • Promoting the Value of Play • Protecting Children
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