Maintenance Inspection - Low Frequency Inspection Guide
Maintenance Inspection - Low Frequency Inspection Guide
Maintaining Accessibility of Surfacing
The sample inspection form provided on page 25 is designed as a low frequency report for an existing playground. It is not intended as an instrument for a playground audit. It is understood when using this inspection report that the play equipment, play surfaces, use zones, and accessibility were compliant at the time the play area was designed and installed. Should there be any questions regarding the above compliance matters, a full scale audit needs to be conducted by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), prior to using an inspection form.
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a Federal law which requires that playgrounds installed after 1991 meet the recommendations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Information regarding how to fully comply with the ADA may be found in the 2010 ADA Accessibility Design Standards. This document may be downloaded by going to: www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm.
1:50 MAX.
By ensuring proper surfacing precautions are taken, the play experience can be accessible, fun, and safer for all.
One of the largest deterrents to accessibility is the surface that a person using a mobility device must use to get from one location to another. If the surfacing or accessible route of travel is not maintained properly, access to the playground equipment may not be provided. Unitary surfacing material, engineered wood fiber, and some engineered rubber fibers are considered to be accessible to persons using mobility devices. The manufacturers of these materials must be able to prove that their product meets the criteria found in the ASTM F1951-99 Standard. This standard tests whether or not a surface is considered accessible to a mobility device user. In order for the above noted surfaces to be considered accessible they must be maintained. Accessible surfaces have to be essentially level with a cross slope of no more than 1:48 and a running slope that does not exceed 1:16 beveled.
All surfacing materials, especially loose materials settle over time. During low frequency inspections check areas where two surfaces come together such as a concrete sidewalk adjoining a unitary material. Make certain that the vertical change of elevation does not exceed 1/2 inch and that there is not a gap between the surfaces greater than 1/2 inch measured horizontally. Where loose surfaces are used, check to make certain that there is an appropriate transition from a unitary surface such as a sidewalk or rubber accessible route and the loose material. The solid surface should be beveled or ramped down into the loose material so that a drop off is not created when the loose fill material compresses or is kicked away. Check the surface at the base of a transfer platform to make certain that the surface is essentially level and that the distance from the top of the protective surface to the top of the transfer platform is not less than eleven inches and is not more than 18 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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