Maintenance Inspection - Low Frequency Inspection Guide
Maintenance Inspection - Low Frequency Inspection Guide
General Safety Considerations
Check for entanglement and protrusion hazards Typically caused by hardware or small diameter components that project out from a surface, entanglement and protrusion hazards may entangle clothing resulting in strangulation and/or impale skin causing a laceration, contusion, or other soft tissue damage. Projection gauges should be used to check for entanglement and protrusion hazards. Projection gauges are part of an inspection tool kit that is available for purchase from your playground manufacturer and the National Recreation and Park
Association (NRPA). It is possible to fabricate your own gauges using the dimensions outlined in the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Handbook for Public Playground Safety, publication #325, available for free at www.cpsc.gov. Should you have any concerns regarding entanglements and protrusions, mark the box with an “O” for outstanding issue and consult with a CPSI and/or the manufacturer of the equipment.
This section addresses conditions that apply to every piece and type of playground equipment. Should you have any concerns regarding whether or not a hazard exists, mark the box with an “O” to indicate an outstanding issue and consult with a CPSI and/or the manufacturer of the equipment.
Check for required signs and labels The ASTM standard requires the name of the manufacturer or custom designer to be present on the equipment. Typically, the manufacturer’s name is molded into plastic components or cast into steel pipe caps or collars.
An age recommendation sign or label must be present on or near the equipment.
1
2
3
Other signs and/or labels that are required:
• Warnings regarding danger of wearing sports helmets and clothing with drawstrings, which can become strangulation hazards when worn on equipment.
• Hot surface warning when applicable.
• Surfacing warning when applicable.
4
• Recommendation for adult supervision.
Check for crush and shear hazards Such hazards may crush a child’s finger or cause amputation. Crush and shear points can occur on components that are in motion like see-saws and moving bridge planks. To check for a crush or shear hazard, place a 5/8 inch diameter dowel in the opening. If the component could close down on the dowel, then a crush or shear hazard is present. Lightweight objects such as tic-tac-toe game pieces are not considered for crush and shear. Should you have any concerns regarding crush and shear hazards, mark the box with an “O” for outstanding issue, and consult with a CPSI and/or the manufacturer of the equipment.
Check for entanglement hazards 1. Check that there are no more than two threads exposed on a bolt end. In Photo 1, more than two threads are exposed, so this bolt would be considered an entanglement hazard. 2. Check that hardware does not increase in diameter from the initial surface out of which it projects, creating a hook, as seen in Photo 2. If a 1/8" diameter rod can be inserted fully into the space between the projection and the initial surface then the projection is considered an entanglement hazard.
3. Check that the gaps in an “S” hook are not greater than .04 inches (approximate thickness of a dime). 4. Check that there are no gaps at the entrance to a slide at the point of attachment of the slide to the platform, as seen in Photo 4. If a gap is present, it must be considered for entanglement. Since there is no standard test method, use your best judgment to determine if a drawstring on a child’s coat or outerwear could become entangled in the gap. If in doubt, photograph the gap and contact the manufacturer.
Demonstration of test for crush and shear hazard.
Preserving the Play Environment • Promoting the Value of Play • Protecting Children
Preserving the Play Environment • Promoting the Value of Play • Protecting Children
5
6
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software