CSA Z614:20
National Standard of Canada
Children’s playground equipment and
surfacing
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CSA Z614:20
March 2020
Title: Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
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National Standard of Canada
CSA Z614:20
Children’s playground equipment
and surfacing
®A trademark of the Canadian Standards Association,
operating as “CSA Group”
Published in March 2020 by CSA Group
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ICS 97.200.40
ISBN 978-1-4883-2755-1
© 2020 Canadian Standards Association
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever
without the prior permission of the publisher.
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Contents
Technical Committee on Children’s Playgrounds and Equipment
Preface
10
0 Introduction
1 Scope
7
11
11
2 Reference publications
3 Definitions
13
4 User age groups 18
5
Levels of supervision
6 Compliance
13
18
18
7 Materials 19
7.1
General requirements 19
7.2
Metals 19
7.3
Coatings 19
7.4
Natural materials 19
7.4.1
Wood 19
7.4.2
Stone 19
7.4.3
Water 19
7.5
Plastics 19
7.6
Ropes 20
7.7
Hazardous substances 20
7.8
Components 20
7.8.1
Fasteners 20
7.8.2
Moving suspended elements
7.8.3
Tires 20
20
8 Installation 20
8.1
Designer’s or manufacturer’s responsibilities 20
8.2
Owner’s/operator’s or installer’s responsibilities 20
8.3
Construction 21
8.3.1
Foundations 21
8.3.2
Procedures 21
9 Structural integrity 21
9.1
General 21
9.2
Stability 22
9.3
Loading test criteria 22
9.4
Strength of swing components and structures 22
9.5
Components and structures subjected to vertical loads
9.5.1
General 23
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9.5.2
9.5.3
9.5.4
9.5.5
9.5.6
9.5.7
9.6
9.6.1
9.6.2
9.6.3
9.7
9.7.1
9.7.2
9.7.3
9.8
General test 23
Individual longitudinal components 23
Structures containing two or more longitudinal components
Individual surfaces 24
Slide bedways 24
Components with designated occupancy 25
Components subjected to lateral loads 25
General 25
Accidental concentrated load test 25
Surge distributed load test 25
Net climbers 25
Engineering data 25
Guy wires or suspension wires 25
Number of users for structural calculations 26
Alternatives to testing for structural integrity 26
23
10 Surfacing 26
10.1
Energy absorbency of a surfacing material 26
10.2
Critical height 26
10.3
Acceptability of various surfacing materials 27
10.4
Maintenance of protective surfacing 28
11 Inspection and maintenance 29
11.1
General 29
11.1.1 Budgeting 29
11.1.2 Maintenance program 29
11.2
Maintenance 29
11.3
Inspection of the playground 30
11.3.1 General 30
11.3.3 Daily/weekly visual inspection 30
11.3.4 Detailed monthly inspection 30
11.3.5 Annual comprehensive written report
11.4
Repairs in playgrounds 31
30
12 Performance requirements 31
12.1
Tolerances 31
12.2
Head and neck entrapment 31
12.2.1 General requirements 31
12.2.2 Accessible openings 32
12.2.3 Non-rigid completely bounded openings 32
12.2.4 Partially bounded openings 33
12.2.5 Angular portions of openings 34
12.3
Sharp points, sharp edges, protrusions, and surfaces
12.3.1 General 34
12.3.2 Sharp points and sharp edges 35
12.3.3 Protrusions and projections 35
12.3.4 Surfaces 36
12.4
Entanglement 36
12.4.1 Protection against entanglement 36
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12.4.2
12.4.3
12.4.4
12.4.5
12.4.6
12.4.7
12.5
12.5.1
12.5.2
12.5.3
12.6
12.6.1
12.6.2
12.6.3
12.7
Projections from a horizontal plane 36
Exposed bolt end projections 36
Projections that increase in size 36
Connecting devices 36
Slides and protrusions adjacent to slides
Sliding poles 38
Crush or shear point 38
General 38
Requirements 38
Exemptions 39
Suspended hazards 39
General requirements 39
Looping 39
Exemptions 39
Elevated surfaces 40
37
13 Requirements for access/egress 40
13.1
Stepladders, stairways, and ramps 40
13.1.1 Spacing 40
13.1.2 Design 40
13.1.3 Slope 40
13.1.4 Handrails 40
13.2
Other means of access 41
13.2.1 Spiral stairways 41
13.2.2 Climbers 42
13.3
Transition from access to platform 42
13.4
Platforms, landings, walkways, ramps, stairways, and designated transitional surfaces
13.4.1 General 42
13.4.2 Drainage 43
13.4.3 Guardrails 43
13.4.4 Protective barriers 43
13.4.5 Adjacent platforms 44
42
14 Playground layout 45
14.1
Protective surfacing and no-encroachment zones 45
14.1.1 Protective surfacing zone 45
14.1.2 No-encroachment zone 45
14.1.3 No-encroachment zone (embankment slides) 45
14.2
Stationary equipment (excluding slides) 45
14.2.1 General 45
14.2.2 Rocking/springing equipment 46
14.3
Rotating equipment 46
14.4
Swings 47
14.4.1 Single axis swings 47
14.4.2 Rotating swings 48
14.4.3 Combination swings 48
14.5
Slides 48
14.6
Embankment slides 49
14.7
Track rides 49
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14.8
14.9
14.10
14.11
Cable rides 49
Composite playstructures 49
Placement of playstructures and equipment
Small-children’s fenced playgrounds 50
50
15 Equipment 50
15.1
General 50
15.2
Balance beams 51
15.3
Climbers 51
15.4
Upper body equipment 51
15.5
Sliding poles 52
15.6
Slides 53
15.6.1 General 53
15.6.2 Starting area 53
15.6.3 Sitting section 54
15.6.4 Sliding section entrance 54
15.6.5 Sliding section 54
15.6.6 Exit section 55
15.6.7 Slide clearance zones 56
15.6.8 Roller slides 56
15.6.9 Embankment slides 56
15.7
Swings 57
15.7.1 Placement 57
15.7.2 Support structure 57
15.7.3 Hangers 57
15.7.5 Clearances 58
15.7.6 Fall height 59
15.7.7 Suspended element impact attenuation testing 59
15.8
Swinging exercise rings and trapeze bars 60
15.9
Vertical rotating equipment 60
15.9.1 Description 60
15.9.2 Location 60
15.9.3 Equipment configuration 60
15.9.4 Handgrips 60
15.9.5 Clearance between moving parts 61
15.9.6 Oscillation 61
15.9.7 Rotating equipment usage 61
15.9.8 Fall height 61
15.9.9 Hand grasps 62
15.10 See-saws 62
15.10.1 Fulcrum see-saws 62
15.10.2 Shock-absorbing mechanisms 62
15.10.3 Crush or shear point 62
15.10.4 Distance between see-saws on one playstructure 62
15.10.5 Handgrips 62
15.10.6 Footrests 62
15.10.7 Maximum limits 62
15.10.8 Fall height 63
15.11 Rocking/springing equipment 63
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CSA Z614:20
15.12
15.13
15.13.1
15.13.2
15.13.3
15.13.4
15.13.5
15.14
15.14.1
15.14.2
15.14.3
15.14.4
15.14.5
15.14.6
15.14.7
15.14.8
15.14.9
15.15
15.15.1
15.15.2
15.16
15.17
15.18
15.19
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
Log rolls 63
Track rides 64
General 64
Landings 64
Riding zone 64
Handgripping components 64
Fall height 64
Pulley or cable rides 64
General 64
Fall height 65
Distances for cable and handle 65
Speed of pulley 65
Arrival and starting stations 65
Stoppers 65
Pulley 66
Handgrips 66
Cable 66
Climbing net structures 67
Materials 67
Connections 67
Roofs or shade elements 68
Elevated platforms 68
Drainage 69
Equipment support posts 69
16 Identification and information 69
16.1
General 69
16.2
Age-specific equipment 69
16.3
Labelling 69
16.3.1 Surface level markers 69
16.3.2 Warning labels for enclosed swing seats and swing seats designed with additional support
assembly 69
16.3.3 Non-injurious labelling 70
16.3.4 Placement/location of the label 70
16.3.5 Attachment 70
16.3.6 Replacement 70
16.4
Information 70
16.4.1 Space 70
16.4.2 Maintenance instructions 70
16.5
Records 70
Annex A (informative) — Advantages of using playground equipment for the children’s
development 133
Annex B (informative) — Sample maintenance/inspection checklist 136
Annex C (informative) — Suggested injury report form 145
Annex D (informative) — Recommended protective surfacing 148
Annex E (informative) — Annual cost considerations 155
Annex F (informative) — Space requirements for recommended play activities 156
Annex G (informative) — Recommendations for miscellaneous playground elements 162
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CSA Z614:20
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Annex H (informative) — Children’s playgrounds and equipment that are accessible to persons with
disabilities 168
Annex I (informative) — A protocol for testing partially bounded openings 186
Annex J (informative) — Hazard identification and risk assessment 189
Annex K (informative) — Thermal comfort 202
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Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Technical Committee on Children’s
Playgrounds and Equipment
A. Henderson
Henderson Recreation Equipment Limited,
Simcoe, Ontario, Canada
Category: Producer Interest
Chair
P. G. Ronan
Ontario Parks Association,
Milton, Ontario, Canada
Category: User Interest
Vice-Chair
S. Wagner-Trombley
Canadian Playground Safety Institute,
Okotoks, Alberta, Canada
Category: General Interest
Vice-Chair
P. Ashmore
Community Child Care Consulting,
Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada
Category: General Interest
W. E. Baptist
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
J. M. Beaudet
Alpha-Oméga International,
Pierrefonds, Quebec, Canada
Category: User Interest
S. Belair
Reliable Reporting,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Category: User Interest
B. Belair
KSL Design Ltd.,
Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Category: Producer Interest
M. Blair
City of Calgary,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Non-voting
L.. Bodiam
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Non-voting
H. Campbell
Evergreen,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Non-voting
March 2020
Non-voting
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Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
D. Dametto
City of Toronto,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Category: Regulatory Authority
P. Fuselli
Parachute Canada,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Category: General Interest
D. Giesbrecht
PlayQuest Recreation,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
R. Huber
EVERPLAY International Inc.,
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Category: Producer Interest
C. Johnston
City of Mississauga,
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Non-voting
A. Kavanaugh
Noratek Solutions Inc.,
Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
Non-voting
P. R. Kells
Grace-Kells Consultant Inc.,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Category: General Interest
M. Koch
Blue Imp Recreational Products,
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Category: Producer Interest
K. S. Kutska
International Playground Safety Institute, Inc.,
Bradento, Florida, USA
R. Lockhart
Dynamo Industries, Inc.,
Rockland, Ontario, Canada
Category: Producer Interest
T. L. Lockstein
TÜV SÜD America,
Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA
Non-voting
D. McTavish
Calgary Board of Education,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Non-voting
S. Melsbach
RCPEM / IQSAJ,
St. Hubert, Quebec, Canada
Category: User Interest
March 2020
Non-voting
Non-voting
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CSA Z614:20
S. Morin
ElephantPlay,
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Non-voting
S. Postma
Health Canada,
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Non-voting
Price
Frank Cowan Company,
Princeton, Ontario, Canada
Non-voting
L. W. Reese
Playcore,
Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
Category: Producer Interest
J. Sanders
Playchek Services Inc.,
London, Ontario, Canada
Category: User Interest
J. Wischlinski
City of London,
London, Ontario, Canada
Category: Regulatory Authority
J. Zandarin
Playscape Inspection and Consulting Service, Inc.,
Picton, Ontario, Canada
Category: User Interest
C. Cortissoz
CSA Group,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
March 2020
Project Manager
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CSA Z614:20
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
Preface
This is the sixth edition of CSA Z614, Children’s playground equipment and surfacing. It supersedes the
previous editions, published in 2014, 2007, 2003, 1998, and 1990 under the title Children’s playspaces
and equipment.
Changes to this edition include the following:
a) added a clause and supporting Annex J to allow for new play components that might not
specifically fit into the prescriptive play component types listed in this Standard;
b) modified the user age groups to account for children of different abilities;
c) expanded on the developmental needs of children;
d) changes to the acceptability of various surfacing materials where the fall height is not greater than
450 mm;
e) climbing net structures requirements have been harmonized with ASTM F1487;
f) updated Annex H to improve clarity and make changes to the elevated component counts;
g) updated Table G.1; and
h) added a new annex on thermal comfort (Annex K).
This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Children’s Playgrounds and Equipment,
under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Health and Well-Being, and has been
formally approved by the Technical Committee.
This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for
National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.
Notes:
1) Use of the singular does not exclude the plural (and vice versa) when the sense allows.
2) Although the intended primary application of this Standard is stated in its Scope, it is important to note that it
remains the responsibility of the users of the Standard to judge its suitability for their particular purpose.
3) This Standard was developed by consensus, which is defined by CSA Policy governing standardization — Code
of good practice for standardization as “substantial agreement. Consensus implies much more than a simple
majority, but not necessarily unanimity”. It is consistent with this definition that a member may be included in
the Technical Committee list and yet not be in full agreement with all clauses of this Standard.
4) To submit a request for interpretation of this Standard, please send the following information to
inquiries@csagroup.org and include “Request for interpretation” in the subject line:
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illustrative sketch;
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issue.
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March 2020
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CSA Z614:20
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CSA Z614:20
Children’s playground equipment and
surfacing
0 Introduction
Playgrounds that comply with this Standard will not prevent all injuries; a shared responsibility exists
among users, owners/operators, and manufacturers. Well-designed and well-constructed playgrounds in
compliance with the requirements of this Standard can help improve safety. However, supervision of
children is still vital to safe play. Similarly, proper maintenance of the playground, equipment, and
appropriate protective surfacing materials will further reduce injuries.
1 Scope
1.1
This Standard provides requirements for public-use playground equipment intended for use by children
aged 18 months to 12 years, with anthropometric limits based on the 95th percentile.
Notes:
1) The level of challenge required and desired by children varies enormously with age, physical development,
and emotional development; therefore, it is almost impossible to design a piece of playground equipment
that meets the needs of all children. Children younger than 18 months and children aged 13 years and older
do not usually use the equipment covered in this Standard.
2) The sixth year of a child’s life (when the child is five years old) is accepted as a transitional year. Consequently,
the requirements in this Standard are split into two age groupings: 18 months to 5 years and 5 years to
12 years. The overlap of the 5-year-old child is deliberate and acknowledges the transitional nature of the
sixth year of life.
1.2
This Standard takes into account the physical size, special characteristics, and developmental needs of
children so that appropriate and challenging play experiences are provided.
1.3
This Standard applies to outdoor public-use playground equipment found at schools, parks, childcare
facilities, institutions, multiple-family dwellings, private resorts and recreation developments,
restaurants, and other areas of public use. See Clause 3.
1.4
This Standard contains recommendations on technical requirements and practices applicable to the
design, manufacture/construction, installation, maintenance, and inspection of public-use playground
equipment and its related spaces. The provider of each of these areas is responsible for meeting the
applicable requirements and recommendations of each, but it is the owner/operator’s responsibility to
confirm if the requirements and recommendations of this Standard are followed.
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1.5
This Standard is intended to promote and encourage the provision and use of playgrounds that are well
designed, well maintained, innovative, and challenging and, in so doing, contribute to the development
of healthy children.
1.6
The requirements of this Standard are intended to minimize the likelihood of life-threatening or serious
injuries by mitigating the identified hazards typically presented in various types of playground
environments and play components.
Note: Annex J provides references for learning more about hazard identification and risk/benefit assessments and
examples of playground-focused applications.
1.7
This Standard applies to
a) public-use playgrounds built, protective surfacing installed, and public-use playground equipment
manufactured after the date of publication of this edition; and
b) additions to, and replacement parts for, public-use playgrounds installed after the date of
publication of this edition.
1.8
This Standard provides requirements for outdoor public-use playground equipment in a playground that
is provided for children for play, although, in some cases, this playground equipment was not originally
produced for that purpose. Other objects or furnishings in a playground not primarily intended for play,
such as fences, benches, tables, landscape elements, independent shade structures, borders intended to
contain protective surfacing, and plant and natural materials, are not covered. Loose play materials are
also not covered.
Note: The equipment configurations shown in the figures in this Standard are examples only. Configurations other
than those shown can be designed and built to meet the requirements specified in the clauses of this Standard.
1.9
This Standard does not apply to the following:
a) sport, fitness, or gymnasium environments;
b) slides that end in water;
c) soft, contained play equipment that has controlled public access, such as that provided in
commercial establishments (e.g., restaurants and department stores);
d) play equipment intended for backyard use;
e) amusement rides;
f) family daycare as defined by provincial/territorial childcare regulations; and
g) adventure playgrounds as defined in the following note.
Note: Adventure playgrounds are a specific type of non-commercial playground. They are fenced and secured and
have constant supervision during use by “playworkers”. They are characterized by a developmental approach
supporting free play; the absence of adult-built playground equipment; and the provision of construction materials,
tools, and loose parts.
1.10
In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to
satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that
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which is advised but not required; “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible
within the limits of the Standard.
Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a
note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.
Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as
requirements.
Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their
application.
1.11
The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in
parentheses are for information and comparison only.
Unless otherwise specified, a tolerance of ±2% is applied to each dimension presented in this Standard.
2 Reference publications
This Standard refers to the following publications, and where such reference is made, it shall be to the
edition listed below.
ASTM International
F1292-99
Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground
Equipment
F1487-17
Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use
CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation)
EN 1177:1997
Impact absorbing playground surfacing — Safety requirements and test methods
3 Definitions
The following definitions shall apply in this Standard:
Accessible — relating to a part or portion of the playground equipment capable of being contacted by
any body part.
Adjacent platforms — two platforms having a common vertical plane with some difference in their
heights.
Climbing apparatus — any structure designed to be climbed on without the exclusive use of inclined
ramps or stairs.
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Climbing net structure — mesh-type playground climbing devices made of flexible components
arranged in either a two-dimensional grid or a three-dimensional matrix.
Note: Examples of climbing net structures include vertical climbing nets, inclined nets, and spatial nets.
Completely bounded opening — any opening in a piece of play equipment that is totally enclosed by
boundaries on all sides so that the perimeter of the opening is continuous.
Component — any portion of a playstructure that generates specific activity and cannot stand alone.
Composite playstructure — two or more play components attached or functionally linked to create one
integral unit that provides more than one play activity. See Playstructure.
Note: An example of such a playstructure is a combination climber, slide, and horizontal ladder.
Creative playstructure — see Composite playstructure.
Critical height — the maximum height for a surfacing material that yields a peak deceleration of 200 g
or a head injury criteria (HIC) of 1000. See HIC.
Crush or shear point — a juncture at which the user could suffer a contusion, laceration, abrasion,
amputation, or fracture during use of the playground equipment or because of the user’s motion.
Designated play surface — any elevated surface intended for standing, walking, sitting, or climbing, or
any flat surface accessible for play by children that measures more than 50 mm (1.97 in) long and
50 mm (1.97 in) wide and having less than a 30° angle from horizontal.
Note: See Clause 12.7.
Embankment slide — a slide that follows the contour of the ground and at no point is the slide bedway,
excluding the exit section, greater than 300 mm (11.81 in) above the surrounding ground surface. See
Figure 33 and Clauses 14.6 and 15.6.9.
Note: Also referred to as a “hill slide”.
Enclosed swing seat — a suspended device upon which the user sits, with non-removable supports on
all sides of the user that are intended to prevent the user from falling off the device while it is in
motion.
Entanglement — a condition in which something on the user’s body, such as clothing or accessories,
becomes caught around the user’s neck and caught on or entwined in a component of playground
equipment.
Note: A small space in the area of slide entry area/starting platform, a small unbounded opening between the slide
and the sliding platform, or a small opening in the entrance/exit area for sliding poles can present such a hazard
(see Clause 12.4). An entanglement location can be unbounded on one side or can be a small part of a larger
space. An entanglement gap can entangle a straight or knotted drawstring, a drawstring with a toggle, or a scarf.
Entrapment — any condition that prevents or impedes withdrawal of a body or a part of a body that
has penetrated an opening or a juncture between two or more elements of playground equipment.
Fall height — the vertical distance between a designated play surface or a location otherwise specified
in this Standard and the protective surfacing beneath it.
Flexible component — any part of the playground equipment, excluding swings, that changes its shape
when under expected loading conditions.
Note: Examples of flexible components include tire nets, cargo nets, and log bridges.
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Functionally linked — refers to a playstructure in which the individual parts act as a single unit, even if
the parts are not physically attached.
g — the rate of acceleration due to gravity, 9.8 m/s2 (32.2 ft/s2).
gmax — the multiple of g that represents the maximum acceleration experienced during an impact.
Grasp — holding of the hand around part of the circumference of a support. See Grip.
Grip — holding of the hand around the entire circumference of a support. See Grasp.
Guardrail — a device around an elevated surface that is intended to prevent inadvertent falls from the
elevated surface. See Handrail.
Notes:
1) A handrail may be used as a guardrail.
2) A guardrail is not permitted to have any designated play surfaces.
Handrail — a rigid linear device, following the path of access or egress, which, when grasped, provides
balance and support in maintaining a specific body posture. See Guardrail.
HIC (head injury criterion) — a measure of impact severity that takes into consideration the duration
over which the most critical section of the deceleration pulse persists, as well as the peak level of that
deceleration. See Critical height.
Note: An impact yielding a result greater than 1000 HIC to the head can result in a life-threatening injury.
Maximum user — a 12-year-old child. The measurement characteristics are the 95th percentile values
for combined sexes.
Minimum user — an 18-month-old child. The measurement characteristics are the 95th percentile
values for combined sexes.
No-encroachment zone — the additional area adjacent to the protective surfacing zone intended to
allow pedestrian traffic near the play equipment in use while minimizing the risk of injury to
pedestrians.
Partially bounded opening — any opening in a piece of play equipment that is not totally enclosed by
boundaries on all sides.
Platform — a flat surface on which more than one user can stand and upon which the user(s) can move
freely.
Play component — an element intended to generate specific opportunities for play, socialization, or
learning.
Note: Play components can be manufactured or natural and can be stand-alone or part of a composite
playstructure.
Playground — a defined area containing playground equipment, playstructure(s), protective surfacing,
etc., that is intended for the use of children between the ages of 18 months and 12 years.
Playground equipment — see Public-use playground equipment.
Playstructure — a free-standing structure, often with one or more components and their supporting
members. See Composite playstructure.
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Preventive maintenance — a scheduled program of inspections and maintenance intended to keep
equipment and surfacing functioning properly and to prevent equipment or surfacing failures.
Professional judgment — the ability of an individual with current knowledge, skill, or experience, or a
combination of these characteristics, in the field of playgrounds/playground equipment design, use, or
operations, which enables the person to form an opinion and/or make a decision concerning a matter
within that field of expertise.
Projection — a feature that, because of its physical nature, is tested to the requirements of this
Standard to determine whether it is a protrusion or entanglement hazard, or both.
Protective barrier — an enclosing device around an elevated surface that is intended to
a) prevent inadvertent and deliberate attempts to pass through the device; and
b) discourage climbing.
Protective surfacing — surfacing material(s) used within the protective surfacing zone of any
playground equipment, chosen so as to yield a gmax of 200 g or less and a HIC of 1000 or less.
Protective surfacing zone — the area of protective surfacing beneath and immediately adjacent to a
playstructure or equipment onto which it is predicted that a user will land when falling from or exiting
the equipment.
Protrusion — a projection that, when tested in accordance with the requirements of this Standard, is
found to have the potential to cause injury to a user who impacts it.
Public-use playground equipment (or playground equipment) — a playstructure anchored to the
ground, or having natural stability, and not intended to be moved, that is, for use in play areas of
schools, parks, childcare facilities, institutions, multiple-family dwellings, private resort and recreation
developments, restaurants, and other areas of public use. See Clause 1.3.
Rocking/springing equipment — any playstructure that rocks about a fixed base.
Rotating equipment — any playstructure that rotates about an axis.
Note: Examples of rotating equipment include merry-go-rounds, whirls, log rolls, and spinners.
Rung — a rigid crosspiece in a ladder or other climbing equipment used for supporting the user’s feet or
for gripping by the user’s hands, or both.
Sharp edge — an edge that can cut a user’s skin.
Sharp point — a point that can puncture or lacerate a user’s skin.
Slides —
Bedway or slide bed — sliding surface in which the user’s body is in contact.
Exit section — the lowest portion of the slide where the user slows down from the descent and
allows the user to transition to a standing position.
Note: See Clause 15.6.6.
Sitting section — an optional area before the start of the sliding section where the slope of the
surface is between 0° and 18° below horizontal.
Notes:
1) See Clause 15.6.3.
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Not all slides include a sitting section.
Sliding section — the portion of the slide where the user descends under the force of gravity.
Note: See Clause 15.6.5.
Starting area — the area immediately before the sliding section where the user can stand and
transition to a seated position.
Note: See Clause 15.6.2.
Small-children’s fenced playground — a playground that
a) contains public-use playground equipment;
b) is specifically identified as intended for supervised users 18 months to 5 years of age; and
c) is completely surrounded by a fence at least 1.2 m (47.24 in) high with a lockable entrance gate.
Soft, contained play equipment — a playstructure, made up of one or more components, where the
user enters a fully enclosed play environment that utilizes pliable material(s) (e.g., plastic, netting, and
fabric).
Stability — the ability of a playstructure or any element of a playstructure to resist overturning or
falling over, swaying, or becoming unstable during the course of the use for which it was designed.
Stairway or stair — a device having a slope of 50° or less from a horizontal plane and consisting of a
series of steps that can be used for ascending and descending.
Stationary equipment — any playstructure that has a fixed base and does not move.
Step — a flat horizontal crosspiece of a ladder or stair used primarily as a foot support.
Swing — an element or seat suspended from an elevated support structure so as to allow users to move
freely in one or more planes and that possesses a pivot point greater than 610 mm (24 in) when
measured vertically from the top of the suspended element to the pivot point.
Note: Swings include the following types:
a) single axis (to–fro):
b) multiple axis (rotating); or
c) swings with multiple motions consisting of a combination of single axis and multiple axis (combination
swings).
(ASTM F1487)
Swing bay — the space beneath the overhead beam, bounded by one or more supports, on which a
swing assembly or assemblies are attached.
Trip hazard — an abrupt change in elevation that is not clear and obvious to the user.
Uncontrolled motion — motion that cannot be readily stopped or reversed by the user once the user
has initiated the motion.
Upper body equipment — an overhead component designed to support a user by the hands only.
Note: Examples of upper body equipment include horizontal ladders, chinning bars, and ring ladders.
Warning — a notice or communication indicating a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
can result in death or serious injury.
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4 User age groups
4.1
Equipment designed for a specific age group (18 months to 5 years, 5 years to 12 years, and 18 months
to 12 years) shall meet the requirements for the designated age group.
4.2
For the owner operator, taking into account the playground equipment used, the needs and abilities of
the children, and the level of supervision, the user age groups are intended as guidelines only.
Notes:
1) Playgrounds play an important role in meeting the interwoven developmental needs of all children—physical,
social, cognitive, and emotional. Playground equipment allows children to move their bodies in new and
challenging ways—up and down, over and under, balancing, using upper body strength, rocking, rotating,
sliding, swinging—developing strength, coordination, confidence, and activity patterns that can last a
lifetime. Playgrounds create a special place that invite children to explore new ideas, social skills, and
friendships.
2) Early childhood is a time of rapid development because young children explore the world with great curiosity
and intensity. During that period, both gross and fine motor movements change from awkward to agile.
3) Play patterns move from solitary to group play.
4) The challenge and opportunity for playground equipment is to provide play experiences that are appropriate
and challenging across the wide range of ages, sizes, and developmental and play needs of children between
18 months and 12 years.
5) See Annex A for more information on playgrounds, playground equipment, children’s development and
supervised play.
5 Levels of supervision
Children should be appropriately supervised based on their age, development, and abilities. Different
playground settings could offer different levels of supervision to support and enhance play
opportunities. Active supervision can address inappropriate behaviours and reduce the likelihood of
injuries.
6 Compliance
6.1
Public-use playground equipment presented as complying with this Standard shall meet all applicable
requirements specified herein. Anyone claiming compliance with this Standard shall keep such essential
records as are necessary to document the claim that the requirements of this Standard have been met.
6.2
Unless otherwise specified, a tolerance of ±2% shall be applied to each dimension presented in this
Standard.
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7 Materials
7.1 General requirements
Playground equipment shall be manufactured and constructed only of materials that have a
demonstrated durability in the playground or a similar outdoor setting. Any new material shall be
documented or tested appropriately for durability by the playground equipment manufacturer.
7.2 Metals
Metals that are subject to structural degradation, such as rust or corrosion, shall be painted, galvanized,
or otherwise treated.
7.3 Coatings
All paints or other similar finishes shall be non-toxic.
7.4 Natural materials
7.4.1 Wood
Wood that is intended for playground equipment and that is not naturally rot- and insect-resistant shall
be treated to resist rot and insect attack.
Chromated copper arsenate (CCA), creosote, pentachlorophenol, tribututyl tin oxide, and surface
coatings that contain pesticides shall not be used for playground equipment.
Natural logs, branches, or similar that are provided (with or without manufacturing or machining) shall
be selected for durability as well as structural integrity as per the requirements of Clause 9.
Note: Consideration of dimensional size, shape, and weight is acceptable criteria for the natural stability
requirements of Clause 9.2.
7.4.2 Stone
Rocks, stones, and/or boulders that are intended for use as play equipment shall be purposely and
individually selected for their intended function before installation.
Natural and/or cut stone materials shall be selected for durability as well as structural integrity in
accordance with the requirements of Clause 9.
Note: Consideration of dimensional size, shape, and weight is acceptable criteria for the natural stability
requirements of Clause 9.2.
7.4.3 Water
Playground equipment utilizing water shall have a means of drainage to eliminate unintended standing/
ponding water.
Note: The issue of standing or stagnant water presents a risk of injury as bacteria (e.g., giardia) and insect larvae
(e.g., mosquito) can generate quickly if left unattended.
7.5 Plastics
Plastics shall be able to withstand normal playground use at 5th and 95th percentile temperature
extremes for both region and season without adverse effects. They shall be resistant to ultraviolet
degradation.
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7.6 Ropes
Ropes shall be selected on the basis of durability, strength, elasticity, weight, resistance to vandalism,
potential to cause skin burns or abrasion, and requirements for maintenance. They shall be resistant to
ultraviolet degradation. If ropes are mounted permanently on support(s), they should be steel cored or
equivalently cut-resistant.
7.7 Hazardous substances
The manufacturer and owner/operator shall ensure that users of the playground equipment cannot
ingest, inhale, or absorb through body surfaces potentially hazardous amounts of substances as a result
of using the playground.
7.8 Components
7.8.1 Fasteners
Fasteners and connecting and covering devices shall not loosen or shall not be removable without the
use of tools. Lock washers, self-locking nuts, or other locking means shall be provided for all nuts and
bolts. Hardware in moving joints shall also be secured against unintentional loosening.
7.8.2 Moving suspended elements
7.8.2.1 General
Moving suspended elements shall be connected to the fixed support with bearings or bearing surfaces
that serve to reduce friction or wear.
7.8.2.2 Steel cable
Cable ends shall be inaccessible or capped to prevent injury from frayed wires. Cables and steel-cored
ropes shall be protected to prevent fraying, loosening, unravelling, or excessive shifting of joints.
7.8.3 Tires
Tires shall not trap water. If steel-belted tires are used, they shall be inspected regularly for possible
protrusions and sharp edges (e.g., exposed steel belts).
8 Installation
8.1 Designer’s or manufacturer’s responsibilities
The designer or manufacturer shall provide detailed instructions for the installation of each
playstructure designed or provided, as well as a complete parts list.
8.2 Owner’s/operator’s or installer’s responsibilities
8.2.1
All playstructures shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s or designer’s instructions.
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8.2.2
Protective surfacing shall be installed within the protective surfacing zone of each playstructure, in
accordance with Clause 10 and, at minimum, shall meet the energy-absorbency requirement specified
for the fall height of each component.
8.2.3
A comprehensive inspection of the playstructure and protective surfacing shall be performed by the
owner/operator or its designate before first use.
8.3 Construction
8.3.1 Foundations
When footings are used, they shall be designed to reduce frost heave, with smooth sides and no flare at
the top. Prefabricated formwork shall be used where smooth-sided footings cannot be dug. Where the
play equipment is not vertically shielding the foundations, the foundations shall be located below the
full depth of the protective surfacing.
8.3.2 Procedures
8.3.2.1
During construction, the site and all of the materials on it shall be secured when unattended to prevent
children from playing on the site.
8.3.2.2
Installation of playground equipment shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s or designer’s
instructions and procedures.
8.3.2.3
The playground equipment shall not be used until the protective surfacing has been installed.
8.3.2.4
At the conclusion of installation, all joints and connections shall be checked to ensure that they are tight
and secure.
8.3.2.5
All waste materials shall be removed from the playground before opening. No material shall be burnt on
the site.
9 Structural integrity
9.1 General
9.1.1
Structural integrity tests are intended to be conducted before the equipment begins to be used and are
not intended to be performed as part of a routine maintenance program. Clause 9 specifies the
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performance tests used to determine structural integrity. Performance tests shall have a definite
endpoint that can be physically measured, and safety factors shall be included in the loading criteria.
9.1.2
The manufacturer shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements of Clause 9 and
providing documentation to the owner/operator.
9.2 Stability
Under the most adverse conditions of use, the righting moment of any piece of equipment shall be at
least 50% greater than any overturning moment and should be achieved through natural stability or
appropriate anchoring.
9.3 Loading test criteria
After conducting the tests described in Clauses 9.4.1 to 9.6.3, there shall be no visible cracks or
breakage and no form of permanent deformation of any component that can adversely affect the
structural integrity or use of the equipment. Hooks, shackles, rings, or links shall not have opened to
more than 1 mm (0.04 in) after removal of the load.
9.4 Strength of swing components and structures
9.4.1
Swing assemblies (i.e., the combination of swing seats, connectors, suspending members, and bearings/
hangers) shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions or supported
in an equivalent manner. The test load shall be applied using appropriate load-distribution devices. The
load-distribution device shall be either a loading block(s) or a strap(s) having the dimensions shown in
Figure 1.
9.4.2
For swing assemblies intended for single occupancy, the load-distribution device shall be centred on the
seat, and a vertical downward force of 3330 N (748.58 lbf) shall be applied. The force shall be applied
gradually, shall attain but not exceed 3330 N (748.58 lbf), and shall be maintained for 5 min.
9.4.3
For swing assemblies intended for multiple occupancy, the load-distribution device shall be centred on
each sitting position. A vertical downward force of 2700 N (606.96 lbf) shall be applied to each loading
device simultaneously. The force shall be applied gradually, shall attain but not exceed 2700 N (606.96
lbf) per device, and shall be maintained for 5 min.
9.4.4
For swing-supporting structures, a vertical downward force of 3330 N (748.58 lbf) for single-occupancy
swings or 2700 N (606.96 lbf) multiplied by the number of intended users for multiple-occupancy swings
shall be applied simultaneously at each swing location. The force shall be applied gradually at locations
representing the swing in its “at rest” position. The manufacturer of the multiple-occupancy swing shall
specify the number of intended users.
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9.5 Components and structures subjected to vertical loads
9.5.1 General
Conponents and structures subjected to vertical loads shall be tested in accordance with Clauses 9.5.2
to 9.5.7.
9.5.2 General test
The general test shall be conducted as follows:
a) Determine the number of simultaneous users, n, of a component or structure, as specified in
Clauses 9.5.3 to 9.5.7, as applicable.
b) If n is not a whole number, round to the nearest whole number.
c) Place n load-distribution devices on the component or structure in a manner that simulates the
anticipated load distribution. Simultaneously load each load-distribution device with a downward
vertical force, F, determined as follows:
F = 1113(n + 1)/n when F is measured in N (metric)
or
F = 250(n + 1)/n when F is measured in lbf (imperial)
d) Apply the force gradually and maintain for a period of 5 min.
e) Test individual longitudinal components of a structure in accordance with Clause 9.5.3.
f) In addition, test the structure containing those longitudinal components in accordance with
Clause 9.5.4.
g) Test other structures using Clauses 9.5.5 to 9.5.7, as applicable.
9.5.3 Individual longitudinal components
Individual longitudinal components include ladder rungs and turning/chinning bars and shall be tested
as follows:
a) Measure the length of the component, L, and determine the number of users (rounded to the
nearest whole number), n, from the following table.
Determining the number of users for individual longitudinal components
b)
c)
Length of component
Estimated number of users
L ≤ 610 mm (L ≤ 24.02 in)
n = 1 (n = 1)
L > 610 mm (L > 24.02 in)
n = L/410 (n = L/16.1)
After the number of users has been determined, apply this number to the applicable equation
given in Clause 9.5.2.
After the load for each loading device has been calculated, multiply the load by the number of
users to obtain the anticipated load.
9.5.4 Structures containing two or more longitudinal components
Structures containing two or more longitudinal components include vertical ladders, horizontal ladders,
overhead climbers, and upper body components and shall be tested as follows:
a) Count the number of longitudinal components, LC, and determine the number of users (rounded to
the nearest whole number), n, from the following table.
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Determining the number of users for a structure containing two or more longitudinal
components
b)
c)
Number of longitudinal components
Estimated number of users
LC ≤ 5
n = LC
LC > 5
n = (LC + 5)/2
After the number of users has been determined, apply this number to the applicable equation
given in Clause 9.5.2.
After the load for each loading device has been calculated, multiply the load by the number of
users to obtain the anticipated load.
9.5.5 Individual surfaces
Individual surfaces shall be tested as follow:
a) Compute the surface area, A, and determine the number of users (rounded to the nearest whole
number), n, using the following chart.
Determining the number of users for individual surfaces
b)
c)
Surface area, m2 (ft2)
Estimated number of users, metric (imperial)
A ≤ 0.09 (A ≤ 1)
n = 1 (n = 1)
0.09 < A ≤ 0.93 (1 < A ≤ 10)
n = 10.8 A (n = A)
A > 0.93 (A > 10)
n = 10.8 (A + 0.93)/2 [n = (A + 10)/2]
After the number of users has been determined, apply the number to the applicable equation
given in Clause 9.5.2.
After the load for each loading device has been calculated, multiply the load by the number of
users to obtain the anticipated load.
9.5.6 Slide bedways
Slide bedways shall be tested as follows:
a) Determine the number of users (rounded to the nearest whole number), n, in accordance with one
of the following equations:
n = L/915,
where
LI =I length of the slide bed, mm,
or
n = L/36,
where
LI =I length of the slide bed, in.
b)
c)
d)
e)
Place n load-distribution devices, equally spaced, on the slide bed.
Simultaneously load each distribution device with a downward vertical force given by the
applicable equation in Clause 9.5.2.
Apply the force gradually and maintain for a period of 5 min.
After the load for each loading device has been calculated, multiply the load by the number of
users to obtain the anticipated load.
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9.5.7 Components with designated occupancy
Components with designated occupancy shall be tested as follow:
a) The number of users, n, is equal to the number of designated occupants. After the number of users
has been determined, apply the number to the applicable equation given in Clause 9.5.2.
b) After the load for each loading device has been calculated, multiply the load by the number of
users to obtain the anticipated load.
9.6 Components subjected to lateral loads
9.6.1 General
Components subjected to lateral loads, such as guardrails, protective barriers, handrails, etc., shall be
subjected to two separate load tests. The force shall be applied gradually and maintained for a period of
5 min.
9.6.2 Accidental concentrated load test
A load-distribution device shall be placed on the component at the point that will produce the most
adverse effect. A 2000 N (449.44 lbf) horizontal force shall be applied to the load-distribution device in
a direction perpendicular to the projection of the component from the enclosed structure.
9.6.3 Surge distributed load test
A horizontal force, F, shall be applied in a direction perpendicular to the length of the component and
away from the enclosed structure. The force shall be applied near the top of the component and shall
be distributed evenly over the entire length of the component. The test force shall be determined as
follows:
F = 2.19L when measured in N (metric),
where
LI =I length of the component, mm,
or
FI
=I 150L when measured in lbf (imperial),
where
LI =I length of the component, ft.
9.7 Net climbers
9.7.1 Engineering data
The manufacturer or designer of the climbing net structure shall provide engineering data to confirm
the adequacy of the anchoring system and structural design under load as defined in Clause 9.7.3.
9.7.2 Guy wires or suspension wires
Any net members that form an integral part of the support structure by acting as guy wires or
suspension wires shall have vandal-resistant steel cores.
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9.7.3 Number of users for structural calculations
9.7.3.1
In the case of planar nets, the number of users, n, shall be calculated using the following formulas:
a) for planes with inclination up to and including 60° from horizontal
n = Apr/0.36
b) for planes with inclination greater than 60° from horizontal
n = A/0.72
where
AprI =I the area of a horizontal plane projection of the net, m2,
and
AI =I the net area, m2
9.7.3.2
In the case of spatial nets, the number of users, n, in a volume shall be calculated using the following
formulas:
a) for volumes where V ≤ 4.3 m3
n = V/0.43
b) for volumes where 4.3 m3 < V ≤ 12.8 m3
n = 10 + [(V – 4.3)/0.85]
c) for volumes where V > 12.8 m3
n = 20 + [(V – 12.8)/1.46],
where
VI =I the volume defined by the periphery of the playground equipment, m3, and the mass of each
user is 75 kg.
9.8 Alternatives to testing for structural integrity
As an alternative to the tests described in Clause 9, it shall be acceptable for a licensed professional
engineer to verify the integrity of the equipment to support the test loads specified in Clause 9.
10 Surfacing
10.1 Energy absorbency of a surfacing material
The surfacing material in the protective surfacing zone shall have a gmax not exceeding 200 and a HIC
not exceeding 1000 when tested for the defined fall height. The test methods specified in
ASTM F1292-99 or CEN EN 1177:1997 shall be used for testing protective surfacing.
10.2 Critical height
All playground equipment with a fall height above the finished grade shall be located on a protective
surface that extends around it to cover the protective surfacing zone. The surfacing material used within
the protective surfacing zone of the piece of playground equipment shall have a critical height of at
least the defined fall height. Manufacturers and/or owner-operators should have three temperature
critical height values for specified surfacing products available. The test methods specified in
ASTM F1292-99 shall be used for three temperature tests.
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10.3 Acceptability of various surfacing materials
10.3.1
Annex D lists the characteristics, and outlines the advantages and disadvantages, of common surfacing
materials.
Hard surfacing materials, such as asphalt or concrete, shall not be considered suitable for use under and
around playground equipment with any defined fall height, unless these materials are required as a
base for a shock-absorbing unitary material, such as rubber mats or a poured-in-place material.
Natural ground (such as earth, soil, and sod) can be considered as adequate fall height protection for
elevated play elements with a fall height no greater than 450 mm (17.72 in), provided that the play
element does not impart movement to the body of the user (e.g., swings, slides, rocking, springing, and
rotating equipment).
10.3.2
Owners/operators of playgrounds shall ensure the suitability of any surfacing material used, taking into
consideration such factors as impact attenuation performance, accessibility (see Annex H), longevity,
and the presence of contamination (e.g., pesticides, toxic materials, insects, disease, paint/coatings,
heavy metals, and sharps).
The merits of the available playground protective surfacing systems should be considered before
purchase. At each stage of the process (i.e., selection, specification, acquisition, installation,
maintenance, and repair), there are costs that should be balanced with the advantages and
disadvantages of the surface system or combination of systems. Acceptable playground surfacing
materials are available in the following basic types:
a) Loosefill — These materials include, but are not confined to, sand, pea gravel, and shredded wood
products. They can have acceptable shock-absorbing properties when installed at a sufficient
depth. As loosefill materials can be sold for purposes other than playground surfacing, many
vendors are unlikely to be able to provide information on their shock-absorbing performance. For
that reason, tests shall be conducted to determine the relative shock-absorbing properties of
loosefill materials commonly used as surfaces under and around playground equipment. The
loosefill materials and the minimum depths of such materials listed in Table D.1 should be used.
b) Unitary — These materials typically include synthetic turf (e.g., artificial grass), rubber mats, or a
combination of rubber-like materials that are held in place by a binder that can be poured in place
at the playground site and that cure to form a unitary shock-absorbing surface. Unitary materials
are available from a number of different manufacturers, many of whom have a range of materials
with different shock-absorbing properties. Persons wishing to install a unitary material as a
playground surface shall request test data from the manufacturer. The test data should identify the
critical height of the desired material. In addition, site requirements should be obtained from the
manufacturer because some unitary materials require installation over a hard surface while others
do not. Unitary surfacing will lose its protective capabilities, in terms of impact attenuation, over
time and will need to be replaced. This fact should be taken into consideration at the time of
purchase. Product performance, life expectancy, and maintenance requirements of the unitary
surfacing systems shall be provided by the manufacturer.
Note: Product performance and life expectancy are dependent on the manufacturing, use, and maintenance of the
unitary surfacing materials.
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10.4 Maintenance of protective surfacing
10.4.1
In accordance with Clause 10.1, the owner/operator shall maintain the protective surfacing within the
protective surfacing zone of each piece of play equipment. The protective surfacing zone shall be
appropriate for the fall height of each piece of equipment, in accordance with Clause 15.
10.4.2
A method of containment for loosefill materials, such as a retaining barrier or excavated pit, shall be
provided to help keep the materials in the intended protective surfacing zone.
10.4.3
The owner/operator shall keep the protective surfacing within the protective surfacing zone of each
piece of play equipment free from extraneous materials that can cause injury, infection, or disease.
10.4.4
As loosefill materials can deteriorate and will become displaced in heavy-use areas (e.g., under swings
and the bottom of slides), regular monitoring and attention shall be required to ensure that proper
material depth and grade are maintained.
10.4.5
Loosefill protective surfacing shall be cleared, raked, and replaced or added at regular intervals,
depending on the materials and local conditions. When adding loosefill protective surfacing material,
attention shall be paid to preventing a “hard pan” situation. This is best avoided by ensuring that the
base material is well worked and loosened. Engineered wood fibre should not be worked or loosened.
10.4.6
Periodic site testing of installed protective surfacing shall be performed. When the age of the surfacing
element is documented, the fall height shall be determined in accordance with the edition of the
Standard in effect at the time of installation. When the age of the surfacing element is indeterminate,
the fall height shall be determined in accordance with the edition of the Standard in effect at the time
of the evaluation.
10.4.7
All protective surfacing shall be replaced or repositioned when it is worn or ceases to function as
intended.
10.4.8
Standing/ponding water presents an attractive “play” item that can result in serious or life-threatening
injuries; therefore, drainage is essential. Attention shall be paid to supplying drainage during planning,
renovation, and those specific periods when standing/ponding water is present.
10.4.9
Any protective surfacing disturbed during repairs shall be immediately restored in accordance with the
requirements of this Standard.
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10.4.10
Winter weather conditions reduce the effectiveness of surfacing materials. These conditions shall be
considered by the owner/operator.
11 Inspection and maintenance
11.1 General
11.1.1 Budgeting
Playground inspection and maintenance are integral parts of budgetary costing. The cost of inspection
and maintenance shall be considered and incorporated into the budget at the time of design, purchase
of equipment, and installation. See Annex E for an example of the annual cost considerations.
11.1.2 Maintenance program
A program of daily and monthly maintenance schedules shall be created by the owner/operator and
strictly followed to promote a safe play environment and to minimize injuries to children. The
maintenance schedule shall include preparation for summer use and any special preparations for winter.
11.2 Maintenance
11.2.1
A comprehensive maintenance program shall be developed for each playground.
Note: See Clause 16.4.2.
11.2.2
Owner identification for emergency situations and for notification of defective equipment and hazards
shall be posted on the premises.
11.2.3
A checklist may be used for inspection. Some manufacturers supply checklists for general or detailed
inspections with their maintenance instructions to ensure that inspections are in compliance with the
manufacturer’s specifications. All hazards or defects identified during inspections shall be repaired or
replaced promptly. All repairs and replacements of equipment parts shall be completed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions. Components shall be replaced with the correct replacement parts.
11.2.4
A suggested maintenance/inspection checklist is included in Table B.1. However, because it addresses
only general maintenance/inspection concerns, it is only one of the many elements to consider in the
development of a comprehensive schedule and system of maintenance. For example, the checklist does
not address equipment design and layout factors such as the risk of falls from equipment, moving
impact incidents, or head entrapment.
To evaluate the compliance of each piece of equipment and the playground as a whole, the detailed
design recommendations of this Standard shall be used. The checklist in Annex B may be used only for
general maintenance purposes, and more detailed inspections shall be conducted regularly.
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11.2.5
A record of any injury reported to have occurred on the playground shall also be collected. See
Figure C.1 for an example of an injury report form. This will help identify potential hazards or dangerous
design features that warrant attention.
11.2.6
All equipment, facilities, and surfaces shall be inspected for potential defects and faults (examples of
these are listed in Table B.2). The manufacturer’s product specification shall be consulted for product
performance and maintenance standards.
11.3 Inspection of the playground
11.3.1 General
All equipment shall be inspected frequently for any potential hazards. Inspections shall include, but shall
not be limited to,
a) checking the entire playground area for hazardous debris or litter (e.g., animal waste and sharp
objects);
b) checking for any damage (e.g., any broken or missing components of equipment, anything tied to
or added onto equipment, or other playground damage caused by vandalism or wear);
c) checking for any broken, missing, or loose equipment (e.g., handrails, guardrails, protective
barriers, steps, or rungs on ladders, and for damage to any fences, benches, or signs on the
playground); and
d) checking for strings or ropes of any kind and removing them.
The inspections in Clauses 11.3.3 to 11.3.5 shall be performed by the owner/operator or its designate,
and reports shall be prepared. Any special preparation for seasonal operations shall also be considered
and documented.
11.3.2
For each piece of equipment, the frequency of thorough inspections depends on the type of equipment,
the amount of use, and the local climate. Based on the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding
maintenance schedules for each piece of equipment, a maintenance schedule for the entire playground
can be created. The detailed inspections shall give special attention to moving parts and other
components that can be expected to wear. Maintenance is intended not to address design criteria but
rather to maintain existing design.
11.3.3 Daily/weekly visual inspection
A visual inspection shall be performed by the owner, maintenance inspector, caregiver, or custodian on
a daily basis, if possible, or at least once a week to identify defects or emerging problems.
11.3.4 Detailed monthly inspection
A detailed inspection shall be performed every month, and the results and actions taken shall be
entered in a permanent record available for examination.
11.3.5 Annual comprehensive written report
Every year, a comprehensive written report shall be completed by the owner/operator or its designate.
The report shall document the results of the daily/weekly and monthly inspections, and the actions
taken and planned, if necessary. The results of any protective surfacing testing undertaken during the 12
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months shall be included, along with any action taken. An owner/operator or designate may also
undertake a comprehensive inspection every 12 months. If an annual comprehensive inspection is
performed, the report shall document the results of the inspection and the actions taken. The annual
report could be a compilation of monthly inspection reports.
11.4 Repairs in playgrounds
11.4.1
All repairs shall comply with this Standard. When a defect is observed, it shall be immediately reported
and repaired. Details of the defect or problem and remedial action shall be recorded. If the repair takes
time, all reasonable steps shall be taken to restrict access. Warning or danger signs alone shall not be
acceptable. Damaged or worn components shall be repaired or replaced in accordance with this
Standard.
11.4.2
Maintenance and repairs to equipment and the replacement of components shall be performed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. See Table B.3 for a list of maintenance and
repair issues to consider.
12 Performance requirements
12.1 Tolerances
12.1.1
All measuring probes, gauges, and templates specified in Clause 12 shall have a tolerance of ±0.5%
applied to each dimension.
12.1.2
All tests performed and measurements taken as specified in Clause 12 shall pass using any specific
probe, gauge, or template that meets the required dimensions and tolerances.
12.1.3
All tests performed as specified in Clause 12 shall be applied only within the volume defined by the
protective surfacing zone surrounding each playstructure and to a height of 2.1 m (82.68 in) above the
highest underlying designated play surface.
12.2 Head and neck entrapment
12.2.1 General requirements
12.2.1.1
To reduce the risk of accidental head or neck entrapment caused by either a head-first or feet-first entry
into an opening, public playground equipment shall be designed and constructed or assembled so that
any accessible opening shall meet the performance requirements of Clause 12.2.
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12.2.1.2
Openings between the protective surfacing and the bottom edge of the equipment (e.g., rails,
platforms, steps) are exempt from this requirement, as indicated by Figure 2.
12.2.1.3
Enclosed swing seats and swing seats designed for compliance with Annex H are exempt from
Clause 12.2.
12.2.2 Accessible openings
12.2.2.1
A completely bounded rigid opening is accessible when a torso test probe (see Figure 3) can be inserted
into the opening to a depth of 101.60 mm (4.0 in) or more.
12.2.2.2
The torso probe (see Figure 3) shall be placed in the opening with the plane of the base of the probe
parallel to the plane of the opening. It shall be rotated to its most adverse orientation (i.e., where the
major axis of the base of the probe is parallel to the major axis of the opening). If the torso probe can
be inserted into the opening to a depth of 101.60 mm (4.0 in) or more, the head probe (see Figure 4)
shall be placed in the opening with the plane of the base of the probe parallel to the plane of the
opening.
An opening shall have passed this test if
a) the opening does not admit the torso probe when it is rotated to any orientation about its own
axis; or
b) the opening admits both the torso probe and the head probe.
An opening shall have failed the test if the opening admits the torso probe but does not admit the head
probe.
12.2.2.3
Completely bounded openings that are accessible shall also meet the requirements for angles outlined
in Clause 12.2.5.
12.2.3 Non-rigid completely bounded openings
12.2.3.1
A non-rigid opening, such as, but not limited to, those found in flexible nets, tarps, and plastic
enclosures, is considered accessible if a torso probe penetrates the opening to a depth of 101.60 mm
(4.0 in) or more when tested in accordance with the test procedure outlined in Clause 12.2.2.2 (see
Figures 3 and 4 for probe dimensions).
12.2.3.2
The torso probe shall be placed in the opening, tapered end first, with the plane of its base parallel to
the plane of the opening. The probe shall be rotated to its most adverse orientation (i.e., where the
major axis of the base of the probe is parallel to the major axis of the opening). A force of 222.41 N
(50 lbf) shall be applied to the probe to attempt to pass it through the opening. If the base of the probe
passes through the opening, the large head probe shall be placed in the opening, tapered end first, with
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the plane of its base parallel to the plane of the opening. A force of 222.41 N (50 lbf) shall be applied to
the probe to attempt to pass it through the opening.
A non-rigid opening shall pass the test if
a) the opening does not allow the torso probe to be inserted so deep that the opening admits the
base of the probe when it is rotated to any orientation about its own axis; or
b) the opening allows full passage of the torso probe and also allows the large head probe to pass
through completely.
A non-rigid opening shall fail the test if the opening allows full passage of the torso probe but does not
admit the large head probe.
12.2.3.3
If the opening admits the head probe, each portion of its boundary shall be evaluated for the
requirements for partially bounded openings specified in Clause 12.2.4.
12.2.4 Partially bounded openings
12.2.4.1
A partially bounded opening is considered accessible if any of the conditions outlined in Clauses 12.2.4.2
and 12.2.4.3 for accessibility exist.
12.2.4.2
If the unbounded part of the opening is between 47.63 and 228.60 mm (1.875 and 9.0 in) in width
when measured perpendicular to each surface, the opening shall be considered accessible and shall
meet the requirements of the test method described in Clause 12.2.4.3.
12.2.4.3
The “A” portion of the test probe (see Figure 5) shall be inserted along the centreline of the opening in
what has been determined to be the most adverse orientation so that the centreline of the template
follows the centreline of the opening and the plane of the template is parallel to the plane of the
opening, until the motion is arrested by contact between the test template and the boundaries of the
opening. The presence of simultaneous contact between the sides of the template shall be determined
through visual inspection. If there is simultaneous contact, the opening fails the test and shall be
considered accessible.
An opening that fails using the “A” portion of the template shall be tested using the “B” portion (see
Figure 5). The plane of the “B” portion of the test template shall be positioned between, and
perpendicular to, the plane of the boundaries of the opening. If the template fits completely within the
boundaries, the opening shall fail the test and shall be considered hazardous, unless it permits the
passage of the 228.60 mm (9.0 in) head probe (see Figure 4). If the template does not fit within the
boundaries of the opening (defined as the opening outlined by the contact points of the “A” portion of
the template), the opening shall pass and shall not be considered accessible.
Note: Annex I provides a possible testing protocol for partially bound openings.
12.2.4.4
The probe shall be made of any rigid material 19.05 mm (0.75 in) thick.
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12.2.4.5
If the lowest interior boundary that is immediately adjacent to the opening is horizontal or slopes
downwards, the opening shall be considered to be an inverted partially bounded opening and shall be
exempt from the requirements of Clause 12.2.4.
12.2.4.6
The following shall be exempt from the requirements of Clause 12.2.4:
a) inverted partially bounded openings (see Clause 12.2.4.5);
b) partially bounded openings that form “V” angles that are less than 55° where the apex of the angle
is formed by an inclined or vertical climbing surface and a rope, chain, or cable, if the rope, chain,
or cable is in contact with the inclined surface at or below the protective surfacing at the point of
the formed “V” angle; and
c) partially bounded openings where simultaneous contact of the “A” portion of the template is less
than 610 mm (24 in) above the protective surfacing.
12.2.5 Angular portions of openings
12.2.5.1
Angles formed by the surfaces of an opening [i.e., adjacent surfaces or surfaces that intersect when
projected with a distance greater than 228.60 mm (9.0 in) between surfaces] shall be at least 55°,
unless one of the conditions specified in Clause 12.2.5.2 exists.
12.2.5.2
The following shall be exempt from the requirements of Clause 12.2.5.1:
a) inverted angle or “V” condition — a “V” that is inverted. A “V” is considered inverted if the lower
adjacent leg forming the “V” is horizontal or slopes downwards from the apex (see Figure 6); and
b) filled apex condition — “V” angles less than 55° where the apex of the angle is filled to the point at
which the head probe (see Figure 4) cannot contact both surfaces of the angle simultaneously
when the probe is rotated to any orientation about its own axis (see Figure 6).
12.3 Sharp points, sharp edges, protrusions, and surfaces
12.3.1 General
12.3.1.1
There shall be no accessible sharp points or sharp edges.
12.3.1.2
Unless otherwise covered, the exposed open ends of all tubing shall be covered with caps or plugs that
cannot be removed without the use of tools unless the tube is
a) resting on the ground; or
b) an integral part of a play opportunity.
All tube ends, open or covered, shall meet the requirements of Clause 12.3.3 for protrusions and
projections.
Note: Examples of tubes that provide play opportunities are musical tubes, chimes, and sand chutes.
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12.3.1.3
Any exposed bolt end shall not protrude beyond the face of the nut more than two threads after
trimming and peening by the installer. A bolt end with more than two threads exposed shall be exempt
if it is inaccessible. It shall be considered inaccessible when none of the three protrusion gauges (see
Figure 7) can pass over it, or when the bolt end is recessed and the 88.90 mm (3.5 in) outside diameter
protrusion gauge cannot be made to contact the bolt end when the outside curve of the gauge is placed
over the recessed area (see Figure 11).
A bolt end that protrudes beyond the face of the nut and is cut off to conform to the thread
requirement shall be free of burrs and sharp edges. If smooth-finished caps are used, the length of the
protruding bolt end shall be such that the cap or covering fits flush against the nut or surrounding
surface.
12.3.2 Sharp points and sharp edges
A minimum radius of curvature of 6.35 mm (0.25 in) for corners and edges of suspended members
should be observed. This recommendation does not apply to belts, straps, ropes, and similar flexible
components.
12.3.3 Protrusions and projections
12.3.3.1 General
When tested in accordance with Clause 12.3.3.3, there shall be no protrusion on any playstructure
extending beyond the face of any of the three test gauges having the dimensions shown in Figure 7.
A manipulative device attached to a flexible rope, cable, or chain shall be exempt from meeting the
projection criteria using the large 76.2 mm (3.0 in) interior diameter projection gauge. The use of the
smaller gauges shall still apply.
12.3.3.2 Projections
A projection is not accessible and is not a protrusion when it is recessed or located in a manner that
prevents any of the protrusion gauges (see Figure 7) to be placed over it (see Figures 8 and 11).
12.3.3.3 Test method for determining protrusion hazards
Each of the three gauges (see Figure 8) shall be successively placed over each accessible projection in all
orientations to determine if the projection extends beyond the face of the gauge. The projection shall
fail the test if it protrudes beyond the face of any of the gauges (see Figure 8).
12.3.3.4 Suspended members of swing seats
12.3.3.4.1
There shall be no protrusions in the potential impact region of the front and rear surfaces of suspended
members of swing seats (see Figure 12).
12.3.3.4.2
The suspended member shall be tested in all positions of its intended travel. The gauge (see Figure 12)
shall be oriented vertically with its axis parallel to the path of travel and placed over any protrusion that
is accessible at any point along the path of travel.
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12.3.4 Surfaces
No surface intended for seating or sliding shall contain rough textures or joints capable of cutting or
abrading human skin.
12.4 Entanglement
Note: See Clause 3.
12.4.1 Protection against entanglement
In areas of uncontrolled motion (e.g., on a slide or sliding pole), there shall be no entanglement hazards
that can entangle drawstrings or other clothing.
12.4.2 Projections from a horizontal plane
A projection meeting both of the following conditions shall be considered an entanglement hazard:
a) one of the three protrusion gauges (see Figure 7) passes over the projection and contacts the initial
surface; and
b) angles between 0° and 95° project upwards from a horizontal plane more than 3 mm (0.12 in) (see
Figures 9 and 10).
The thickness of the protrusion test gauge (see Figure 12) can be used to determine if an entanglement
hazard exists.
12.4.3 Exposed bolt end projections
Any accessible bolt end projecting beyond the face of the nut more than two full threads shall be
considered an entanglement hazard. A bolt end shall be considered inaccessible and not an
entanglement hazard when the bolt end is recessed and the 88.90 mm (3.5 in) protrusion gauge (see
Figure 7) cannot be made to contact the bolt end when the outside curve of the gauge is placed against
the recessed area (see Figure 11).
12.4.4 Projections that increase in size
Any projection that fits within any of the three gauges (see Figures 7 and 8) and that increases in size
from the initial surface to the outer end shall be considered an entanglement hazard.
12.4.5 Connecting devices
12.4.5.1
When closed, connecting devices, such as, but not limited to, S-hooks, pelican hooks, and C-hooks, shall
not be considered entanglement hazards. Such devices are considered closed when there is no gap
greater than 1 mm (0.04 in) when measured with a feeler gauge (see Figure 13).
12.4.5.2
An S-hook shall be considered to be an entanglement hazard (see Figure 13) if it does not meet the
following conditions:
a) No portion of the closed end of the lower loop shall project beyond the vertical projection of the
upper loop.
b) The upper loop shall align, partially align, or completely overlap the connector body. If the upper
loop completely overlaps the connector body, it shall not extend past the connector body.
c) The lower loop shall align with the connector body and shall not overlap it in any way.
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12.4.6 Slides and protrusions adjacent to slides
12.4.6.1 Toggle test description
Note: See Figures 14 and 15.
The requirements in Clause 12.4.6 shall apply to slides, their methods of attachment, slide enclosures
devices, slide transition areas, and sliding poles.
The test device toggle shall comply with Figure 15, and the test device cord shall comply with Figure 14
[i.e., 3 mm (0.12 in) in diameter, 400 mm (15.75 in) in length, and 25 mm (0.98 in) maximum post
diameter].
The following test method applies to Clauses 12.4.6.2, 12.4.6.3, and 12.4.7:
a) Grasp the cord near the toggle. Position the toggle above or adjacent to the point to be tested.
With the toggle at rest, release the cord, allowing the toggle to drop vertically (under the influence
of its own weight) at the point to be tested. Grasping the toggle and/or swinging the cord is not
permitted.
b) With the toggle at rest, move the test device slowly (at an approximate rate of 150 mm/s or
5.91 in/s) in the intended direction of travel of the user. Do not apply any additional initial force to
wedge the toggle or cord into any opening.
c) Test all positions within the range of the test device. Move the test device slowly in the direction of
expected movement. Ensure that the pole of the test device remains in the vertical position and
the application of both the toggle and cord is influenced solely by its own weight. Ensure that no
additional initial force or influence is applied to wedge the toggle or the cord into any opening.
d) If the test device is obstructed, apply a maximum force of 50 N (11.24 lb) for a period of up to 10 s
in the direction of the expected movement of the user. If the applied force causes the obstructed
test device to release from the test location, that location passes the test.
e) Test all potential entanglement locations twice. If a failure (i.e., obstruction that cannot be released
as per Item d), occurs during one of the two tests at the same location, the location fails the test.
Record all failures and report for corrective action.
12.4.6.2 Sliding section bedway
Place the base of the test device, shown in Figure 16, on the slide sitting section with its centre located
200 mm (7.87 in) back from the point where the slide bedway begins to slope downwards beyond 18°
from horizontal and at the appropriate lateral location as described in Items a) and b) below. The base
of the test device is to remain in contact with the sliding surface during the test.
a) When a slide bedway is wider than 400 mm (15.75 in), the test shall be performed twice with the
base of the test device positioned at both side extremities of the slide bedway and slide entry
points, as shown in Figure 16. Testing shall be completed in accordance with Clause 12.4.6.1. The
distance between the test device and the slide sidewall of the slide shall remain constant through
the path of travel.
b) The centre post of the test device is not to be placed within 200 mm (7.87 in) of the slide sidewalls.
For slides with multiple slide bedways (e.g., dual slides and triple slides), treat each slide bedway as
a separate slide.
c) When the slide bedway width is less than or equal to 400 mm (15.75 in) or continuously curved
(i.e., tube slide, spiral slide, etc.), then the test device shall remain in the centre of the slide
bedway. Testing shall be completed in accordance with Clause 12.4.6.1. The distance between the
test device and the slide sidewall of the slide shall remain constant through the path of travel.
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12.4.6.3 Sliding section entrance
The test device, shown in Figure 17, shall be slowly applied along all surfaces and junctions of the slide
enclosure and any junction of the supporting structure that fall within the testing range of the device.
The test device (with or without the centre post) shall be held in the corresponding vertical position
200 mm (7.87 in) from the transition point of the sliding section of the slide (where the slope of the
sliding surface is greater than 18° from horizontal) and at the appropriate lateral location. The starting
point or base point of the 3 mm cord (0.12 in) cannot be extended beyond the height or width of the
opening as shown in Figure 17.
The testing range for wide and narrow slides as described in Clause 12.4.6.2 shall be adhered to (see
Figures 16 and 17).
Testing shall be completed in accordance with Clause 12.4.6.1.
12.4.6.4 Protrusions adjacent to slides
Any accessible protrusion that allows the 76.20 mm (3.0 in) protrusion gauge to pass over it shall have
no projection extending more than 3 mm (0.12 in) perpendicular from the initial surface. The area that
is subject to this requirement shall be as outlined in Figure 18.
12.4.7 Sliding poles
The test device (with or without the centre post) (Figure 14) shall be slowly applied along all surfaces
and junctions of parts of the platform, deck, barriers, and guardrails and any junction of the sliding pole
to the supporting structure of the playstructure within 400 mm (15.75 in) of the entrance/exit to the
sliding pole. The application of the test device shall be influenced solely by its own weight. The test
device (with or without centre post) shall be held in the vertical position and within the plane of the
entrance/exit opening to the sliding pole. The test shall be performed in the full vertical height of the
sliding pole to 1.0 m (39.37 in) from the protective surfacing.
Testing shall be completed in accordance with Clause 12.4.6.1.
12.5 Crush or shear point
12.5.1 General
There shall be no crush or shear point caused by the junctures of two components moving relative to
one another or at an opening present at the junction of a stationary support and a rigid supporting
member for a swinging element (e.g., junctions in pendulum see-saws or glide rides), while the swinging
elements are within their normal swinging angles. A crush or shear point is any point that entraps a
15.75 mm (0.62 in) diameter rod in one or more positions.
12.5.2 Requirements
12.5.2.1
To reduce the likelihood of unintentional contact with a crush or shear point, an opening shall comply
with either Clause 12.5.2.2 or 12.5.2.3.
12.5.2.2
An opening with a minor dimension of less than 25.4 mm (1.0 in) shall be acceptable if a finger probe
(as illustrated in Figure 19), when inserted point first into an opening, cannot be made to touch any
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crush or shear point. The probe shall be applied in all possible articulated positions with an application
force not to exceed 4.45 N (1 lbf).
12.5.2.3
In the case of an opening in an enclosure with a minor dimension of 25.4 mm (1.0 in) or more, the crush
or shear point shall be located at the distance specified in Table 1 from the plane of the opening.
Note: An enclosure in this case covers a crush or shear point.
12.5.3 Exemptions
The following shall be exempt from the requirements of Clauses 12.5.1 and 12.5.2:
a) chains and their method of attachment;
b) the area where heavy-duty coil springs are attached to the body and base of rocking equipment;
c) the area between a swinging element and a horizontal top rail; and
d) the area between small, lightweight moving parts that are integral parts of the play activity (e.g.,
abacus beads, bell clappers, or telephone receivers), provided that this area is not considered a
crush or shear point as specified in Clause 3.
12.6 Suspended hazards
12.6.1 General requirements
There shall be no single non-rigid component (e.g., cable, wire, or rope) suspended between play units
or from the ground to the play unit within 45° of horizontal, unless the non-rigid component is above
2.1 m (82.68 in) from the protective surfacing or is a minimum nominal dimension of 25 mm (0.98 in).
The suspended elements should either be brightly coloured or contrast with surrounding equipment to
increase visibility.
12.6.2 Looping
12.6.2.1
Rope, cable, or chain shall be fixed at both ends and shall not be capable of being looped back on itself
to create an inside loop perimeter greater than 125 mm (4.92 in).
For moveable hanging rings and hanging rungs, the distance between the uppermost pivot and the
bottom of the handgrip device shall be no greater than 380 mm (15.0 in). Any flexible element (chains;
cables; connectors, such as “S” hooks; and so forth) used to suspend the ring or rung shall have a total
length no greater than 180 mm (7.1 in).
12.6.2.2
Multiple (two or more) suspended components (e.g., cables, wires, ropes, or similar components)
located at two or more elevations may be suspended below 2.1 m (82.68 in) when they comply with all
other requirements for single suspended components and cannot be looped or stretched to contact
another suspended component(s).
12.6.3 Exemptions
12.6.3.1
Climbing net structures (see Clause 15.15) shall be exempt from the requirements of Clause 12.6.1.
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12.6.3.2
Enclosed swing seats and swing seats designed for compliance with Annex H are exempt from
Clause 12.6.2.
12.6.3.3
For ground-level components with attached manipulative devices (e.g., ropes, chains, cables, and
belting), the length from the attachment point to the end of the manipulative device shall not be longer
than 610 mm (24 in) and is exempt from this looping requirement if the attachment point is not higher
than 685 mm (27 in) above the underlying surface.
12.6.3.4
Chain or cable used to support a swing or a user on a swing shall be exempt from the requirements of
Clauses 12.6.1 and 12.6.2. Fibre rope shall not be used as a method of suspending swings.
12.7 Elevated surfaces
An elevated surface shall also be considered as a designated play surface if it meets both of the
following conditions:
a) A flat surface test device 50 mm (1.97 in) long × 50 mm (1.97 in) wide and constructed of rigid
material (see Figure 55) shall be placed on the surface. If the entire contact face of the test device
(including all four corners) connects simultaneously with the elevated surface, the underlying
surface shall be considered as flat and accessible.
b) The accessible flat surface shall be less than 30° from horizontal.
13 Requirements for access/egress
13.1 Stepladders, stairways, and ramps
Note: See Table 2.
13.1.1 Spacing
Steps, not including the first bottom step, shall be evenly spaced within a tolerance of ±6 mm (0.24 in).
All steps shall be horizontal within a tolerance of ±2° as shown in Table 2.
13.1.2 Design
Steps shall not trap water (i.e., no standing water shall be permitted to accumulate) and shall not
encourage the accumulation of debris.
13.1.3 Slope
The access slope, tread or ramp width, tread depth, and vertical rise shall be as shown in Table 2.
13.1.4 Handrails
13.1.4.1
For stairways and ramps, with the exception for spiral stairways noted in Clause 13.2.1.3, at least two
continuous handrails shall be provided on each side, except where protective barriers are used. The
handrails attached to the side of the stairs or ramps shall be immediately contiguous with the stepping
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or walking surface. The lower handrail shall be at approximately 350 to 550 mm (13.78 to 21.65 in)
above the step tread, and the upper rails shall be at approximately 725 to 950 mm (28.54 to 37.40 in)
above the step tread. See Table 2.
For stepladders, a single, continuous handrail shall be provided on each side. The handrail shall be
immediately adjacent to the stepping or walking surface. For children 18 months to 5 years old, the
maximum height of the handrail shall be 725 mm (28.54 in) above the step tread. For children 5 to 12
years old, the maximum height of the handrail shall be 950 mm (37.40 in) above the step tread. See
Table 2.
13.1.4.2
Stairways or stepladders that consist of only one tread shall have handrails or alternative means of hand
support on both sides.
13.1.4.3
Handrails or other means of hand support shall be available for use at the beginning of the first step.
13.1.4.4
Handrails shall be between 24 and 40 mm (0.94 and 1.57 in) in diameter or maximum cross-section. See
Table 2.
13.1.4.5
The handrail height shall be the vertical distance between the top front edge of a step, or, if used on a
ramp, the top of the ramp surface, and the top surface of the handrail above it.
13.2 Other means of access
13.2.1 Spiral stairways
13.2.1.1
Spiral stairways shall meet the general requirements for spacing, orientation, drainage, tread width, and
vertical rise specified for stairway access in Clauses 13.1.1 to 13.1.3.
13.2.1.2
The depth of the outer edge of the tread on spiral stairways shall be 175 mm (6.89 in) or greater on
equipment for children 18 months to 5 years old, and 200 mm (7.87 in) or greater on equipment for
children 5 to 12 years old. These depth requirements shall apply to both spiral stairways with open
risers and spiral stairways with closed risers. See Table 2.
13.2.1.3
Spiral stairways shall meet the requirements specified for handrails in Clause 13.1.4. However, when the
design of the stairway does not permit handrails on both sides of the stairway, a continuous handrail
shall be provided along the outside perimeter of the steps.
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13.2.2 Climbers
13.2.2.1
Arch climbers and flexible components shall not be used as the sole means of access to equipment
intended for structures designed for children 18 months to 5 years old.
13.2.2.2
Flexible components used as access to other components of equipment shall be securely connected at
both ends. When one end is connected to the ground, the anchoring devices shall be below the level of
the protective surfacing.
13.2.2.3
Connections between ropes, cables, chains, or tires used as access to other components of equipment
shall be securely fixed.
13.2.2.4
Flexible components used as access to other components of equipment for use by children 18 months
to 5 years old shall readily allow users to bring both feet to the same level before ascending to the next
level.
13.2.2.5
Climbers used as access to other components shall provide a means of hand support for use while
climbing.
13.2.2.6
Rungs that are used for hand support during ascent or descent of climbing apparatus shall be between
24 and 40 mm (0.94 and 1.57 in) in diameter (see Table 2).
13.3 Transition from access to platform
13.3.1
On stairways and stepladders, there shall be a continuation of handrails from the access to the
platform.
13.3.2
On accesses that do not have side handrails, such as rung climbers, arch climbers, or flexible
components, there shall be alternative handgripping support to facilitate the transition to the platform.
13.3.3
For rung climbers, flexible components, and arch climbers, the stepping surface used for final access
shall not be above the designated play surface it serves.
13.4 Platforms, landings, walkways, ramps, stairways, and designated transitional
surfaces
13.4.1 General
Platform surfaces shall be horizontal within a tolerance of ±2°.
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13.4.2 Drainage
Platforms, landings, walkways, ramps, stairways, and designated transitional surfaces shall not trap
water and shall not encourage the accumulation of debris.
13.4.3 Guardrails
Note: See Table 3.
13.4.3.1
Guardrails shall be provided on platforms, landings, walkways, ramps, stairways, and similar transitional
play surfaces in accordance with Clauses 13.4.3.2 to 13.4.3.5. Guardrails are not required to surround
the designated play surfaces on play equipment, except as specified elsewhere in Clause 13 or 15.
Guardrails shall contain no designated play surfaces.
13.4.3.2
Guardrails or protective barriers (see Clause 13.4.4) shall be provided on elevated surfaces that are
greater than 500 mm (19.69 in) above the protective surfacing when intended for use by children 18
months to 5 years old, and on elevated surfaces greater than 750 mm (29.53 in) above the protective
surfacing when intended for use by children 5 to 12 years old. See Table 3.
13.4.3.3
Guardrails shall completely surround the elevated surface, except for entrance and exit openings
necessary for each event. Means of ascent and descent, except at access points for stairs and ramps,
that are accessible by openings in guardrails with horizontal dimensions greater than 375 mm (14.76 in)
shall have a minimum of one top rail [i.e., the maximum opening(s) without a top guardrail shall be
375 mm (14.76 in) in the horizontal dimension (see Figure 20)].
At least one point between 525 and 950 mm (20.67 and 37.40 in) above the platform shall be a
maximum of 375 mm (14.76 in) in width.
13.4.3.4
The top surface of guardrails shall have a height of 725 mm (28.54 in) or greater when the elevated
surface is for use by children 18 months to 5 years old, and 950 mm (37.40 in) or greater when intended
for use by children 5 to 12 years old. See Table 3.
13.4.3.5
The lower edge of guardrails on elevated surfaces intended for children 18 months to 5 years old shall
be not greater than 575 mm (22.64 in) above the underlying equipment surface. For elevated surfaces
intended for children 5 to 12 years old, the lower edge of the guardrails shall be not greater than
700 mm (27.56 in) above the underlying equipment surface. See Table 3.
13.4.4 Protective barriers
Note: See Table 3.
13.4.4.1
Protective barriers shall be provided on platforms, landings, walkways, ramps, and similar transitional
play surfaces in accordance with Clauses 13.4.4.2 to 13.4.4.6. Protective barriers are not required
around designated play surfaces, except as specified elsewhere in Clauses 13 and 15. Protective barriers
shall contain no designated play surfaces and shall be designed to minimize the likelihood of climbing.
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13.4.4.2
With the exception of stairways and stepladders, protective barriers shall be installed on elevated
surfaces greater than 750 mm (29.53 in) above the protective surfacing when intended for use by
children 18 months to 5 years old, and greater than 1.2 m (47.24 in) above the protective surfacing
when intended for use by children 5 to 12 years old.
13.4.4.3
Protective barriers shall completely surround the elevated surface, except for entrance and exit
openings necessary for use. Means of ascent and descent, except at access points for stairs and ramps,
that are accessible by openings in protective barriers with horizontal dimensions greater than 375 mm
(14.76 in) shall have a minimum of one top rail [i.e., the maximum opening(s) without a top guardrail
shall be 375 mm (14.76 in) in the horizontal dimension].
Portions of the opening may extend beyond a width of 375 mm (14.76 in), provided that the size of the
extended space precludes full passage of the torso probe outside the 375 mm (14.76 in) main opening
width. At least one point between 525 and 950 mm (20.67 and 37.40 in) above the platform shall be a
maximum width of 375 mm (14.76 in) (see Figure 20).
13.4.4.4
The top surface of protective barriers shall have a height of 725 mm (28.54 in) or greater when the
elevated surface is for use by children 18 months to 5 years old, and 950 mm (37.40 in) or greater when
intended for use by children 5 to 12 years old.
13.4.4.5
Openings within barriers or between the platform surface and the lower edge of protective barriers
shall preclude passage of the torso probe (see Clause 12.2.2).
13.4.4.6
On stairways, all steps greater than 1.2 m (47.24 in) above the protective surfacing shall require
protective barriers.
13.4.5 Adjacent platforms
13.4.5.1
Adjacent platforms, between which access is intended, that are intended for use by children 18 months
to 5 years old and that have a height difference greater than 300 mm (11.81 in) or adjacent platforms
that are intended for use by children 5 to 12 years old and that have a height difference greater than
450 mm (17.72 in) shall have an access component (see Figure 21).
13.4.5.2
Access components between adjacent platforms shall comply with the requirements of Clause 13.3.
13.4.5.3
Guardrails and protective barriers on adjacent platforms shall meet the same requirements that apply
to guardrails and protective barriers for other platforms, as specified in Clauses 13.4.3 and 13.4.4. If the
area between the platforms does not permit the full barrier height, the guardrails and protective
barriers are exempt from Clauses 13.4.3 and 13.4.4, and protective infill shall be used instead (see
Figure 21).
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13.4.5.4
Consideration should be given to guard against inadvertent falls from upper platforms onto lower
platforms or over the protective barrier/guardrail on the lower platforms.
14 Playground layout
14.1 Protective surfacing and no-encroachment zones
Note: See Table 5 and Figure 22.
14.1.1 Protective surfacing zone
There shall be a protective surfacing zone for each playstructure, which shall consist of obstacle-free
surfacing that conforms to the requirements of Clause 10 for the defined fall height of the equipment.
The dimensions and configuration of the protective surfacing zone shall be dependent on the type of
equipment as specified in Clauses 14.2 to 14.10.
14.1.2 No-encroachment zone
14.1.2.1
There shall be a no-encroachment zone provided where specified in this Standard. See Clauses 14.4 to
14.6.
14.1.2.2
The no-encroachment zone shall consist of an obstacle-free area. The surface in a no-encroachment
zone need not conform to the surfacing requirements of Clause 10.
14.1.2.3
The no-encroachment zone shall extend at least 1.8 m (70.87 in) beyond the protective surfacing zone.
14.1.2.4
Two adjacent pieces of equipment that each require a no-encroachment zone may share a single noencroachment zone, provided that the distance between the respective protective surfacing zones is at
least 1.8 m (70.87 in). The no-encroachment zone cannot overlap the protective surfacing zone for
stationary or moving equipment unless specifically allowed in other clauses of this Standard.
14.1.3 No-encroachment zone (embankment slides)
The no-encroachment zone shall conform to the requirements of Clause 14.5.3. The height of the slide
shall be calculated using Figure 37 b).
14.2 Stationary equipment (excluding slides)
14.2.1 General
14.2.1.1
Stationary play equipment can be free-standing structures or can be combined with other play
equipment (see Figure 22).
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14.2.1.2
The protective surfacing zone for stationary play equipment shall extend to not less than 1.8 m
(70.87 in) on all sides of the playstructure. Equipment designed so that a user maintains constant
contact with the ground during play has no individual protective surfacing zone requirement (e.g.,
sandboxes, diggers, free-standing activity walls, free-standing playhouses, and play counters). However,
the requirements for placement and circulation under Clause 14.10.1 and surfacing materials under
Clause 10.3.1 shall apply.
Ramps, platforms, or other stationary bridges, when used to connect an elevated access route from the
perimeter of the playground to the play equipment, shall be exempt from the protective zone fall
requirements in the area where the connection is made at the perimeter, provided that all other play
components are within the protective surfacing zone that complies with Clause 10.
Note: If a route that is accessible to persons with disabilities is to be included, refer to Annex H.
14.2.1.3
The protective surfacing zone for two or more pieces of stationary equipment that are not physically
attached but are linked by play function shall be determined as if the separate pieces of equipment
were parts of a composite playstructure.
14.2.2 Rocking/springing equipment
14.2.2.1 Rocking/springing equipment intended for sitting
Note: See Figure 23.
The protective surfacing zone for rocking/springing equipment upon which the user is intended to sit
shall be not less than 1.8 m (70.87 in) in all directions from the sides of the playstructure. The protective
surfacing zone of rocking/springing equipment intended for sitting may overlap the protective surfacing
zone of other play equipment.
14.2.2.2 Rocking/springing equipment intended for standing
Note: See Figures 24 and 25.
The protective surfacing zone for rocking/springing equipment upon which the user is intended to stand
shall be not less than 2.1 m (82.68 in) in the direction of motion and 1.8 m (70.87 in) in the other
directions. The protective surfacing zone of rocking/springing equipment intended for standing may
overlap the protective surfacing zone of other play equipment.
14.3 Rotating equipment
Note: See Figure 26.
14.3.1
The protective surfacing zone for equipment with a maximum diameter of less than or equal to 1 m
(39.37 in) and an axis of rotation within 45° from vertical shall not be less than 1.8 m (70.87 in) from the
perimeter of the playstructure.
This protective surfacing zone may overlap another protective surfacing zone, provided that the
adjacent protective surfacing zone is permitted to overlap (see Figures 22 and 26).
14.3.2
The protective surfacing zone for equipment with a maximum diameter greater than 1 m (39.37 in) and
that rotates with an axis of rotation within 45° from vertical shall not be less than 2.7 m (106.30 in)
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from the perimeter of the playstructure. The outer 0.9 m (35.4 in) of this protective surfacing zone may
overlap into a no-encroachment zone or into another protective surfacing zone, provided that the
adjacent protective surfacing zone is permitted to overlap (see Figures 22 and 26).
14.3.3
The protective surfacing zone for equipment with an axis of rotation within 45° from horizontal shall not
be less than 1.8 m (70.87 in) from the perimeter of the playstructure. Equipment with an axis of
rotation within 45° from horizontal may be attached to a composite playstructure.
14.3.4
Free-standing play equipment with an axis of rotation within 45° from horizontal can overlap the
protective surfacing zones of other play equipment but not in the direction of motion.
14.4 Swings
14.4.1 Single axis swings
14.4.1.1
The protective surfacing zone to the front and rear of single axis swings shall be a minimum distance of
2Y on a line extending 90° both front and rear from the longitudinal direction of the suspending beam,
where Y equals the vertical distance from the top of the sitting surface when occupied by the maximum
user to the pivot point of the swing. The total horizontal distance from the front to the rear of the
protective surfacing zone shall be not less than 4Y (see Figure 27).
14.4.1.2
For swings with enclosed swing seats or bucket seats, the protective surfacing zone to the front and to
the rear of the swing shall be a minimum distance of 2Y on a line extending 90° both front and rear
from the longitudinal direction of the suspending beam, where Y equals the vertical distance from the
top of the sitting surface to the pivot point on the swing. The total horizontal distance from the front to
the rear of the protective surfacing zone shall be not less than 4Y (see Figure 28).
14.4.1.3
No other play equipment protective surfacing zone shall overlap the sides of the front-to-back
protective surfacing zone of a single axis swing.
14.4.1.4
The protective surfacing zones at the sides of the swing structure shall extend in a semicircle not less
than 1.8 m (70.87 in), measured from the end of the top beam. Beyond this area, the protective
surfacing zone shall be not less than 1.8 m (70.87 in) from a line extending through the centre of the
swing seat, where measured perpendicularly to the direction of the motion. The support structure
protective surfacing zone for adjacent single axis swings may overlap.
14.4.1.5
A no-encroachment zone of not less than 1.8 m (70.87 in) shall be provided at each end of the direction
of motion of the swing, except as otherwise permitted by Clause 14.11.2 (see Figures 27 and 28).
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14.4.1.6
The side protective surfacing zone of a support structure for a single axis swing and the protective
surfacing zone of other play equipment may overlap. The minimum distance between the outermost
parts of the structures shall be 1.8 m (70.87 in).
14.4.2 Rotating swings
14.4.2.1
The protective surfacing zone for a rotating swing shall be a minimum horizontal distance of 2Y in all
directions from the swing pivot point, where Y equals the vertical distance between the pivot point and
the top of the swing seat or suspended member (see Figure 29).
14.4.2.2
The protective surfacing zone surrounding the support structure of a rotating swing shall extend not less
than 1.8 m (70.87 in) in all directions from the structure, measured from the end of the top beam [see
Figure 29 a)].
14.4.2.3
The protective surfacing zones and no-encroachment zones of separate adjacent rotating swings may
overlap, provided that the swing top beams are configured in a straight line and the distance between
the support structures is 1.8 m (70.87 in) [see Figure 29 b)].
14.4.2.4
A no-encroachment zone of not less than 1.8 m (70.87 in) shall be provided. The protective surfacing
zone and no-encroachment zone for a multiple-bay rotating swing shall be evaluated as a single unit;
however, the swing bay clearances shall not overlap (see Figure 29).
14.4.3 Combination swings
The boundary of the protective surfacing zones and no-encroachment zones for combination swings
shall be composed of the individual protective surfacing zones and no-encroachment zones as defined
in Clause 14.4.1 or 14.4.2, or both, for the individual suspended elements (see Figure 30).
Note: Clause 14.4.3 has been adapted, with permission, from ASTM F1487, Standard Consumer Safety
Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr
Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard can be obtained from ASTM
International, www.astm.org.
14.5 Slides
Note: See Figures 31 and 32.
14.5.1
The protective surfacing zone around the steps or ladder, platform, and slide bed of slides shall meet
the protective surfacing zone requirements for stationary play equipment, except as specified in
Clause 14.5.2.
14.5.2
The protective surfacing zone at the lower exit end of the slide bed shall extend, in the direction of
descent, a minimum horizontal distance of 1.8 m (70.87 in). On slides where the vertical distance from
the protective surface at the lower exit to the highest point of the sliding surface (dimension X) is
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greater than 1.8 m (70.87 in), the protective surfacing zone at the lower exit of the slide bed shall
extend a horizontal distance of X mm to a maximum of 2.4 m (94.49 in) in the direction of descent. The
width of the protective surfacing zone beyond 1.8 m (70.87 in) in the direction of motion shall be an
extension of the slide clearance zone (see Clause 15.6.7).
14.5.3
A no-encroachment zone shall be provided in front of the lower exit protective surfacing zone of a slide,
except for slides with a starting platform of 1.2 m (47.24 in) or less in height. The width shall be an
extension of the slide clearance zone dimensions (see Clause 15.6.7.1).
14.6 Embankment slides
Note: See Clause 3.
14.6.1
On an embankment slide, the area from the starting platform and/or sitting section to the end of the
exit section is exempt from the protective surfacing zone requirements.
14.6.2
An embankment slide that is elevated above the level of the underlying ground surface shall have no
hard surface (e.g., landscape rock, log, retaining barrier, asphalt, or concrete) or sharp object inside the
slide clearance zone as defined in Clause 15.6.7.
14.6.3
The exit protective surfacing zone of an embankment slide with a starting elevation less than or equal
to 1.5 m [see Figure 37 b)] is exempt from the side protective surfacing zone requirements and only
needs a slide exit protective surfacing zone that meets the requirements of Figures 33 b) and c).
14.6.4
The embankment slide shall exit onto a protective surfacing zone that is not part of the embankment.
14.6.5
The protective surfacing at the slide exit shall meet the requirements of Clauses 14.5.2 and 14.5.3. The
height of the slide shall be calculated using Figure 37 b)
14.7 Track rides
The protective surfacing zone of a track ride shall extend not less than 1.8 m (70.87 in) in all directions
from the equipment (see Figure 34).
14.8 Cable rides
The protective surfacing zone for a cable ride shall be provided as shown in Figure 35.
14.9 Composite playstructures
14.9.1
A composite playstructure shall be considered a single piece of play equipment. The protective surfacing
zone for a composite playstructure shall be the same as that required for stationary equipment, except
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at areas that specifically require a greater distance, such as the exit of slides, as identified in other
clauses of this Standard.
14.9.2
Identifying and establishing assembled protective surfacing zone standards for all possible
configurations of a composite playstructure is impractical. Therefore, when designing a modular
composite playstructure, the professional judgment of play equipment manufacturers, designers, and
owners/operators shall be used to eliminate hazards created by conflicts in circulation or use patterns
or both.
14.10 Placement of playstructures and equipment
Note: When developing the layout for a playground, professional judgment should be used when dealing with such
objects as trees, benches, etc.
14.10.1
Sufficient space and vertical clearance shall be provided between all adjacent structures and individual
play equipment.
14.10.2
Moving play equipment, such as swings, and rotating equipment shall be located in a position away
from circulation routes and near the periphery of the playground.
14.11 Small-children’s fenced playgrounds
14.11.1
In a small-children’s fenced playground, if a playhouse or enclosed space has designated play surfaces
but, because of the enclosure, a user cannot fall to the surface below in a given direction, then a
protective surfacing zone shall not be required in that direction. All other requirements of this Standard
shall apply.
14.11.2
In a small-children’s fenced playground, if an enclosed single swing seat has a pivot height of 2.4 m
(94.49 in) or less above the protective surfacing, a no-encroachment zone shall not be required, and the
protective surfacing zones at the sides of the swing shall measure 1.8 m (70.87 in) from the centre of
the outermost swing seat in a given side direction.
15 Equipment
Notes:
1) See Table 4 for fall height requirements.
2) Miscellaneous playground elements (e.g., parking, drop off zones, street furniture) are covered in Annex G.
15.1 General
New play components, including modifications, or additional elements, might not specifically fit into the
play component types listed in Clause 15. In those instances, the designer or manufacturer, or both,
shall, using professional judgement, perform and document a hazard identification and risk/benefit
assessment (see examples provided in Annex J) and take necessary actions to minimize the likelihood of
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serious and/or life-threatening injuries. In addition, other clauses in this Standard, where applicable,
shall apply.
15.2 Balance beams
15.2.1
The top surface of balance beams shall be not greater than 300 mm (11.81 in) above the protective
surfacing when intended for use by children 18 months to 5 years old, and not greater than 400 mm
(15.75 in) above the protective surfacing when intended for use by children 5 to 12 years old.
15.2.2
Support posts for balance beams shall not pose a tripping hazard.
15.2.3
The fall height shall be the distance between the highest part of the walking surface and the protective
surfacing below. See Table 4.
15.3 Climbers
15.3.1
Rungs that are used for hand support during ascent and descent of climbing apparatus shall be between
24 and 40 mm (0.94 and 1.57 in) in diameter.
15.3.2
Flexible components (e.g., nets, chains, and tires) of stand-alone climbing structures shall meet the
same requirements as those specified in Clause 13.2.2 for flexible components that provide access to or
linkage between structures.
15.3.3
The fall height for stand-alone climbing structures shall be the distance between the highest part of the
climbing component and the protective surfacing below. See Table 4.
15.3.4
The fall height of climbers used for access to and egress from composite playstructures shall be the
distance between the highest part of the climber intended for foot support and the protective surfacing
below. See Table 4.
15.3.5
Free-standing arch climbers are not recommended for children 18 months to 5 years old.
15.4 Upper body equipment
15.4.1
The centre-to-centre distance between rungs on upper body equipment with fixed handgrips shall be
not greater than 375 mm (14.76 in).
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15.4.2
Handgrip devices on upper body equipment shall be between 24 and 40 mm (0.94 and 1.57 in) in
diameter.
15.4.3
Rigid handgrips shall not twist or rotate about their own axis.
15.4.4
The horizontal distance from the leading edge of the takeoff and/or landing structure to the first
handhold of upper body equipment shall be not greater than 250 mm (9.84 in). In addition, where the
takeoff or landing point is provided by means of rungs, the horizontal distance to the first handhold
shall be not less than 200 mm (7.87 in) but not greater than 250 mm (9.84 in).
15.4.5
For equipment intended for use by children 18 months to 5 years, the maximum height of the upper
devices shall be 1.5 m (59.06 in), measured from the centre of the grasping device to the top of the
protective surfacing below.
For equipment intended for use by children 5 to 12 years, the maximum height of the upper body
devices shall be 2.1 m (82.68 in) measured from the centre of the grasping device to the top of the
protective surfacing below.
15.4.6
For equipment intended for use by children 18 months to 5 years, the maximum height of the takeoff/
landing structure for upper body equipment shall be not more than 450 mm (17.72 in) above the
protective surfacing.
For equipment intended for use by children 5 to 12 years, the maximum height of the takeoff/landing
structure for upper body equipment shall be not more than 900 mm (35.43 in) above the protective
surfacing.
15.4.7
The fall height shall be the distance between the highest part of the equipment and the protective
surfacing below. Equipment support posts with no designated play surfaces shall be exempt. See
Table 4.
15.5 Sliding poles
Note: See Figure 36.
15.5.1
Clearance distances from structures to the pole shall be between 450 and 500 mm (17.72 and 19.69 in).
15.5.2
Upper access to the sliding pole shall be from one height only.
15.5.3
The distance from the platform’s surface to the top surface of the sliding pole shall be a minimum of
1.5 m (59.06 in).
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15.5.4
The pole shall not be greater than 50 mm (1.97 in) in diameter.
15.5.5
The sliding pole shall be continuous, with no protruding welds or joints along the sliding area, and shall
have no abrupt changes in direction.
15.5.6
The guardrail or protective barrier at a platform opening to the sliding pole shall comply with Figure 20.
15.5.7
Sliding poles are not recommended for children under five years of age.
15.5.8
Sliding poles not accessed from a platform shall have a fall height of 1.5 m (59.06 in) below the highest
portion of the pole to the protective surfacing below. See Table 4.
15.6 Slides
15.6.1 General
15.6.1.1
Slides shall meet the same requirements as all other playground equipment. They may be designed to
be used by one user at a time or by several. Slides may provide a straight, wavy, curved, or spiral
descent by means of a tube or open slide bed.
15.6.1.2
Slides shall be constructed in a manner that provides a smooth continuous sliding surface, with no gaps
or spaces that can create an entanglement hazard, such as the space created between sidewalls when
two single slides are combined to create a double-width slide or the point where a hood attaches to the
sidewalls of a slide.
15.6.2 Starting area
15.6.2.1
The starting area shall be a platform of playground equipment, the slide sitting section (see
Clause 15.6.3), or a combination of the two.
15.6.2.2
The starting area, when it is a platform of playground equipment, shall meet the requirements for
orientation, drainage, guardrails, and protective barriers specified elsewhere in this Standard. The slide
starting area, when it is the slide sitting section, shall meet the requirements of Clauses 15.6.3 and
15.6.4.
15.6.2.3
The depth of the starting area on independent slides shall be 550 mm (21.65 in) or greater. For slides on
composite structures, the starting area shall be at least 350 mm (13.78 in) in depth.
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15.6.2.4
The starting area shall have a width equal to or greater than the width of the sliding section entrance.
15.6.3 Sitting section
15.6.3.1
The slide sitting section shall not trap water or encourage the accumulation of debris.
15.6.3.2
The slope of the sitting section shall not exceed 18° from horizontal.
15.6.4 Sliding section entrance
15.6.4.1
Handrails or other means of hand support shall be provided at the sliding section entrance to facilitate
the transition from standing to sitting.
15.6.4.2
Within the sitting section, there shall be a means to channel the user into a sitting position within
125 mm (4.92 in) before the point at which the slide exceeds 18° from horizontal.
15.6.4.3
If no enclosed sitting section is provided (e.g., a tunnel slide), the slide sidewalls shall be designed so
that the user’s flow of hand movement is unhampered and smooth.
15.6.4.4
The slide sitting section shall have protection to prevent lateral discharge from the beginning of the
slide starting area to within 125 mm (4.92 in) before the point at which the slide exceeds 18° from
horizontal. The protection to prevent lateral discharge before the start of the means to channel the user
into a sitting position shall meet the requirements for guardrails and protective barriers specified
elsewhere in this Standard.
15.6.5 Sliding section
15.6.5.1
The height/length ratio of the slide shall not exceed 0.577 (see Figure 37).
15.6.5.2
No span of the sliding surface shall have a slope that exceeds 50° from horizontal.
15.6.5.3
The design of the slide bedway shall not allow the child to lose contact with the sliding surface under
normal usage (i.e., there shall be no region of zero gravity).
15.6.5.4
A change to the slope of the slide bedway shall have a radius of curvature of at least 750 mm (29.53 in)
(see Figure 40). These limits shall not apply to the start of the sliding section.
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15.6.5.5
When a slide is intended for use by one child at a time, the slide bedway’s inside width shall be 300 mm
(11.81 in) or greater for children 18 months to 5 years old, and 400 mm (15.75 in) or greater for
children 5 to 12 years old.
15.6.5.6
Slides with flat, open slide bedways shall have sidewalls with a height of 100 mm (3.94 in) or greater
that extend along both sides of the slide bedway for the entire length of the sliding surface.
15.6.5.7
Straight slides may have a bedway with a circular, semicircular, or curved section, provided that
a) the height of the sidewalls is 100 mm (3.94 in) or greater, measured at right angles above a
horizontal line that is 300 mm (11.81 in) long when intended for children 18 months to 5 years old
or that is 400 mm (15.75 in) long when intended for children 5 to 12 years old (see Figure 38); and
b) the vertical sidewall height of such slides is a minimum of 100 mm (3.94 in) minus two times the
width of the bedway divided by the radius of the bedway curvature (see Figure 39).
15.6.5.8
All slides with a curved cross-section (e.g., spiral slides; other slides that change in horizontal direction;
and slides with a wide, shallow bedway) shall minimize the likelihood of lateral discharge.
15.6.5.9
The internal diameter of tube slides shall be 575 mm (22.64 in) or greater.
15.6.6 Exit section
15.6.6.1
The exit section shall have a slope between 0° and –10° from horizontal (see Figure 40).
15.6.6.2
The length of the exit section shall be a minimum of 275 mm (10.83 in) (see Figure 40).
Note: The exit section should help children maintain their balance and facilitate a smooth transition from sitting to
standing when exiting.
15.6.6.3
The end of the slide shall be rounded to a minimum radius of 10 mm (0.39 in) with no sharp edges.
15.6.6.4
For slides with an elevation not greater than 1.2 m (47.24 in), the end of the slide exit shall be not less
than the finished grade and not greater than 275 mm (10.83 in) above the protective surfacing. For
slides with an elevation greater than 1.2 m (47.24 in), the end of the slide exit shall be between 175 and
380 mm (6.89 and 14.96 in) above the protective surfacing (see Figure 41).
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15.6.7 Slide clearance zones
15.6.7.1
A clear area (i.e., free of equipment) shall surround the slide bedway. This area is defined by a height of
1.5 m (59.06 in), as measured from the slide bedway surface (portions of slides containing hoods or
other devices to channel the user into a seated position, spiral slides, and tube slides are exempted),
and a width of 525 mm (20.67 in) beyond the inside face of the sidewalls on each side (see Figure 42).
The clear area shall extend through the exit section.
15.6.7.2
Spiral slides with open bedways shall maintain a clear area (e.g., free of equipment) as defined by
Figure 43. The clear area shall extend the entire length of the slide and through the end of the exit
section. Portions of slides containing hoods or other devices to channel the user into a seated position
and enclosed tube slides are exempt.
15.6.8 Roller slides
15.6.8.1
In addition to the requirements of Clause 15.6.8, roller slides shall meet the requirements of
Clauses 15.6.1 to 15.6.7.
15.6.8.2
There shall be no crush, shear, entrapment, entanglement, or catch points between the junctures
caused by two or more components.
15.6.8.3
A crush, shear, entrapment, or catch point shall be any point that admits a 5 mm (0.20 in) diameter rod
in one or more positions, either between rollers or between adjacent stationary segments.
15.6.9 Embankment slides
Note: See Clause 3 and Figure 33.
15.6.9.1
The platform, sitting section, or slide entry shall
a) be 550 mm (21.65 in) in depth and approximately horizontal;
b) be at least as wide as the slide bedway; and
c) provide a means to channel a user into a sitting position at the entrance to the slide, such as a
guardrail, hood, or other device that discourages climbing.
Note: See Clause 15.6.4.2.
15.6.9.2
Embankment slides are exempt from the lateral discharge requirements of Clause 15.6.4.4.
15.6.9.3
The exit section shall comply with Clause 15.6.6.
Note: This design eliminates the hazard of falls from elevated heights.
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15.6.9.4
Slide exits of enclosed tube slides shall be designed in a way to discourage snow build-up and/or debris
accumulation that could inhibit visibility and block the exit of the slide (e.g., half tube and cut-out). The
fall height of an embankment slide in the slide exit protective surfacing zone shall be 1.0 m (39.37 in)
from the protective surfacing. See Table 4.
15.7 Swings
Note: Clause 15.7 has been adapted, with permission, from ASTM F1487, Standard Consumer Safety Performance
Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard can be obtained from ASTM International, www.astm.
org.
15.7.1 Placement
15.7.1.1
Swings shall be located away from other playstructures and circulation areas. See also Clause 14.4.
15.7.1.2
Swings shall not be attached to a composite playstructure.
15.7.2 Support structure
The support structure shall be designed to discourage climbing and shall have no designated play
surfaces.
15.7.3 Hangers
Hangers shall have bearings, bushings, or other means of reducing the friction and wear of all moving
parts and surfaces at the pivot point when moving in the intended direction of travel.
15.7.4 Suspended element impact attenuation testing
15.7.4.1
Suspended elements shall be smoothly finished with blunt or rounded edges and shall conform to
Clause 12.3.
15.7.4.2
Suspended elements shall not impart a peak acceleration in excess of 100 g and shall have a HIC score
not to exceed 500 when tested in accordance with impact attenuation requirements in Clause 15.7.7.
Materials subject to loss of impact attenuation shall be addressed by the manufacturer as per
maintenance requirements found in Clause 11.2.
15.7.4.3
Any part of a swing that is a minimum of 2.1 m (82.68 in) above the protective surface at its lowest
point in use is exempt from the impact requirements.
15.7.4.4
No more than two suspended elements shall be located within a swing bay. There shall be no limit on
the number of bays provided in a single structure.
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15.7.4.5
Only one multiple occupancy suspended element shall be mounted within a swing bay. There shall be
no limit on the number of bays provided in a single structure.
15.7.5 Clearances
15.7.5.1 Single axis swings
Single axis swings shall be tested as follows:
a) Unless otherwise specified, when testing for clearances, flexible elements, such as belt seats, which
change shape during use, shall be occupied either by the maximum number of designated users or
a test device. The applied load shall be 55.4 kg (120 lb) with a seated hip breadth of 333 mm
(13.1 in) per user.
b) The horizontal distance between adjacent suspension elements at rest shall be no less than
600 mm (23.62 in) when measured at 1.5 m (59.06 in) above the protective surface (see Figure 44).
c) The horizontal distance between the supporting structure and the adjacent suspension elements
(that is, chain or cable) or suspended elements (that is, seat), whichever is closer, shall be no less
than 750 mm (29.53 in) when measured as a vertical clearance maintained downwards from a
starting height of 1.5 m (59.06 in) above the protective surface. Swings consisting of only one
suspended element (single or multi-user) per structural bay are exempt from this requirement
when the lateral movement of the suspended element is limited such that there is no potential to
impact the support structure, and a 750 mm (29.53 in) minimum clearance is maintained between
the suspended element and the support structure when measured 607 mm (24 in) above the top
surface of the suspended element (see Figure 44).
d) The horizontal distance between the points where single axis swings attach to the hangers shall be
greater than the width of the suspended element when occupied either by the minimum user or a
test device, both having the following characteristics: 11.3 kg (24.4 lb) with a seated hip breadth of
170 mm (6.7 in) but shall not be less than 500 mm (19.69 in).
e) The vertical distance between the underside of a suspended element and the protective surface
shall be no less than 600 mm (23.62 in) for enclosed swing seats, and no less than 300 mm (
11.81 in) for all other elements. See Figure 44.
Note: Figure 44 has been revised to better clarify the intent of how the clearance dimensions are to be measured.
15.7.5.2 Multi-axis swings
Multi-axis swings shall be tested as follows:
a) Clearance zone — The unobstructed clearance zone required for the suspended element is a
cylindrical unobstructed zone centred on the pivot point of the swing with a radius equal to
Y + 750 mm (29.53 in), whose cylinder length is from the top of the protective surface to the pivot
point of the swing with Y as shown in Figure 45.
b) Under-seat clearance — The vertical distance between the underside of the suspended element
and the protective surfacing zone shall never be less than 300 mm (11.81 in) regardless of
occupancy conditions. See Figure 45.
15.7.5.3 Combination swings
Dynamic motion of the suspended element(s) could be influenced by the movement of the frame or
other suspended elements (that is, seat), or both. Dynamic motion of the suspended elements shall
meet the following criteria when in use:
a) Under-seat clearance — The vertical distance between the underside of the suspended element
and the protective surfacing zone shall never be less than 300 mm (11.81 in).
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Clearance zone — The suspended element shall not come within 750 mm (29.53 in) of any support
structure or other suspended element through its dynamic range of motion during use.
15.7.6 Fall height
The fall height of swings shall be the vertical distance between the pivot point and the protective
surfacing zone. See Table 4 and Figure 45.
15.7.7 Suspended element impact attenuation testing
Note: This test is intended to be performed by the manufacturer or test laboratory under controlled conditions.
Field testing is permitted, provided that it is performed by qualified personnel and all testing criteria for conditions
are met.
15.7.7.1 Principle
Suspended elements are raised and allowed to swing to strike a test mass. The signal emitted by an
accelerometer during each impact is processed to determine the peak value of acceleration and the HIC
score.
15.7.7.2 Test apparatus
Test apparatus shall conform to the following:
a) Test device — Components as described below, arranged as per Figure 50.
b) Test mass — Test mass shall consist of an aluminum sphere or hemisphere with a diameter of
160 ± 5 mm (6.3 ± 0.188 in), mass of 4.6 ± 0.05 kg (10.1 ± 0.1 lb), and surface roughness less than
25 μm (0.001 in) such that the impacting part between the surface struck and the accelerometer is
homogeneous and free from voids.
c) Accelerometer — The accelerometer shall be mounted at the centre of gravity of the test mass
[Clause 15.7.7.2 b)] assembly with the sensitive axis aligned to within 2° of the direction of travel of
the test mass, capable of measuring acceleration triaxially.
d) Test mass suspension system — Chains, two 6 mm (1/4 in) gauge, of equal length suspended from
pivots 610 mm (24 in) apart at the approximate height of the bearings of the suspended element
[Clause 15.7.7.2 b)]
e) Instrumentation — Specifications for accelerometer, data acquisition, and analysis shall be in
accordance with Specification F1292-09, Clause 8.3.
15.7.7.3 Procedure
The test procedure shall be as follows:
a) Hang the suspended element using standard attachment methods (chain, cable, etc.) as specified
by the manufacturer to produce the most adverse condition in which the product is used. Testing
shall be performed at 22 ± 3 °C (71.6 ± 37.4 °F).
Note: Higher beam heights, using coated chain or stiffer suspension elements, will produce higher impact
results.
b)
c)
Arrange the test device so that the most adverse leading edge of the suspended element just
touches the leading edge of the test mass in its at-rest position.
Raise the suspended element for test.
i) Raise the suspended element along its arc of travel until the suspension element (i.e., chain,
cable, etc.) forms an angle of 60° from its at-rest position (see Figure 50).
ii) When the suspended element is suspended from chains, etc., some curvature will be
produced in the suspending elements. Adjust the seat position to determine the curvature
that provides a stable trajectory.
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iii) Exercise caution to prevent damage to the test equipment. Where there is any possibility of
the accelerometer range being exceeded, preliminary tests should be made at lower angles
(for example, 10°, 20°, and 30°). If there is doubt concerning the suspended element trajectory
or stability, the test mass or guidance structure, or both, trial releases should be made without
impacting the test mass.
iv) Some elements of a flexible nature will require a brace to maintain its configuration during the
test procedure. This brace should be mounted between the attachment points and form a
dimension of 333 mm (13.1 in) across at the attachment points. The mass of the brace should
not exceed 10% of the mass of the seat.
v) Support and release of the suspended element: Support the element in the raised position
through a mechanism that provides release without the application of external forces that
would disturb the trajectory of the suspended element. Ensure that the seat and suspending
elements are motionless.
vi) Release the element so that the assembly travels in a smooth downward arc without any
visible oscillations or rotations of the element that would prevent it from striking the test
mass at the impact point.
Collect data: Once satisfactory system operation and calibration are obtained, collect data for 10
impacts. Measure the peak acceleration and HIC for each impact. The time between each impact
shall be 1.5 min ± 30 s.
Calculate the mean value: Calculate the mean value of the peak acceleration and HIC using the
data from the 10 tests.
15.8 Swinging exercise rings and trapeze bars
Swinging exercise rings, trapeze bars, and swinging gates and doors are not recommended for public
playgrounds. This recommendation shall not apply to overhead hanging rings, such as those used in a
ring trek or ring ladder. These components shall conform to Clause 15.4.
15.9 Vertical rotating equipment
15.9.1 Description
Equipment within the scope of Clause 15.9 is used for sitting, standing, or gripping/grasping and rotates
with an axis of rotation within 45° from vertical.
15.9.2 Location
Equipment shall be installed in a low-traffic area.
Note: See Annex F.
15.9.3 Equipment configuration
For equipment greater than 1 m (39.37 in) in maximum diameter, the rotating equipment shall be
continuous, and any change in diameter shall be smooth and obvious. No component of the apparatus,
including handgrips, shall extend beyond the perimeter of the equipment. See Figure 46.
15.9.4 Handgrips
Children shall be provided with a secure means of holding on. Where handgrips are provided, they shall
conform to the requirements of Clause 13.1.4.4. Where hand grasps are provided, they shall conform to
the requirements of Clause 15.9.9.
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15.9.5 Clearance between moving parts
15.9.5.1 Attached to a support structure
Vertical rotating equipment attached to a support structure shall have a clearance zone of 1.8 m
(70.87 in), measured from the outermost perimeter of the rotating equipment (see Figure 51). Vertical
rotating equipment attached to a support structure with a maximum diameter less than or equal to 1 m
(39.37 in) and designed for overhead use shall be exempt from the 1.8 m (70.87 in) clearance zone
requirement.
Note: A support structure may be part of a composite or free-standing structure.
15.9.5.2 Crush or shear point
The surface of the platform shall be continuous, and any opening between the axis and the periphery
shall conform to the requirements for crush or shear point in Clause 12.5.
15.9.5.3 Vertical clearance
The underside of the platform at the outer perimeter shall allow the passage of the head probe.
Platforms with a diameter less than 500 mm (19.69 in) are exempt from this requirement.
15.9.6 Oscillation
Rotating equipment platforms shall not be provided with an oscillatory (up-and-down) motion.
15.9.7 Rotating equipment usage
15.9.7.1
Rotating equipment designed for users 18 months to 5 years old and with a maximum diameter greater
than 1 m (39.37 in) shall have a speed-limiting device. Rotating equipment designed for users 18
months to 5 years old with a maximum diameter less than or equal to 1 m (39.37 in) does not require a
speed-limiting device. Rotating equipment designed for users 5 to 12 years old does not require a
speed-limiting device.
15.9.7.2
When speed limiting is required, rotating equipment shall be constructed to limit its maximum speed to
one of the following formulas, as applicable:
where
DI =I diameter, m,
and
VI =I peripheral velocity, m/s.
The r/min formula shall be used when D is less than 3.2 m (125.98 in), and the velocity formula shall be
used when D is equal to or greater than 3.2 m (125.98 in).
15.9.8 Fall height
The fall height shall be the height above the ground of any part of the perimeter on which a user can sit
or stand (i.e., any designated play surface). See Table 4.
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15.9.9 Hand grasps
The cross-section of any support designed to be grasped shall have a width not exceeding 61 mm
(2.40 in).
15.10 See-saws
Note: See Table 4 and Figure 47.
15.10.1 Fulcrum see-saws
Fulcrum see-saws (also known as teeter-totters) are not recommended for children less than five years
of age unless they are equipped with a spring centring mechanism to minimize abrupt contact with the
underlying protective surfacing.
15.10.2 Shock-absorbing mechanisms
Shock-absorbing material, such as automobile tires, shall be embedded in the underlying protective
surfacing beneath the ends of fulcrum see-saws or secured to the underside of each occupant position.
As an alternative, see-saws may be equipped with a spring centring mechanism to minimize the risk of
injury due to abrupt contact with the protective surfacing. Such a mechanism shall comply with the
general requirements for crush or shear point in Clause 12.5.
15.10.3 Crush or shear point
The fulcrum of the fulcrum see-saws shall comply with the general requirements regarding crush or
shear point in Clause 12.5.
15.10.4 Distance between see-saws on one playstructure
In structures with more than one see-saw, the distance between each see-saw shall be not less than
1.2 m (47.24 in).
15.10.5 Handgrips
15.10.5.1
Each occupant position shall be provided with handgrips that comply with the general requirements
regarding protrusions. Handgrips shall comply with Clause 13.1.4.4.
15.10.5.2
Handgrips shall not turn, rotate, or twist. Those intended to be gripped by one hand shall have a
minimum length of 75 mm (2.95 in). Those intended to be gripped by two hands shall have a minimum
length of 150 mm (5.91 in). Handgrips shall not protrude beyond the sides of the seat on fulcrum seesaws.
15.10.6 Footrests
Fulcrum see-saws shall not be equipped with footrests unless they have a spring centring mechanism to
minimize the risk of injury due to abrupt contact with the underlying protective surfacing.
15.10.7 Maximum limits
Fulcrum see-saws shall be constructed so that the maximum attainable angle between a line connecting
the seats and the horizontal is 25° and the maximum attainable seat height is 1.5 m (59.06 in) above the
level of the protective surfacing.
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15.10.8 Fall height
The fall height shall be the maximum height attainable by the see-saw.
15.11 Rocking/springing equipment
15.11.1
Seats shall be designed to minimize the likelihood of use by more than the intended number of users.
15.11.2
Each seating position shall be provided with handgrips that comply with the general requirements
regarding protrusions (see Clause 12.3) and the requirements for handgripping components (see
Clause 13.1.4.4). Handgrips intended to be gripped by one hand shall have a minimum length of 75 mm
(2.95 in). Those intended to be gripped by both hands shall have a minimum length of 150 mm (5.91 in).
15.11.3
Footrests having a minimum width of 90 mm (3.54 in) shall be provided and shall conform to the
general requirements regarding protrusions (see Clause 12.3).
15.11.4
Spring mechanisms shall conform to the general requirements regarding crush or shear point in
Clause 12.5 when the equipment is operated by a maximum user of 54 kg (120 lb).
15.11.5
After installation, the height of the seat, while unloaded and at rest, shall be not less than 350 mm
(13.78 in) and not more than 700 mm (27.56 in) above the protective surfacing.
15.11.6
The fall height shall be the maximum height of the seat above the ground. See Table 4.
15.12 Log rolls
15.12.1
Log rolls are not recommended for children less than five years of age.
15.12.2
Rigid handgripping components shall be provided and shall aid in mounting and dismounting the roll
and maintaining balance while in use.
15.12.3
The highest point of the top surface of the roller shall be not more than 450 mm (17.72 in) above the
protective surfacing. Handgripping components shall be between 24 and 40 mm (0.94 and 1.57 in) in
diameter.
15.12.4
The fall height shall be the height of the highest designated play surface. See Table 4.
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Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
15.13 Track rides
15.13.1 General
Track rides are not recommended for children less than five years of age.
15.13.2 Landings
15.13.2.1
When elevated landings are used, they shall have a minimum depth of 900 mm (35.43 in), as shown in
Figure 34.
15.13.2.2
Track rides shall be designed to prevent the structural elements from acting as obstructions to the user
in the landing area.
15.13.3 Riding zone
15.13.3.1
An unobstructed riding zone shall be a minimum of 900 mm (35.43 in) on each side of the handgripping
component measured from the centre and shall be maintained throughout the length of travel of the
handgripping component (see Figure 34).
15.13.3.2
The centre-to-centre distance between adjacent tracks shall be at least 1.2 m (47.24 in).
15.13.4 Handgripping components
15.13.4.1
The lowest portion of the handgripping component shall be a minimum of 1.6 m (62.99 in) above the
protective surfacing. The maximum height of the handgripping component shall not exceed 1.95 m
(76.77 in) above the protective surfacing (see Figure 34).
15.13.4.2
When the rolling portions of the handgripping component are enclosed within the track beam, the track
assembly shall be exempted from the crush and shear requirements.
15.13.5 Fall height
The fall height shall be the distance from the maximum height of the equipment to the protective
surfacing. Equipment support posts with no designated play surfaces shall be exempt. See Table 4.
15.14 Pulley or cable rides
15.14.1 General
These requirements are applicable to cable rides that have a height level difference between the start
and finish points and those that are of the same height level at the start and finish points (see
Figure 35). Cable rides are not recommended for children less than five years of age.
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15.14.2 Fall height
The fall height shall be the height of the highest designated play surface. See Table 4.
15.14.3 Distances for cable and handle
Note: See Figure 35.
15.14.3.1
The cable shall be a minimum of 2.1 m (82.68 in) above the ground at any point. See Figure 49.
15.14.3.2
The handle of the pulley shall be a minimum of 1.7 m (66.93 in) above the ground at any point of the
ride and not higher than 2.4 m (94.49 in) at any point of the ride.
15.14.3.3
The distance between the handle and the cable shall be a minimum of 375 mm (14.76 in) to prevent
children from hitting the cable with their heads during the ride.
15.14.3.4
All the measurements in Clauses 15.14.3.1 to 15.14.3.3 are without load (i.e., when the equipment is
not in use).
15.14.4 Speed of pulley
15.14.4.1
The maximum speed of the pulley shall not exceed a running speed of approximately 5 m/s (16.4 ft/s).
15.14.4.2
The speed at the arrival station shall not exceed 2 m/s (6.67 ft/s).
15.14.4.3
The maximum speed and the speed at the arrival station shall be measured with a weight of 150 kg
(333.33 lb) (the allowance for two children), without additional force from the outside.
15.14.4.4
To permit the tension of the cable to be adjusted according to the speed of the pulley, an adjustment
mechanism not accessible to the public shall be provided.
15.14.5 Arrival and starting stations
Structural elements shall be constructed to prevent cable riders from hitting the uprights if they lose
their grip on the handle. Such a potential hazard can arise if, through additional force from the outside,
the arrival speed exceeds the limits given in Clause 15.14.4.
15.14.6 Stoppers
Starting and arrival stations shall be equipped with impact-absorbing stoppers that are able to absorb
the energy of an additional pulley speed of 1.5 m/s (4.9 ft/s).
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15.14.7 Pulley
15.14.7.1
The pulley shall be designed to prevent it from jumping off the cable. It shall be totally enclosed to
prevent any entanglement.
15.14.7.2
The pulley shall be designed to prevent any fraying or damage to the cable.
15.14.7.3
The means of retrieval to the starting point shall pose no danger of injury through impact or
strangulation (see Clause 12.4).
15.14.8 Handgrips
15.14.8.1
The handgripping component shall be designed to prevent entrapment (see Clause 12.2).
15.14.8.2
The handgripping component shall be designed in accordance with the requirements for handrails
presented in Clause 13.1.4.4.
15.14.8.3
Handgrips shall be blunt-edged and shall have a minimum radius of 9 mm (0.35 in), with no sharp points
(see Clause 12.3).
15.14.9 Cable
The cable shall be designed to withstand six times the calculated load(s) in accordance with the
following formula:
where
SI =I calculated load in Newtons (N);
gI
=I acceleration due to gravity, 9.81 m/s2;
QI
=I mass of pulley and children [(pulley + 150 kg) (330.69 lb)];
lI
=I total cable length from end to end, m;
qI
=I mass of cable, kg/m;
and
fmaxI =I sag under load, m.
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15.15 Climbing net structures
15.15.1 Materials
15.15.1.1
Climbing nets shall be designed to minimize the potential effects of vandalism.
When cable-rope elements are used, those that are intended for gripping shall be pliable and textured
to facilitate handgripping. The cross-section of any element designed to be gripped shall have, in any
direction, when measured across its centre, a dimension of not less than 16 mm (0.63 in) or more than
40 mm (1.57 in).
15.15.2 Connections
15.15.2.1 Connection attachments
All connections shall be secured such that they cannot come loose of their own accord unless specially
designed to do so.
15.15.2.2 Looping
All flexible parts shall be secured at both ends and comply with the rope criteria of Clause 12.6.2 (no
loops, i.e., they cannot loop to form a noose).
15.15.2.3 Safeguarding connections
Connections shall be safeguarded so that they cannot be undone by unauthorized persons.
15.15.2.4 Foundation connections
Foundation connections shall be designed so that they present no hazards. They shall be located below
the full depth of the playground protective surfacing.
15.15.2.5 Hazards
Connections shall present no protrusion hazards (see Clause 12.3.3) and no opportunity for clothing
entanglement.
15.15.2.6 Three-dimensional mesh structure
15.15.2.6.1
The mesh size openings of climbing net structures shall comply with the general provisions for
protection against injuries from head and neck entrapments in the unloaded condition (see
Clause 12.2).
15.15.2.6.2
The two-dimensional grid or a three-dimensional matrix structure shall be arranged so that there is no
clear opening between flexible members with a vertical dimension greater than 1.8 m (70.87 in) and a
diameter greater than 508 mm (20 in) for climbing nets (see Figures 48 and 54).
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15.15.2.6.3
The fall height for three-dimensional matrix nets shall be the highest distance of either the interior or
exterior fall height. Matrix nets with a vertical height greater than or equal to 1.8 m (70.87 in) shall have
a minimum fall height of 1.8 m (70.87 in.)
The exterior fall height shall be from the highest point attainable within a horizontal distance of 1.1 m
(43.31 in) from the edge of the structure where a free fall to the protective surfacing is possible (see
Figure 49). This distance is based on the centre-of-gravity height of the maximum user. See Table 4.
The interior fall height shall be the distance between the protective surfacing and the highest flexible
member, ±30° from horizontal and used as a foot support, where there is a clear vertical path with a
diameter of 508 mm (20 in) to the protective surfacing. (See also Figures 52 and 53.)
15.16 Roofs or shade elements
Note: Clause 15.16 has been adapted, with permission, from ASTM F1487, Standard Consumer Safety Performance
Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard can be obtained from ASTM International,
www.astm.org.
15.16.1
Roofs or shade elements that are integral parts of a playstructure are exempt from the requirements of
Clause 12, provided that the roof line (i.e., the lowest edge), excluding support members, is at least
2.1 m (82.68 in) above the underlying designated play surface.
15.16.2
Roofs or shade elements that are integral parts of a playstructure that are less than 2.1 m (82.68 in)
above the designated play surface shall contain no designated play surfaces.
15.16.3
Support members shall be designed to discourage climbing and have no designated play surfaces.
15.16.4
Roofs or shade elements are exempt from fall height requirements.
15.17 Elevated platforms
15.17.1
On elevated platforms where guardrails or protective barriers are required, the fall height shall be
measured from the protective surfacing to 725 mm (28.54 in) above the elevated platform when
intended for children 18 months to 5 years old and 950 mm (37.40 in) above the elevated platform
when intended for children 5 to 12 years old. See Table 4.
15.17.2
The fall height of an elevated platform that is totally enclosed by protective barriers that meet the roof
shall be the height of the elevated platform. See Table 4.
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15.17.3
The fall height for any slide with a platform elevated more than 300 mm (11.81 in) above the ground
and where guardrails or protective barriers are required shall be measured from the protective
surfacing to 725 mm (28.54 in) above the elevated platform when intended for children 18 months to
5 years old and 950 mm (37.40 in) above the elevated platform when intended for children 5 to 12
years old, and apply to the entire protective surfacing zone associated with the slide.
15.18 Drainage
All equipment shall be designed to eliminate the potential for trapping water.
15.19 Equipment support posts
Equipment support posts for equipment where the user is no longer in contact with the ground during
play shall contain no designated play surfaces.
16 Identification and information
16.1 General
All playstructures and composite playstructures shall have a permanently attached manufacturer’s
identification label that includes, but is not limited to, the date manufactured and a means of
contacting the manufacturer. The identification and contact information of the owner/operator shall be
permanently located in the playground or in a readily identifiable and visible location. Signage can be
used along with labels for each playground.
16.2 Age-specific equipment
Playstructures and composite playstructures shall have a permanently attached label to indicate the age
group for which they have been designed.
16.3 Labelling
16.3.1 Surface level markers
Playstructures and composite playstructures should have permanently attached labels or other durable
markers, when practical, to indicate the surfacing level for the installed surface.
Note: Surfacing level markers are intended to support the work of equipment and surfacing installers and to
facilitate the regular inspection and maintenance of the surface to this level.
16.3.2 Warning labels for enclosed swing seats and swing seats designed with
additional support assembly
Enclosed swing seats and swing seats designed for inclusion with additional support assembly (see
Annex H) should have a warning label.
Note: The following is an example of a warning label.
“WARNING: This swing seat has been designed for small users and/or users requiring additional support
and/or assistance during use, with adult supervision. Improper installation, unintended use, normal use,
lack of supervision, lack of maintenance, vandalism, or damage from weather or other factors can cause
damage and/or lead to injury.”
and
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“AVERTISSEMENT : Ce siège de balançoire a été conçu pour des utilisateurs de petite taille ou pour des
utilisateurs ayant besoin de soutien additionnel ou d’une aide pendant l’utilisation, sous la supervision
d’une personne adulte. Une installation inadéquate, un usage inapproprié, un usage normal, un manque
de supervision, un manque d’entretien, du vandalisme ou des dommages résultant d’intempéries ou
d’autres facteurs peuvent causer des dommages et/ou provoquer des blessures.”
16.3.3 Non-injurious labelling
A label shall be designed in such a way that it will not cause injury.
16.3.4 Placement/location of the label
The label shall be located so as to prevent removal during the installation process.
16.3.5 Attachment
The label shall be attached such that it cannot be removed without the use of a tool. If a label cannot
be attached at the factory, instructions on attaching the label shall be included with the installation
information.
16.3.6 Replacement
The product warning labels shall be replaced by the site management when they no longer meet
legibility requirements. In cases where products have an extensive expected life or where they are
exposed to extreme conditions, replacement labels shall be made available by the product
manufacturer.
16.4 Information
16.4.1 Space
The manufacturer or designer shall alert the owner/installer regarding the requirements for
no-encroachment zones, clearances, and the extent of protective surfacing under equipment.
16.4.2 Maintenance instructions
Note: See Clause 11.2.1.
The manufacturer or designer shall provide
a) information about the items to be checked;
b) information about regular preventive maintenance, such as
i) periodic tightening of bolts;
ii) inspection of anchors, hooks, bushings, and other connectors; and
iii) checks for decay, corrosion, or insect attack;
c) a schedule for lubrication; and
d) a tentative schedule for replacing components.
16.5 Records
The owner/operator shall establish and maintain detailed installation, inspection, maintenance, and
repair records for each public-use playground equipment area. The manufacturer’s assembly and
installation instructions, warranties, and all other materials shall be collected and retained in a
permanent file.
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Table 1
Minimum acceptable distance from an opening to a crush or shear point
(See Clause 12.5.2.3.)
Minimum dimension of opening, mm (in)
Minimum distance from opening to part,
mm (in)
25.40 (1)
165.1 (6.5)
31.75 (1.25)
190.5 (7.5)
38.10 (1.5)
317.5 (12.5)
47.63 (1.875)
393.7 (15.5)
53.98 (2.125)
444.5 (17.5)
>53.98 and <152.4 (>2.125 and <6)
762 (30)
Table 2
Requirements for stepladders, stairways, and ramps
(See Clauses 13.1, 13.1.4, 13.2.1.2, and 13.2.2.6.)
Component
Requirements
18 months to 5
years old
Slope
≤50°
Clause
reference
Single-file access
≥300 mm
(11.81 in)
≥400 mm
(15.75 in)
Two-abreast access
≥750 mm
(29.53 in)
≥900 mm
(35.43 in)
Open riser
≥175 mm
(6.89 in)
≥75 mm
(2.95 in)
Closed riser
≥175 mm
(6.89 in)
≥150 mm
(5.91 in)
Vertical rise (top of step to top of
step)
≤225 mm
(8.86 in)
≤300 mm
(11.81 in)
Depth of outer of tread (open or
closed riser)
≥175 mm
(6.89 in)
≥200 mm
(7.87 in)
Step spacing tolerance
±6 mm (0.24 in)
Step horizontal tolerance
±2°
Handrail –
continuous
Lower: ≈350 mm (13.78 in) ≤ height
≤ 550 mm (21.65 in)
Upper: ≈725 mm (28.54 in) ≤ height
≤ 950 mm (37.40 in)
13.1.4.1
24–40 mm (0.94–1.57 in)
13.1.4.4
Tread
width
Tread
depth
Stairway or
spiral
stairway
5 to 12 years
old
Stairway: height on
each side
Spiral stairway:
outside perimeter
Handrail diameter
13.1.3
13.2.1.2
13.1.1
(Continued)
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Table 2 (Concluded)
Component
Requirements
18 months to 5
years old
Slope
50°–75°
Single-file access
300–525 mm
(11.81–20.67 in)
≥400 mm
(15.75 in)
Two-abreast access
—
≥900 mm
(35.43 in)
Open riser
≥175 mm
(6.89 in)
≥75 mm
(2.95 in)
Closed riser
≥175 mm
(6.89 in)
≥150 mm
(5.91 in)
Vertical rise (top of step to top of
step)
≤225 mm
(8.86 in)
≤300 mm
(11.81 in)
Step spacing tolerance
±6 mm (0.24 in)
Step horizontal tolerance
±2°
Handrail – continuous (height on
each side)
≤725 mm
(28.54 in)
Handrail diameter
24–40 mm (0.94–1.57 in)
Slope
≤1:8
Tread
width
Tread
depth
Stepladder
Single-file access
Ramp
March 2020
5 to 12 years
old
Width
Two-abreast access
Clause
reference
13.1.3
13.1.1
≤950 mm
(37.40 in)
≥300 mm
(11.81 in)
≥400 mm
(15.75 in)
≥750 mm
(29.53 in)
≥900 mm
(35.43 in)
13.1.4.1
13.1.4.4
13.1.3
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Table 3
Guardrail and protective barrier requirements on platforms, landings, walkways,
ramps, and designated play surfaces
(See Clauses 13.4.3 and 13.4.4.)
Component
required
18 months to 5 years old
5 to 12 years old
Elevated
surface
height
Component
height
Elevated surface
height
Component
height
Clause
reference
<750 mm
(29.53 in)
N/A
13.4.3.2
13.4.3.2
13.4.3.4
13.4.3.5
13.4.4.2
13.4.4.4
None
<500 mm
(19.69 in)
N/A
Guardrail
500–750 mm
(19.69–29.53
in)
Lower edge ≤ 575
mm (22.64 in)
Top surface ≥ 725
mm (28.54 in)
750–1200 mm
(29.53–47.24 in)
Lower edge ≤ 700
mm (27.56 in)
Top surface ≥ 950
mm
(37.40 in)
Protective
barrier
>750 mm
(29.53 in)
Top surface ≥ 725
mm
(28.54 in)
>1200 mm
(47.24 in)
Top surface ≥ 950
mm
(37.40 in)
Table 4
Fall height requirements
(See Clause 15.)
Equipment
Requirements – fall height measured from
protective surfacing to:
Clause reference
Embankment slide
1.0 m (39.37 in) from the protective surfacing
15.6.9.4
Elevated platform
725 mm (28.54 in) above the elevated platform
(18 months to 5 years old)
15.17.1
950 mm (37.40 in) above the elevated platform (5 to
12 years old)
Totally enclosed
elevated platform
Height of the elevated platform
15.17.2
Balance beam
Highest part of the walking surface
15.2.3
Composite
playstructure
climber
Highest part of the climber intended for foot
support
15.3.4
Stand-alone
climber
Highest part of the climbing component intended for 15.3.3
foot support (move up to climbers)
Upper body
Highest part of the equipment
15.4.7
Sliding pole
With access from
platform
15.17.1
Refer to elevated
platform fall height
(Continued)
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Table 4 (Concluded)
Requirements – fall height measured from
protective surfacing to:
Equipment
No access from platform
1.5 m (59.06 in) below
the highest portion of
the pole
Clause reference
15.5.8
Slide
Refer to elevated platform fall height and
embankment slide
15.17.1
15.6.9.4
Swing
Pivot point
15.7.6
Rotating
equipment
Height above the ground of any part of the
perimeter on which a user can sit or stand, i.e., any
designated play surface
15.9.8
See-saw
Maximum height attainable by the see-saw
15.10.8
Rocking/springing
Maximum height of the seat above the ground.
15.11.6
Log roll
Maximum height of the highest designated play
surface
15.12.4
Track ride
Distance from the maximum height of the
equipment
15.13.5
Pulley or cable ride
Height of the highest designated play surface
15.14.2
Pyramid-shaped
spatial net
structure
External
surface
Highest point attainable within a
horizontal distance of 1.1 m
(43.31 in) from the edge of the
structure where a free fall to the
protective surfacing is possible
15.15.2.6.3
Figure 49
Interior area
Distance from the highest flexible
member, ±30°, beneath which a
clear free fall to the protective
surfacing is possible
15.15.2.6.3
Figures 52 and 53
Table 5
Protective surfacing zones and no-encroachment zones
(See Clause 14.1.)
Equipment
Protective surfacing zone (PSZ)
requirement
Noencroachment
zone
requirement,
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Stationary equipment
1.8 m (70.87 in) in all directions
No
14.2.1.2
22
Rocking/springing
equipment intended for
sitting
1.8 m (70.87 in) in all directions
No
14.2.2.1
23
Clause
reference
Figure
(Continued)
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Table 5 (Concluded)
Noencroachment
zone
requirement,
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Clause
reference
Figure
Equipment
Protective surfacing zone (PSZ)
requirement
Rocking/springing
equipment intended for
standing
2.1 m (82.68 in) in the direction of
motion, 1.8 m (70.87 in) in other
directions
No
14.2.2.2
24 and 25
Rotating equipment
with a diameter of ≤1 m
(39.37 in) and an axis
within 45° of vertical
1.8 m (70.87 in) in all directions
No
14.3.1
26
Rotating equipment
with a diameter >1 m
(39.37 in) and an axis
within 45° of vertical
2.7 m (106.30 in) in all directions
with the first 1.8 m (70.87 in) unable
to overlap. The remaining 0.9 m may
overlap into a no-encroachment zone
or another PSZ that is permitted to
overlap.
No
14.3.2
22 and 26
Rotating equipment
within 45° from
horizontal
1.8 m (70.87 in) in all directions.
Overlap permitted on the sides but
not in the direction of motion if
freestanding play equipment.
No
14.3.3 and
14.3.4
—
Swings: single axis
- 2Y in front and rear, for a total of
4Y; no overlap on the sides of
front to back PSZ
- Measure outwards from the
middle of outer swing, 1.8 m
(70.87 in), to obtain the width of
the 4Y PSZ.
- 1.8 m (70.87 in) from end of top
beam in semicircle for PSZ of
support structure
Yes – beyond the
PSZ in both front
and rear
14.4.1.1 to
14.4.1.6
27 and 28
Swings: rotating
- 2Y in all directions surrounding
swing set; no overlap
- 1.8 m (70.87 in) from end of top
beam in semicircle for PSZ of
support structure
Yes – beyond the
PSZ in all
directions
14.4.2.1 to
14.4.2.4
29 a) and
b)
Swings: combination
Use requirements for single axis or
rotating swings based on the swing
configuration.
Yes
14.4.3
30
Slides
- 1.8 m (70.87 in) at steps and sides
of slide
Exit section:
- If height of slide >1.8 m (70.87 in),
then exit section is equal to
height of slide between 1.8 and
2.4 m (70.87 and 94.49 in)
starting at end of slide.
Noencroachment
zone required on
slides ≥1.2 m
(47.24 in) in
height
14.5.1 to
14.5.3
31 and 32
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Figure 1
Load-distribution devices
(See Clause 9.4.1.)
50.8 mm
(2.0 in)
X
152.4 mm
(6.0 in)
152.4 mm
(6.0 in)
101.6 mm
(4.0 in)
Notes:
1) The block shall be made of any rigid material.
2) Vary dimension X as required.
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Figure 2
Exemption from head and neck entrapment requirements
(See Clause 12.2.1.2.)
Protective surfacing
An opening with the protective surfacing as
its lower boundary is exempt from head and
neck entrapment requirements.
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Figure 3
Torso probe
(See Clauses 12.2.2.1, 12.2.2.2, and 12.2.3.1.)
157.48 mm (6.2 in)
Base of probe
25.4 mm
(1.0 in)
101.6 mm
(4.0 in)
132.08 mm (5.2 in)
Side view
12.7 mm (0.5 in)
Radius 30.48 mm Radius 17.78 mm
(0.7 in)
(1.2 in)
88.9 mm
(3.5 in)
End view
Note: The probe shall be made of any rigid material.
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Figure 4
Head probe
(See Clauses 12.2.2.2, 12.2.3.1, 12.2.4.3, and 12.2.5.2.)
End view
Side view
Base of probe
Handle
203.2 mm (8 in)
228.6 mm (9 in)
March 2020
25.4 mm
(1 in)
101.6 mm
(4 in)
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Figure 5
Test template for partially bounded openings
(See Clause 12.2.4.3.)
215.9 mm (8.5 in)
19.05 mm (0.75 in)
47.63 mm
(1.875 in)
76.2 mm (3.0 in)
Section B
Rigid
material
B
Section A
A
120.65 mm
(4.75 in)
55°
47.63 mm
(1.875 in)
154.94 mm (6.1 in)
March 2020
19.05 mm
(0.75 in)
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Figure 6
Inverted angles
(See Clause 12.2.5.2.)
A
A
Angle A shall exceed 55°.
A
B
Angle A is exempt if the lower leg of
angle B is horizontal or below.
Head probe
< 55°
Filled apex illustration of shield for angles
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Figure 7
Protrusion test gauges
(See Clauses 12.3.1.3, 12.3.3.1, 12.3.3.2, 12.4.2, 12.4.3, and 12.4.4.)
12.7 mm
(0.5 in)
76.2 mm
(3.0 in)
38.1 mm
(1.5 in)
19.05 mm
(0.75 in)
6.35 mm
(0.25 in)
38.1 mm
(1.5 in)
25.4 mm
(1.0 in)
March 2020
50.8 mm
(2.0 in)
88.9 mm
(3.5 in)
82
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
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Figure 8
Compound protrusion test
(See Clauses 12.3.3.2, 12.3.3.3, and 12.4.4.)
Gauge
Gauge
Gauge
Pass
Pass
Fail
Fail*
* Fail = The protrusion has increased in diameter from the initial surface and creates a clothing entanglement
hazard because the protrusion acts as a hook.
Note: For compound protrusions, successively place gauges over increasing diameters to determine compliance.
March 2020
83
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 9
Projection considered an entanglement hazard
(See Clause 12.4.2.)
When a 0–95° angle is formed between
the inial surface and side of the bolt
head, projecon is ≤ 3 mm (0.12 in)
above the inial surface
Inial surface
> 3 mm (0.12 in)
≤ 3 mm (0.12 in)
Pass
When a 0–95° angle is formed
between the inial surface and
side of the washer, projecon
is ≤ 3 mm (0.12 in) above the
inial surface
Inial surface
≤ 3 mm (0.12 in)
Pass
When a 0–95° angle is formed
between the inial surface and
side of the hex nut, projecon
is > 3 mm (0.12 in) above the
inial surface
Inial surface
Test gauge
(See Figure 12.)
Fail
(Continued)
March 2020
84
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 9 (Concluded)
The nut projects > 3 mm (0.12 in) above the
inial surface, but the angle formed between
the inial surface and side of the nut exceeds 95°
100°
Inial surface
Test gauge
(See Figure 12.)
Pass
0–95° angle is formed between the inial
surface and side of bolt head, but projecon
is ≤ 3 mm (0.12 in) above the inial surface
Inial surface
Test gauge
(See Figure 12.)
Pass
> 3 mm (0.12 in)
≤ 3 mm (0.12 in)
≤ 3 mm (0.12 in)
Projects downward below
horizontal plane
Pass
March 2020
85
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 10
Additional use of the protrusion gauges
(See Clause 12.4.2.)
This is a fail because the
protrusion above the
horizontal plane passes
the three gauge test
but has a protrusion
> 3 mm (0.12 in).
Horizontal plane
Note: Protrusion below
the horizontal plane shall
meet the three protrusion
test gauges only.
Fail
Large protrusion test gauge
38.1 mm
(1.5 in)
76.2 mm
(3.0 in)
88.9 mm
(3.5 in)
5 mm (0.20 in)
Clamp
Pipe
Pass
It is a pass because the protrusion does not fit within any of the three gauges.
March 2020
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Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 11
Recessed projection
(See Clauses 12.3.1.3, 12.3.3.2, and 12.4.3.)
76.2 mm (3.0 in) inside diameter
protrusion gauge
Large
protrusion
test gauge
Recessed bolt end with more than
two threads exposed
Pass
March 2020
87
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 12
Protrusion test gauge for suspended swing assemblies
(See Clauses 12.3.3.4.1, 12.3.3.4.2, and 12.4.2 and Figure 9.)
Axis to be parallel to intended path
of suspended member during test
31.75 mm (1.25 in)
diameter minimum
3.0 mm (0.12 in) maximum
50.8 mm (2.0 in)
diameter maximum
March 2020
88
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 13
Requirements for fastening devices
(See Clauses 12.4.5.1 and 12.4.5.2.)
S-hook considered closed
if distance ≤ 1 mm (0.04 in)
Opening
> 1 mm
(0.04 in)
< 1 mm
(0.04 in)
< 1 mm
(0.04 in)
Pass
Lower loop
cannot
cross over
Fail
Pass
Pass
Fail
S-hook fails
because bottom
leg extends past
the boundary
lines established
by the top
closed loop of
the S-hook
Opening
> 1 mm
(0.04 in)
Fail
Fail
(Continued)
March 2020
89
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 13 (Concluded)
Opening
> 1 mm
(0.04 in)
Pass
Fail
Upper loop of S-hook
may overlap, but lower loop
to close as shown
≤ 1 mm
(0.04 in)
Pass
March 2020
90
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 14
Test device
(See Clauses 12.4.6.1 and 12.4.7.)
Pole maximum
Ø 25 mm (0.98 in)
Toggle
Cord
Ø 3 mm (0.12 in)
400 mm
(15.75 in)
400 mm
(15.75 in)
March 2020
91
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 15
Toggle
(See Clause 12.4.6.1.)
25 mm (0.98 in)
13 mm
(0.51 in)
8 mm (0.32 in)
March 2020
92
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 16
Position of the test device on slides
(See Clauses 12.4.6.2 and 12.4.6.3.)
200 mm (7.87 in)
Centreline
a) Narrow slide
200 mm (7.87 in)
200 mm (7.87 in)
b) Wide slide
March 2020
93
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
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Figure 17
Test method — slides and protrusions adjacent to slides
(See Clause 12.4.6.3.)
Sliding section
entrance test zone
(Clause 12.4.6.2
and 12.4.6.3)
200 mm
(7.87 in)
200 mm
(7.87 in)
200 mm
(7.87 in)
March 2020
94
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 18
Area subject to the requirements of Clause 12.4.6.4
(See Clause 12.4.6.4.)
Sliding
surface
525 mm
(20.67 in)
525 mm
(20.67 in)
1.5 m
(59.06 in)
standing
height
525 mm
(20.67 in)
radius
Starting platform
Exiting section
Playing surface details
Initial surface
≤ 3 mm
(0.12 in)
Perpendicular
surface
Notes:
1) Measurements are based on a 95th percentile 12-year-old child.
2) No projection shall extend perpendicular from the initial surface more than 3 mm (0.12 in).
3) Shaded area represents a non-entanglement protrusion zone.
March 2020
95
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 19
Finger probe
(See Clause 12.5.2.2.)
Section A-A
3.556 mm
(0.14 in)
(1.18 in)
59.944 mm
(2.36 in)
A
100.076 mm
(3.94 in)
16.002 mm
(0.63 in)
89.916 mm
(3.54 in)
0.051 mm
(0.002 in)
0.051 mm
(0.002 in)
97.028 mm (3.82 in)
0.051 mm
(0.002 in)
77.978 mm (3.07 in)
0.051 mm
(0.002 in)
29.972 mm
5.08 mm
(0.20 in)
A
19.05 mm
(0.75 in)
233.934 mm
(9.21 in)
50.038 mm
(1.97 in)
21.59 mm
(0.85 in)
153.924 mm
(6.06 in)
0.051 mm
(0.002 in)
135.89 mm
(5.35 in)
25.4 mm
(1.0 in)
25.4 mm
(1.0 in) radius
77.978 mm (3.07 in)
24.892 mm
(0.98 in) radius
24.892 mm
(0.98 in) radius
March 2020
96
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 20
Guardrail or protective barrier openings
(See Clauses 13.4.3.3, 13.4.4.3, and 15.5.6.)
375 mm
(14.76 in)
Maximum
opening
Pass
Torso probe does
not pass through
the area that
extends beyond the
375 mm (14.76 in)
maximum opening
One point between
525 mm (20.67 in)
and 950 mm (37.40 in)
above the
platform shall be
375 mm (14.76)
maximum width
Pass
Torso probe does
not pass through
the area that
extends beyond the
375 mm (14.76 in)
maximum opening
950 mm
(37.40 in)
525 mm
(20.67 in)
Fail
Torso probe passes
through the area
that extends
beyond the
375 mm (14.76 in)
maximum opening
I
I
I
I
I
I
Platform
Protective barrier
Area that extends beyond the 375 mm (14.76 in) maximum opening
Torso probe (any orientation)
March 2020
97
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 21
Adjacent platform requirements
(See Clauses 13.4.5.1 and 13.4.5.3.)
Access component
Protective infill
1.8 m (70.87 in)
high platform
Protective infill
1.2 m (47.24 in)
high platform
900 mm (35.43 in)
high platform
March 2020
If the height difference is
> 300 mm (11.81 in) for
children 18 months to 5 years old
or > 450 mm (17.72 in) for children
5 to 12 years old, then an access
component is required.
If the height difference is ≤ 300 mm (11.81 in)
for children 18 months to 5 years old or
≤ 450 mm (17.72 in) for children 5 to 12
years old, then an access component is
not required.
98
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
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Figure 22
Protective surfacing and no-encroachment zones for stationary and moving
equipment
(See Clauses 14.1, 14.2.1.1, and 14.3.1)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Rocking
equipment
Rocking
equipment
a)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Rocking
equipment
Stationary
equipment
b)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Stationary
equipment
Stationary
equipment
c)
(Continued)
March 2020
99
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 22 (Concluded)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Overlap
allowed
Rotating equipment with
axis of rotation within 45°
from vertical and
diameter >1 m (39.37 in)
Stationary
equipment
2.7 m
(106.30 in)
d)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
2Y
Y
Overlap
allowed
Rotating equipment with
axis of rotation within 45°
from vertical and
diameter >1 m (39.37 in)
Single axis
swing
No-encroachment zone
2.7 m
(106.30 in)
e)
March 2020
100
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 23
Protective surfacing zone for rocking/springing equipment intended for sitting
(See Clause 14.2.2.1.)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Protective surfacing zone
March 2020
101
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 24
Protective surfacing zone for multi-directional rocking/springing equipment
intended for standing
(See Clause 14.2.2.2.)
2.1 m
(82.68 in)
Protective surfacing zone
March 2020
102
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 25
Protective surfacing zone for to–fro rocking/springing equipment intended for
standing
(See Clause 14.2.2.2.)
2.1 m
(82.68 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Protective surfacing zone
I Direction of motion
I
March 2020
103
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 26
Protective surfacing zone for rotating equipment
(See Clauses 14.3.1 and 14.3.2.)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Rotating equipment with axis of rotation within 45°
from vertical and diameter ≤ 1 m (39.37 in)
Protective surfacing zone
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
2.7 m
(106.30 in)
Rotating equipment with axis of rotation within 45°
from vertical and diameter > 1 m (39.37 in)
Protective surfacing zone
Overlap allowed with no-encroachment zones or other qualifying protective surfacing zones
March 2020
104
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 27
Protective surfacing and no-encroachment zones for single axis swings
(See Clauses 14.4.1.1 and 14.4.1.5.)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Y
2Y
2Y
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Protective surfacing zone
No-encroachment zone
Legend:
YI =I the distance from the top of the swing seat to the pivot point
March 2020
105
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 28
Protective surfacing and no-encroachment zones for single axis swings with
enclosed seats
(See Clauses 14.4.1.2 and 14.4.1.5.)
1.8 m (70.87 in)
2Y
Y
1.8 m (70.87 in)
2Y
1.8 m (70.87 in)
Protective surfacing zone
No-encroachment zone
Legend:
YI =I the distance from the top of the swing seat to the pivot point
March 2020
106
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 29
Protective surfacing and no-encroachment zones for rotating swings
(See Clauses 14.4.2.1 to 14.4.2.4.)
Y + 750 mm (29.53 in)
(swing bay clearance)
Y + 750 mm (29.53 in)
(swing bay clearance)
1.8 m (70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Y
Y
Y
Y
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Y
1.8 m (70.87 in)
Circular path
of swing
Protective surfacing zone
No-encroachment zone
a)
Legend:
YI =I the distance from the top of the swing seat to the pivot point
(Continued)
March 2020
107
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 29 (Concluded)
Y + 750 mm (29.53 in)
(swing bay clearance)
Y + 750 mm (29.53 in)
(swing bay clearance)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Y
Y
Y
Y
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m (70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Y
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m (70.87 in)
Circular path
of swing
Protective surfacing
zone
No-encroachment zone
I
I Allowable protective
surfacing and noencroachment zone
overlap
b)
Legend:
YI =I the distance from the top of the swing seat to the pivot point
March 2020
108
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 30
Protective surfacing and no-encroachment zones for combination swings
(See Clause 14.4.3.)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
No-encroachment
zone
Suspended element
protective surfacing
zones cannot overlap
2Y
protective
surfacing zone
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Suspended element
pivot point
Support
structure
2Y
2Y
protective
surfacing zone
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Suspended element
protective surfacing
zones cannot overlap
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
No-encroachment
zone
= Protective surfacing zone
= No-encroachment zone
YI
March 2020
=I the distance from the top of the swing seat to the pivot point
109
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Figure 31
Protective surfacing zone for independent slides with platform heights of 1.2 m
(47.24 in) or less
(See Clause 14.5.)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Plan view
Protective surfacing zone
Figure 32
Protective surfacing and no-encroachment zones for independent slides with
platform heights greater than 1.2 m (47.24 in)
(See Clause 14.5.)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
2.4 m
(94.49 in)
maximum
525 mm (20.67 in)
+
bedway width
+
525 mm (20.67 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
minimum
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Protective surfacing zone
No-encroachment zone
March 2020
110
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 33
Embankment slide
(See Clauses 3, 14.6.3, and 15.6.9.)
a) Embankment slide > 1.5 m
Start of exit section
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
2.4 m
(94.49 in)
maximum
525 mm (20.67 in)
+
bedway width
+
525 mm (20.67 in)
525 mm
(20.67 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
minimum
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
525 mm (20.67 in)
+
bedway width
+
525 mm (20.67 in)
Slide
bedway
Hill
≤300 mm
(11.81 in)
≤300 mm
(11.81 in)
≤300 mm
(11.81 in)
> 1.5 m
(59.05 in)
Exit
height
Legend:
= Slide clearance zone
= Protective surfacing zone
= No-encroachment zone
(Continued)
March 2020
111
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
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Figure 33 (Continued)
b) Embankment slide > 1.2 m ≤ 1.5 m
525 mm
(20.67 in)
End of exit section
525 mm (20.67 in)
+
bedway width
+
525 mm (20.67 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
minimum
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
525 mm (20.67 in)
+
bedway width
+
525 mm (20.67 in)
Slide
bedway
Hill
≤300 mm
(11.81 in)
≤300 mm
(11.81 in)
≤300 mm
(11.81 in)
> 1.2 m (47.24 in)
Exit ≤ 1.5 m (59.05 in)
height
Legend:
= Slide clearance zone
= Protective surfacing zone
= No-encroachment zone
(Continued)
March 2020
112
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
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Figure 33 (Continued)
c) Embankment slide ≤ 1.2 m
525 mm
(20.67 in)
End of exit section
525 mm (20.67 in)
+
bedway width
+
525 mm (20.67 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
minimum
525 mm (20.67 in)
+
bedway width
+
525 mm (20.67 in)
Slide
bedway
Hill
≤300 mm
(11.81 in)
≤300 mm
(11.81 in)
≤300 mm
(11.81 in)
> 1.2 m (47.24 in)
Exit
height
Legend:
= Slide clearance zone
= Protective surfacing zone
Note: At no point shall the embankment slide, excluding the exit section, be greater than 300 mm (11.81 in) above
the surrounding ground surface.
March 2020
113
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 34
Details of a track ride
(See Clauses 14.7, 15.13.2.1, 15.13.3.1, and 15.13.4.1.)
Track
Handle
1.95 m
(76.77 in)
maximum
1.6 m
(62.99 in)
minimum
Side view
Riding zone
900 mm (35.43 in)
minimum
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
900 mm (35.43 in)
minimum
900 mm
(35.43 in)
minimum
900 mm
(35.43 in)
minimum
Top view
Legend:
= Protective surfacing zone
March 2020
114
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
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Figure 35
Details of a cable ride
(See Clauses 15.14.1 and 15.14.3.)
Radius 1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.2 m (47.24 in)
Star!ng
zone
Riding zone
1.8 m (70.87 in)
Arriving
zone
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.8 m (70.87 in)
900 mm
(35.43 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
1.2 m (47.24 in)
900 mm (35.43 in)
1.8 m
(70.87 in)
Top view
Cable
2.4 m (94.49 in)
Slope not to
exceed 30°
from horizontal
Pulley
2.1 m (82.68 in)
375 mm
(14.76 in)
Stopper
1.7 m (66.93 in) minimum
2.4 m (94.49 in) maximum
2.4 m (94.49 in)
Side view
Legend:
= Protective surfacing zone
= No-encroachment zone
Note: The minimum distance between two adjacent cables shall be 1.8 m (70.87 in).
March 2020
115
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 36
Details of a sliding pole
(See Clause 15.5.)
1.5 m
(59.06 in)
minimum
Platform
375 mm
(14.76 in) maximum
Protective
surfacing
450 mm (17.72 in) minimum
500 mm (19.69 in) maximum
Section view
March 2020
Plan view
116
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 37 a)
Height/length ratio of the sliding surface
(See Clause 15.6.5.1.)
Total length of slide
Platform
Total
height
of slide
Elevation
of slide
Finished height of protective surfacing
Note: The height of the sliding surface divided by the length of the sliding surface shall not exceed 0.577.
Figure 37 b)
Total height of embankment slide
(See Clauses 14.1.3, 14.6.3, 14.6.5, and 15.6.5.1.)
Platform
Total
height
of slide
Top of
protective
surface
March 2020
117
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 38
Details of the slide cross-section
(See Clause 15.6.5.7.)
100 mm
(3.94 in)
90°
90°
300 mm (11.81 in) minimum (18 months to 5 years old)
400 mm (15.75 in) minimum (5 to 12 years old)
Figure 39
Details of the sidewall height and width
(See Clause 15.6.5.7.)
Slide chute radius
Minimum vertical
sidewall height (H)
Slide chute width
H = (100 mm [3.94 in]) –
March 2020
2 × slide chute width
slide chute radius
118
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 40
Details of the slide exit section
(See Clauses 15.6.5.4, 15.6.6.1, and 15.6.6.2.)
750 mm (29.53 in) minimum
0° to –10°
Exit section
275 mm (10.83 in)
minimum
Figure 41
Height of the exit region
(See Clause 15.6.6.4.)
Platform
Elevation
of slide
Exit
height
Top of protective surfacing
Notes:
1) If the elevation is less than 1.2 m (47.24 in), the exit height shall be not less than the finished grade and not
greater than 275 mm (10.83 in).
2) If the elevation is more than 1.2 m (47.24 in), the exit height shall be between 175 and 380 mm (6.89 and
14.96 in).
March 2020
119
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
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Figure 42
Slide clearance
(See Clause 15.6.7.1)
Clear area
1.5 m
(59.06 in)
525 mm
(20.67 in)
525 mm
(20.67 in)
525 mm
(20.67 in)
Slide chute
March 2020
120
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
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Figure 43
Spiral slide clearance
(See Clause 15.6.7.2)
Post
Platform
Stairway
Clear area
864 mm (34 in)
(5 to 12 year old)
686 mm (27 in)
(18 months to
5 years old)
R 533 mm
(21 in)
533 mm
(21 in)
Slide chute
533 mm
(21 in)
Note: This Figure has been adapted, with permission, from ASTM F1487, Standard Consumer Safety Performance
Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard can be obtained from ASTM International,
www.astm.org.
March 2020
121
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
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Figure 44
Single axis swings
(See Clause 15.7.5.1.)
Swing bay clearance
500 mm
(19.69 in) min.
500 mm
(19.69 in) min.
500 mm
(19.69 in) min.
Support
structure
Pivot
point
Fall
height
1.5 m
(59.06 in)
Top of
protective
surfacing
A 600 mm
(23.62 in) min.
A
750 mm
(29.53 in)
min.
A
750 mm
(29.53 in)
min.
A
300 mm
(11.81 in)
min.
A
600 mm
(23.62 in)
min.
A
750 mm
(29.53 in)
min.
Legend:
AI —I Measured when occupied by maximum users
— Clearance
Note: This Figure has been adapted, with permission, from ASTM F1487, Standard Consumer Safety Performance
Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard can be obtained from ASTM International,
www.astm.org.
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Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Figure 45
Multi-axis swings
(See Clauses 15.7.5.2 and 15.7.6.)
Swing bay clearance
750 mm
(29.53 in)
minimum
750 mm
(29.53 in)
minimum
Pivot
point
Support
structure
Y
Top of protec!ve surfacing
Fall
height
300 mm
(11.81 in) minimum
Legend:
YI =I the vertical distance from the pivot point to the sitting surface of the seat.
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Figure 46
Rotating equipment platform configuration
(See Clause 15.9.3.)
Rotang plaorm
C
A
B
Legend:
AI =I axis of rotation
ABI =I minimum radius
ACI =I maximum radius
Note: The difference between dimensions AB and AC shall not exceed 50 mm (1.97 in).
Figure 47
See-saw
(See Clause 15.10.)
1.5 m
(59.06 in)
maximum
Automobile
tires
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Figure 48
Stacked three-dimensional mesh vertical clear opening PASS/FAIL
(See Clause 15.15.2.6.2.)
Vertical opening shall
be no greater than
1.8 m (70.87 in)
External
fall height
Internal
fall height
508 mm (20 in) diameter
and 1.8 m (70.87 in) length
Fail
Note: Three-dimensional matrix structure passes because the vertical clear opening between flexible members is
less than 1.8 m (70.87 in).
Vertical opening shall
be no greater than
1.8 m (70.87 in)
External
fall height
Internal
fall height
508 mm (20 in) diameter
and 1.8 m (70.87 in) length
Pass
Note: Three-dimensional matrix structure fails because the vertical clear opening between flexible members is
greater than 1.8 (70.87).
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Figure 49
Spatial net exterior fall heights
(See Clause 15.15.2.6.3.)
1.1 m
(43.31 in)
Exterior
fall height
External frame style
1.1 m
(43.31 in)
Exterior
fall height
Central mast style
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Figure 50
Swing impact test device arrangement
(See Clauses 15.7.7.2 and 15.7.7.3.)
610 mm
(24 in)
Pivot point
60°
Suspension
element
Test mass
Suspended
element
Figure 51
Vertical rotating equipment attached to a support structure
(See Clause 15.9.5.1.)
Upper pivot
Support structure
Upper boundary of clear area
ar area
ry of cle
a
d
n
u
o
Upper b
90°
Clear area free of equipment
Min 1.8 m (70.87 in)
Clear area free of equipment
Min 1.8 m (70.87 in)
Finished grade
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Figure 52
Exterior frame three-dimensional matrix net internal fall height
(See Clause 15.15.2.6.3.)
508 mm (20 in) diameter
Internal fall height
Top of protective surfacing
Side view
508 mm (20 in) diameter
Top view
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Figure 53
Mast-style three-dimensional matrix net internal fall height
(See Clause 15.15.2.6.3.)
508 mm (20 in) diameter
Internal fall height
Top of protective surfacing
Side view
508 mm (20 in) diameter
Top view
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Figure 54
Three-dimensional vertical clear opening PASS/FAIL
(See Clause 15.15.2.6.2.)
508 mm (20 in) diameter
and 1.8 m (70.87 in) height
Vertical opening shall be no
greater than 1.8 m (70.87 in)
Pass
Note: Three-dimensional matrix structure passes because the vertical clear opening between flexible members is
less than 1.8 m (70.87 in)
(Continued)
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Figure 54 (Concluded)
508 mm (20 in) diameter
and 1.8 m (70.87 in) height
Vertical opening shall be no
greater than 1.8 m (70.87 in)
Fail
Note: Three-dimensional matrix structure fails because the vertical clear opening between flexible members is
more than 1.8 m (70.87 in).
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Figure 55
DPS test
(See Clause 12.7.)
50 mm × 50 mm
block
50 mm × 50 mm
block
50 mm × 50 mm
block
Surface
contact
Contact
points
Surface
contact
Surface
contact
Contact
points
Surface
contact
< 30°
Not a DPS
not full surface
contact
March 2020
Not a DPS
not full surface
contact
A DPS
full surface
contact
132
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Annex A (informative)
Advantages of using playground equipment for the
children’s development
Notes:
1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
2) See Clause 5.
A.1 Supervised play opportunities
The presence of an adult who serves as a play leader, guide, and facilitator can greatly enhance the play
experiences of children. Supervision can be exercised formally by paid staff or by more informal means,
such as community volunteers, playgroup parents/leaders, or other informal community systems.
Paid supervisors, community volunteers, or parents can identify a risky element that requires attention,
such as broken glass or a piece of equipment that requires immediate repair.
Comfortable seating facing the play zones should be provided for play supervisors.
A.2 Supervision by summer workers
Many municipalities and communities engage people to serve as supervisors of playgrounds during the
summer months, when the playgrounds receive heavy use. These staff are supplementary to the
technical staff who maintain and clean the play area, including water play facilities.
Play supervisors (or leaders) should have an interest or training in child development or recreation.
They should receive some training in their responsibilities. Supervisor training should also include
instruction on identifying and reporting needed site and equipment maintenance.
A number of parks and recreation agencies have developed training programs and manuals on play
leadership and supervision. These are a good source of information for those developing a program of
supervised play. In addition to provincial parks and recreation associations, recreation consultants
employed in some provinces by ministries of recreation are also a source of information. In larger
municipalities, there is sometimes an organized, formal training program for summer play leaders.
Play resource centres and parent playgroup committees can also be a source of information.
A.3 Some elements that may appear in a supervised play area
A.3.1 Shelter
Consideration should be given to providing some protection from sun and inclement weather. Creative
play activities and fine-motor activities can also be provided in such shelters. The design should be such
that children can be easily supervised.
A.3.2 Storage
Some storage space is required in most supervised playgrounds. This should be a secure space for
maintenance, materials, and equipment storage. If the design of the storage area allows for play use by
children, there should be no possibility of children being trapped inside. The supervisor should be able
to lock the door in an open position as well as lock it shut.
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A.3.3 Water play areas
When possible, play areas should provide access to water to promote creative, social, and intellectual
(cognitive) development. Play facilities that encourage playing with water should be put in place. These
can take the form of play streams, water channels, faucets, or manual pumps.
A.3.4 Loose materials
Loose materials are essential ingredients for creative play and should be provided wherever possible.
They should be provided in a supervised area with defined limits, such as an enclosure. A flat area,
separated and protected from physical play activities that can interfere, should be provided.
Recommended loose materials include the following:
a) large unit blocks and boards [20 × 200 mm (0.79 × 7.87 in)] in various lengths and hollow wooden
blocks with recommended dimensions of 200 × 200 × 200 mm (7.87 × 7.87 × 7.87 in) and 200 × 200
× 400 mm (7.87 × 7.87 × 15.75 in). These should be stable enough to allow children to build smallscale spaces. All edges should be rounded, and the blocks and/or boards should possess the
characteristics of a safe toy for young children. They should be finished for outdoor use and
suitable in size, weight, and bulk for handling by small children;
b) containers of all kinds;
c) blankets, rugs, pieces of cloth, and old clothes for dress-up;
d) wagons and other wheeled toys, including wheelbarrows;
e) paper and craft materials;
f) balls and other objects;
g) bolsters, cushions, and other soft and foam objects; and
h) play parachutes and other elements for co-operative games.
Handles and grips on items should enable young children to achieve secure gripping and manipulation.
Other loose materials to be used outside the specified creative play area may also be offered. These can
include props to encourage role-play and dramatic play by young children, and tools and hardware for
the activities of older children.
A.3.5 Garden plots
Where possible, garden plots should be made available to school-age children. Supervision is necessary
for the distribution of gardening tools and for watering.
A knowledgeable adult can also provide children with useful training in good gardening techniques.
A.3.6 Fire
Fire is an interesting element to children. Children can learn its appropriate use under controlled
conditions through supervised experiences while satisfying their natural curiosity about this
phenomenon. It should be allowed only in specified and appropriate containment devices, such as fire
rings, stoves, and barbecues.
All coals and by-products of the fire should be removed from the play area at the end of the supervised
session.
All means for making fire (e.g., fuel, lighters, etc.) should be secured when not supervised. Children
should be clearly advised of the dangers of fire and taught how to make appropriate use of the
element. Representatives of a local fire department are sometimes able to fulfill this service.
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A.3.7 Pets and animals
Pets and other animals provide children with the opportunity to offer affectionate, responsible, and
nurturing care.
Pets and animals should be provided only in supervised facilities where the needs of the animals are
met at all times.
Neighbourhood pets in a playground should be closely supervised because some children might fear a
particular type of animal or have an allergy. Situations that can cause such reactions should be avoided.
Pets can bite and also contribute to health problems at the site through contamination of play areas.
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Annex B (informative)
Sample maintenance/inspection checklist
Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
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(Continued)
Date:
Time:
Location:
Inspected by:
General site
conditions
Composite
playstructure
(2)
Composite
playstructure
(1)
Merry-gorounds/whirls
Climbers
See-saws
Spring toys
Swing, tire
Slides
Swing, belt
Swing, tot
Equipment
Chains
S-hooks/fastening devices
Seats/tires
Hanger bearings
Grease fittings
Stability in ground/tilting
Exposed concrete
Entanglement points/areas
End/centre fittings
Chain covers
Hand/safety railings
Support bars/legs
Fastening points/areas
Sidewalls of slide bedways
Entrapment points/areas
Sharp edges/points
Stairs/steps
Plastic components cracking/damage
Notes:
Categories
Springs and bars
Handles
Pivot points
Nuts and bolts
Ground clearance
Locking devices (interior/external)
Wood checking, max. 19 mm (0.75 in)
Protrusions
Caps/plugs
Protective surfacing material/borders
Equipment spacing/no-encroachment
Benches
Debris/broken glass
Pathways
Lighting
Signs
Fencing
Condition legend:
Satisfactory
Attention required
X Condition: Attention required
Action
Date
taken completed
(See Clause 11.2.4.)
Table B.1
Example of a playground maintenance/inspection form
CSA Z614:20
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
CSA Z614:20
Table B.1 (Concluded)
Note: The shaded areas represent categories that do not typically need to be considered for the specific
equipment.
Explanation of maintenance/inspection categories
Item
Precautions
Chains
Check for bent, worn, and open links; pinch; rust; and rough edges.
S-hooks/fastening devices
Check for excessive wear or cracking. Ensure that they are properly
closed. Never reuse S-hooks.
Seats/tires
Check all rubber seats for wear, sharp edges or points, and scorching or
burn damage. Ensure that safety bars on tot seats are intact and fixed in
a stationary position. Check tires for wear and sharp protrusions. Ensure
that all fastening points are secure.
Hanger bearings
Check for worn or excessive play in bearings and bushings. Lubricate
nuts, bolts, and grease fittings. Replace corroded bolts and rivets. Check
that clamps are secure.
Grease fittings
Lubricate moving parts as required. Wipe off all excess oil or grease.
Stability in ground/tilting
Structures should not easily sway. Connections should be solid and
properly adjusted. Check the alignment of supports, platforms, barriers,
etc. Check for any sign of sinking. Check all posts (wood and steel) in
ground for corrosion or rot to a minimum of 375 mm (14.76 in) below
ground level at least once annually.
Exposed concrete
Remove any exposed concrete to a minimum of 150 mm (5.90 in) below
ground level. Backfill and level depressions and open holes with proper
material.
Entanglement points/
areas
Check for gaps that can entangle clothing, drawstrings, etc. Pay particular
attention to the sitting and sliding sections of slides and the entrance of
sliding poles.
End/centre fittings
Check that nuts and bolts of clamps and fittings are secure. Check for
sharp-edged, cracked, or broken fittings.
Chain covers
Check all fastening points (top and bottom). Check for damaged covers
and visible signs of wear on swing chain.
Hand/safety railings,
support bars/legs, and
fastening points/areas
Check for splitting, splinters, protruding bolts, or nails. Check all welds.
Check that all bolts and nuts are secure. Block off entrance or opening if
there is any delay in repairs.
Sidewalls of slide bedways Check for protruding bolts or rivet heads and missing or loose bolts.
Ensure that all bolts are properly fastened and secure. Check all welds.
Check for rust or corrosion, metal fatigue, and rough or sharp edges.
Entrapment points/areas
Ensure that all angles, joining points, or openings are less than 90 mm
(3.6 in) or more than 225 mm (8.86 in) to minimize the chance of head
or neck entrapment. Check for pinch, crush, or shear points that can
cause injury.
Sharp edges/points
Check for edges that can cut a user’s skin or points that can puncture or
lacerate a user’s skin during use.
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Item
Precautions
Stairs/steps
Check all platforms, stairs, and steps for safety. Check welds at all steel
joints. Check all bolts for secure and proper fastening.
Plastic components
Check for cracks, sharp edges, discoloration, scorching or burn damage,
abrasion, excess wear, and other damage. Ensure that components are
properly fastened and secure.
Springs and bars
Check and secure spring mounts. Check springs carefully for instability,
tilting, and exposed concrete fittings. Check if handbars and footbars are
in place and secure.
Handles
Ensure that handles are securely fastened. Check welds, bolts, etc. Check
for sharp points, bending, warping, and unevenness.
Pivot points
Test pivot points for free movement. Check swivels, bearings, nuts, and
bolts for excess wear. Check for loose, worn, rusted, or corroded
hardware. Properly grease or lubricate where required. Remove excess
lubricant.
Ground clearance
Check for proper clearances of all structures and equipment components
as specified in this Standard.
Locking devices
Ensure that all locking fastening devices (interior and external) are
secure.
Wood checking
Check wood timbers and support posts for excess checking. Note cracks
exceeding 19 mm (0.79 in).
Protrusions
Check for protruding bars, bolts, nuts, etc. Test with applicable
protrusion gauge. Cover or file sharp edges.
Caps/plugs
Check for and file sharp edges. Replace broken cap covers. Cap all openended pipes with plastic plugs.
Protective surfacing
material/borders
Check border-edging material for cracking, chipping, excessive checking,
splintering, decay, or damage. Check for exposed concrete. Ensure that
there is an adequate depth of protective surfacing material under and
around equipment for a minimum of 1.8 m (70.87 in) or as required and
specified in this Standard. Ensure that the surfacing material is loose; not
compacted; and free of debris, broken glass, needles, animal excrement,
etc.
Equipment spacing/noencroachment
Ensure proper spacing between equipment, protective surfacing zones,
and no-encroachment zones as required and specified in this Standard.
Benches
Check for splinters, excessive checking, cracking, decayed or damaged
material, and problems with stability and tilting. Check fastening points.
Secure all nuts, bolts, etc. Check welds. Check for sharp edges.
Debris/broken glass
Check entire playground for debris and litter, broken glass, needles or
syringes, animal excrement, etc. Check sand areas and protective
surfacing materials for compaction.
Pathways
Check for any visible damage. Check for low ponding areas.
Lighting
Check for any visible damage. Ensure that lights are in proper working
order.
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Item
Precautions
Signs
Check for any visible damage or graffiti. Check for proper pedestrian
head clearance. Check fastening points. Replace weathered or damaged
signs.
Fencing
Inspect for any visible damage. Check for any protruding point, fence
fabric, and hardware (bolts, nuts, etc.). Check for attachments, e.g.,
skipping ropes.
Table B.2
Potential defects and faults
(See Clause11.2.6.)
Item
Precautions
Access/egress
Check for missing or broken rungs, steps, or treads; loosened or
missing planks; splinters in handholds; and blocked exits.
Crush points
Check for broken covers exposing crush points as well as exposed
mechanisms.
Decay and deterioration
Check for rust, cracks, decay or rot, heavy wear, and evidence of insect
attacks.
Drainage
Check for plugged I and G in tires, equipment, or hollow components.
Special attention should be paid to heavy-use areas, such as those
under swings and slide exit regions.
Edges
Check for protrusions, sharp points, or sharp edges.
Emergency equipment
Ensure that the telephone is in working order, emergency numbers are
up to date, and emergency access is not blocked.
Enclosures and fences
Check that enclosures and fences are not broken, tilted, or otherwise
damaged.
Equipment protective
surfacing zones
Check for obstacles in equipment protective surfacing zones.
Foundations
Check that foundations are not eroded, beginning to rot, loose in
ground, or exposed.
Guards and handrails
Check for missing, bent, broken, loosened, burnt, or wobbly guards
and handrails.
Hardware
Check for loosened, missing, bent, worn, or open hooks or rings;
protruding nails or hardware; and missing protective caps.
Lead paint
Use non–lead-based paints in all new equipment and when repainting
existing equipment to eliminate the risk of childhood lead poisoning
from playground equipment.
Lubrication
Check for noisy or squeaky motion.
Moving parts
Check for worn bearings, jammed or non-functioning equipment, lack
of lubrication, excessive motion, noisy motion, missing protective
pieces, or loose spring castings.
(Continued)
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Table B.2 (Concluded)
Item
Precautions
Needles
Remove needles in a safe manner. Do not handle them directly; use a
tool, such as pliers. Contact local authorities for disposal of needles.
Other general hazards
Check for potential clothing entanglement hazards and open S-hooks.
Check for trip hazards, such as exposed footings on anchoring devices,
or rocks, roots, or any other environmental obstacles in the play area.
Children should remove helmets, other than those worn for medical
reasons, before play on the equipment. Remove all ropes and skipping
ropes tied to the equipment.
Other surfaces
Check for uneven, worn, poorly drained, or otherwise damaged
surfaces.
Other surfaces and
pathways
Check for worn patches, holes, and cracks.
Park furnishings
Check for broken, upturned, or otherwise damaged furnishings.
Plastics, fibreglass, and
rubber
Check for splitting, cracking, breaking, discoloration, scorching or burnt
areas, abrasion, or wear.
Protective surfacing
Check for compacted, eroded, unsanitary, or littered surfacing;
surfacing that has been displaced to an ineffective level; and surfacing
that is not extensive enough to cover the recommended area.
Roads, sidewalks, and
pathways
Check for unevenness, frost damage, and poor drainage.
Ropes and cables
Check for worn spots, fraying, vandalism, degradation, deteriorating
joints and splicing, insecure attachments, and ropes or skipping ropes
tied to equipment.
Sand facilities
Check for rancid sand, signs of stained clothing or skin, debris,
insufficient sand, and a need for raking. Check that the lid is in good
condition. Change sand at least once a year in areas where there is a
high incidence of animal excrement deposits.
Seats
Check for missing, damaged, or loosened seats; sharp edges or
corners; and insecure fittings or attachments.
Site
Remove foreign objects, such as nails, glass, ponding water, sharp
objects, litter, and syringes, and any entanglement, such as scarves,
skipping ropes, shoelaces, and belts.
Structure
Check for bending, warping, scorching, cracking, loosening, breaking,
distortion, vandalism, uneven surfaces, splintered or decaying wood,
corroded or damaged metal, exposed footings, and unstable anchoring
of equipment.
Supervision
Determine volume of use relative to maintenance costs, costs of
vandalism, success of measures for reduced injuries, etc.
Surface finishes
Check for missing protective coats, splinters, and initial signs of rust or
corrosion.
Water facilities
Check for leaks, clogged drains, improper drainage, debris, and
growths. Check for non-functioning sprays on other components.
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Table B.3
Maintenance and repair considerations
(See Clause 11.4.2.)
Item
Precautions
Asphalt paths and catch basins
Check for any uneven, eroding, and crumbling asphalt and for low
ponding areas. Check for tripping hazards that can occur if catch
basins are exposed, highly elevated, or greatly depressed. Ensure
that catch basins are properly secured.
Chain covers
Check all fastening points (top and bottom). Check for damaged
covers and any visible sign of wear on swing chains.
Chains
Check for bent, worn, or open links; pinch points; rust; or any
rough edges.
Debris and broken glass
Check entire play area for debris, broken glass, and animal
excrement. Rake to loosen sand in sandboxes. Check sandboxes
for glass, animal excrement, etc.
End/centre fittings
Check that nuts and bolts or clamps and fittings are secure. Check
for sharp-edged, cracked, or broken fittings.
Entrapment points/areas
Ensure that all angles joining points or openings are less than
88.90 mm (3.5 in) or more than 228.60 mm (9.0 in) to reduce the
chance of head entrapment (see Clause 12). Check for any crush
or shear point that can cause injury. Remove any rope or string
attached to structures.
Exposed concrete
Remove all exposed concrete to 150 mm (5.91 in) below grade.
Backfill and level depressions and open holes with proper
material.
Fencing
Check for any visible damage. Check for any protruding points
and hardware (bolts, nuts, etc.).
Grease fittings
Lubricate moving parts as required. Wipe off excess oil or grease.
Ground clearance and surfacing
below equipment
Fill any depression around equipment with proper material.
Ensure that concrete footings, rocks, and roots are not exposed.
Ensure that all equipment is properly placed away from other
equipment and traffic patterns. Check for obstacles in equipment
protective surfacing zones.
Hand/safety railings, support
bars/legs, steps, and fastening
points
Check for splitting, splinters, or protruding bolts or nails. Check all
welds and check that all bolts and nuts are secure. Block off the
entrance and any opening if any repair needs to be made until it
is completed.
Handles
Ensure that handles are securely fastened and are not able to
slide back and forth. Check welds and bolts, etc. Ensure that there
are no sharp points and no bending, warping, or unevenness.
Check for missing protective caps.
Hanger bearings
Check for worn or excessive play in bearings and bushings.
Lubricate nuts and bolts. Grease fittings. Replace corroded bolts
and rivets. Check that clamps are secure.
(Continued)
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Table B.3 (Concluded)
Item
Precautions
Landscaping
Sweep all hard surfaces. Prune all trees and shrubs. Empty all
trash receptacles. Mow and water surrounding grassed areas.
Lighting and signs
Check for any visible damage. Replace or have repainted any
weathered or damaged signage. Replace broken or damaged
lights.
Locking devices
Check all locking devices, interior and exterior, to ensure that they
are secure. Check all wood timbers for major cracking [i.e., cracks
exceeding 19 mm (0.75 in) in width].
Pivot points
Test pivot points for free movement. Check swivels and bearing
points for wear. Check for loose, worn, rusted, and corroded
hardware. Grease and lubricate properly. Remove excess
lubricant.
Protrusions and protective caps
and plugs
Check for protruding bars, bolts, nuts, etc. Cover or file sharp
edges. Cap all open-ended pipes with plastic plugs. Replace
broken cap covers. Check tires for protrusions and sharp edges.
Ropes
Remove all ropes and skipping ropes tied to any of the
equipment.
Seats
Check rubber seats for wear, sharp edges or points, and scorching
and burn damage. Ensure that safety bars on baby seats are
intact and fixed. Check tires for wear and cracks. Ensure that all
fastening points are secure.
S-hooks and other connectors
Check for excessive wear. Dispose of damaged or cracked S-hooks
and other connectors. Check the connectors at both ends of
suspending elements of swings to ensure that they are properly
closed. Ensure that all connection points have 1.0 mm (0.04 in)
gaps. Never reuse connectors.
Sidewalls of slide bedways
Check for protruding bolts or rivet heads and missing or loose
bolt welds, and ensure that all are properly fastened and secure.
Check for rust or corrosion, metal fatigue, and rough or sharp
edges. Check for any crush points or shear points that can cause
injury. Remove any rope or string attached to structures.
Springs and bars
Check for loose spring mounts. Replace broken springs. Check for
instability in ground, tilting, and exposed concrete or fittings.
Check for missing protective pieces. Ensure that hand support
bars are in place and secure.
Stability in ground
Ensure that structures are not easily swayed and that connections
are solid and adequately secured. Check all posts (wood and
steel) in ground for corrosion or rot to a depth of 150 mm
(5.91 in) below grade. Check for unstable anchoring of
equipment.
Stairs of slides
Check all platforms and steps for safety. Sweep as necessary.
Check for any foreign object on slide bedway, and sweep as
necessary. Check welds at all steel joints and all bolts at points of
fastening.
(Continued)
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Table B.3 (Concluded)
Item
Precautions
Surfacing
Check for equipment that does not have adequate protective
surfacing under and around it and for surfacing materials that
have deteriorated or that have been displaced. Check loose
surfacing materials for foreign objects or debris. Check loose
surfacing materials for compaction and reduced depth, with
special attention to heavy-use areas, such as the area under
swings and slide exit regions. Check entire play area for drainage
problems, with special attention to heavy-use areas, such as areas
under swings, step bases, rocker toys, and slide poles, and slide
exit regions. Sweep and wash synthetic surfaces regularly.
Tilting
Check units and components for signs of tilting and/or sinking.
Check alignment of major support posts and beams, platforms,
fireman poles, steps, etc.
Tires
Check for wear and cracks. Ensure that all fastening points are
secure. Check for exposed steel belts.
Tube slides
Check for cracking and damage. Check for cracks, sharp edges,
discoloration, scorching or burning, abrasion, or wear. Ensure
proper fastening (top and bottom). Tighten bolts or replace them.
Wooden borders and benches
Check for and remove splinters. Check for decaying wood. Check
wood for any excessive crack, welds on seating, and insecure
fittings. Check the condition of paint or stain. Look for vandalism.
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CSA Z614:20
Annex C (informative)
Suggested injury report form
Notes:
1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
2) This form indicates the type of general information that an organization gathers in the event of an injury.
Each organization will need to add information appropriate for its specific situation. CSA Group invites
submission of injury report forms to assist in developing future improvements to playground safety.
3) See Clause 11.2.5.
Figure C.1
Suggested injury report form
Injury Report Form
Background information
Facility name and address: ___________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Contact person: _________________________________________________
Type of facility:
☐ Backyard
☐ Daycare playground
☐ Schoolyard playground
☐ Other (specify) _______________________
Injured person:
Name: _________________________
Has the person been injured on playground
equipment before?
Sex ☐ M
☐ No
☐F
Age: ______
☐ Yes: Explain ______________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Injury information
Date of injury (Y/M/D): ____ / ____ / ____
Time of injury (24 h clock): ___________
Describe what the injured person was doing when the injury occurred, what went wrong, and what
actually caused the injury:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Type of injury
☐ Fall from equipment and at what height _______________________ m
☐ Collision with an object
☐ Collision with a person
(Continued)
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CSA Z614:20
Figure C.1 (Continued)
Injury Report Form
☐ Poisoning (specify) _________________________________________
☐ Burn (specify) ____________________________________________
☐ Other (specify) ___________________________________________
Equipment/Surface involved
Identify what equipment was involved:
☐ None
☐ Swing
☐ Spring toy
☐ Bicycle/tricycle
☐ Horizontal ladder
☐ Slide
☐ Surfacing (e.g., unitary, loosefill)
☐ Climber
☐ Other (specify) ___________________
If possible, specify the source of equipment (name of manufacturer): ____________________
Date of purchase/installation: _____________
Installed by: ______
Model #: _______________________
In case of fall
How high was the structure?
☐ NA
☐ Less than 1.5 m (60 in)
☐ 1.5 m to 3 m (60 to 120 in)
Where did the person fall from and onto what?
☐ Backwards from ladder
☐ Sideways from slide bed
☐ From platform over protective barrier
☐ From platform through guardrail
☐ From platform to platform
☐ From the top of the slide onto the bed of the slide
☐ Other (specify): __________________________________
What was the surface like at the location of the injury?
☐ Grass
☐ Sand
☐ Concrete
☐ Gravel
☐ Synthetic
☐ Other (specify): ________________________________
(Continued)
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Figure C.1 (Concluded)
Injury Report Form
Thickness of surfacing: ________________________________________________________________
If elements of clothing were involved (drawstrings, etc.), please specify:
___________________________________________________________________________________
Provide any information that would help explain why the injury occurred (e.g., weather conditions):
___________________________________________________________________________________
Supervision
Was an adult present at the site of the injury?
☐ No adult present
☐ Teacher
☐ Parent/caregiver
☐ Other (specify): ___________________________
Nature of injury
☐ Minor (e.g., a scratch)
☐ Very serious (e.g., a concussion)
☐ Serious (e.g., a fracture)
☐ Fatal
Please describe the area of injury on the body and the type of injury:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
If there were multiple areas of injury on the body, which area, in your opinion, incurred the most
serious injury?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Comments:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Preventive actions to be taken:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Date of form completion (Y/M/D): ___ / ___ / ___
By: __________________________________
Title: ________________________________
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Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
Annex D (informative)
Recommended protective surfacing
Notes:
1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
2) See Clause 10.3.1.
D.1 General
All playground protective surfacing systems should be considered according to their merits. At each
stage of selection, specification, acquisition, installation, maintenance, and repair, there are costs that
should be balanced with the advantages and disadvantages of the surface system or combination of
systems. For most types of loosefill material, a minimum depth of 300 mm (11.81 in) should be
observed (see Table D.1).
D.2 Depth of loosefill surfacing materials
Tables D.1 and D.2 may be used as a guide to the required depth for typical loosefill surfacing materials
for a minimum energy-absorbency value. The energy absorbency of the surfacing material is very
important, and users should be aware that the only measure of surfacing impact performance is as
specified in Clause 10.1. The use of Tables D.1 and D.2 should not be considered a substitute for the
energy-absorbency testing of a surfacing material.
D.3 Use of multiple surfacing materials
Where multiple surfacing types are used for a protective surfacing system in a playground, additional
maintenance is sometimes required to minimize the potential cross-contamination of the protective
surfacing materials. The owner or operator should be provided with information from the surfacing
supplier regarding the possible reduction of the life expectancy or performance of the protective
surfacing. Areas where there is a potential for cross-contamination sometimes require more frequent
testing to determine compliance with Clause 10.
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March 2020
Table D.1
Comparison of protective surfacing materials chart
(See Clauses 10.3.2, D.1, and D.2.)
Material type
Characteristics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Maintenance
Sand
A natural, clean, and nonpacking material. Size,
texture, and composition of
particles can vary. Some
sand types are not
appropriate for playground
use because of a tendency
to compact. With 300 mm
(11.81 in) depth of material,
an impact attenuation of
more than 2.5 m (98.43 in)
critical height, depending on
the type of sand, can be
achieved.
–
–
–
–
–
–
Low to medium cost
Easy to obtain
Easy to install
Durable
Non-flammable
Some types provide
excellent impactabsorption qualities.
– Does not support
microbial growth
– Can be hard to walk on
– Cannot be used with
wheelchairs or other
mobility aides
– Can be swallowed or get
into a user’s eyes, hair,
clothes, and shoes
– Can hide insects, animal
excrement, and sharp
objects
– Can be thrown,
scattered, or tracked
onto other surfaces
– Moisture, high humidity,
and freezing
temperatures can
reduce its effectiveness.
– Can have higher
ongoing maintenance
costs (due to kick-out,
redistribution, toppingup, etc.)
– Requires regular
inspection, periodic
raking, levelling and
sifting of compacted
sand, and removal of
foreign matter
– Requires periodic
addition of sand to top
it up, typically every
one to three years
– Subsurface preparation
is essential; it should
not be installed over
asphalt or concrete.
Pea gravel
Pea gravel consists of small,
clean, and rounded
particles. Crushed, broken,
or irregular particle sizes
should be avoided. With a
300 mm (11.81 in) depth of
clean material, impact
attenuation up to 2.5 m
(98.43 in) critical height can
be achieved.
–
–
–
–
– Can have higher
– Can be hard to walk on
and cannot be used with
ongoing maintenance
wheelchairs or other
costs (due to kick-out,
mobility aides
redistribution, toppingup, etc.)
– Can conceal insects,
– Requires regular
animal excrement, and
inspection, periodic
sharp objects
raking, and removal of
– Can be swallowed and
put in ears or nose
foreign matter
– Requires periodic
– Potential of formation
addition of gravel to
of “hard pan” under
surface
Loosefill materials
149
(Continued)
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
Low cost
Easy to obtain
Easy to install
Less attractive than
sand to animals
– Non-flammable
– Does not support
microbial growth
– Can provide good
drainage with proper
base
CSA Z614:20
March 2020
Table D.1 (Continued)
Material type
Characteristics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Maintenance
– Can be thrown,
scattered, and tracked
onto other surfaces. On
hard surfaces, it can
contribute to slip-fall
injuries.
– Moisture, high humidity,
and freezing
temperatures can
reduce its effectiveness.
top it up, typically every
one to two years
– Clean-up of adjacent
lawns and sidewalks is
necessary.
– Subsurface preparation
is essential; it should
not be installed over
asphalt or concrete.
Loosefill materials
Bark mulch comes from
trees used in urban tree
management and
landscaping programs. Bark
mulch can contain twigs and
leaves. Wood chips
generally do not contain
twigs or leaves. Wood
sources should be checked
before chipping for toxins or
allergens. With a 300 mm
(11.81 in) depth of material,
critical height of up to 3 m
(118.11 in) can be obtained.
– Low cost
– Easy to obtain
– Attractive natural
appearance
– Retards insect
infestation and fungal
growth with its mildly
acidic composition
– Can be swallowed or get – Can have higher
into a user’s eyes
ongoing maintenance
– Can be thrown or
costs (due to kick-out,
scattered
redistribution, topping– Decomposes and
up, etc.)
compacts over time
– Requires regular
– Can conceal animal
inspection, periodic
excrement and sharp
raking, and removal of
objects
foreign matter
– Supports microbial
– Requires periodic
growth when wet
addition and
– Moisture, high humidity,
replacement of bark
and freezing
mulch or wood chips,
temperatures can
typically every one to
reduce its effectiveness
three years
– Should not be installed
over asphalt or
concrete
Engineered wood fibre
Engineered wood fibre is
processed new or virgin
wood. It contains no twigs
or leaves. The wood source
should be checked before
–
–
–
–
– Initially more expensive
than other loosefill
options
Wheelchair-accessible
Fairly durable
Easy to obtain
Less abrasive than
sand
150
– Can have higher
ongoing maintenance
costs (due to kick-out,
redistribution, toppingup, etc.)
– Requires regular
inspection, periodic
(Continued)
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
Wood/bark mulch
CSA Z614:20
March 2020
Table D.1 (Continued)
Material type
Characteristics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Maintenance
chipping for toxins and
allergens. Installation over
asphalt or concrete can
result in reduced impact
results. With a 300 mm
(11.81 in) depth of material,
a critical height of more
than 3 m (118.11 in) can be
obtained.
– Retards insect
infestation and fungal
growth
– Free of twigs and
leaves
– Free of contaminants
– Stays in place better
than other loosefill
surface materials (e.g.,
sand and pea gravel)
– Can be installed over
hard surfaces under
certain conditions
– Can conceal insects,
animal excrement, and
sharp objects
– Supports microbial
growth when wet
– Moisture, high humidity,
and freezing
temperatures can
reduce its effectiveness
– Decomposes and
compacts over time
raking, and removal of
foreign matter
– Requires periodic
addition and
replacement of
engineered wood fibre,
typically every three to
five years
– Adequate drainage is
essential and will lower
long-term maintenance
costs.
– Engineered wood fibre
should not be worked
or loosened.
Rubber crumb is created by
the grinding up of tire
material. For playground
use, rubber crumb should
be free of metal or wire
from the reprocessing of
tires. Suppliers should also
be able to confirm that the
rubber does not contain
lead, other toxins, or
allergens, such as latex.
Installation over asphalt or
concrete can result in
reduced impact results.
With a 200 mm (7.87 in)
depth of material, a critical
height of more than 3 m
(118.11 in) can be achieved.
–
–
–
–
– Can conceal insects,
animal excrement, and
sharp objects
– Wide variation in quality
– Can contain wire or
metal, or other toxins
(e.g., lead and latex)
– Can be thrown or
scattered
– Can hide foreign matter
– Can be lodged in ears or
nose, or dust particles
can enter and remain in
lungs
– Can have higher
ongoing maintenance
costs (due to kick-out,
redistribution, toppingup, etc.)
– Requires regular
inspection, periodic
raking, and removal of
foreign matter
– Requires periodic
addition and
replacement of surface
material typically every
two to five years
Loosefill materials
Shredded tire crumb
151
(Continued)
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
Durable
Easy to install
Non-abrasive
Does not support
microbial growth
– Less attractive to
animals
– Some types of rubber
crumb are wheelchairaccessible.
CSA Z614:20
March 2020
Table D.1 (Continued)
Material type
Characteristics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Maintenance
Loosefill materials
Unitary synthetic materials
Synthetic tiles and mats are
a combination of a chemical
binder and a rubber filler.
Tiles are available in various
thicknesses, lengths,
colours, and patterns.
The tiles must be installed in
accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Installation over asphalt or
concrete can cause poor
impact results without
adequate subgrade
preparation. A critical height
of up to 3 m (118.11 in) can
typically be achieved;
however, the attenuation
results are highly variable
depending on the
manufacturer, type of
rubber, depth, pattern, etc.
–
–
–
–
Wheelchair-accessible
Stay in place
Easy to clean
Consistent impactabsorbing qualities
– Lower maintenance
costs over the long
term
– Decompose slowly
– Tend to be more stable
than poured-in-place
rubber surfacing
– More expensive than
other surfacing
materials because tiles
typically have a shorter
lifespan than the
equipment
– Require professional
installation
– Wide variation in quality
– Will lose impactattenuating properties
over time
– Regular inspection for
damage and debris
– General maintenance
cost involves sweeping,
blowing, or vacuuming
debris from surface.
– Damaged or worn tiles
can be replaced.
– Tiles will need to be
replaced when they
lose their impactabsorbing ability.
– A blower or vacuum is
sometimes required to
remove debris from air
pockets found in tile
surfaces.
Pour-in-place
Pour-in-place is a seamless
synthetic surface that is
formed with a chemical
binder and a rubber filler. It
can be installed on concrete
or asphalt but must be used
at suitable thickness and be
well anchored. A critical
height of up to 3 m (118.11
in) can typically be
achieved; however, the
–
–
–
–
– More expensive than
other surfacing
materials because pourin-place typically has a
shorter lifespan than the
equipment
– Requires professional
installation
– Wide variation in quality
– Regular inspection for
damage and debris
– General maintenance
cost involves sweeping,
blowing, or vacuuming
debris from surface.
– Surface can be
repaired.
– Rubber surface will
need to be replaced
when it loses its
impact-absorbing
ability.
Wheelchair-accessible
Stays in place
Easy to clean
Consistent impactabsorbing qualities
– Lower maintenance
costs over the long
term
– Decomposes slowly
– Tends to have better
impact attenuation
(Continued)
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
152
Tiles
Material type
Characteristics
Advantages
Disadvantages
Maintenance
– Will lose impactattenuating properties
over time
– Must be swept free of
dirt and other debris
that can collect and
decrease its shock
absorption
– A blower or vacuum is
sometimes required to
remove debris from air
pockets found in tile
surface.
CSA Z614:20
March 2020
Table D.1 (Concluded)
Loosefill materials
attenuation results are
highly variable depending
on the manufacturer, type
of rubber, and depth.
properties than tile
surfacing
Sources:
1) Calgary Injury Prevention Coalition Playground Safety Committee (2003). Comparison of Recommended Playground Surfaces. Soft Landings: A Guide to
Safe Playground Surfacing. www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/hecomm/IPC/kidsafe.htm.
2) Fortier, D. and Sergerie, D. (2001). Table 4: Comparison of Surfacing Material. Guide on Children’s Playgrounds—98. Montérégie, QC: Régie régionale de
la santé et des services sociaux de la Montérégie, Direction de santé publique.
3) Safe Kids Canada (2005). Surfacing Chart. http://www.parachutecanada.org/downloads/injurytopics/PlygrndSurfacingComparisonChartNov05.pdf.
4) Saskatchewan Institute on Prevention of Handicaps (2001). Table 1.2: Recommended Protective Surfacing Materials. Playground Safety Workshop
Resource Manual. Saskatoon: Saskatchewan Institute on Prevention of Handicaps.
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
153
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Table D.2
Loosefill protective surfacing material and critical height range
(See Clause D.2.)
Loosefill protective surfacing Recommended minimum depth
material
of material (compacted)
Critical height
Wood/bark mulch
300 mm (11.81 in)
Up to 3 m (118.11 in)
Engineered wood fibre
300 mm (11.81 in)
More than 3 m (118.11 in)
“Washed”,round, pea-type
gravel*
300 mm (11.81 in)
Up to 2.5 m (98.43 in)
Specified sand†
300 mm (11.81 in)
More than 2.5 m (98.43 in)
Shredded tire crumb
200 mm (7.87 in)
More than 3 m (118.11 in)
* Washed, round, pea-type gravel and sand should be clean to help avoid compaction.
† Specified sand should meet developed particle size analysis envelope test for determined impact-attenuation
requirement results.
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Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
Annex E (informative)
Annual cost considerations
Notes:
1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
2) See Clause 11.1.1.
E.1 Inspection and maintenance
Inspection and maintenance are priorities after purchasing play equipment. In terms of budgeting, these
activities can be more important than the purchase itself for the following reasons:
a) the cost of maintenance;
b) the cost of repair; and
c) the cost of inspection.
The annual cost of maintenance should be a factor in the budget.
The cost of training should also be considered. A qualified professional should make all repairs in
accordance with the original manufacturer’s recommended procedure. To maintain current standards,
all persons should have a thorough knowledge of current regulations and requirements.
E.2 Specific cost considerations
E.2.1 General
Costs for maintenance and inspection vary according to the playstructure equipment selected.
Items a) and b) provide examples of cost calculation.
a) For structure No. 1:
i) travel time averages 30 min × $A = $0.5A
ii) inspection time averages 45 min × 1 staff × $A = $0.75A
iii) estimated vehicle and equipment costs = $B
iv) estimated total = $1.25A + B
b) For structure No. 2:
i) travel time averages 30 min × $A = $0.5A
ii) inspection time averages 120 min × $A = $2A
iii) estimated vehicle and equipment costs = $B
iv) estimated total = $2.5A + B
Note: A = estimated cost of hourly wage and benefits
E.2.2 Vandalism and repairs
Vandalism and repairs should be considered in the buying process. Special attention should be paid to
quality and material durability. The cost of replacement parts and labour costs and requirements should
be considered in advance of purchase.
E.2.3 Inspection program
Inspections should be performed by a qualified inspector. The program should consist of a
a) daily/weekly visual inspection;
b) detailed recorded inspection every month; and
c) comprehensive annual inspection.
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Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
Annex F (informative)
Space requirements for recommended play activities
Notes:
1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
2) See Clause 15.9.2.
F.1 Location
Playgrounds for preschool children and those for school-aged children can be located separately or
adjacent to each other. However, because of the increasing number of young children using school-aged
facilities, preschool play facilities should be separated whenever possible from school-aged play
facilities.
Playgrounds can be located in residential areas or attached to facilities used by children, such as schools
and community centres.
Playgrounds for preschoolers should be located so that they are readily accessible to young children and
their parents. More factors than physical distance determine how far a child will travel to a playground.
Research shows that the spatial ranges of school-aged children are determined by their parents and
vary according to such factors as age, sex (significantly), birth order in the family, and so on. Obviously,
potential hazards en route, such as secluded or wooded areas, are restrictive. Therefore, playground
planners should take into consideration the specific characteristics of the neighbourhood when locating
a playground, paying particular attention to lighting, access routes, walking distance, and public visibility
of the playground.
F.2 Type of site
F.2.1 Natural topography
The playground should have good exposure to sunlight and some shade, be sheltered from wind, and
be well drained.
Shelter from rain and snow is desirable in areas receiving a considerable amount of precipitation.
Sites with steep gradients, high noise levels, or over tile septic beds are not desirable. Sites adjacent to
dangerous settings, such as high-voltage power lines and transformer stations, are unacceptable.
Vegetation and other landscape elements should be used to create an appropriate setting for play that
is appealing to children. The play area should have visually defined boundaries.
F.2.2 Play hills and skateboard hills
Play hills are one of the most popular facilities in a playground and are used in both summer and winter.
If surfaced with grass, they should be designed to alleviate wear and the necessity of frequent
replacement of sod (see Figure F.1). To permit safe mowing, the ratio of vertical to horizontal shapes
should not exceed 3:1. Hills surfaced with asphalt or concrete may be steeper, but the ratio of vertical
to horizontal should not exceed 1:1, and there should be adequate transition slopes at both the top and
bottom of the hill (see Figure F.2).
If a hill is intended to be used for tobogganing, there should be no obstructions, such as trees, benches,
or play equipment, present at the foot of, or on, the slope.
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CSA Z614:20
Figure F.1
Grass play hill
(See Clause F.2.2.)
2.0 m (78.74 in)
transition radius
3
1
2.0 m (78.74 in)
transition radius
Figure F.2
Asphalt or concrete play hill
(See Clause F.2.2.)
2.0 m (78.74 in)
transion radius
1
1
2.0 m (78.74 in)
transion radius
F.2.3 Layout
In the planning process, potential playgrounds should be investigated for the presence of any hazardous
material.
Spaces for each type of activity should be well defined. Conflicting activities, such as quiet play and
physical play, should not be located next to each other (see Clause F.3.16).
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Playgrounds and equipment should be located and oriented to take into account the following
environmental issues:
a) Sun orientation — The effect of where the sun shines at different times during the day should be
considered. Wherever possible, metal surfaces (e.g., slides) should be located in shaded areas or
facing north.
b) Prevailing winds — The effect of summer winds for cooling and ventilation, and the effect of winter
winds on drifting of snow should be considered.
c) Natural features — Trees and shrubs, rock outcrops, streams, and minor slopes can all be used to
improve the play experience of children. Pathways should link activity areas. Parking for cars and
bicycles should be separate and located near the perimeter of the playground where possible.
Bicycle parking areas should still be in view of the play area.
d) Protective surfacing and no-encroachment zones should be considered.
F.2.4 Screening
Spaces designed for activities that generate noise (active physical play) should be provided with some
acoustical screening, such as berms or vegetation, and should be located at a distance from activities or
residences that might be disturbed by the sounds of children at play.
F.2.5 Visual surveillance and security of children
All structures and landscaping within the play area should provide reasonable opportunity for
surveillance of the children at play in all portions of the playground. This means that masses of solid
screening should be avoided; screening and walls that offer opportunities for frequent visual
penetration and surveillance are preferred. The need for surveillance should be balanced by the user’s
need for small playgrounds and a sense of enclosure.
F.3 Suggested facilities and equipment for play activities
F.3.1 Preschool and kindergarten children (toddlers)
Suggested facilities and equipment for preschool and kindergarten children are shown in the following
table:
Activity
Suggested facilities and equipment*
Physical play
– hard-surface route, preferably a large or circular one for wheeled
toys
– facilities and space for large-muscle activities, such as climbing
equipment or swings
– soft open space for running or ball games; the space for physical
play should approximate 40% of the space in a playground
Social play (playing in small
groups)
– playhouse and other structures to encourage imaginative play
– landscaped enclosure
– table and benches or chairs
Manipulative cognitive play
(to create or manipulate)
– sandbox
– natural areas; pots and pans; outdoor blocks; boards; outdoor
drawing boards; and water play, such as spray pads
Quiet retreat play (to rest,
imagine, or watch)
– enclosures, landscaped or fenced
– table with seating
– perch or hideaway
* Facilities should be used only under supervision.
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Children’s playground equipment and surfacing
F.3.2 School-aged children
Suggested facilities and equipment for school-aged children are shown in the following table:
Activity
Suggested facilities and equipment
Physical play
– Games with balls or aerial objects (such as
Frisbee, ball hockey, or kite flying)
– open and level expanse of grass or hard
surface, uninterrupted by trees or electric
wires
– enclosure—fence or berm
– seating at periphery
– Ground-related games using the whole body
(such as tag or roller skating)
– open, level, hard-surface area or grassy area,
not necessarily flat
– enclosure—fence or berm
– seating at periphery
– Strategy games requiring smaller spaces (such
as marbles, hopscotch, or tether ball)
– protected small areas, 1 to 3 m2 (39.37 to
118.11 in2)
– smaller hard-surface or grass areas
– Activities that challenge dexterity and
muscular control
– climbing structures, balance bars, or swings
– Specific skills (such as skateboarding)
– See Clause F.3.4.
Manipulative cognitive play
– loose materials, such as blocks, boards, ropes,
sand, water sprays, and natural areas (Some of
these activities require supervision. See
Annex A.)
Social play
– tables and seating; table games, such as chess;
sheltered space; and natural area
F.3.3 Sand play areas
F.3.3.1 Size
The sand area should be large enough to encompass the activities of several groups of children without
interference. The total sand play area should be in proportion to the size of the overall play area. Where
there are likely to be large numbers of children of varying ages, the total area for sand play may be
divided into several smaller sand play areas. A 2 × 2 m (78.74 × 78.74 in) sand area can be a
comfortable cognitive sand play area for a group of up to ten children. A minimum total sand play area
of 6 × 7 m (236.22 × 275.59 in) is desirable in public parks and other public play areas. (This total should
not include impact sand in the equipment area.) Sand play is a popular play experience for children of
all ages, and the play area design should maximize the total amount of space for sand play.
F.3.3.2 Types of sand
The sand for creative play should pack together for moulding. Thoroughly washed brick sand or an
equivalent, such as seaside sand, should be used. Blow sand should not be used.
The sand should be free of organic material, dirt, clay, silt, iron, asbestos, and other contaminants.
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F.3.3.3 Depth of sand for play
The sand depth should allow for major excavations by the user without disturbing the foundations and
drainage. A minimum sand depth of 200 mm (7.87 in) should be observed. The preferred depth of sand
is 450 mm (17.72 in). See Figure F.3.
Figure F.3
Recommended sand depth for a sandbox
(See Clauses F.3.3.3 and F.3.3.7.)
85 mm
(3.35 in)
minimum
Interior curb
275 mm
(10.83 in)
maximum
Finished grade
200 mm (7.87 in) minimum
450 mm (17.72 in) preferred
Depth of sand
F.3.3.4 Location
The sand play area should be exposed to the purifying effects of sun and rain, but some natural shade
and shelter (from wind and sun) should be provided.
F.3.3.5 Drainage
The sand play area, regardless of soil conditions, should be designed to drain well. Means of drainage
should be prevented from clogging. For clay or poorly draining soils, there should be drainage tiles to an
outlet.
F.3.3.6 Protection
The design, the location, and the maintenance schedule should discourage pets from soiling the sand.
Sandbox covers, where used, should be designed to be safely secured both in the open and closed
positions.
F.3.3.7 Design recommendations
The design recommendations for a sand play area are as follows:
a) The sand play area should be located so that children are discouraged from using it for active play.
It should not be located in the physical play zone.
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b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Where it is undesirable to have sand tracked onto other nearby surfaces, a paved strip or a strip of
pea gravel can be provided. A sand grate at a building entry also reduces the problem of tracking
sand.
The sand container should provide flat ledges or tables for children to use. If the container edge is
provided as a ledge, it should be a minimum of 85 mm (3.34 in). A curb at the periphery of the
ledge to prevent sand from falling over the edge is desirable (see Figure F.3).
The sand play area may have access to water for moistening the sand.
A seating area for adults should be located near the sand play area.
Young children show a preference to locate their play in corners and edges of sand play areas. A
design that maximizes edges and corners is preferable.
Where possible, natural elements (e.g., logs and boulders) should be included in the sand play
area.
F.3.4 Skateboard hills
Skateboard hills, when provided, should be designed with the awareness that they will also be used by
unauthorized users, such as cyclists and roller skaters. A skateboard facility should have a detailed plan
to minimize collisions between users. Appropriate fencing or other barriers should be provided at the
top of the slope (see Figure F.4).
Figure F.4
Example of a recommended skateboard hill
(See Clause F.3.4.)
Barrier
2.0 m
(78.74 in)
2.0 m
(78.74 in)
1
1
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Annex G (informative)
Recommendations for miscellaneous playground
elements
Note: This informative Annex has been written in mandatory language to facilitate adoption by anyone wishing to
do so.
G.1 Emergency telephone
Where feasible, consideration shall be given to installing a telephone for use in emergencies. Key
information shall be posted beside it (e.g., telephone numbers of a doctor, ambulance, and the nearest
hospital, as well as that of the playground owner for reporting a damaged facility). The telephone shall
be at a height that allows children to use it.
G.2 Problem reporting
The telephone number and the name and address of a responsible party shall be posted to report
maintenance problems.
G.3 Drop-off zones
Drop-off zones, where cars can drop off or pick up children, shall be clearly marked. The drop-off zone
shall be well separated from the playground. The exit from the playground shall have good sightlines.
G.4 Parking
Parking stands for bicycles shall be located separately from parking for cars. Bicycles shall be able to
enter the bicycle parking area and depart without crossing motor traffic. Stands for bicycles shall be at
the periphery of the play area in clear view of the play area but shall not be in the way of children
playing.
Parking for cars shall be completely separated from the play area. Access to parked cars shall be along a
sidewalk, surfaced with a material that permits access by persons with disabilities. The parking area
shall be designed to discourage play. The best means of discouraging play in the parking area is to
provide hard surface play areas within the playground.
G.5 Street furniture (i.e., equipment other than play equipment)
Equipment, such as garbage containers, benches, and light fixtures, are good additions to the
playground. These pieces of equipment shall be sturdy, durable, and vandal-resistant because children
will use them for play. Their location shall not interfere with the natural flow of play in the playground.
All items of street furniture shall be located such that there is sufficient circulation space between them
and the main play equipment.
G.6 Shelter
Consideration shall be given to providing some shelter from inclement weather and a covered space for
play activities.
G.7 Fountains and washroom facilities
Consideration shall be given to providing a drinking fountain. The fountain shall be located carefully,
allowing for the possibility of other activities around it. The fountain design shall minimize the risk of
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mouth injuries (e.g., flush jets shall not have protruding nozzles). Washroom facilities should be
provided on or near the playground.
G.8 Plant materials in children’s playgrounds
G.8.1 Choice
Plant materials appropriate for the climate and purpose should be chosen. Hardy varieties will survive in
play areas if healthy specimens of a reasonable size are selected.
Pest-resistant varieties should be selected to avoid the use of pesticides. Plant materials can provide
interest to playgrounds. Plants that attract birds and those that provide colour in winter and fall can be
selected, in addition to evergreens and conifers. Where children are likely to come into contact with
vegetation, plants with thorny or prickly parts should be avoided.
G.8.2 Poisonous/hazardous plants
Poisonous or hazardous plants shall not be used.
As an extra precaution, a poison information centre should be consulted before the selection of plant
materials is finalized.
G.8.3 Installation and maintenance of plant material
Grouped plants or trees are less likely to be damaged. Therefore, plant materials should not be planted
singly, particularly in the midst of a physical play zone.
Mature plants can be massed or clustered to serve as dividers, visual screens, or wind shelters.
Deciduous trees can be planted on the south edge to provide shade in summer and allow warming by
the sun in winter.
Young plants should be provided with good protection until they are established. Guy wires should not
be used for such protection where children can run into them or trip on them.
Plants in playgrounds should be regularly tended and inspected. Sharp edges, broken branches, or any
projection at head level should be trimmed off. Any spraying of herbicides or insecticides should be
done in accordance with the regulations of the federal Department of Agriculture and provincial or
municipal governments, and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
G.8.4 Plant list
Table G.1 can serve as a general guideline for identifying those plants that should be avoided in
children’s playgrounds.
Although there are toxic elements in the fruit, foliage, and roots of about 700 documented plants found
in North America, children are more likely to be attracted to brightly coloured fruits than to other parts.
A general rule of thumb is to avoid any plant with white berries, whether or not they appear in
Table G.1.
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Table G.1
Examples of plants to be avoided in children’s playgrounds
(See Clause G.8.4.)
Note: This is not a comprehensive list, and it is advised to consult with local horticulturalists as well as poison
control when choosing to plant vegetation in a playground. Careful consideration should be taken when adding
plants and natural vegetation to ensure that they are not harmful to children and will not cause common allergies
or attract unwanted insects or animals.
Botanical name
Common name (type of plant)
Plants with poisonous fruits
Actaea pachypoda
White baneberry, Cohosh (perennial)
Actaea rubra
Red baneberry, Red cohosh (perennial)
Actaea spicata
Black baneberry (perennial)
Daphne mezereum
February daphne (shrub)
Euonymus americana
Strawberry bush, Wahoo (shrub)
Euonymus atropurpurea
Eastern wahoo (large shrub)
Euonymus europaeas
Spindle tree (bush or small tree)
Heracleum mantegazzianum
Giant hogweed
Hedera helix
English ivy (vine)
Hydrangea sp.
Hydrangea (shrub)
Ilex sp.
Holly (shrub)
Lathyrus sp.
Sweet pea (annual or perennial)
Leucothoe sp.
Leucothoe (shrub)
Menispermum canadense
Common moonseed (vine)
Pastinaca sativa
Wild parsnip
Phoradendron serotinum
American mistletoe (tree parasite)
Phytolacca americana
Pokeweed, Inkberry (perennial)
Podophyllum peltatum
Mayapple, Mandrake (perennial)
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Ragweed (annual)
Rhamnus sp.
Buckthorn (shrub or tree)
Rhodotypos scandens
Jetbead (shrub)
Ricinus communis
Castor bean (annual)
Robinia pseudoacacia
Black locust (tree)
Solanum dulcamara
Deadly nightshade (vine)
Symphoricarpos
Snowberry, Waxberry (shrub)
(Continued)
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Table G.1 (Continued)
Botanical name
Common name (type of plant)
Taxus sp.
Yew (shrub or small tree)
Toxicodendron rydbergii
Western poison ivy (vine or shrub)
Toxicodendron radicans
Eastern poison ivy (vine or shrub)
Toxicodendron vernix
Poison sumac (shrub)
Wisteria sp.
Wisteria (vine)
Plants with poisonous foliage
Aconitum sp.
Aconite, Monkshood (perennial)
Anemone sp.
Anemone (perennial)
Azalea sp.
Azalea, Rhododendron (shrub)
Buxus sp.
Box, Boxwood (shrub)
Cicuta maculata
Water hemlock (perennial)
Clematis sp.
Clematis (perennial vine)
Conium maculatum
Poison hemlock (biennial)
Datura stramonium
Jimsonweed, Thornapple (annual)
Delphinium sp.
Larkspur (biennial)
Digitalis purpurea
Foxglove (biennial)
Euphorbia cyparrissias
Cypress spurge (perennial)
Euphorbia marginata
Snow-on-the-mountain (annual)
Helleborus sp.
Hellebore, Christmas rose (perennial)
Kalmia sp.
Lambkill, Mountain laurel (shrub)
Ligustrum sp.
Privet (shrub)
Lobelia sp.
Lobelia (annual or perennial)
Morus rubra
Red mulberry (tree)
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Virginia creeper (vine)
Pieris sp.
Andromeda (shrub)
Prunus serotina
Black cherry, Rum cherry (tree)
Ranunculus sp.
Buttercup (perennial)
Rheum rhubarbium
Rhubarb (only leaves are toxic)
Rhus radicans
Poison ivy (vine)
Rhus vernix
Poison sumac (shrub)
(Continued)
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Table G.1 (Concluded)
Botanical name
Common name (type of plant)
Rudbeckia sp.
Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan (perennial)
Sambucus canadensis
American elder (shrub)
Sanguinaria canadensis
Bloodroot (perennial)
Shepherdia sp.
Buffaloberry (large shrub)
Solanum tuberosum
Potato (new shoots only)
Vinca sp.
Periwinkle (ground cover)
Plants with poisonous roots, stems, or seeds
Arisaema tryphyllum
Jack-in-the-pulpit (perennial)
Colchicum autumnale
Autumn crocus (bulb)
Convallaria majalis
Lily-of-the-valley (perennial)
Dicentra sp.
Bleeding heart (perennial)
Endymion sp.
English bluebell, Squill (bulb)
Galanthus sp.
Snowdrop (bulb)
Gloriosa superba
Glory lily (perennial)
Gymnocladus dioica
Kentucky coffeetree (large tree)
Hyacinth sp.
Hyacinth (bulb)
Ipomoea sp.
Morning glory (annual vine)
Iris sp.
Iris, Flag (corm)
Laburnum anagyroides
Goldenchain (tree)
Narcissus sp.
Narcissus, Daffodil (bulb)
Ornithogalum umbellatum
Star-of-Bethlehem (bulb)
Phytolacca americana
Pokeweed (perennial)
Podophyllum peltatum
Mayapple, Mandrake (perennial)
Scilla sp.
Scilla, Bluebell (bulb)
Toxicoscordion venenosum
Death camas (bulb)
G.8.5 Toxic fungi
All mushrooms and fungi that appear in a playground should be treated with suspicion because their
identification is highly specialized and outside the scope of this Standard. Caregivers should be familiar
at least with the one mushroom that is responsible for the great majority of fungus poisonings in
Canada, the Amanita virosa (“destroying angel”). All parts of this mushroom (i.e., cap, gills, and stem)
are white in colour, and any such mushrooms found should be removed immediately. The familiar red
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mushroom with white spots, the Amanita muscaria (“fly agaric”), is also considered poisonous and
should be removed.
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Annex H (informative)
Children’s playgrounds and equipment that are
accessible to persons with disabilities
Notes:
1) This informative Annex has been written in mandatory language to facilitate adoption by anyone wishing to
do so.
2) This Annex, first introduced in 2007, is a work in progress that will be further developed and expanded in the
future. Should this Annex be applied, all its requirements (e.g., playstructure, accessible route, and
infrastructure requirements) must be verified for completeness, measurable performance, and allowable
tolerances. Each community or owner/operator will make choices as to how they will implement this Annex.
This Annex applies only to an individual playground that is to be made accessible. By addressing accessibility
for the user, accessibility for the person supervising the user will also be enhanced.
3) This Annex is best applied to new playgrounds. It may also be applied to renovations and retrofits; however, it
is important for those applying the Annex to assess their own situation in determining the feasibility of
applying the Annex and developing an accessibility plan. This Annex only provides minimum requirements for
accessibility, and persons are encouraged to go beyond the minimum requirements.
H.0 Introduction
Note: The following information is taken from Disability in Canada: A 2001 Profile, a publication of Social
Development Canada. The statistics contained in the report are extracted from the Participation and Activity
Limitation Survey (PALS) conducted by Statistics Canada in 2001 and released in 2003.
The majority of all children with disabilities are of school age. An estimated 4% of children in this age
group in Canada have disabilities. This means that 154 720 children aged 5 to 14 have disabilities.
Of these children, 32.1% have mild disabilities; 25.2%, moderate disabilities; and 25.5%, severe
disabilities. The remaining 17.2% have very severe disabilities. Among school-age children with
disabilities, 71.8% have more than one type of disability.
Types of disability for children aged 5 to 14 with disabilities in Canada in 2001 are represented as shown
in the table below.
Chronic: 65%
Dexterity: 20%
Learning: 65%
Mobility: 14%
Speech: 43%
Hearing: 13%
Psychological: 32%
Seeing: 9%
Developmental: 30%
Unknown: 3%
H.1 Scope
H.1.1
This Annex provides recommended minimum requirements for accessibility for persons with disabilities
in public-use playgrounds and play equipment intended for use by children aged 18 months to 12 years,
with anthropometric limits based on the 95th percentile.
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H.1.2
This Annex applies to accessibility to public-use playgrounds and play equipment found in schools,
parks, childcare facilities, institutions, multiple-family dwellings, private resort and recreation
developments, restaurants, and other areas of public use.
In small-children’s fenced playgrounds that have supervision and support to facilitate inclusion and
accessibility, the support of caregivers may be used to address some of the space and design
requirements of this Annex.
H.1.3
This Annex is intended to make playgrounds accessible to, and usable by, persons with physical or
sensory disabilities, such as mobility, hearing, or visual impairment, and reaching and manipulation
disabilities.
In outdoor public-use playground equipment and playgrounds, opportunities for independent play are
often less available to children with disabilities. This exclusion could be a result of poor planning or
design, or physical barriers to access or other obstacles to participation. Good planning and design
practices shall be considered toward the goal of removing these barriers to access within the play
environment.
Physical access does not guarantee social inclusion, or opportunity to participate. Creating a
dimensionally accessible play environment helps provide physical access to a playground, yet it is also
important to focus on what happens when a user gets there. This Annex encourages an approach to
designing play environments that are useable by as many children as possible regardless of their ability.
Usability is an important principle to apply in the application of Annex H. Even though a playground may
be designed in accordance with this Annex and the resulting play environment may provide accessible
play features, those play features may not be usable by some children. Proximity does not guarantee
participation. A goal of inclusion is needed to create truly meaningful places of play for everyone.
H.1.4
This Annex focuses on removing barriers and on providing support and increasing opportunities for
people of all abilities to grow and learn together through outdoor play.
H.1.5
The scope of this Annex does not include the area surrounding or beyond the playground, including, but
not limited to, parking, washrooms, drinking fountains, and recreation facilities.
Note: For more information about accessible design beyond the playground, see CSA B651.
H.2 References
H.2.1 General
This Annex refers to the following publications, and where such reference is made, it shall be to the
edition listed below.
CSA Group
B651-12
Accessible design for the built environment
Reference Clauses: H.1.5, H.3, and H.4.4.1.1
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ASTM International
F1951-14
Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around
Playground Equipment
Reference Clauses: H.4.4.1, H.4.4.1.1, and H.4.4.1.2
F2479-17
Standard Guide for Specification, Purchase, Installation and Maintenance of Poured-In-Place Playground
Surfacing
Reference Clause: H.4.4.1.2
Social Development Canada
Disability in Canada: A 2001 Profile, 2003
Reference Clause: H.0
H.2.2 Resource publications
Users of this Annex might find the following documents helpful as supportive resource guides:
Bill 118, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005.
Ontario Regulation 191/11 Integrated Accessibility Standard
United States Department of Justice, 2010 ADA Standard for Accessible Design
CalRecycle, Establishing Best Management Practices for Recycled Tire Rubber Playground Surfaces to
Comply with the New ADA Accessible Design Requirements
International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA), Installation for Engineered Wood
Fiber (EWF) to Meet ADA Requirements
ISO/IEC Guide 71:2014, Guide for addressing accessibility in standards
ASTM, F2075-15, Standard Specification for Engineered Wood Fiber for Use as a Playground Safety
Surface Under and Around Playground Equipment
IPA (International Play Association), The Play Rights of Disabled Children, IPA Position Paper (May 2015).
Rick Hansen Foundation, A Guide to Creating Accessible Play Spaces
Rick Hansen Foundation, Universal Design Recommendations for Accessible Playgrounds
H.3 Definitions
Accessible — a site, building, and its facilities that can be approached, entered, and used by people,
including those with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities (CSA B651).
Accessible route — a continuous unobstructed pathway from the perimeter of the protective surface
zone to the equipment.
Barrier — anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of
society because of his or her disability, including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, an
information or communications barrier, an attitudinal barrier, a technological barrier, a policy or a
practice; ‘obstacle’ (Bill 118 — AODA).
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Disability — any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the
manner or within the range considered normal for a human being (WHO, 1976).
Impairment — any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or
function (WHO, 1976).
Play component — an element intended to generate specific opportunities for play, socialization, or
learning. Play components could be manufactured or natural and could be stand-alone or part of a
composite playstructure.
Elevated play component — a play component that is approached above or below grade and that is
part of a composite playstructure consisting of two or more play components attached or functionally
linked to create an integrated unit providing more than one play activity.
Ground-level play component — a play component that is approached and exited at the ground level.
Types of play —
Creative/cognitive play — involves thinking, manipulating, or problem solving.
Note: Examples of play components that facilitate creative/cognitive play include, but are not limited to, sand
play areas and sand play tables, water play, mud kitchens, play tables for arts and science, blocks and building
materials, music panels, objects that involve cause and effect, and sand excavators.
Physical play — creates opportunities to climb, slide, swing, run, ride, rock, jump, throw, and build.
Note: Examples of play components that facilitate physical play include, but are not limited to, climbers,
swings, slides, spring toys, hills, paths, wheel toys, areas for games, and balls.
Quiet retreat play — creates opportunities to perch, hide, and play alone or with a friend.
Note: Examples of play components that facilitate quiet retreat play include, but are not limited to, benches or
informal seating, bubble windows, plantings, children’s gardens, reading areas, and appropriate natural
landforms.
Social play — facilitates interaction between children.
Note: Examples of play components that facilitate social play include, but are not limited to, playhouses,
seating areas and play tables, double steering wheels, game panels that involve multiple users, stages and
materials for play acting, and areas for games.
Play experiences — See Clauses H.4.2, H.4.3, and H.4.4 and Table H.1.
Balancing — a form of physical play involving the act of trying to keep the body’s centre of gravity
directly over the base
Brachiating — a form of physical play using the arms to swing and travel from object to object
(upper body activity).
Climbing — a form of physical play using arms and legs to move vertically.
Crawling — a form of physical play using arms, legs and/or knees to move horizontally.
Experimenting — a form of cognitive play involving, but not limited to, constructing, discovering,
and manipulating different materials or objects.
Gathering — a form of social play that involves associative and cooperative elements.
Pretending — a form of cognitive play involving stimulating imagination.
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Quiet retreat play — a form of solitary play that could involve activities, such as perching and
hiding.
Riding — a form of physical play involving arms and/or legs to move horizontally.
Rocking/bouncing — a form of physical play involving rhythmic horizontal or vertical movement.
Sensory play — a form of cognitive play involving visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli.
Sliding — a form of physical play involving rapid descent due to the force of gravity.
Spinning — a form of physical play involving rotational movement.
Swinging — a form of physical play involving rhythmic movement while suspended from a pivot
point above the person’s centre of gravity.
H.4 Playgrounds
H.4.1 General
H.4.1.1
Except as specified in Clauses H.4.2 to H.4.7, an accessible playground shall meet the requirements of
this Standard.
H.4.1.2
There are aspects of this Annex that rely heavily on the identification and recognition of the intended
use of the equipment, user age group, and/or play experience. As such, the original playground designer
should provide a listing, or summary, of their desired intent to the playground owner/operator before
purchase and acceptance.
H.4.2 Ground-level play components: number and experiences
H.4.2.1
In an accessible playground where ground-level play components are provided, at least one of each
type of component meeting the recommended minimum requirements specified in Clause H.4.6 shall
be located on an accessible route as specified in Clause H.4.4.
H.4.2.2
In an accessible playground, where elevated play components are provided, ground-level play
components shall be provided as recommended in Table H.1. Ground-level play components meeting
the recommended minimum requirements specified in Clause H.4.6 shall be located on an accessible
route as specified in Clause H.4.4.
Note: Table H.1 provides readers with a “recommended minimum number and types of ground-level play
components on an accessible route” relative to the total number of elevated play components provided.
H.4.2.3
An accessible playground shall not require the ground-level play components as recommended in
Table H.1, provided that
a) at least 50% of the elevated play components are connected by a ramp; and
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at least three of the elevated play components connected by the ramp are components with
notably different play experiences.
H.4.2.4
Consideration shall be given to providing play components that offer appropriate activities and
challenges for users who are in a seated position on the ground.
Notes:
1) Designers should consider the optimal layout of ground-level play components accessible to children with
disabilities to foster interaction and socialization among all children.
2) A ground-level play component is approached and exited at the ground level. Examples of ground-level play
components include spring rockers, swings, diggers, and stand-alone slides.
3) When distinguishing between different types of ground-level play components, the general experience (e.g.,
rocking, swinging, climbing, spinning, and sliding) provided by the play component should be considered.
4) The type of component is dictated by the type of experience, not by the specific experience of the component.
For example, a spiral slide provides a different experience than a straight slide, but both are a sliding
experience. Therefore, a spiral slide and a straight slide are considered the same type of play component.
5) The number of ground-level play components is not determined by the number of children who can play on
the play component. For example, a large see-saw designed to accommodate ten children at once is
considered one ground-level play component, not ten components.
H.4.3 Elevated play components
In an accessible playground, where elevated play components are provided, at least 50% of elevated
play components shall be located on an accessible route as specified in Clause H.4.4. Elevated play
components connected by a ramp shall meet the recommended minimum requirements specified in
Clause H.4.6.
Notes:
1) An elevated play component is approached above or below grade and is part of a composite playstructure.
For example, a double or triple slide that is part of a composite playstructure is one elevated play component.
2) For purposes of this Annex, ramps, transfer systems, steps, decks, and roofs are not considered elevated play
components. Although socialization and pretend play can occur on these elements, they are not primarily
intended for play. Rather, these elements are generally used to link other elements on a composite
playstructure.
3) A play component attached to a composite playstructure that can be approached or exited above grade from
a platform or deck (e.g., a climber attached to a composite playstructure or a climber and an overhead play
component) is considered an elevated play component, even if the component can also be approached from
or exited at ground level. As the play component can be accessed above grade, it is not considered a groundlevel play component, and Clause H.4.2 regarding the number of ground-level play components located on an
accessible route does not apply.
4) Consideration should be given to the horizontal and vertical (excluding sliding) distance travelled from the
point where a user leaves the mobility device until the user returns to the mobility device from the play
component.
H.4.4 Accessible routes
H.4.4.1 General
H.4.4.1.1
Platform lifts complying with provincial and local building codes may be used as part of an accessible
route. As lifts are required to be independently operable, operators should carefully consider the
appropriateness of their use in unsupervised settings.
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H.4.4.1.2
Accessible routes within the playground shall comply with Clause H.4.4.
Accessible routes connecting the playground to parking, drinking fountains, and other elements are not
in the scope of this Annex and shall comply with CSA B651.
H.4.4.1.3
Although a maximum slope of 1:16 (6.2% slope) is allowed for ground-level ramps (see Clause H.4.4.2),
a lesser slope will enhance access for those children who have difficulty negotiating such a slope. Where
a stand-alone slide is provided, an accessible route shall connect the base of the stairs at the entry point
with the exit point of the slide. A ramp or transfer system to the top of the slide shall not be required.
Note: Slopes within the playground where loose surfacing materials are used will increase the amount of
maintenance required.
H.4.4.1.4
Where a ramp, platform, or other stationary bridge is used to connect an elevated access route from
the perimeter of the playground to the play equipment (as per playground layout Clause 14.2.1.2), there
shall also be a continuation of the ground-level accessible route both within and outside the playground
that complies with CSA B651 to return the user to the start of the perimeter elevated access route.
H.4.4.1.5
Accessible routes provide children who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices with the opportunity
to access play components and play experiences. Accessible routes shall coincide with the general
circulation path used within the playground. Careful placement and consideration of the layout of
accessible routes will enhance the ability of children with disabilities to socialize and interact with other
children.
Accessible routes will also enable a parent or caregiver with a disability to provide support and/or
assistance to their children while they use the play component. Where possible, designers and
operators are encouraged to provide wider ground-level accessible routes within the playground or to
consider designing the ground surface in such a way that it is entirely accessible. Providing spaces that
are more accessible will enhance the integration of all children within the playground and provide
access to more play components.
H.4.4.1.6
Where a sandbox is provided, an accessible route shall connect with the border of the sandbox.
Accessibility to the sandbox is enhanced by providing a transfer system into the sand or by providing a
raised sand table with knee clearance (see complying with Clause H.4.6.3).
H.4.4.1.7
Elevated accessible routes shall connect the entry and exit points of 50% of elevated play components.
Ramps are preferred over transfer systems because not all children who use wheelchairs or other
mobility devices are able to use or will choose to use a transfer system. Where a ramp connects
elevated play components, the slope of the ramp run is 1:12 (8.3% slope) at maximum (see
Clause H.4.4.4.3).
Where possible, designers and operators are encouraged to provide ramps with a lesser slope than the
1:12 maximum.
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Berms or sculpted dirt may be used to provide elevation and could be part of an accessible route to
composite playstructures.
Where transfer systems are utilized, there shall not be a vertical rise included within the elevated
accessible route that exceeds 203 mm (8.0 in) in height (i.e., maximum vertical rise of transfer step) for
the entire area that includes the designated elevated play components.
H.4.4.1.8
Within an elevated accessible route, guardrail or protective barrier railing openings in accordance with
Clauses 13.4.3 and 13.4.4 shall be provided as a means to prevent the lateral discharge of mobility
devices.
H.4.4.2 Location
At least one accessible route shall be provided within the boundary of the playground. The accessible
route shall connect ground-level play components as specified in Clauses H.4.2.2 and H.4.2.3 and
elevated play components as specified in Clause H.4.3, and shall include entry and exit points of the
play components. Designs that include more than one ground-level accessible route shall ensure that
there is a connection of the multiple routes through a ground-level accessible route within the
playground.
H.4.4.3 Clear width and height
H.4.4.3.1
The clear width of accessible routes at ground level shall be not less than 1524 mm (60.0 in), except as
specified in Clauses H.4.4.3.2 and H.4.4.3.3.
H.4.4.3.2
In playgrounds less than 93 m2 (1000 ft2), the clear width of accessible routes may be reduced to a
minimum of 1118 mm (44.0 in), provided that at least one turning space 1524 mm (60.0 in) in diameter
is provided in cases where the restricted accessible route is greater than 915 mm (36.0 in) in length.
H.4.4.3.3
The clear width of accessible routes may be reduced to 915 mm (36.0 in) for a distance not greater than
1524 mm (60.0 in), provided that multiple reduced width segments are separated by segments that are
not less than 1524 mm (60.0 in) in width and 1524 mm (60.0 in) in length.
H.4.4.3.4
Where accessible routes serve ground-level play components, the vertical clearance shall be a minimum
height of 2032 mm (80.0 in), with no object protruding into the defined ground-level accessible route.
H.4.4.3.5
The clear width of accessible routes connecting elevated play components shall be 915 mm (36.0 in),
except as specified in Clauses H.4.4.3.6 and H.4.4.3.7.
H.4.4.3.6
The clear width of accessible routes connecting elevated play components may be reduced to 813 mm
(32.0 in) for a distance not greater than 610 mm (24.0 in), provided that the reduced width segments
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are separated by segments that are not less than 915 mm (36.0 in) in width and not less than 1220 mm
(48.0 in) in length.
H.4.4.3.7
Identifying and establishing assembled accessible routes connecting elevated play components for all
possible configurations of a composite playstructure is impractical. Therefore, when designing an
elevated accessible route, the professional judgment of play equipment manufacturers, designers, and
owners/operators shall be used to eliminate hazards created by accessible use and use patterns (re:
connectivity).
H.4.4.3.8
The clear width of transfer systems connecting elevated play components shall be not less than 610 mm
(24.0 in).
H.4.4.4 Ramps and slopes
H.4.4.4.1 Ramp
Any part of an accessible route with a slope greater than 1:20 (5% slope) shall be considered a ramp.
Clauses H.4.4.4.2 and H.4.4.4.3 apply to any part of an accessible route with a slope greater than 1:20
(5% slope).
H.4.4.4.2 Ground level
The maximum slope for an accessible route connecting ground-level play components within the
boundary of a playground shall be 1:16 (6.2% slope).
H.4.4.4.3 Elevated
H.4.4.4.3.1
Where a ramp connects elevated play components, the maximum slope of any ramp run shall be 1:12
(8.3% slope). The maximum run of a ramp that connects elevated play components shall be 3658 mm
(144.0 in) from a level landing or turning space. The level landing or turning space shall be 1524 mm
(60.0 in) at minimum. Handrails shall be provided for ramps connecting elevated play components.
The level landing should be a minimum of 1524 mm (60.0 in) in a straight line in the running direction
and 915 mm (36.0 in) across. Clear width may be reduced to 813 mm (32.0 in) for not more than
610 mm (24.0 in) along the path of travel.
H.4.4.4.3.2
A method to prevent lateral discharge of mobility devices shall be installed on the ramp.
H.4.4.5 Handrails
H.4.4.5.1
Handrails shall be between 24 and 40 mm (0.94 and 1.57 in) in diameter or maximum cross-section.
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H.4.4.5.2
The top of handrail gripping surfaces shall be between 508 and 711 mm (20.0 and 28.0 in) above the
ramp surface.
H.4.4.5.3
Handrails shall not be required at ramps located within ground-level protective surfacing zones.
This includes
a) ground-level ramps from the playstructure or play experience to the defined perimeter edge; and
b) ground-level ramps within a playstructure, or play experience, protective surfacing zone.
H.4.5 Transfer systems
H.4.5.1 General
H.4.5.1.1
A transfer system may be used to connect elevated play components.
H.4.5.1.2
Where 20 or more elevated play components are provided to a specific age group, or 25 or more
elevated play components are provided regardless of age group, no more than 25% of the elevated play
components shall be connected by a transfer system.
Notes:
1) Playgrounds and composite playstructures separated by age
For the benefit of inclusive play, playgrounds and composite playstructures for different age groups should be
separated.
2) Geographically separated playgrounds
Large geographical spaces might contain several playgrounds within one park setting. Where playgrounds are
geographically separated on a site, they are considered separate playgrounds when applying this Annex.
3) Ground-level play components
Ground-level play components accessed by children with disabilities should be integrated throughout each
playground. Grouping all ground-level play components accessible to children with disabilities in one location
is not considered integration.
H.4.5.1.3
A transfer system shall consist of transfer steps and/or transfer platform(s) either singularly or in
combination.
H.4.5.2 Transfer platforms
H.4.5.2.1 General
A transfer platform shall be provided where transfer is intended from a wheelchair or other mobility
aides (see Figure H.1) to
a) assist the user to transfer from a ground-level accessible route to an elevated accessible route; or
b) assist the user to transfer from a ramped accessible route to an elevated play component.
Note: Transfer platforms are also recommended where transfer is intended from an accessible ground surface to a
stationary play component, such as, but not limited to, slide entrances, climbers, and sandboxes.
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H.4.5.2.2 Size and height
The transfer platform shall meet the following requirements:
a) the platform shall have a level surface that is not less than 356 mm (14.0 in) in depth and not less
than 610 mm (24.0 in) in width; and
b) the surface shall be between 279 and 457 mm (11.0 and 18.0 in) above the ground level.
H.4.5.2.3 Transfer space
A level transfer space shall be centred on the 1220 mm (48.0 in) long dimension parallel to the 610 mm
(24.0 in) minimum long unobstructed side of the transfer platform.
H.4.5.2.4 Transfer supports
A means of support for transferring shall be provided.
H.4.5.3 Transfer steps
H.4.5.3.1 General
Transfer steps shall be provided where movement is intended from a transfer platform to a level with
elevated play components that are required to be located on an accessible route (see Figure H.2).
H.4.5.3.2 Size and heights
Transfer steps shall have a level surface not less than 356 mm (14.0 in) in depth and not less than
610 mm (24.0 in) in width. Each transfer step shall be not more than 203 mm (8.0 in) high.
H.4.5.3.3 Transfer supports
A means of support for transferring shall be provided.
Notes:
1) A transfer system is a means of accessing a composite playstructure. A transfer system generally includes a
transfer platform and a series of transfer steps. Children who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices
transfer from their wheelchair or mobility device onto the transfer platform, then lift themselves up or down
the transfer steps and move along the decks or platforms to access elevated play components. Some children
are unable to use a transfer system or choose not to use one.
2) Where a transfer system is provided, consideration should be given to the distance between the transfer
system and the elevated play components. Moving between a transfer platform and a series of transfer steps
can require significant exertion. Therefore, designers should minimize the distance between the point where a
user transfers from a wheelchair or mobility device and the point where the elevated play components are
located.
3) Where an elevated play component, instead of an accessible route, is used to connect to another elevated
play component, careful consideration should be used in the selection of the play components. A transfer
support shall be provided on a transfer platform and the transfer steps to assist children when transferring.
Examples of a support include a rope loop, a loop-type handle, a slot in the edge of a flat horizontal or
vertical member, poles or bars, or D-rings on corner posts.
H.4.6 Play components
H.4.6.1 Maneuvering space
At least one turning space shall be provided on the same level as play components, which shall conform
to one of the following:
a) a wheelchair maneuvering space that is 1524 mm (60.0 in) in diameter; or
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a T-shaped space within a 1524 mm (60.0 in) minimum square, with arms and base that are
915 mm (36.0 in) at minimum. Each arm of the T shall be clear of obstructions for 610 mm (24.0 in)
in each direction, and the base shall be clear of obstructions for 610 mm (24.0 in), thereby allowing
a wheelchair to make a 180° turn (see Figures H.3 and H.4).
Maneuvering space shall have a slope not steeper than 1:50 (2% slope) in all directions. The
maneuvering space for a swing shall be located immediately adjacent to the suspended element at rest.
Note: Providing a maneuvering space that would include a space for transfer of the user to the swinging element
and stable footing for the caregiver should be considered.
H.4.6.2 Ground space
Clear ground space shall be provided at the play components and shall be not less than 762 × 1220 mm
(30.0 × 48.0 in). It shall have a slope not greater than 1:50 (2% slope) in all directions.
H.4.6.3 Play tables
Where play tables are provided, knee clearance of not less than 610 mm (24.0 in) high, 432 mm
(17.0 in) deep, and 762 mm (30.0 in) wide shall be provided. The height of rims, curbs, or other
obstructions shall be not greater than 787 mm (31.0 in).
Play tables designed or constructed primarily for children ages five and under need not provide knee
clearance if
a) the clear ground space as specified in Clause H.4.6.2 is arranged for a parallel approach; and
b) the height of the rim surface is not greater than 787 mm (31.0 in).
H.4.6.4 Entry
Where a play component requires transfer to the entry point or seat, the entry point or seat shall be
between 279 and 610 mm (11.0 and 24.0 in) above the clear ground space.
H.4.6.5 Transfer supports
Where a play component requires transfer to the entry point or seat, a means of support for
transferring shall be provided.
H.4.6.6 Reach
Where transfer systems are used, play components that offer appropriate activities and challenges shall
be located at a destination platform or transfer system within the reach of users who are in a seated
position on the platform.
Notes:
1) Clear floor or ground spaces, maneuvering spaces, and accessible routes could overlap within a playground.
2) Specific locations have not been designated for the clear floor or ground spaces or manoeuvring spaces,
except in the case of swings, because each play component requires that the spaces be placed in a unique
location.
3) Where play components include a seat or entry point, designs that provide for an unobstructed transfer from
a wheelchair or other mobility device are recommended. This will enhance the ability of children with
disabilities to use the play component independently.
4) When designing a play component with a manipulative or interactive feature, the reach range for a child
seated in a wheelchair should be considered. The manipulative or interactive feature of the play component
should be within either forward or side reach of the child. The following table provides guidance on children’s
reach ranges. Where a transfer system provides access to an elevated play component, the reach ranges are
not applicable.
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5)
6)
If a climber is located on a ground-level accessible route, some of the climbing grips should be within the
reach ranges. Access to play components shall be provided, but the challenge and nature of the activity
should not be eliminated.
The purpose of this Clause is to ensure that once users have left their mobility device by means of a transfer
system, they gain access to play opportunities appropriate to their physical reach range.
Forward or side reach
Age
High/maximum
Low/minimum
3 and 4 years
915 mm (36.0 in)
508 mm (20.0 in)
5 to 8 years
1016 mm (40.0 in)
457 mm (18.0 in)
9 to 12 years
1118 mm (44.0 in)
406 mm (16.0 in)
H.4.7 Swings
Where a single-user swing seat is used, adjustable elements may be used to hold the user upright or
prevent falling out. Swing seats designed for compliance with this requirement are exempt from
Clauses 12.2.1.3 and 12.6.2.
H.4.8 Ground surfaces
H.4.8.1
Ground surfaces along accessible routes, clear ground spaces, and manoeuvring spaces within
playgrounds shall meet the requirements of ASTM F1951.
Note: ASTM F1951 determines the firmness and stability of the accessible surface by measuring the work required
to propel a wheelchair across the surface. The Standard includes tests of effort for both straight ahead and turning
movement, using a force wheel on a rehabilitation wheelchair as the measuring device. To meet the requirements
of the Standard, the surface shall require less force than that required to propel the wheelchair up a ramp with a
1:14 (7%) slope. When evaluating ground surfaces, operators should request information about compliance with
ASTM F1951.
H.4.8.2
If located within protective surfacing zones, ground surfaces along accessible routes, clear ground
spaces, and manoeuvring spaces within playgrounds shall comply with Clause 10.1.
H.4.8.3
For ground surfaces along accessible routes, the running slope shall not be steeper than 1:20 (5% slope),
and the cross slope shall not be greater than 1:50 (2% slope).
H.4.8.4
Changes in vertical level in the accessible route shall be not greater than 12.7 mm (0.50 in). Changes in
vertical level greater than or equal to 12.7 mm (0.5 in) and less than or equal to 25.4 mm (1.0 in) in
height shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2. The change in vertical level in the turning
area shall be less than 12.7 mm (0.50 in) (see Figure H.5).
H.4.8.5
There shall not be elongated openings in the floor or ground surfaces greater than 12.7 mm (0.5 in) in
width. Elongated openings shall be approximately perpendicular to the anticipated direction of travel.
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This requirement applies to all ground surfaces and those playstructures that have wheelchair access
(see Figure H.6).
Notes:
1) Ground surfaces should be inspected and maintained regularly and frequently to ensure continued
compliance with ASTM F1951. The type of surface material selected and the levels of the playground will
determine the frequency of inspection and maintenance activities.
2) When a combination of surface materials is used, the design should be carefully chosen to provide
appropriate transitions between the surfaces.
3) Where a rubber surface is installed on top of asphalt to provide impact attenuation, the edges of the rubber
surface can create a change in level between the adjoining ground surfaces. Commercial products that
provide a 1:12 (5%) slope at transitions are available.
4) Transitions should be provided where the combination of surface materials includes loosefill products. Where
edging is used to prevent the loose surface from moving onto the firmer surface, the edging can create a
tripping hazard. Where possible, the transition should be designed to allow for a smooth and gradual
transition between the two surfaces.
Table H.1
Recommended minimum number and types of ground-level play components on
accessible routes
(See Clauses H.4.2.2 and H.4.2.3.)
Number of elevated
play components
provided
Minimum number of groundlevel play components
required to be on accessible
route
Minimum number of different
play experiences of ground-level
play components required to be
on accessible route
1
Not applicable
Not applicable
2 to 4
1
1
5 to 7
2
2
8 to 10
3
3
11 to 13
4
3
14 to 16
5
3
17 to 19
6
3
20 to 22
7
4
23 to 25
8
4
More than 25
8 plus 1 for each additional 3 over
25 or a fraction thereof
5
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Figure H.1
Transfer platform
(See Clause H.4.5.2.1.)
Transfer step
Transfer
pla!orm
279.4 to 457.2 mm
(11.0 to 18.0 in)
a) Side view
355.6 mm
(14.0 in)
609.6 mm
(24.0 in)
Level
transfer
space
1219.2 mm
(48.0 in)
b) Top view
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Figure H.2
Transfer step
(See Clause H.4.5.3.1.
203.2 mm
(8.0 in)
Height
a) Side view
Depth
355.6 mm
(14.0 in)
Length
609.6 mm
(24.0 in)
b) Top view
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Figure H.3
Manoeuvring space
(See Clause H.4.6.1.)
1524 mm
(60.0 in)
diameter
Note: This figure shows a manoeuvring space in the form of a circular space or a T-shaped space provided adjacent
to the suspended element at rest.
Figure H.4
T-shaped space
(See Clause H.4.6.1.)
1524 mm (60.0 in)
minimum
915 mm
(36.0 in)
minimum
Arm
Arm
1524 mm
(60.0 in)
minimum
610 mm
(24.0 in)
minimum
Base
915 mm
(36.0 in) minimum
305 mm
(12.0 in) minimum
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Figure H.5
Changes in level
(See Clause H.4.8.4.)
2
12.7 mm (0.5 in)
1
12.7 mm (0.5 in)
25.4 mm
(1.0 in)
12.7 mm (0.5 in)
maximum
Figure H.6
Elongated openings
(See Clause H.4.8.5.)
Dominant direction of travel
Long dimension
perpendicular to
dominant direction
of travel
12.7 mm (0.50 in) max
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Annex I (informative)
A protocol for testing partially bounded openings
Notes:
1) This informative (non-mandatory) Annex has been written in normative (mandatory) language to facilitate its
adoption where users of the Standard or regulatory authorities wish to adopt it formally as additional
requirements to this Standard.
2) The protocol described in this Annex is one that has been recommended; however, it is not intended to
preclude the use of other effective protocols.
3) Text and figures in this Annex have been adapted from the Régie régionale de la santé et des services sociaux
de la Montérégie publication, Guide on Children’s Playgrounds—98, with permission.
I.1 Test procedure — “A” section
The “A” section of the template (see Figure I.2) shall be inserted along the centreline of the opening
until the motion is arrested through contact between the test template and the boundaries of the
opening. Through visual inspection, it shall be determined if there is contact between the tip of the “A”
section and the bottom of the opening. If so, the opening shall pass the test. (See Sample 2 of Step 1 in
Figure I.1.)
If there is simultaneous contact between the two sides of the “A” section of the template, the opening
shall be considered accessible. An opening that is considered accessible in Step 1 (see Figure I.1) is
potentially dangerous and shall be tested in accordance with Step 2 (see Figure I.1, Step 2, Samples 1, 3,
4, and 5).
I.2 Test procedure — “B” section
The smallest part of the “B” section (see Figure I.2) shall be introduced into the opening perpendicular
to the surface. If the template fits into the opening, the opening fails the test (see Samples 1 and 3 of
Step 2 in Figure I.1). The only exception is when the head probe (Probe B) can pass through the opening
(see Sample 4 of Step 2 in Figure I.1).
If the “B” section cannot be inserted into the opening, the opening passes the test (see Sample 5 of Step
2 in Figure I.1).
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Figure I.1
Test procedures
5
Pass
(not
accessible)
4 — Pass
Probe B
Fail
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1
Fail
Step 2
A
B
Step 1
1
Accessible
2
Pass
3
3
Accessible
4
Accessible
5
Accessible
(See Clauses I.1 and I.2.)
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Figure I.2
Test template
(See Clauses I.1 and I.2.)
B section
Tip of A section
B
A
Both sides of A section
Figure I.3
Test template
(See Clauses 4 and 5.)
B section
Tip of A section
B
A
Both sides of A section
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Annex J (informative)
Hazard identification and risk assessment
Notes:
1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
2) This Annex provides examples and does not endorse any of the products or playground configurations
presented. Each organization performing Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) should gather
their own team and develop and document their own circumstances.
3) HIRA for identified hazards are two separate tasks.
J.1 General
A product or activity benefits analysis is separate from both the identification of hazards and risk
assessment but is compared and balanced against the risk assessment output.
Play is ageless. The inherent benefits of play for children and value to society are well understood.
Children will engage in play wherever they find opportunity, and it is reasonably foreseeable that
children will play in unpredictable ways.
Not all places for play fall within the scope of this Standard, but where children play in spaces designed
for public access to play opportunities then, with some exceptions, the scope of this Standard might
apply.
Playgrounds provided by public entities, parks, child care centres, etc., are subject to regulation and
liability. The criteria of this Standard are often used as the measure of a minimum standard of care in
these public playgrounds.
Playground standards criteria are based on past knowledge of products and issues and, sometimes, are
not able to anticipate potential future innovations. This situation can be a source of frustration for
designers trying to introduce creative new products that might not fit the prescriptive language of the
Standard.
J.2 Risk assessment
J.2.1
Risk assessment offers the owner, playground designer, play components designer and manufacturer,
and others an opportunity to evaluate their project in relation to hazards that would likely cause harm
during reasonably foreseeable use of the project. There are many layers to a risk assessment,
depending on the stage of the project. The owner, playground developer, or playground space designer
will need to assess their project in its entirety, while the component designer will only need to evaluate
anything from a part of a structure or the entire structure. The evaluation process will draw on many of
the aspects of traditional risk assessment to consider severity of injury and probability of that
occurrence. In the case of CSA Z614, prevention of serious and life-threatening injury is within the scope
of the Standard. The person performing the risk assessment might select this severity, or some lesser
severity, leaving only the likelihood of that severity of injury occurring to be determined. It is not
necessarily the role of the playground inspector to evaluate the HIRA because the owner/operator and
manufacturer are responsible for them.
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J.2.2
There are many sources to learn about hazard identification and risk assessment and how they can be
used for evaluating leisure activities and play environments. Some of them are as follows:
a) https://www.rospa.com/play-safety/advice/risk-assessment/;
b) https://www.resourcecentre.org.uk/information/risk-assessments/;
c) http://www.playengland.org.uk/media/172644/managing-risk-in-play-provision.pdf; and
d) https://outsideplay.ca/.
J.2.3
The most important thing to remember when conducting a HIRA is documentation. Taking the time to
sit down and write a risk assessment allows focus on thinking about what the hazards are and whether
there is anything that could be done to decrease their likelihood or severity. HIRA gives a structure in
which to analyze risk methodically.
J.3 Examples of documented HIRAs
J.3.1 General
The following are examples of documented HIRAs:
a) the introduction of a new play component to the market that is a variation or combination of
equipment that is currently covered within the standard;
b) a brand-new play component;
c) a nature or natural element brought in as a play component; and
d) overall design and layout of a new playground.
J.3.2 Example 1: Sample hazard identification and risk assessment for a modified
play component
A manufacturer has designed a cable ride that has the user sitting or standing on a pommel-style disc
suspended from a trolley by a flexible link. The current prescriptive requirements for cable rides only
cover designs where the user is suspended by their hands from a grip bar attached to the trolley. Of
course, the new play component will be subject to all the existing performance requirements of the
standard and the prescriptive requirements for the current cableway regarding speed, stops, and
structural integrity. Table J.3.1 focuses on documenting differences in the new design.
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Table J.3.1
Hazard identification and risk assessment for a modified play component
(See Clause J.3.2.)
Hazard identification
Injury risk
Steps to mitigate hazard
Falls from the seat onto the
protective surfacing
Fall could result in
injury.
Impact attenuating surfacing must be
installed within the protective surfacing. Fall
height must be from 1.5 m (59.06 in) above
the seat at its highest point through the
path of travel. The critical fall height of
surfacing should be based on a distance
above the seat. 1.5 m (59.06 in) covers the
adult distance from ground to centre of
mass with an additional safety factor.
The suspended seat when
loaded or unloaded could
impact a bystander.
Impact could result in
injury.
The seat will need to meet all prescriptive
criteria that are currently required for a
swing seat (impact attenuation, sharp
edges, swing protrusions, etc.) because
these already exist within the standard, and
as the use and motion of a swing seat is
similar to what is being proposed, the same
requirements are applicable. The seat must
also conform to the 6.35 mm (0.25 in)
minimum radius on corners and edges as
per Clause 12.3.2 for suspended members.
The physical location of the play component
with the playground must be treated like
other moving play components and must be
located away from circulation routes and
near the periphery of the playground
(Clause 14.10.2).
The occupied seat could
impact the ground surface
or trap the user’s legs or
feet between the seat and
the ground.
The user’s legs or feet
could be injured.
The seat when fully loaded with the weight
of a single adult user, 1113 N (250 lbf), at its
lowest point during the path of travel
should maintain a minimum under-seat
clearance of 300 mm (11.81 in). An adult
user is chosen because this type of activity
can be appealing to users outside our
intended age ranges. The under-seat
clearance is derived from seat clearance for
belt swing seats.
The occupied seat could
impact other play
components or support
structure.
Impact could result in
injury.
1.2 m (47.24 in) clearance zone is needed
around the path of travel because of the
increased distance between the trolley and
the user’s centre of mass.
The user could contact the
trolley and its interaction
with the cable.
Contact with the moving
trolley can cause crush/
shear injury to the
hands.
The distance between the seat top and the
connection of the support link must be
greater than 2.1 m (82.68 in). 2.1 m
(82.68 in) is the accepted clearance
between designated play surfaces and
overhead obstructions.
(Continued)
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Table J.3.1 (Concluded)
Hazard identification
Injury risk
Steps to mitigate hazard
The user could become
Entanglement can cause
entangled in the flexible link injury.
connecting the seat to the
trolley.
The flexible link must be made stiff enough
so that it passes the looping requirements
of Clause 12.6.2.2.
The lower access of the seat Fall could result in
could allow use by young
injury.
children. Younger users
might not have the upper
body strength to hold on
during the ride, resulting in
a fall.
The unloaded seat height will be set at
558.8 mm (22 in) above the underlying
surface. This product will be clearly marked
as being for 5 to 12 users.
Fall could result in
injury.
The size of seat will be held to a maximum
of 325 mm (12.80 in) diameter to make it
difficult to be accessed by more than one
user. Warning labels limiting use to a single
user must be posted at each end of the
cable on its support structure. 325 mm
(12.80 in) diameter equates to a surface
area of 0.083 m2 (0.89 ft2), which is less
than the area designated for one user
within Clause 9 on structural integrity.
Warning messages reinforce the intent of
one user usage.
Multiple users attempting
to use the seat
simultaneously could lead
to falls.
J.3.3 Example 2: Sample hazard identification and risk assessment for a new play
component
A manufacturer has developed a new play component that does not fit into any of the current
equipment types listed in Clause 9, 14, or 15. The device is a bouncer. The benefits of such a device are
many, including vestibular stimulation, sensory input, body awareness and sensory integration, muscle
tone, strength and posture, motor skill development, coordination and balance, and fun and learning.
The new play component is comprised of a minimally flexible membrane used for jumping that is
attached to springs around its periphery. The springs are concealed below an impact attenuating cover.
The bouncing membrane at rest is at ground level and measures 1117.6 mm (44.0 in) squared, for a
total of 1.25 m2 (13.5 ft2).
The play component will need to meet all the general requirements of the standards but will also need
to be assessed for structural integrity, layout, and design considerations. Table J.3.2 provides an
example of the HIRA documentation that a designer/manufacturer would complete on their product
described above.
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Table J.3.2
Hazard identification and risk assessment for a new play component
(See CLause J.3.3.)
Hazard identification
Injury risk
Steps to mitigate hazard
Landing improperly while
jumping or doing stunts
Ranges from head
injury to broken or
sprained limbs or joints
Minimize the ability to bounce by addressing
recoil of the typical user and/or adequately
padding the mounting and suspension system
of the bouncing surface. Reducing the bounce
recoil and size of the bouncing surface will
greatly limit the likelihood of a user
attempting gymnastic moves.
Falling or jumping off the
bouncer
Ranges from head
injury to broken or
sprained limbs or joints
Ground-level equipment does not require a
use zone; however, the bouncer’s design
creates forced movement, which increases the
likelihood of unintentional falls. Surfacing
requirements will be set for a fall height of
1.8 m (70.87 in) (based on the approximate
head height of the tallest intended user while
bouncing). Surfacing area will be offset 2.1 m
(82.68 in) from the bouncer, in all areas. The
2.1 m dimension is consistent with the
standing springing equipment in
Clause 14.2.2.2).
Falling on the bouncer
springs or frame
Ranges from head
injury to broken or
sprained limbs or joints
Adequately padding mounting or suspension
system of the bouncing surface. The padding
or cover must meet the attenuation for a fall
from the designated height of 1.8 m (70.87 in).
The padding must remain securely attached to
the frame during use. It must be a contrasting
color to the bouncer membrane.
Multiple simultaneous
users
Ranges from head
injury to broken or
sprained limbs or joints
Limit bouncer surface area to allow for only
one user to bounce effectively. Install warning
and information signage limiting usage to one
user at a time.
Forced movement of the
user colliding with
bystanders or other
equipment
Ranges from head
injury to broken or
sprained limbs or joints
Require placement of the bouncer to be away
from other dynamic play components and out
of the circulation paths of equipment.
User bottoming out
bouncing surface on the
underlying surface
Broken or sprained
limbs or joints
The bouncer membrane must maintain a
clearance of 200 mm (8 in) above the surface
below when loaded with the maximum
structural test load.
Limbs or other body parts
penetrating the bouncer
membrane
Broken or sprained
limbs or joints and
impact hazard for
fingers or hands
Restrict any opening in the bouncer
membrane to no greater than 30 mm (1.18 in)
in diameter.
Use by users outside the
intended user group
Unknown injury
Warnings and signage will indicate the
intended user group. Understanding that this
will not deter some individuals, the bouncer
(Continued)
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Table J.3.2 (Concluded)
Hazard identification
Injury risk
Steps to mitigate hazard
will be static tested like a swing as per C
lause 9.4.2 with a downward force of 3330 N
(748.58 lbf).
Contact with overhead
obstructions
Unknown injury
Overhead clearance must be based on the fall
height of the device. As previously noted, the
fall height will be 1.8 m (70.87 in), and the
2.1 m (82.68 in) overhead clearance
requirement will be on top of that.
Altered equipment, such
as damage to bouncer
membrane or objects
placed under the
membrane
Unknown injury
The customer will be supplied with clear
inspection, maintenance, and repair
instructions and schedules.
J.3.4 Example 3: Sample hazard identification and risk assessment for a natural
element used as a play component
Research has shown that play in a natural environment benefits children both physically and mentally.
Designed natural spaces encourage children to explore the space in a variety of ways and often engage
a greater range of muscles when playing, stretching both their bodies and imaginations. In an effort to
“naturalize” a playground, an owner/operator has decided that they would like to include a series of
real boulders into a playground for climbing. The natural boulders were not originally intended to be
play equipment. There are no specific equipment clauses in CSA Z614 that address how to evaluate a
boulder intended for play inside a playground nor are boulders covered in any other national standards,
such as EN, ASTM, or CPSC, which could have been referenced for guidance. The performance
requirements from Clauses 12 and 14 need to be considered regardless of the absence of requirements
in Clause 15. Items such as this that are purposefully placed in the playground environment need to be
evaluated using the HIRA process. Table J.3.3 provides an example of a documented HIRA.
Table J.3.3
Hazard identification and risk assessment for a natural element used as a play
component
(See Clause J.3.4.)
Hazard
identification
Impact with boulder/
collision hazard (fall/
strike/impact risk)
Injury risk
Steps to mitigate hazard
Impact could result in injury.
Choose boulder with vertical face. This will
inhibit climbing and access for small,
younger, less developed users who might
not be ready for the ascent/risk. This will
also serve to limit/reduce fall from boulder
onto a lower portion of the same boulder.
Avoid choosing boulders with horizontal
and/or inclined climbing that might act like
steps.
(Continued)
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Table J.3.3 (Continued)
Hazard
identification
Fall from boulder onto
ground
Injury risk
Impact could result in injury.
Steps to mitigate hazard
Recognize that a fall/contact onto natural
rock might/might not be different from a fall
onto a fabricated boulder or a steel support
member.
Ensure that surfacing meets
200 GMAX/1000 HIC fall height requirement
for given fall height of selected boulder(s).
Provide 1.8 m (6 ft) protective surfacing
zone or use zone or provide functional link
to the next boulder and make one
composite playstructure (i.e., one series of
linked boulders).
Ensure that the top surface of rock is
rounded (not flat; ensure it to be different
than a traditional platform). Attempt to
avoid large flat surface that would
encourage ‘multiple occupancy’ where a
user is more likely to stand and potentially
fall off.
Fall from boulder onto
another object or
another boulder (fall/
strike/impact risk)
Impact could result in injury.
Space boulders to create a functional link or
greater than 1.8 m (6 ft) apart. This ensures
that they would be considered ‘functionally
linked.’ Or, separate play elements with a full
protective surfacing zone (use zone or safety
zone) between them.
Ensure that the top surface of rock is
rounded (not flat; ensure it to be different
from a traditional platform). Attempt to
avoid large flat surface that would
encourage “multiple occupancy” and
potentially fall off.
Recognize that a fall/contact onto natural
rock might/might not be different from a fall
onto a fabricated boulder or steel support
member.
Boulder might have
sharp edges/sharp
points that could
abrade skin.
Laceration
A user’s shoe, boot,
leg, etc., could get
caught or trapped
between functionally
linked boulders.
Entrapment
Choose rounded boulders, and avoid right
angles.
Grind any rough edges/sides until smooth.
Space boulders such that they are 150 to
300 mm (6 to 12 in) apart at minimum to
create a functional link or greater than 1.8 m
(6 ft) apart. 150 to 300 mm (6 to 12 in) will
maintain a ‘functional link.’ Or, separate play
elements with a full protective surfacing
(Continued)
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Table J.3.3 (Concluded)
Hazard
identification
Injury risk
Steps to mitigate hazard
zone (use zone or safety zone) between
them.
Multiple users
attempting to access
and climb
simultaneously could
lead to falls.
Falls could result in injury.
The lower access of the
boulder(s) could allow
use by young children
and/or less able–
bodied users.
Falls could result in injury.
Ensure that surfacing meets 200 GMAX/1000
HIC fall height requirement for given fall
height of selected boulder(s).
Consider selecting boulder(s) with narrow
climbing faces to encourage single user on a
single face climber. Consider posting warning
labels limiting use to a single user on or
nearby the boulder with other instructions
and/or risk/supervision/disclaimer
information.
Ensure that surfacing meets 200 GMAX/1000
HIC fall height requirement for given fall
height of selected boulder(s).
Provide age-appropriate labelling system.
Consider selecting boulder height at a
maximum of <500 mm (20 in) for users
under the age of five years and <750 mm
(30 in) for users over the age of five years.
Note: Higher heights for various user age groups
could provide greater challenge, greater
excitement, and greater retention ratio/use ratio
but come with potentially greater risk.
J.3.5 Example 4: Sample hazard identification and risk assessment for designing a
new playground
J.3.5.1
This sample will consider the risk assessment of the owner and designer of a new playground. There are
several assumptions that have been made.
a) The owner has decided that there is a benefit in playing and in the building of the playground.
b) The owner is a public entity and will be subject to the regulatory obligations.
c) The owner is committed to following the current edition of CSA Z614.
d) The owner has decided to include playstructures and surfacing systems from several suppliers.
e) The owner has made a commitment to include the minimum requirements of Annex H for
accessibility.
f) The owner understands that they are to provide the maintenance for the project at the time of
specification, purchase, and installation.
g) The owner has a landscape architect acting as the playground designer on staff leading the
procurement process.
h) The playground will have elements that are directed at children 18 months to 5 years and 5 years
to 12 years; however, one structure will be installed to meet the age range of 18 months to 12
years.
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i)
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The playground will include a two-bay swing structure, a multi-user swing, a junior structure (18
months to 5 years), a senior structure (5 to 12 years), a structure for 18 months to 12 years,
climbing boulders, a cable ride with a seat as the suspending element, and an inground bouncer.
For surfacing, there will be 50% poured rubber (PIP) and 50% engineered wood fiber (EWF).
J.3.5.2
As this will involve several manufacturers, it will be the responsibility of the owner in their design and
evaluation to consider all the various components and their relationship to each other. As none of the
equipment suppliers are providing either surfacing material, the owner will determine the location for
each surface and the performance requirements for fall protection and accessibility.
J.3.5.3
The first step in the evaluation will be a request to all of the manufacturers for the detail drawings of
their playstructures; certificate of structural integrity; detailed installation instructions and
requirements, including foundations or other methods of achieving stability; maintenance instructions,
including a focus on evolving hazards and wear items that would need attention; layout requirements
for the protective surfacing zone and no-encroachment zones; and any precaution as to other
playstructures that should not be installed in proximity to the anticipated structure. Each manufacturer
needs to provide information as to how their products will be compliant with Annex H. Within the
maintenance instructions, the manufacturer should be able to provide an indication on the wear
characteristics and parts anticipated to keep the playstructure maintained in a compliant condition and
an estimate of the functional life of the playstructure. Ultimately, the owner wants a certificate or
declaration that the playstructures to be purchased are compliant with their own purchasing
specifications or the standard, whichever is more conservative, and the installer will be able to install
them to be compliant to and in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
J.3.5.4
There will be elements, such as the inground bouncer and the belt seat attached to the cable ride, that
are not contemplated by this Standard and, therefore, cannot have a certificate of compliance
generated. In this case, the manufacturer of each playstructure will have to provide their assessment of
risk and provide that to the owner for evaluation. The playstructure provider should provide a detailed
risk assessment, including issues related to surfacing for fall height and amount of protective surfacing
and/or no-encroachment zone that would be required. This would be in addition to the other
installation and life-cycle information provided by the compliant supplier.
J.3.5.5
Once the manufacturer information is assembled, the playground designer will be able to begin to
layout the structures within the space taking into consideration their understanding of CSA Z614
requirements and any layout requirements that the playstructure manufacturer would have provided.
They will be familiar with the physical site and will be able to identify and evaluate hazards that are
related to drainage, slope of the site, proximity to roads or water, etc. They will consider the grouping of
age-appropriate structures together as well as any circulation issue that might arise from swinging
elements, slides, the bouncing equipment, any rotation components attached to the structures, etc.
They will also decide as to whether the structures will be within a single border or separated by routes
of travel and have individual borders.
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J.3.5.6
Playground surfacing is often overlooked as a functional component of the playground. There will be a
need for surfaces that allow for circulation and travel from where people live or parking lots to the
playground. These walkways can be concrete, asphalt, or any other hard surface that can be traversed.
Hard surfacing can also be used for the no-encroachment zones. Decisions related to accessibility will
have a bearing on the slopes, changes in vertical height, firmness, and stability of the surfacing types
selected. Depending on the type of surface selected, there will be life-cycle or maintenance
implications.
J.3.5.7
Each surfacing provider of playground protective surfacing should be able to provide the owner with
certificates of compliance to the CSA Z614 as measured in the ASTM F1292 three-temperature testing.
They should also be able to provide the maintenance requirements of the system being installed as well
as an indication of the functional life or life-cycle of the surface systems. The supplier should be able to
provide a warranty for the performance of the surface that reflects in years the capital investment vs.
the ability to maintain or improve the performance. Therefore, a longer warranty in years would be
required for a surface that has such a high capital cost and the owner has no knowledge or skill to
maintain.
J.3.5.8
The protective surface, as outlined in Section 10 of CSA Z614, is performance-based, but the owner
does have guidance within the CSA Z614 and ASTM standards that they can use to build a specification.
Section 10.2 recommends that the owner should procure the three-temperature test for ASTM F1292
for the fall heights that are anticipated in the playground. Where synthetic surfacing is to be used,
items, such as ASTM F2479, may be used as a guide by the owner/operator as to the problems and
expectations, including warranty terms, to be considered and incorporated into the specification.
When engineered wood fibres are to be used, ASTM F2075 may be utilized as a standard that defines
the requirements for engineered wood fibres in terms of particle size, metal content, etc. Given that
this playground (including surfacing) is intended to comply with Annex H, certificates of compliance to
ASTM F1951 would seem prudent. All of this information should be included in the purchasing and
installation specification for the playground.
J.3.5.9
Ultimately, the protective surface is to prevent injuries, which, in the case of CSA Z614 compliance, is
the 200 GMAX and/or 1000 HIC resiliency requirement. For the structures that are not specifically
named in the CSA Z614, particularly the ones in which the owner has received a HIRA, these be
evaluated for a fall-related injury. The manufacturer might have stated a fall height they would
recommend, but the owner will have to determine if this meets their needs and change it if they believe
the fall height could be higher. As the manufacturer of the play equipment is the first to create a HIRA
for their equipment, the owner is not able to select a lower fall height (based on the impact testing
requirements set forth in CSA Z614 and ASTM F1292).
J.3.5.10
Having collected and written the certificates of compliance and HIRA for all of the components of the
project, the owner or their play space designer is able to develop written purchasing and installation
specifications. Consideration should be given to writing warranty requirements that meet their needs
rather than the supplier warranty provisions. It should also be considered that because this project
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involves multiple suppliers of structures and surfacing systems, there needs to be project oversight to
ensure that the interfaces between suppliers are appropriately dealt with.
J.3.5.11
The major part of the owner HIRA will be the interface between all the playground project components.
They need to first consider the features of each playstructure selected for their playground. They will
evaluate the movement of children and their caregivers within the space, giving special consideration to
the needs of the ground-level accessible route. The number of children expected to use the playground
at any one time will be a factor in the determination of the space requirement. The size of the current
project suggests a major play facility that is meant to attract a significant number of children. As the
playstructures are placed within the space, fall heights and the option to overlap fall heights between
playstructures is to be considered. In some cases, the likelihood of a fall from a structure or an adjacent
structure might determine as to whether more space is required. Also, structures with motion might
require additional space for protective surfacing or circulation, depending on the expectation for the
reasonably foreseeable use. The considerations related to the layout of individual structures, the fall
heights, and the performance requirements will be documented. Table J.3.4 provides an example of
documentation.
Table J.3.4
Example of documentation for hazard identification and risk assessment for
designing a new playground
(See Clause J.3.5.11.)
Hazard identification
Injury risk
Steps to mitigate hazard
Impact with moving
equipment or moving
users near equipment
Being injured
from impact
with
equipment or
user
Site layout will place cable ride in separate area and in a
location that is opposite the main entrance location on
the site. Also, place the inground bouncing equipment
away from most of the activities in the main area. Swings
will be placed away from the main site entrance and
rotated so that the users entering the site could clearly
see the path of the moving seat/user. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommended protective surfacing zone
requirements for all equipment except increasing the
zone around the inground bouncer to allow appropriate
circulation between equipment and between a
landscaped rock retaining wall. Where possible, add a
visual marker in the synthetic surfacing to alert users
when they are approaching an area of increased activity
(i.e., change in color, colored line, etc.) Also, plant a row
of plantings (bushes, shrubs, etc.) between the main area
and the cable way to discourage users from running into
the area where impact could occur. Also, install signage
around the cable way and inground bouncer with clear
instructions about proper usage of the equipment, such as
single use only, watch out for users in the path before
descending, etc.
Falls from the
equipment
Injury from
falls
As the playground is required to meet Annex H, the areas
around the structures will be installed with compliant
synthetic surfacing. Engineered wood fibres will be
installed around swings because of increased risks of falls
(Continued)
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Table J.3.4 (Concluded)
Hazard identification
Injury risk
Steps to mitigate hazard
from these items and because such generally provide
improved resiliency over synthetic surfacing products with
lower GMAX and HIC values. As the area under the swing
seats tends to get displaced, rubber mats will be installed
in these locations to limit changes in elevation. Synthetic
surfacing will also be installed around the inground
bouncer to ensure surfacing remains at the correct level.
The synthetic surfacing will also be installed with GMAX
and HIC scores below the CSA Z614 threshold of
200 GMAX and/or 1000 HIC to provide surface longevity
and degradation over time (because of the nature of the
activity and knowledge of the active children who will use
this playground).
Equipment breakage
Variety of
injuries
Follow all manufacturer’s recommendations for
inspection and maintenance of the equipment. Increase
the scheduled frequency for the cable way, inground
trampoline, and swings because of the high volume of
users expected to use this park. Notify the owner and
stress the importance of maintaining the playground to
prevent injuries.
Proximity to road
Being struck
by vehicle
Considered the distance to the road and the presence of a
suitable fence; no increased risk to the users of the
playground
Overhead items
Electric shock/ No action required as existing trees are outside the
playground area and there are no power lines in the
eye injury
vicinity
J.3.5.12
As the decision has been made that this playground will meet the minimum requirements of Annex H,
the inclusion of ground-level accessible routes and the need for parking spaces for mobility devices are
part of the layout and protective surfacing considerations. Any modification made is to be documented.
Once the site is ready, suppliers have been contracted, and the work is underway, inspections might be
required to document requirements on work that will be covered permanently later in the construction
and finishing process.
J.4 Conclusion
Following the installation (in any of examples 1, 2, 3, and 4), the owner or their designate should
perform the before-use inspection of the structures and surfacing for compliance to CSA Z614. For play
equipment that is not explicitly referenced in CSA Z614, the person performing the inspection should
ask for and ensure himself or herself that there is HIRA from the manufacturer and HIRA from the
owner (where appropriate). These HIRA documents should be part of the before-use inspection report
along with all other specific evaluations requested in the scope of work for the inspection. It is not
necessarily the role of the playground inspector to evaluate the HIRA because the owner/operator and
manufacturer are responsible for them. Any deficiency noted in the inspection report is to be corrected
before public access to the playground.
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Once the playground is open for use, the owner should establish a routine for inspections as per
Clause 11 of this Standard and maintain the components in accordance with the manufacturer(s) and/or
supplier(s) instructions. The owner should continue to monitor the product through its life and work
with the manufacturer/designer to resolve issues that could stem from HIRA.
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Annex K (informative)
Thermal comfort
Notes:
1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
2) This Annex is best applied to new playgrounds and play areas, but playground renovations and retrofits would
also benefit from the introduction of thermal comfort considerations.
3) Development of this Annex was supported by research conducted by the National Program for Playground
Safety at the University of Northern Iowa, whose work was funded by the Standards Council of Canada’s
Standards to Support Resilience in Infrastructure Program, and with guidance from the Climate Change and
Innovation Bureau at Health Canada. Additional information on the research project is available at
http://www.scc.ca or by contacting info@scc.ca.
K.1 Context
The microclimate of a playground has a significant influence on children’s use of play areas and levels of
physical activity (Semenzato et al., 2011). Sun exposure, air movement, humidity, and temperature
combine to affect what is known as ‘thermal comfort,’ a description of the condition of being satisfied
with current environmental conditions. Each playground has its own distinct micro-climate, with unique
patterns of temperature, wind, and radiation.
Studies have shown that when thermal conditions become uncomfortable in summer, the use of the
playgrounds by children decreases. Some design elements of parks and playgrounds can also increase
heat-related health risks to children (Vanos et al., 2016).
Children are particularly vulnerable to hot ambient environments and heat stress compared to adults
(Berry et al., 2014). They are also more susceptible to sunburns and burn injuries on playgrounds
because of their more sensitive skin (Volkmer and Greinert, 2011). Making playground equipment and
spaces thermally comfortable in summer helps ensure that children can go outdoors, play, be active,
and remain at a play area for a longer period.
Designing thermally comfortable outdoor spaces is an important adaptation in the context of climate
change. As a result of climate change, the numbers of very hot days [≥30 °C (≥86 °F)] in many parts of
Canada is expected to become much more common, with significant impacts on human health (Berry et
al., 2014). For example, in the city of Windsor, Canada’s southernmost city, the number of very hot days
is expected to double from 24 days annually to over 40 days by 2050 (Malik, 2018). In summary, in the
context of climate change, understanding how to design for thermal comfort is increasingly essential for
Canadian playgrounds.
K.2 Goal of this Annex
The goal of this Annex is to provide practical advice for the management of thermal comfort in the
design (or retrofit) and maintenance of both new and existing playgrounds in the context of Canadian
climates. While focused on improvements to thermal comfort in the summer season, the Annex touches
on how to design for thermal comfort in all seasons, given that many parts of the country experience
four distinct seasons, including long and cold winters. Canada is a vast country characterized by large
variations in regional climate. This Annex is designed to not be limited to one geography but, instead,
provide high-level considerations that could apply across various geographic and climatic zones.
Thermally comfortable playgrounds and play areas can help achieve the important benefits children
gain through active outdoor play. Additionally, thermally comfortable play areas can help create cool
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and vegetated spaces within towns and cities (i.e., “park cooling islands”). This is increasingly important
given the growing “urban heat island” effects in Canadian cities.
K.3 Four components of thermal comfort
Table K.1 discusses the four environmental components that are the principal factors related to thermal
comfort. These thermal comfort factors are provided in the order of those most easily changed to those
more challenging to manage through design. Furthermore, radiation and sun exposure reduction have
the greatest potential influence on health benefits.
Table K.1
Four components of thermal comfort
(See Clause K.3.)
Description of thermal comfort factor
Solar radiation
Playgrounds often lack adequate protection from
sun exposure, which can result in direct skin
damage due to high-energy ultraviolet (UV)
radiation and increased risk of skin cancer
(American Cancer Society, 2013). Intense
radiation exposure further connects to many
thermal comfort and safety factors, including
thermal discomfort, heat stress, dehydration, skin
damage from UV light, sedentary behaviour,
degradation of equipment (Clause 7.5), and high
temperature(s) of protective surfaces and
playground equipment.
Solar radiation is the most important determinant
of thermal comfort in warm conditions.
Equipment and surface temperatures are directly
related to sun exposure. When these items are
exposed to the sun, they can reach temperatures
that can burn a child’s skin—manufactured
materials often pose the greatest risk of a burn.
Moreover, higher surface temperatures radiate
intense infrared energy (heat) toward a child,
thus decreasing comfort and increasing risks of
heat illness (see Clause K.5). Such conditions
reduce the usability of playgrounds and can
become dangerous.
Wind/ventilation
Wind/ventilation (airflow) can aid thermal
comfort in warm temperature environments.
Ensuring wind movement and ventilation in
summer is an important factor for thermal
comfort because it helps with convective cooling
of the skin for thermal comfort. Low wind
Playground design recommendations
Properly placed shade and the type of shade can
improve thermal comfort. In summertime, the
most impactful improvements to thermal comfort
can be achieved by reducing solar radiation
exposure through manufactured or natural shade
elements. Ensuring low transmissivity and
appropriate orientation of shading to block south
and southwest sun with trees or manufactured
shade is an important consideration when either
adding shade to current playgrounds or designing
new playgrounds (see also Clause F.2.3). In
wintertime, solar radiation can have a warming
effect that can increase comfort levels, and this
should be considered in the choice of shade type.
Owner/operators and planners/designers should
be aware that overexposure to solar radiation
can negatively impact long-term child health
through multiple avenues. Short-term effects on
hot days in summer might include early
departure from a playground or play area, burns
from hot surfaces, and painful sunburns.
Intentional changes in design can have numerous
co-benefits to child health, safety, and the
usability of a space (see Table K.2).
Ensuring that prevailing winds are able to flow
through a play area in summertime can
significantly improve thermal comfort by aiding
evaporation of sweat. Alternatively, blocking
prevailing winter winds is important for thermal
comfort. Vegetation and structures that can block
prevailing winter winds improve thermal comfort
in the cold season (see Clause F.2.3).
(Continued)
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Table K.1 (Concluded)
Description of thermal comfort factor
Playground design recommendations
movement (stagnant air) can cause discomfort on
hot days, especially in humid regions of the
country. Wind flow can also exacerbate
conditions on cold days.
In wintertime, high winds can exacerbate and
decrease thermal comfort and the wind chill
factor.
Knowledge of the prevailing wind directions and
speeds each season using seasonal wind roses (i.
e., a diagram showing the relative frequency of
wind directions at a specific place and season;
see Figure K.1) or an alternate means is
suggested to aid ventilation and for optimizing
wind blocks. As winds will vary by location and
season, these layout decisions for thermal
comfort should be site-specific and planned
carefully.
Temperature
The temperature of the playgrounds—including
air, surface, and equipment temperature—can
have a dramatic effect on children’s movement,
health, physical activity, and behaviour. Both hot
and cold temperature extremes affect overall
thermal comfort. User experience of temperature
is a key driver of a comfortable safe play
experience and total time spent at a playground.
If temperature is not considered in the planning
stage, it can limit the use of the space because
users could depart prematurely.
While air temperature is difficult to change on a
large scale, it can be influenced through design.
In summer, air temperature is reduced through
vegetation (via evapotranspiration); shading; and
lowering surface temperatures using natural
materials (e.g., trees, shrubs, and plants), water,
shade, and cool surface coverings.
Relative humidity
Relative humidity significantly factors into how a
human feels, yet it is difficult to control within
the space of a playground area. Humidity varies
minimally within a city as compared to wind,
radiation, and temperature. Higher air humidity
reduces thermal comfort in warm weather by
restricting evaporation of sweat, which is
essential for comfort in warm conditions. Higher
humidity and low airflow leads to less
evaporation from the skin, resulting in high
thermal discomfort.
Air temperature is a weather variable that is
difficult to change on a large scale but can be
influenced through intentional design. For
example, in hot weather, the use of vegetation
(e.g., trees, shrubs, and plants) and shading can
provide increased cooling and a reduction in
surface temperatures. Management of factors,
such as air movement, direct sunlight exposure,
and others, plays an important role on cold
temperature impacts in winter. When properly
managed, design choices can impact localized air
temperatures and help improve thermal comfort
across different seasons.
Cold wintertime air temperatures are best
managed through children’s clothing protection
as well as wind blocks and designs that allow for
sunlight exposure (see Tables K.2 and K.3).
Air movement from the wind can aid in the
evaporative process on humid days (see
Table K.3). Ensuring wind flow is therefore a
more important consideration in humid cities
(such as Toronto, Windsor, Ottawa, and
Montreal). In dry locations (such as the Prairies),
where humidity is less of an issue, sweat
evaporates more freely, causing less heat
discomfort. Drier locations are often sunnier on
hot days; thus, shade elements are comparatively
more important for thermal comfort.
K.4 Site and design practices that influence thermal comfort
Before the implementation of physical design elements at a playground, the prioritization of factors that
influence thermal comfort and other considerations for safety and use (e.g., impact attenuation of
surfacing, design for accessibility) must be well understood. For thermal comfort, during initial decisionMarch 2020
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making, existing/expected weather and climate conditions should be well understood for a given
playground. Such information can be assessed through on-site weather measurements with a low-cost
weather station, the use of wind roses, and/or data acquisition from a nearby weather station, as well
as through surface temperature analysis in summertime with a handheld thermal infrared thermometer.
Further issues that should be addressed are
a) Identification of expected times of peak utilization of the playgrounds and volume of traffic —
This identification includes assessment of the annual usage periods and, in particular, if the
playground experiences considerable seasonal or time-of-day variation in usage (for example,
those playgrounds that are adjacent to sports fields, at seasonally popular parks, or at schools that
see peak usage during the day versus public playgrounds that see more variable periods of use).
Knowledge of these factors might help with choosing different design interventions focused on
designs for year-long usage, limited summer use, limited winter use, etc.
b) A shade study should be conducted to identify availability of shade from existing manufactured
structures as well as natural options, such as trees, natural features, land forms, and other
vegetations. This assessment could assist in both optimal placement, or orientation of equipment
or play areas, and the determination of how shade elements and other design features (wind
blocking) could be introduced and oriented. Design features could include additional natural
plantings, fencing options, storage or maintenance structures, and other options.
c) Wind roses or weather radials should be used to understand weather patterns, such as prevailing
summer and winter wind directions during the hottest and coldest days, respectively, and to best
understand expected weather factors that will consistently influence the thermal comfort at the
planned site (see Figure K.1).
d) Water access is an important consideration for all playgrounds, particularly if access to a local
water supply can be ensured from the outset of the design/construction phase of a new project.
Water access provides an opportunity for drinking and cooling during play. It also allows for the
introduction of water play options and enhances maintenance capabilities, including the watering
of trees, vegetation, and gardens.
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Figure K.1
Example of a wind rose
(See Clause K.4 and Table K.1.)
Guelph, Canada
Percent frequency
N
W
E
10
15
20
25
S
Winter
Note: Example of a simple wind rose for the winter season in Guelph, Ontario. The wind rose shows that in this
location, the winds blow predominantly from the west in winter (up to just over 25% of the time), and thus,
designers would want to consider blocking cold westerly winter winds (from Brown and Gillespie, 1995).
K.5 Features and elements that influence thermal comfort
There are multiple physical design elements that can influence thermal comfort. Table K.2 provides
features/strategies along with a brief description of how each influences thermal comfort. These are in
no specific order.
Table K.3 presents detailed information on how design features could increase or decrease thermal
comfort in the warm and cold seasons, focusing on the four environmental factors (solar radiation,
wind/ventilation, temperature, and relative humidity) that together influence thermal comfort. When
making a decision for thermal comfort, consider the users of the space (e.g., age and stage of
development), the predominant time of use, and related safety factors, as outlined in Clause K.3.
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Table K.2
Thermal comfort considerations
(See Clause K.5 and Tables K.1 and K.3.)
Feature
Category
Thermal comfort considerations
Shade: canopy-level
vegetation and manufactured
shade within and around
playgrounds
Deciduous
Deciduous trees should be placed on the south and southwest sides of a
playground to provide summertime shading throughout the greatest part of
the day while also allowing wintertime radiation transmission, which is
affected by tree size and canopy density, with multiple trees allowing for
park cooling islands to form.
Coniferous
Given their tall and long canopies, coniferous trees should be used to
provide shade at high and low solar angles. These trees can also act as wind
blocks in winter for prevailing winds.
Manufactured
Shade sails should be used to shade smaller, high-use play areas from
intense solar radiation. Shade sails can be placed slightly to the south and
southwest of play equipment to block the south and southwest sun;
rectangular sails should be orientated east-west.
Notes:
1) Sun-path diagrams are
helpful to use for designing
for shade considerations at
different latitudes.
2) See Clause K.8 for resources
on additional tree attributes
(canopy size, growth rate,
energy reduction, etc.)
Note: Some shade sails can be installed and removed seasonally to allow warmth
from the sun in winter.
—
To ensure adequate wind flow in summertime, it is recommended to use a
seasonal wind rose. Based on the prevailing wind direction during heat
events (e.g., south), one should be careful to not block cooling winds from
ventilating the area. It is suggested to block winter prevailing winds and
consider snow drifting.
Ground-level vegetation
—
For the surrounding area, grass, shrubs, and native plants should provide
cooling through increased evapotranspiration, lower heat capacity, and
lower albedo.
—
Both the orientation, placement, and location of equipment within the
playground can influence thermal comfort. For new playgrounds, locating
the site to the north side of buildings, or landforms or embankments, can
provide shade and a source of coverage. Equipment location selections
within a playground can help utilize available shade, wind block, etc.
Note: See Clause G.8 for plant
selection guidance.
Playground site location and
equipment placement
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Ventilation from wind
Feature
Category
Thermal comfort considerations
Material selection
Equipment
As outlined in Clause 7.2, ensuring metal is painted, galvanized, or
otherwise treated is important. Also, ensuring that plastics, when used,
have lower exposure to sun is important for safety (see Clause F.2.3).
Utilizing paints and plastics that are lighter in colour can assist in lowering
surface temperatures (see Colour Selection below).
Surfacing
Considerations should be given to the type of surfacing material. Try
selecting material with low thermal storage and low heat conductivity
whenever possible. Intentional shading strategies on surfaces that reach
high temperatures, including the planting of shade trees, are vital to reduce
burn potential and thermal discomfort.
Equipment
It is recommended to use lighter colours on materials to minimize hot
surface temperatures.
Surfacing
Consider light surfacing colours (e.g., grey versus black) to minimize the
absorption of heat. Caution with bright/reflective colours (e.g., white
surface and sand) as the reflected solar radiation will exacerbate potential
sunburn. The reflective colours can also be uncomfortable on the eyes.
Consider shading these surfaces whenever possible.
Colour selection
Note: While colour selection will
influence equipment surface
temperatures, the overall
influence to thermal comfort
might be less dramatic than other
design features, particularly if
shaded.
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Table K.2 (Concluded)
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208
(See Clause K.5 and Table K.1.)
Warm season
Feature
Shade
Ground-level
vegetation
Lighter colour
materials
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Table K.3
Intentional strategies that can improve (↑) or decrease (↓) thermal comfort, based on changing the main factors of
sun exposure, wind/ventilation, temperature, and relative humidity
Cold season
Category
Sun
exposure
Wind
Temperature
Sun
exposure
Wind
Temperature
Deciduous
↑
—
↑
↑
—
↑
Coniferous
↑
↑*
↑
↓
↑*
—
Manufactured
↑
—
↑
↓
—
↓
All
↑
—
↑
—
↑
↑
Surface
↓†
—
↑
↑†
—
↓
Equipment
↓†
—
↑
↑†
—
↓
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* Focus on blocking prevailing winter winds and not blocking summer winds.
† Due to reflection of sunlight toward a person.
Note: An em dash (—) indicates no well-known or significant relationship between that mitigation and its influence on thermal comfort. For example, planting
of deciduous trees in summer can improve thermal comfort by decreasing sun exposure and air temperature but can have a slight effect in increasing humidity.
Refer to Table K.2 for explanations of features/strategies.
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K.6 Definitions
Adaptation — the process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects. In human
systems, adaptation seeks to moderate or avoid harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. In some
natural systems, human intervention might facilitate adjustment to expected climate and its effects
(IPCC, 2014).
Albedo — reflective power; specifically, the fraction of incident radiation (such as light) that is reflected
by a surface or body (such as the moon or a cloud).
Convective cooling — when heat is transferred from a hot medium (e.g., object or air) to a cold
medium. Our skin will cool via convection when it is warmer than the air, which is the normal process.
Evaporative cooling — a reduction in air temperature due to the evaporation of a liquid (water), which
moves latent heat from the surface from which evaporation takes place. For example, when we sweat,
evaporation of the sweat will remove heat from the skin’s surface.
Evapotranspiration — the process of transferring moisture from the earth to the atmosphere through
evaporation of water and transpiration from plants; uses energy and thus cools the air.
Park cooling island — the potential of urban parks to mitigate the urban heat island effects of their
surroundings (Slater, 2010).
Relative humidity — the amount of water vapor present in air expressed as a percentage—100% would
be saturation (or a water droplet). It increases as the air temperature decreases, and vice versa.
Solar radiation — radiation emitted by the sun in the visible shortwave part of the electromagnetic
spectrum.
Thermal comfort — condition of the mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment.
Urban heat island — built-up areas that are hotter than nearby rural areas. Built surfaces in urban
areas, such as roofs, paved roads, and parking lots, can absorb large quantities of radiant heat from the
sun, resulting in increases in both surface and air temperatures (Health Canada, 2009).
K.7 Reference publications
American Cancer Society. 2013. Skin cancer prevention and early detection:
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/sunanduvexposure/
skincancerpreventionandearlydetection/skin-cancer-prevention-and-early-detection-u-v-protection.
Blanchard, S. 2013. Improving Thermal Comfort in Windsor, ON; Assessing Urban Parks and Playgrounds:
https://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/environment/Environmental-Master-Plan/Documents/Improving
%20Thermal%20Comfort%20in%20Parks_no%20appendices.pdf.
Berry, P., Clarke, K., Fleury, M.D., and Parker, S. 2014. Human Health, in F.J. Warren and D.S. Lemmen
(eds.), Canada in a Changing Climate: Sector Perspectives on Impacts and Adaptation. Government of
Canada, Ottawa, ON: 191–232.
Brown, R.D. 2010. Design with Microclimate: The Secret to Comfortable Outdoor Space. Island Press.
Brown, R.D. and Gillespie, T.J. 1995. Microclimatic Landscape Design: Creating Thermal Comfort and
Energy Efficiency. Wiley.
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IPCC. 2014. Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the
Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, R.K.
Pachauri and L.A. Meyer (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland.
Health Canada. 2009. The Urban Heat Island Effect: Causes, Health Impacts and Mitigation Strategies.
Climate Change and Health Adaptation Bulletin:
https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/hc-sc/migration/hc-sc/ewh-semt/alt_formats/hecs-sesc/pdf/
pubs/climat/adapt_bulletin-adapt1/adapt_bulletin-adapt1-eng.pdf.
Madden, S., Arora, V., Holmes, K. and Pfautsch, S. 2018. Cool Schools:
https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/1480325/Cool_schools.pdf.
Oliveria, S.A., Saraiya, M., Geller, A.C., et al. 2006. Sun exposure and risk of melanoma. Archives of
Disease in Childhood 91:131–138.
Olsen, H., Kennedy, E. and Vanos, J. 2019. Shade provision in public playgrounds for thermal safety and
sun protection: A case study across 100 play spaces in the United States. Landscape and Urban Planning
189:200–211.
Seguin, J. and Berry, P. 2008. Human health in a changing climate: a Canadian assessment of
vulnerabilities and adaptive capacity.
Semenzato, P., Sievänen, T., de Oliveira, E.S., Soares, A.L. and Spaeth, R. (2011). Natural elements and
physical activity in urban green space planning and design in Forests, Trees and Human Health. Springer,
Dordrecht, p. 245–282.
Slater, G. 2010. The Cooling Ability of Urban Parks:
https://www.asla.org/2010studentawards/169.html.
USDHHS. 2014. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer. Washington, D.C.:
https://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/prevent-skin-cancer/call-to-action-prevent-skin-cancer.
pdf.
Vanos, J.K. 2015. Children’s health and vulnerability in outdoor microclimates: A comprehensive review.
Environment International 76.
Vanos, J.K., Herdt, A.J. and Lochbaum, M.R. 2017. Effects of physical activity and shade on the heat
balance and thermal perceptions of children in a playground microclimate. Building and Environment
126.
Vanos, J.K., McKercher, G.R., Naughton, K. and Lochbaum, M. 2017. Schoolyard Shade and Sun
Exposure: Assessment of Personal Monitoring During Children’s Physical Activity. Photochemistry and
Photobiology.
Vanos, J.K., Middel, A., McKercher, G.R.G., et al. 2016. Hot playgrounds and children’s health: a
multiscale analysis of surface temperatures in Arizona, USA. Landscape and Urban Planning: 146:29–42.
Volkmer, B. and Greinert, R. 2011. UV and children’s skin. Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology:
107(3), 386–388.
Xu, Z., Sheffield, P.E., Hu, W., et al. 2012. Climate Change and Children’s Health—A Call for Research on
What Works to Protect Children. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
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K.8 Helpful tools and resources
Evergreen 2002. School Ground Greening: A Policy and Planning Guidebook:
https://www.evergreen.ca/tools-publications/school-ground-greening-a-policy-and-planning-guidebook/
.
Toronto District School Board and Evergreen. 2004. Ontario EcoSchools School Ground Greening:
Designing for Shade and Energy Conservation Guide:
https://www.evergreen.ca/downloads/pdfs/Designing-For-Shade.pdf.
Moore, R.C. 1993. Plants for Play: A Plant Selection Guide for Children’s Outdoor Environments.
Moore, R.C. 2014. Nature Play & Learning Places: Creating and Managing Places Where Children Engage
with Nature. Version 1.0. Natural Learning Initiative and National Wildlife Federation.
Moore, R.C. NatureGrounds—Creating and Retrofitting Play Environments: Best Practice Guidelines.
PlayCore:
https://www.playcore.com/programs/naturegrounds.
Brown, R. and Gillespie, T. 1995. Microclimatic Landscape Design: Creating Thermal Comfort and Energy
Efficiency. Wiley.
Note: See Chapter 6, Table 6.1, for shade tree information. See Chapter 7 for wind rose information.
Irmak, M.A. and Yilmaz, S. 2015. Effects of different floor covering materials on thermal comfort in
landscape design studies. ICUC9—9th International Conference on Urban Climate jointly with 12th
Symposium on the Urban Environment:
http://www.meteo.fr/icuc9/LongAbstracts/udc4-1-6091516_a.pdf.
i-Tree tool: https://www.itreetools.org.
National Program for Playground Safety: https://playgroundsafety.org/.
Natural Learning Initiative: www.naturalearning.org.
Shade Audit Information Guide + Tool:
https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/resources/Documents/ShadeAudit_
GuideTool.pdf.
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