Standard Test Method for Playground Surface Impact Testing in Laboratory at Specified Test Height

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The purpose of this test method is to determine the shock absorption properties of a playground surface at a specific impact height in order to evaluate a particular playground surfacing system using the g-max and HIC criteria as outlined in Specification F1292. This will allow the owner/operator to specify certain minimums that they desire for their playground surface in relation to their playground equipment fall height and can be confirmed in the field after installation or throughout the functional life for the surface system utilizing Test Method F3313.  
5.2 This test method is to be used as a reference for specifying the impact attenuation performance of playground surfaces and the height from which they are tested.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers all playground surfaces to be tested in a laboratory setting at a specific drop height established by the manufacturer of the playground surface to determine shock absorption properties at the specified height above the surface and to evaluate surfaces based on their Gmax and HIC values described in Specification F1292.
Note 1: This test method is not intended to replace Specification F1292 for critical fall height (CFH) testing but to provide more information to either the manufacturer of the surface or the owner/operator purchasing the surface.
Note 2: This test method informs the owner/operator of the impact attenuating performance of the surfacing system at the specified height used in the test.  
1.2 This test method is specific to surfacing used in conjunction with playground equipment, such as that described in Specifications F1148, F1487, F1918, and CSA Z614.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
30-Nov-2019

Relations

Effective Date
01-Dec-2019
Effective Date
01-Dec-2023
Effective Date
01-Dec-2018
Effective Date
15-Aug-2018
Effective Date
01-Oct-2017
Effective Date
01-May-2017
Effective Date
01-Mar-2017
Effective Date
01-Jul-2016
Effective Date
01-Jul-2016
Effective Date
01-Nov-2013
Effective Date
01-May-2012
Effective Date
01-Jan-2012
Effective Date
01-Dec-2011
Effective Date
15-Oct-2011
Effective Date
01-Jul-2010

Overview

ASTM F3351-19e1: Standard Test Method for Playground Surface Impact Testing in Laboratory at Specified Test Height is a critical ASTM standard designed to determine the shock absorption capabilities of playground surfacing materials under laboratory conditions. This test assesses the safety performance of playground surfaces at a particular impact height, providing valuable data for evaluating surfaces using g-max and Head Injury Criterion (HIC) values as described in ASTM F1292. This standard enables manufacturers and facility owners to set and verify required levels of impact attenuation performance based on the anticipated fall heights of playground equipment.

Key Topics

  • Shock Absorption Assessment: This method determines the shock-absorbing properties of playground surfaces when impacted from a specified height, supporting safety performance evaluation.
  • Testing Parameters: The test is conducted in a laboratory at a drop height established by the playground surface manufacturer, under multiple reference temperatures (25°F, 72°F, and 120°F / -4°C, 23°C, and 49°C), to simulate varying environmental conditions.
  • Performance Criteria: Surfaces are assessed based on g-max (maximum acceleration) and HIC values, which are crucial for minimizing injury risk from falls.
  • Reference for Specifications: The method serves as a reference point for specifying surface performance before and after installation, complementing but not replacing full critical fall height (CFH) testing outlined in ASTM F1292.
  • Applicability: Focuses on surfaces used with playground equipment covered under standards such as ASTM F1148, ASTM F1487, ASTM F1918, and CSA Z614.
  • Sample Conditioning: Surface samples must be conditioned and prepped according to ASTM F1292 requirements, ensuring consistency with real-world installations.
  • Reporting Requirements: Test reports must document all measured values (g-max, HIC, drop height, velocity, temperatures) and clearly state that results pertain only to the tested height.

Applications

ASTM F3351-19e1 is widely used by:

  • Playground Surface Manufacturers: To validate new products and demonstrate compliance with impact attenuation requirements at specific fall heights.
  • Facility Owners and Operators: For specifying minimum performance thresholds during playground surface procurement and installation, aligned with the known fall heights of installed equipment.
  • Playground Safety Inspectors: As a reference when evaluating laboratory safety data against field testing (using ASTM F3313), ensuring ongoing safety throughout the functional life of the surface system.
  • Regulatory Agencies and Specifiers: For drafting regulatory guidelines or bid specifications that require quantified playground surface performance data.

The standard supports decision-making related to:

  • Selecting safe surfacing materials during playground design and construction
  • Verifying compliance to safety requirements before opening to the public
  • Monitoring surface condition after exposure to weather, aging, or heavy use

Related Standards

ASTM F3351-19e1 works in coordination with several other key playground safety and performance standards, including:

  • ASTM F1292 - Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment
  • ASTM F355 - Test Method for Impact Attenuation of Playing Surface Systems, Other Protective Sport Systems, and Materials Used for Athletics, Recreation and Play
  • ASTM F1148 - Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Home Playground Equipment
  • ASTM F1487 - Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use
  • ASTM F1918 - Safety Performance Specification for Soft Contained Play Equipment
  • ASTM F3313 - Test Method for Determining Impact Attenuation of Playground Surfaces in the Field
  • CSA Z614 - Canadian standard for children’s playspaces and equipment

Keywords: ASTM F3351, playground safety, impact testing, shock absorption, playground surface, laboratory test, g-max, HIC, playground surfacing standards, impact attenuation, playground equipment safety, ASTM standards, field performance verification.

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ASTM F3351-19e1 - Standard Test Method for Playground Surface Impact Testing in Laboratory at Specified Test Height

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM F3351-19e1 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Playground Surface Impact Testing in Laboratory at Specified Test Height". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The purpose of this test method is to determine the shock absorption properties of a playground surface at a specific impact height in order to evaluate a particular playground surfacing system using the g-max and HIC criteria as outlined in Specification F1292. This will allow the owner/operator to specify certain minimums that they desire for their playground surface in relation to their playground equipment fall height and can be confirmed in the field after installation or throughout the functional life for the surface system utilizing Test Method F3313. 5.2 This test method is to be used as a reference for specifying the impact attenuation performance of playground surfaces and the height from which they are tested. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers all playground surfaces to be tested in a laboratory setting at a specific drop height established by the manufacturer of the playground surface to determine shock absorption properties at the specified height above the surface and to evaluate surfaces based on their Gmax and HIC values described in Specification F1292. Note 1: This test method is not intended to replace Specification F1292 for critical fall height (CFH) testing but to provide more information to either the manufacturer of the surface or the owner/operator purchasing the surface. Note 2: This test method informs the owner/operator of the impact attenuating performance of the surfacing system at the specified height used in the test. 1.2 This test method is specific to surfacing used in conjunction with playground equipment, such as that described in Specifications F1148, F1487, F1918, and CSA Z614. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The purpose of this test method is to determine the shock absorption properties of a playground surface at a specific impact height in order to evaluate a particular playground surfacing system using the g-max and HIC criteria as outlined in Specification F1292. This will allow the owner/operator to specify certain minimums that they desire for their playground surface in relation to their playground equipment fall height and can be confirmed in the field after installation or throughout the functional life for the surface system utilizing Test Method F3313. 5.2 This test method is to be used as a reference for specifying the impact attenuation performance of playground surfaces and the height from which they are tested. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers all playground surfaces to be tested in a laboratory setting at a specific drop height established by the manufacturer of the playground surface to determine shock absorption properties at the specified height above the surface and to evaluate surfaces based on their Gmax and HIC values described in Specification F1292. Note 1: This test method is not intended to replace Specification F1292 for critical fall height (CFH) testing but to provide more information to either the manufacturer of the surface or the owner/operator purchasing the surface. Note 2: This test method informs the owner/operator of the impact attenuating performance of the surfacing system at the specified height used in the test. 1.2 This test method is specific to surfacing used in conjunction with playground equipment, such as that described in Specifications F1148, F1487, F1918, and CSA Z614. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM F3351-19e1 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.200.40 - Playgrounds. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM F3351-19e1 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F3351-19, ASTM F355-23, ASTM F1292-18, ASTM F1148-18, ASTM F1292-17a, ASTM F1292-17, ASTM F1148-17, ASTM F355-16e1, ASTM F355-16, ASTM F1292-13, ASTM F1918-12, ASTM F1148-12, ASTM F1148-11, ASTM F1487-11, ASTM F355-10a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM F3351-19e1 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
´1
Designation: F3351 −19
Standard Test Method for
Playground Surface Impact Testing in Laboratory at
Specified Test Height
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3351; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Corrected 4.2 and 6.1 editorially in June 2020.
INTRODUCTION
This test method allows for laboratory testing at various, nominal values in a laboratory at a drop
height lower than the critical fall height (CFH) as determined in Specification F1292 and utilizing the
three temperature test method and device stipulated in Test Method F355.
Owner/operatorsmayrequiretheirsurfacesystemstoperformbetteratinitialinstallationwithmuch
lower HIC and Gmax test results than the critical fall height limit.
The owner operator may choose to confirm the performance of the specified height report by
performingatestinthefieldtoTestMethodF3313afterthesurfacehasbeeninstalledandperiodically
thereafter as the surfaces ages.
1. Scope ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This test method covers all playground surfaces to be
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
tested in a laboratory setting at a specific drop height estab-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
lished by the manufacturer of the playground surface to
determine shock absorption properties at the specified height
2. Referenced Documents
abovethesurfaceandtoevaluatesurfacesbasedontheirGmax
and HIC values described in Specification F1292. 2.1 ASTM Standards:
F355 TestMethodforImpactAttenuationofPlayingSurface
NOTE 1—This test method is not intended to replace Specification
Systems, Other Protective Sport Systems, and Materials
F1292 for critical fall height (CFH) testing but to provide more informa-
Used for Athletics, Recreation and Play
tion to either the manufacturer of the surface or the owner/operator
purchasing the surface. F1148 Consumer Safety Performance Specification for
NOTE 2—This test method informs the owner/operator of the impact
Home Playground Equipment
attenuating performance of the surfacing system at the specified height
F1292 Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing
used in the test.
Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment
1.2 This test method is specific to surfacing used in con-
F1487 Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Play-
junction with playground equipment, such as that described in
ground Equipment for Public Use
Specifications F1148, F1487, F1918, and CSA Z614.
F1918 Safety Performance Specification for Soft Contained
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the Play Equipment
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the F3313 Test Method for Determining Impact Attenuation of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Playground Surfaces Within the Use Zone of Playground
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- Equipment as Tested in the Field
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2.2 CSA Standard:
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
CSA Z614 Children’s playspaces and equipment
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Subcommittee F08.63 on Playground Surfacing Systems. the ASTM website.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019. Published January 2020. DOI: 10.1520/ Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 178 Rexdale Blvd.,
F3351-19E01. Toronto, ON M9W 1R3, Canada, http://www.csagroup.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
F3351 − 19
3. Terminology 6. Summary of Test Method
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 6.1 Use test method described in Specification F1292 Sec-
3.1.1 specified impact height, n—height requested by the tion 12 to evaluate shock absorption properties using tempera-
manufacturer of the surface being tested,
...

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