ASTM F2049-00

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: F 2049 – 00
Standard Guide for
Fences/Barriers for Public, Commercial, and Multi-Family
Residential Use Outdoor Play Areas
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 2049; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope F 1043 Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings
on Metal Industrial Chain-Link Fence Framework
1.1 This guide provides the recommended minimum re-
F 1083 Specification for Pipe, Steel, Hot Dipped Zinc-
quirements for denoting various types of fences/barriers for the
Coated (Galvanized) Welded, for Fence Structures
protection of children’s outdoor play spaces in public, com-
F 1183 Specification for Aluminum Alloy Chain-Link
mercial, and multi-family residential use locations. This guide
Fence Fabric
excludes individual single family residential use play equip-
F 1345 Specification for Zinc-5 % Aluminum-Mischmetal
ment locations.
Alloy-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
1.2 This guide provides for the safety of occupants in play
F 1664 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)-
areas or zones as it pertains to vehicular intrusion as well as
Coated Steel Tension Wire Used with Chain-Link Fence
other participant intrusion, and for children containment or
2.2 CPSC Document:
entry/exit.
Model Pool Barriers Publication
1.3 This guide does not purport to address the aspect of
2.3 BOCA Document:
safety within a play area or zone. It is the responsibility of the
BOCA National Building Code/1993 – 12th Edition
user of this guide to establish appropriate safety practices as
2.4 Research Reports:
related to the play area and determine the applicability of
Colcote, L. R. and Mitchie, J. D., National Cooperative
regulatory requirements prior to use.
Highway Research Program Report #54, “Location, Se-
1.4 This guide does not choose the product components for
lection, and Maintenance of Highway Guardrails and
the fence system, the choice of which should be made by the
Median Barriers,” S. W. Research Institute, San Antonio,
operators of the play space and their specification writers or
TX
drafters based upon their determination of the merits of the
2.5 Building Codes:
products that could be used.
Standard Building Code, 1994 Edition, 2nd printing
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Uniform Building Code, Vol. II, Section 311.2.3.5: Vehicle
as standard. The SI values given in parentheses are for
Barrier
information only.
2.6 Other Documents:
2. Referenced Documents Other association standard weld wire draft specifications.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3. Terminology
A 123/A 123M Specification for Zinc Hot–Dip Galvanized
3.1 See Terminology F 552 for definitions of terms relating
Coatings on Iron and Steel Products
to chain-link fencing.
A 392 Specification for Zinc-Coated Steel Chain-Link
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Fence Fabric
3.2.1 fence, n—type of containment that surrounds and
A 491 Specification for Aluminum-Coated Steel Chain-
obstructs primarily people passage to or from the play area.
Link Fence Fabric
2 3.2.2 barrier, n—type of containment or deflector system
F 552 Terminology Relating to Chain-Link Fencing
that surrounds and obstructs primarily vehicle passage into a
F 567 Practice for Installation of Chain-Link Fence
2 play area, such as bollards and posts.
F 626 Specification for Fence Fittings
3.2.3 continuous barrier, n—type of traffic barrier designed
F 668 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) and
to prevent vehicular intrusion into a play area and that also
Other Organic Polymer-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence
impedes pedestrian passage to and from the play space.
Fabric
3.2.4 curb, n—permanent, continuous structure made of
concrete, asphalt, or other structural material presentinga6to
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F14 on Fences and is
8 in. (15.24 to 20-32 cm) elevation change at the curbline.
the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F14.10 on Specific Applications.
3.2.5 curbline, n—pavement elevation change defining the
Current edition approved July 10, 2000. Published October 2000.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.06. edge of a fire lane, vehicular travel lane, or contiguous or
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
F 2049
individual parking spaces with depressions meeting ADA adjacent traffic circumstances.
requirements. 6.1.1 Continuous Barrier—If a vulnerable play area has no
3.2.6 debris fence, n—shield used to prevent flying post- exterior exit gate on the traffic side of the play zone, then the
crash or other debris from entering a play zone. play area shall be protected with a continuous barrier on the
3.2.7 discrete barrier, n—barrier designed to prevent ve- traffic side as specified in the following sections. If pedestrian
hicular intrusion that allows for pedestrian passage to and from access through this continuous barrier is necessary, it shall
the play space. meet applicable sections. Continuous barrier methods include,
3.2.8 guardrail, n—an example of a continuous barrier. but are not limited to, guardrails, concrete or brick reinforced
3.2.9 low-speed, n—less than 35 mph (56.33 km/h). walls, and concrete jersey barriers.
3.2.10 play zone or area, n—fenced-in or enclosed space or 6.1.2 Discrete Barrier—If a vulnerable play area has an exit
environment for public, multi-family residential, or commer- gate on the traffic side of the play zone, then pedestrian access
cial play use containing recreation equipment intended for through a barrier is necessary and a discrete barrier should be
activities by children where entry or egress access is limited. provided on the traffic side as specified in the following
3.2.10.1 Discussion—This may be through its adjacent sections. Discrete barrier methods include, but are not limited
apartment or home decorative lattice work, public or commer- to, the following: structural bollards, trees, posts, and other
cial building door, or via a controlled gate. Examples include, vertical structures spaced no wider than 4 in.
but are not limited to, the following: fast food establishments, 6.1.3 Fences—All vulnerable play areas shall have fences
day-care centers, shopping malls, and apartments. with gates as described in the following section. This method
3.2.11 proximity, n—within 5 ft (1 or 1.524 m) as measured of protection may include chain link and other materials of a
by the least distance between the edge of the driving lane to minimum height of 4 ft (1.22 m) above grade.
perimeter of the play zone and its fence/barrier. 6.1.4 Building—Where a building may abut or is adjacent to
3.2.12 structural bollards, n—steel pipe structure filled with a play area or play zone, it may be used as part of the
concrete installed in the ground with a concrete footing. containment. If the building wall contains a door for ingress
3.2.12.1 Discussion—A structural bollard is an example of a and egress into the play area, it shall comply with subsequent
barrier and discrete barrier. sections. If the building wall contains windows for viewing, it
3.2.13 vulnerable play zone, n—play zone in the proximity shall contain glazing that is unbreakable and shatter-proof.
of vehicular traffic. 6.2 Buildings—The fence shall completely surround the
3.2.14 traffıc, n—movement of vehicles for purpose of play zone or area environment except where a building or
driving-through or parking motions. dwelling or portion thereof is utilized as part of the play
environment enclosure. If the exterior wall or walls of that
4. Site Covered
portion of the building contains doors, or other openings, it
4.1 A play zone shall be protected in accordance with this shall comply with the following provisions.
guide in locations that are vulnerable to low-speed vehicular
6.2.1 Doors—Doors in the wall of a building or dwelling
traffic, from activity and game conflicting uses, and for the that allow direct access through the wall to the play environ-
control of entering or exiting the play zone or area. Protection
ment shall be provided with the following:
shall be placed, as specified in Section 7, on all sides of the 6.2.1.1 An alarm capable of detecting unauthorized entry or
play zone.
exit through the gate or opening into or from the play
environment area when not in use and which, when activated,
5. Significance and Use
emits a sound of sufficient volume to be heard in the building
5.1 This guide sets forth minimum standard requirements
or dwelling as a means of outdoor area security when deemed
for use in local codes and ordinances relating to public,
necessary. The audible warning shall commence not more than
multi-family, residential, and commercial outdoor play areas or
7 s after the door and/or its screen, if present, are opened and
zones and their environments.
shall sound continuously for a minimum of 30 s. The alarm
5.2 This guide does not have the effect of law, nor is it
shall have a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB at 10 ft
intended to supersede local codes and ordinances of a more
(3.4 m) and the sounds of the alarm shall be distinctive from
restrictive nature.
other sounds such as auto alarms, smoke alarms, telephones,
5.3 This guide provides certain recommendations to assist
and door bells. The alarm shall automatically reset after 2 min
those who intend to provide protection against injuries or
under all conditions.
fatalities associated with any possible vehicle passage into, or
7. Requirements
pedestrian passage to or from, a play environment by children.
This would include, but not be limited to, state and local 7.1 Continuous Barrier:
7.1.1 Strength and Deflection Limits—The barrier used shall
governments, model code organizations, building code groups,
be able to withstand a one-time 10 000 lb (4535.9 kg)
and consumers. It is understood that the format will vary
concentrated, point-load located 2 ft (0.61 m) above ground
depending upon the specific use and local conditions.
with permanent deformation less than 0.1 in. (2.54 mm) after a
6. Methods of Protection
single load when tested in accordance with US DOT specifi-
6.1 Discrete and Continuous Barriers— These methods of cations.
protection shall be determined by the vulnerable play area or 7.1.2 Maintenance—If any permanent deformation or dam-
play zone requirement for protection for vehicle intrusion and age is done to a continuous barrier, the play area facility shall
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
F 2049
be closed until a new barrier has been installed. 7.5.2 Chain Link Mesh—Mesh opening for fences shall be a
7.1.3 Inspection—A visual check shall be done by the nominal 1 ⁄4 in. (3.2 mm) measured between the parallel sides
of the mesh, and a maximum of 1 ⁄4 in. (44.4 mm) measured
owner or operator on a regular basis to note damage. A sign
should be posted with the name and owner to be notified if horizontally between the corners of the installed mesh, unless
the fence is provided with privacy slats fastened at the top or
damage occurs.
the bottom, in which case no opening in the mesh shall exceed
7.1.4 Distance—Minimum unobstructed distance between
1 ⁄4 in. (44.4 mm).
the continuous barrier and the play area perimeter fence
7.5.2.1 If the tolerance of + ⁄8 in. (3.175 mm) indicated in
protection shall be no less than 2 ft (0.61 m).
7.1.5 The continuous barrier shall be placed edge to edge Specifications A 392, A 491, F 668, F 1183, and F 1345 is
rigidly applied to an ordered nominal mesh size of 1 ⁄4 in. (3.2
unless passage through is required, which shall be no more
than 48 in. mm) measured between the parallel sides of the mesh, the
result could be a dimension exceeding the specified maximum
7.2 Discrete Barriers:
of 1 ⁄4 in. (44.4 mm) measured horizontally between the
7.2.1 Strength and Deflection Limits—The barrier system
corners of the installed mesh. The degree of tension applied to
used shall meet the requirements of 7.1.1.
the fabric during installation could also affect this horizontal
7.2.2 Discrete barriers shall be placed a maximum of 42 in.
dimension. In all cases, the horizontal opening between the
(1.07 m) apart from each other (edge to edge).
corners of the fabric mesh after tensioning shall not exceed 1 ⁄4
7.2.3 Maintenance—Maintenance shall comply with 7.1.2.
in. (44.4 mm). Privacy slats shall not violate the requirements
7.2.4 Distance—The distance from discrete barrier to fence
of 7.4.2 regarding visibility.
shall be in accordance with 7.1.4.
7.5.3 Lattice:
7.2.5 Inspection—Shall comply with 7.1.3.
7.5.3.1 Where the fence is composed of diagonal members,
7.3 Curbs:
such as in a lattice fence, any opening created by the diagonal
7.3.1 Curbs, in order to minimize casual contact with cars,
members shall be a maximum of 1 ⁄4 in. (44.4 mm) measured
shall be placed at a minimum distance between the travel lane
in its largest direction.
and the play area zone as follows:
7.5.3.2 Diagonal bracing members extending from one cor-
7.3.1.1 2 ft, 6 in. where there is no parking.
ner to the opposite corner creating a ladder effect on all styles
7.3.1.2 4 ft for angled parking.
of fences and gates are not permitted where spacing of vertical
7.3.1.3 5 ft where there is perpendicular parking.
members in any area between posts exceeds 1 ⁄4 in. (44.4 mm).
7.4 Fences:
7.6 Access Gates:
7.4.1 Fence Height—The top of the fence shall be a
7.6.1 Double leaf access gates for maintenance service or
minimum of 72 in. (2.5 m) above grade measured on the side
emergency shall comply with the requirements of 7.1.2 and
of the fence that faces away from the play environment.
shall be equipped with a locking key-operated locking device
7.4.2 Visibility—The fence shall be designed and con-
that is always locked but where the key location is noted.
structed so that it allows for a visibility to conform to the level
7.6.2 Single leaf pedestrian access gates shall open outward
of surveillance necessary from a designated supervising area
away from the play environment, shall be self-closing, and
outside or inside the play environment area to inside the play
shall have a self-latching device. The release mechanism of the
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