ASTM F2373-11(2017)

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.
Designation:F2373 −11 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for
Public Use Play Equipment for Children 6 Months through
23 Months
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2373; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.6 This consumer safety performance specification in-
cludes the following sections:
1.1 This consumer safety performance specification pro-
Title Section
videssafetyandperformancerequirementsforvarioustypesof
Scope 1
public use play equipment such as, but not limited to, compos-
Referenced Documents 2
ite play structures, climbing structures, to-fro swings, spring
ASTM Standards 2.1
ANSI Standards 2.2
rocking equipment, and slides. It is intended to apply to play
Federal Standards 2.3
equipment that is used in places of public assembly, including
CPSC Documents 2.4
early care and education facilities, parks, or playgrounds.
UL Standard 2.5
European Standard 2.6
Publicuseplayareasforchildreninthisagerangeincludeboth
Terminology 3
indoor (classroom) settings and outdoor playgrounds. Where
Materials and Manufacture 4
appropriate, distinctions will be made between indoor and General Requirements 4.1
Fasteners 4.2
outdoorsettingswherethereissupervision(forexample,aplay
Toxic or Hazardous Substances 4.3
area that is part of an early care and education facility), and
Stuffing, Loose Fillers, and Padding Materials 4.4
settings with unlimited access (for example, public play- General Requirements 5
Compliance Documentation 5.1
grounds and parks).
Small Parts 5.2
Asphyxiation Hazard 5.3
1.2 Therangeofusersencompassedbythisconsumersafety
Performance Requirements 6
performance specification is the 5th percentile 6 month old
Head and Neck Entrapment 6.1
through the 95th percentile 23 month old.
Sharp Points and Sharp Edges 6.2
Protrusions 6.3
1.3 The purpose of this specification is to reduce the
Entanglement Hazards 6.4
potential for life threatening and debilitating injuries. Crush and Shear Points 6.5
Ventilation 6.6
1.4 Accessory toys attached to play equipment must meet
Closures 6.7
Suspended Hazards 6.8
all relevant standards including this consumer safety perfor-
Requirements for Access and Egress 7
mance specification.
Access and Egress Components That Shall 7.1
Not Be Used
1.5 Home playground equipment, amusement park
Adjacent Platforms 7.2
equipment,sportsequipment,fitnessequipment,softcontained
Step Ladders, Stairways, Flexible Access 7.3
play equipment, tricycles, toys, juvenile care products such as, Components, and Access Ramps
Climbing Equipment Used for Access and Egress 7.4
but not limited to, infant swings, play yards, expansion gates,
Handrails and Other Means of Hand Support 7.5
and expandable enclosures, furniture (including child-sized
Requirements for Platforms, Landings, and Other 8
house play furnishings and sand/water tables intended primar- Designated Play Surfaces
Platforms and Similar Surfaces 8.1
ily for indoor use), bassinets and cradles, infant walkers,
Adjacent Platforms 8.2
bouncer seats, jumpers, infant stationary activity centers, and
Protective Barriers 8.3
infant carriers are not included in the scope of this specifica- Equipment Specifications 9
Equipment That Shall Not Be Used 9.1
tion.
Climbing Equipment 9.2
Slides 9.3
Spring Rocking Equipment Intended for Use Without 9.4
Adult Assistance
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on
To-Fro Swings 9.5
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.29 on
Structural Integrity and Stability 10
Playground Equipment for Public Use.
General Requirements 10.1
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2017. Published August 2017. Originally
Structural Integrity Tests for Rungs, Steps, and 10.2
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F2373–11. DOI:
Horizontal Supporting Members
10.1520/F2373-11R17.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2373−11 (2017)
priate safety, health and environmental practices and deter-
Title Section
Structural Integrity and Stability Tests for 10.3
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Platforms and Ramps
1.11 This international standard was developed in accor-
Test for Dynamic Strength of Barriers and Handrails 10.4
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Structural Integrity and Stability Tests for Slides 10.5
Structural Integrity Test for Spring Rocking Equipment 10.6
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Structural Integrity and Stability Tests for Swings 10.7
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Play Equipment Use Zones, Non-Encroachment Zones, 11
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
and Placement
General Use Zone Requirements 11.1
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Exemptions from Use Zone Requirements 11.2
General Non-Encroachment Zone Requirements 11.3
2. Referenced Documents
Use Zones for Play Structures Having No Moving 11.4
Components
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Use Zones for Slides 11.5
Use Zones for Spring Rocking Equipment 11.6 D2240TestMethodforRubberProperty—DurometerHard-
Use Zones and Non-Encroachment Zones for To-Fro 11.7
ness
Swings
F406 Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size
Surfacing Materials for Use Zones 11.8
Fences and Gates 11.9 Baby Cribs/Play Yards
Placement of Play Equipment 11.10
F963Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety
Labels and Signs 12
F1077Guide for Selection of Committee F16 Fastener
Compliance Requirements for Labels and Signs 12.1
Specifications for All Labels and Signs 12.2
Specifications (Withdrawn 2014)
Label Requirements on Play Equipment and Structures 12.3
F1148 Consumer Safety Performance Specification for
Signs Required for Play Equipment/Structures in 12.4
Home Playground Equipment
Settings with Unlimited Access
Replacement 12.5
F1292Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing
Installation 13
Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment
Designer’s or Manufacturer’s Responsibilities 13.1
F1487ConsumerSafetyPerformanceSpecificationforPlay-
Owner’s/Operator’s Responsibilities 13.2
Maintenance 14
ground Equipment for Public Use
Equipment 14.1
F2075SpecificationforEngineeredWoodFiberforUseasa
Play Area Surfacing 14.2
PlaygroundSafetySurfaceUnderandAroundPlayground
Records 14.3
Keywords 15
Equipment
Annex A1–Figures Annex A1
2.2 ANSI Standards:
Appendix X1–Rationale Appendix X1
Z535.1Safety Color Code
1.7 General Measures, Tolerances, and Conversions:
Z535.4Product Safety Signs and Labels
1.7.1 The general tolerances for this specification are as
2.3 Federal Standards:
follows unless otherwise specified.
16 CFR 1303Ban of Lead-Containing Paint and Certain
Dimension Tolerance
Consumer Products Bearing Lead-Containing Paint
X. in ±0.5 in.
16 CFR 1500Hazardous Substances Act Regulations, in-
X.X in. ±0.05 in.
X.XX in. ±0.005 in.
cluding Sections:
16 CFR 1500.18(a)(16)(i)Banned Toys and Other Banned
These tolerances still apply to a dimension even when terms
Articles Intended for Use by Children—Infant Cushion or
like greater than, less than, minimum, or maximum are used.
Infant Pillow
1.7.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
16 CFR 1500.48Technical Requirements for Determining a
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
Sharp Point in Toys and Other Articles Intended for Use
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
by Children Under 8 Years of Age
information only and are not considered standard.
16 CFR 1500.49Technical Requirements for Determining a
1.7.3 The conversion factor from imperial to metric units
Sharp Metal or Glass Edge in Toys and Other Articles
are:
Intended for Use by Children Under 8 Years of Age
1 in. = 25.4 mm
16 CFR 1501Method for Identifying Toys and Other Ar-
2 2
1in. = 6.45 cm
3 3 ticles Intended for Use by Children Under 3Years ofAge
1in. = 16.39 cm
1 lb = 0.454 kg Which Present Choking, Aspiration or Ingestion Hazards
1 lbf (pound force) = 4.45 Newtons
Because of Small Parts
1.8 See Annex A1 for figures referenced throughout this
specification.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1.9 The text of this specification references notes and
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
footnoteswhichprovideexplanatorymaterial.Thesenotesand
the ASTM website.
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
considered as requirements of the specification.
www.astm.org.
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401.
F2373−11 (2017)
16 CFR 1610Standard for the Flammability of Clothing 3.1.12 crush and shear point, n—juncture at which the user
Textiles could suffer contusion, laceration, abrasion, amputation, or
fracture during use of the play equipment.
2.4 CPSC Documents:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,Handbook for 3.1.13 designated play surface, n—any elevated surface for
Public Playground Safety
standing, walking, crawling, sitting, or climbing, or any el-
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,Never Put evated flat surface larger than 2.0 in. (51 mm) wide by 2.0 in.
Children’s Climbing Gyms On Hard Surfaces, Indoors or
(51 mm) long, having less than a 30° angle from horizontal.
Outdoors
3.1.14 early care and education facility, n—settinginwhich
2.5 UL Standard:
out of home care is provided for eleven or more children.
UL969Standard for Safety: Marking and Labeling Systems
3.1.15 entanglement, n—condition in which the user’s
2.6 European Standard: clothesorsomethingaroundtheuser’sneckbecomescaughtor
EN 71-1Safety of Toys—Part I: Mechanical and Physical
entwined on a component of play equipment.
Properties
3.1.16 entrapment, n—any condition which impedes with-
drawal of a body or body part that has penetrated an opening.
3. Terminology
3.1.17 fall height, n—vertical distance (1) between a desig-
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
nated play surface and the surface beneath it; or (2) between
3.1.1 access ramp, n—ramp used to move onto or into a
specified parts of a play structure; or (3) between a specified
piece of play equipment.
part of a play structure and the ground.
3.1.2 accessible, adj—relating to a part or portion of the
3.1.18 fully enclosed swing seat, n—suspended device upon
play equipment (1) that can be contacted by any body part, or
which a user sits which has non-removable supports on all
(2) that a user can enter, leave, play on, in, or under.
sidesandbetweenthelegsofauser.Thesupportsareintended
3.1.3 accessory toy, n—toy attached to, removable from, or
to prevent a user from falling out of the device while it is in
sold with a piece of play equipment, as well as the means of
motion (for example, a fully enclosed bucket seat, see Fig.
attachment.
A1.1).
3.1.4 adjacent platforms, n—two platforms with some de-
3.1.19 functionally linked play structures, n—play structure
viation in their heights having a common vertical plane.
that acts as a single unit in its physical form or sense of
function as continuous play, even if the components are not
3.1.5 anchor(s), n—accessories used to minimize possible
physically attached.
tipping of the play equipment, or lifting of the support legs
during normal use.
3.1.20 hand-support component, n—component, such as a
3.1.6 cable, n—strands of metallic wire, twisted or laid handrail, intended to steady a user or support a user’s body
weight.
together.
3.1.7 climbing equipment, n—play equipment or equipment 3.1.21 handrail, n—rigid linear device, following the path
parts that require the user to maintain three points of contact of access or egress, that, when grasped, provides balance and
while moving about. support in maintaining a specific body posture.
3.1.8 completely bounded non-rigid opening, n—any open- 3.1.22 impact attenuating surfacing, n—material(s) that
ing in a piece of equipment that is totally enclosed by flexible
comply with Specification F1292.
boundarieswhichcandeformordeflectduringnormaluse(for
3.1.23 maximum user, n—23-month-oldchild;measurement
example, the openings in a flexible net or lattice of webbing).
characteristics are the 95th percentile values for combined
3.1.9 completely bounded rigid opening, n—any opening in
sexes.
a piece of play equipment that is totally enclosed by fixed,
3.1.24 minimum user, n—6-month-old child; measurement
inflexible boundaries so that the perimeter of the opening is
characteristics are the 5th percentile values for combined
continuous.
sexes.
3.1.10 component, n—any portion of the play equipment
3.1.25 moving component, n—portionoftheplayequipment
that generates specific activity and cannot stand alone.
that imparts movement to the equipment or the user, for
3.1.11 composite play equipment, n—two or more pieces of
example, swing or spring-mounted rocker.
play equipment attached or functionally linked, to create one
3.1.26 non-encroachment zone, n—obstacle-free area desig-
integral unit that provides more than one play activity (for
nated for unrestricted circulation.
example, a combination slide and climbing equipment).
3.1.27 partially bounded opening, n—any opening that is
not totally enclosed by boundaries on all sides so that the
perimeter of the opening is discontinuous.
Available from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),
Washington, D.C. 20207-0001.
3.1.28 partially enclosed swing seat, n—single occupant
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Corporate Progress, 333
suspended device upon which a user sits which has non-
Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062.
removable supports on all sides, but not between the user’s
Available from British Standards Institute (BSI), 389 Chiswick High Rd.,
London W4 4AL, U.K. legs.
F2373−11 (2017)
3.1.29 permanently anchored equipment, n—play structures where adult caregivers trained to supervise children in play
designed to be installed in a fixed location (for example, with settings are not present at all times when users have access to
in-ground footings or concrete anchoring), and not intended to the play equipment.
be relocated for the usable life of the equipment. Permanently
3.1.44 shaded play area, n—outdoor area protected from
anchored equipment may or may not have moving compo-
direct sunlight.
nents.
3.1.45 signal word, n—word that designates a degree or
3.1.30 platform, n—any flat, elevated surface intended to
level of hazard.
support the weight of one or more users and upon which the
3.1.46 slide, n—surface forming an inclined plane on which
user(s) can move freely.
a user can maintain movement propelled by gravity.
3.1.31 play area, n—designated space intended for a user’s
3.1.47 small part, n—object that presents a choking,
play.
aspiration, or ingestion hazard to the user.
3.1.32 play ramp, n—surface forming an inclined plane that
3.1.48 spring rocking equipment, n—any play structure that
functions as a play event, providing opportunity for climbing
rocks about a fixed base.
up to or down from a platform and on which a child cannot
3.1.49 stairway, n—device having a slope of 35° or less
maintainmovementwhileinasittingpositionwhilerelyingon
from a horizontal plane and consisting of a series of steps that
gravity as the propelling force.
can be used for ascending or descending.
3.1.33 play structure, n—freestanding structure with one or
3.1.50 step, n—horizontal flat crosspiece of a ladder or
more components and their supporting members.
stairway used primarily as a foot support.
3.1.34 portable equipment, n—play structures designed to
3.1.51 swing bay, n—space bounded by the overhead beam
be easily carried and relocated. Portable equipment may
towhichtheswingassemblyorassembliesareattachedandthe
requiresimpleassembly(forexample,foamclimberortunnel).
support(s) for that beam.
3.1.35 preventive maintenance, n—planned program of in-
3.1.52 temporarily fixed equipment, n—play structures de-
spections and maintenance intended to keep equipment func-
signed to permit installation at more than one location during
tioning properly and to forestall equipment failures.
the usable life of the equipment. Temporarily fixed equipment
3.1.36 projection, n—condition that, due to its physical may be installed with or without anchors. Temporarily fixed
equipment may or may not have moving components.
nature, must be tested to the requirements of this specification
to determine whether it is a protrusion or an entanglement
3.1.53 to-fro swing, n—play structure with at least one
hazard, or both.
suspended component designed for swinging by the user in a
single vertical plane.
3.1.37 protective barrier, n—device (1) enclosing an el-
evated surface, or (2) along the boundary of a use zone or
3.1.54 trip hazard, n—abrupt change in elevation that is not
non-encroachmentzonethatpermitschildrentobevisibleatall
clear and obvious to the user.
times, but prevents both inadvertent and deliberate attempts to
3.1.55 use zone, n—obstacle free area under and around a
pass through or over the device.
piece of play equipment onto which a child falling from the
3.1.38 protrusion, n—projection which, when tested in ac- equipment would be expected to land.
cordancewiththerequirementsofthisspecification,isfoundto
3.1.56 warning, n—notice or communication to indicate a
beahazardhavingthepotentialtocausebodilyinjurytoauser
potentiallyhazardoussituationthat,ifnotavoided,couldresult
who impacts it.
in death or serious injury.
3.1.39 public use play equipment, n—play structure that is
intended for use in play areas of schools, parks, early care and 4. Materials and Manufacture
education facilities, institutions, multiple-family dwellings,
4.1 General Requirements—Play equipment shall be manu-
private resorts and recreation developments, restaurants, and
factured and constructed only of materials that have a demon-
other areas of public use.
strated durability and ability to be maintained in a sanitary
3.1.40 rope, metal cored, n—cable covered with a non- condition in the appropriate setting in which the play equip-
metallic sheath.
ment is intended to be used.The play equipment manufacturer
shall test and document any new material for durability and
3.1.41 rung, n—crosspiece in a ladder or other climbing
ability to be maintained in a sanitary condition appropriate to
equipmentusedforsupportingtheuser’sfeetorforgrippingby
the setting where the equipment is intended to be used.
the user’s hands, or both.
4.1.1 Metalssubjecttostructuraldegradationsuchasrustor
3.1.42 setting with limited access, n—indoor and outdoor
corrosion shall be painted, galvanized, or otherwise treated.
play areas open only to users enrolled in the licensed or
Woods intended for outdoor use shall be naturally rot- and
regulated program at that site and where adult caregivers of
insect-resistant or treated to avoid such deterioration. Plastics
that program who are trained to oversee children in play
and other materials shall be protected against degradation due
settings are present at all times.
to ultraviolet (UV) light or extreme weather conditions.
3.1.43 settings with unlimited access, n—indoor and out- 4.1.2 Regardless of the material or the treatment process,
door play areas not located in a licensed or regulated site or the manufacturer shall ensure that the users of the play
F2373−11 (2017)
equipment cannot ingest, inhale, or absorb any potentially 4.4 Stuffıng, Loose Fillers, and Padding Materials—To the
hazardous amounts of substances through the body surfaces as extent possible in good manufacturing practice, stuffing, loose
a result of contact with the equipment. fillers, and padding shall be free of: (1) objectionable matter
4.1.3 Woodnotnaturallyrot-andinsect-resistant,whichhas (for example, matter originating from insect, bird, rodent, or
any fabrication up to 6 in. (150 mm) above the surface of the other animal infestation), and (2) contaminants (for example,
play area, shall be treated after wood fabrication. Creosote, splinters and metal chips).
pentachlorophenol, tributyl tin oxide, arsenic compounds, and
5. General Requirements
surface coatings that contain pesticides shall not be used for
play equipment. Wood treaters and play equipment manufac- 5.1 Compliance Documentation—Play equipment repre-
turers shall use technologies and procedures that minimize the sented as complying with this consumer safety performance
level of dislodgeable toxin. specification shall meet all applicable requirements specified
herein.Anyonerepresentingcompliancewiththisspecification
4.2 Fasteners—All fasteners used to construct public use
shall keep such essential records as are necessary to document
play equipment shall be manufactured in accordance with
any claim that the requirements within this specification have
Guide F1077.
been met.
4.2.1 All fasteners, connecting, and covering devices shall
be inherently corrosion resistant or be provided with a
5.2 Small Parts—These requirements are intended to mini-
corrosion-resistant coating. mize the choking, ingestion, or aspiration hazards to children
4.2.2 When installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s created by small objects. In general, this section is guided by
instructions, fasteners, connecting, and covering devices shall 16 CFR 1501 which states, in part, that no removable or
not loosen or be removable without the use of tools. Lock liberated component or fragment of equipment shall be small
washers, self-locking nuts, or other locking means shall be enough without being compressed to fit entirely within a
provided for all nuts and bolts to protect them from detach- cylinder of the specified dimensions as shown in Fig. 1 of 16
ment. Hardware in moving joints shall also be secured against CFR 1501. Loose fill surfacing is exempt from this require-
unintentional loosening. ment.
4.2.3 Suspended elements which move shall be connected
5.3 Asphyxiation Hazard—Any soft components having
tothefixedsupportwithbearingsorbearingsurfacesthatserve
characteristics defined by 16 CFR 1500.18(a)(16)(i) (infant
to reduce friction and wear.
pillows) are banned under the FHSA (Federal Hazardous
4.2.3.1 Cablethatispermanentlyaffixedtoahangerassem-
SubstancesAct). This would include, but not be limited to, an
bly performs as a bearing surface. Cable ends shall be
item having all of the following characteristics: (1) has a
inaccessible or capped to prevent injury from frayed wires.
flexible fabric covering; the term fabric includes those materi-
Cables shall be protected to prevent fraying, loosening,
alscoveredbythedefinitionoffabricintheFlammableFabrics
unraveling, or excessive shifting of strands.
Act, 16 CFR 1610; (2) is loosely filled with granular material,
4.3 Toxic or Hazardous Substances: includingbutnotlimitedto,polystyrenebeadsorpellets;(3)is
4.3.1 Paint or Similar Surface-Coating Materials—Paint easily flattened; and (4) is capable of conforming to the body
and other surface-coating materials applied to equipment shall
or face of an infant.
comply with the lead content provisions of 16 CFR 1303,
6. Performance Requirements
issued under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA).
4.3.1.1 The 16 CFR 1303 regulation prohibits the use of 6.1 Head and Neck Entrapment—Play equipment shall be
paints or similar surface coating materials that contain lead or designed and constructed or assembled so that any accessible
lead compounds and in which the lead content (calculated as opening shall meet the following performance requirements to
leadmetal(Pb))isinexcessof0.06%(600ppm)oftheweight reduce the risk of head or neck entrapment by either a
ofthe totalnonvolatilecontentofthepaintortheweightofthe head-first or feet-first entry into the opening. The dimensions
dried paint film. of the infant torso probe, the head probe, and the infant
4.3.1.2 Surface materials and substrate materials shall be template (see Figs. A1.2-A1.4) are based on anthropometric
evaluated in accordance with the requirements of Consumer measurements of the minimum and maximum users. Openings
Safety Specification F963. The migration of elements shall betweenthesurfaceandthebottomedgeoftheequipment(that
complywiththelimitsgiveninConsumerSafetySpecification is, rails, platforms, steps, and so forth) are exempt from this
F963.The analytical result shall be adjusted by subtracting the requirement as indicated in Fig. A1.5.
analytical correction factor to obtain an adjusted analytical 6.1.1 Completely Bounded Rigid Openings—A completely
result. Materials are deemed to comply with the requirements bounded rigid opening is accessible when an infant torso test
of this specification if the adjusted analytical result is less than probe (see Fig. A1.2) can be inserted into the opening to a
or equal to the limits in Table 1. depth of 3.0 in. (76 mm) or more when tested in accordance
TABLE 1 Maximum Soluble Migrated Element in ppm (mg/kg)
Antimony Arsenic Barium Cadmium Chromium Lead Mercury Selenium
(Sb) (As) (Ba) (Cd) (Cr) (Pb) (Hg) (Se)
60 25 1000 75 60 90 60 500
F2373−11 (2017)
withthetestprocedureoutlinedin6.1.1.1.Closedrisersofstep determine if there is simultaneous contact between the sides of
ladders are exempt from this requirement (see 7.3.4). thetemplatethatareonopposingsidesofitscenterlineandthe
sides of the opening. If simultaneous contact occurs, insert the
6.1.1.1 Test Procedures for Completely Bounded Rigid
Bsectionoftheinfanttemplateintotheopeningwiththeplane
Openings—Rotate the infant torso probe to its most adverse
of the template perpendicular to the plane of the opening (see
orientation (that is, the major axis of the base of the probe
Fig. A1.7). If the full thickness of the template (0.6 in. (15
paralleltothemajoraxisoftheopening).Thenplacetheinfant
mm)) can be inserted into the opening, the opening is consid-
torsoprobe(seeFig.A1.2)intheopeningwiththeplaneofthe
ered to present a neck entrapment hazard and fails the test.
base of the probe parallel to the plane of the opening. If the
infant torso probe can be inserted into the opening to a depth 6.1.4.2 Exemption—Any partially bounded opening that is
of 3.0 in. (76 mm) or more, place the head probe (see Fig. inverted is exempt from the requirements of 6.1.4. A partially
bounded opening is considered inverted if its lowest boundary
A1.3) in the opening with the plane of the base of the probe
paralleltotheplaneoftheopening.Anopeningpassesthistest adjacent to the opening slopes downward at 45º or more from
the narrowest part of the opening that the child’s neck can
if (1) the opening does not admit the infant torso probe in any
orientation about its own axis, or (2) the opening admits the reach to the part of the opening that will freely pass the head
probe. (see Fig. A1.3 and Fig. A1.8).
infant torso probe and also admits the head probe.An opening
fails the test if the opening admits the infant torso probe but
6.2 Sharp Points and Sharp Edges—There shall be no
does not admit the infant head probe.
accessible sharp points or sharp edges on play equipment.
6.1.2 Completely Bounded Non-Rigid Openings—A non-
6.2.1 Test Procedure for Points, Corners, and Edges:
rigid opening is considered accessible if an infant torso probe
6.2.1.1 All points and edges on play equipment shall be
willpenetratetheopeningtoadepthof3.0in.(76mm)ormore
tested for sharpness in accordance with the requirements in 16
when tested in accordance with the test procedure outlined in
CFR 1500.48 (sharp points) and 16 CFR 1500.49 (sharp
6.1.2.1 (see Figs. A1.2 and A1.3).
edges).
6.1.2.1 Test Procedure for Completely Bounded Non-Rigid
6.2.1.2 Allcornersandedgesonrigidmaterialsshallhavea
Openings—Rotate the infant torso probe (see Fig. A1.2)toits
minimum radius of 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) unless the material
most adverse orientation (that is, the major axis of the base of
thickness is less than 0.5 in. (13 mm) in which case the radius
the probe parallel to the major axis of the opening). Place the
shall be half the thickness of the material. This requirement
infant torso probe in the opening, tapered-end first, with the
doesnotapplytoswingseats,straps,ropes,chains,connectors,
plane of its base parallel to the plane of the opening and apply
and other flexible components.
a force of 30 lbf (135 N) to the probe to attempt to pass it
6.2.1.3 A bolt end shall not project more than two full
throughtheopening.Ifthebaseoftheprobepassesthroughthe
threads beyond the face of the nut and shall be free of burrs,
opening, place the head probe (see Fig. A1.3) in the opening,
sharp points, and sharp edges.
taperedendfirst,withtheplaneofitsbaseparalleltotheplane
6.2.2 Open ends of metal tubing used in play equipment
of the opening.Apply a force of 30 lbf (135 N) to the probe to
shall be covered with caps or plugs that cannot be removed
attempt to pass it through the opening. A non-rigid opening
without the use of tools.
passesthetestif:(1)theopeningdoesnotallowtheinfanttorso
probe to be inserted so deep that the opening admits the base
6.3 Protrusions—There shall be no protrusions on play
of the probe in any orientation about its own axis, or (2) the
equipment.Fourprotrusiontestgages(showninFigs.A1.9and
opening allows full passage of the infant torso probe and also
A1.10) are required to determine whether projections are
allows the infant head probe to pass completely through. A
protrusions.
non-rigid opening fails the test if the opening allows full
6.3.1 Test Procedure for Protrusions:
passage of the infant torso probe but does not admit the head
6.3.1.1 Successively place each of three gages (see Fig.
probe.
A1.9) over each accessible projection (see Fig. A1.11). The
6.1.3 Boundaries of Large Openings—If an opening admits
projection is a protrusion if it extends beyond the face of any
the 9 in. (229 mm) head probe (see Fig.A1.3), each portion of
of the three gages (see Fig. A1.12).
its boundary shall be evaluated for the partially bounded
6.3.1.2 Aprojectionisnotaccessibleandisnotaprotrusion
openings requirements of 6.1.4.
when it is recessed or located in such a manner that will not
6.1.4 Partially Bounded Openings—A partially bounded
allow any of the protrusion gages to be placed over it.
opening having a width greater than 1.4 in. (36 mm) and a
6.3.1.3 Test projections on swing seats with test gage D.
depth greater than 0.6 in. (15 mm) presents a potential neck
Any projection on the suspended member which extends
entrapment hazard and shall be tested in accordance with the
beyond the face of the test gage D is a protrusion (see Fig.
procedures in 6.1.4.1 and 6.1.4.2.
A1.10).
6.1.4.1 Test Procedure for Partially Bounded Openings—
6.4 Entanglement Hazards—Thereshallbenoentanglement
Insert the A section of the infant template (see Fig.A1.4) into
hazards on play equipment. Procedures for determining en-
the opening with its centerline aligned with the centerline of
tanglement hazards are described below.
the opening and the plane of the template parallel to the plane
of the opening (see Fig.A1.6). Continue inserting the template 6.4.1 Test Procedure for Slides—The following require-
intotheopeninguntilmotionisarrestedbycontactbetweenthe ments apply to slides in the areas shown in Fig. A1.13.
templateandtheboundariesoftheopening.Visuallyinspectto Examples are shown in Figs. A1.14-A1.16.
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6.4.1.1 A projection that meets both of the following con- Entrapment shall mean that a force of more than 2 lbf (9 N) is
ditions is an entanglement hazard: required to pull out the rod. The neoprene rods shall have a
(1)One of the three protrusion gages (A, B, or C) (see Fig. hardness reading between 50 and 60 as determined by a Type
A1.9) passes over the projection and contacts the initial A durometer.
surface.
6.5.1.2 To reduce the likelihood of unintentional contact
(2)The projection extends perpendicular (65°) from the with a crush or shear point, an opening shall comply with the
initial surface more than 0.12 in. (3.0 mm), the thickness of
accessibility requirements of 16 CFR 1500.48 and 16 CFR
protrusion gage D (see Fig. A1.10). 1500.49.
6.4.1.2 Slides shall be constructed in such a manner as to
6.5.2 Hinge Line Clearance—Equipment having a gap or
provide a smooth continuous sliding surface and have no gaps
clearancealongthehingelinebetweenastationaryportionand
orspacesthatmightcreateanentanglementhazardsuchasbut a movable portion weighing more than 0.5 lb (0.2 kg) shall be
not limited to spaces created (1) between sidewalls when two
constructed so that, if the accessible gap at the hinge line will
single slides are combined to create a doublewide slide, (2) admit a 0.19 in. (5 mm) diameter rod, it will also admit a 0.5
where a hood is attached to the sidewalls of a slide, or (3)
in. (13 mm) diameter rod at all positions of the hinge (see Fig.
where the slide is attached to the platform. A1.18).
6.4.2 Test Procedure for Projections from a Horizontal
6.6 Ventilation:
Plane—Aprojectionthatmeetstheconditionsof6.4.1.1(1)and
6.6.1 Any equipment having a door or lid that encloses a
(2) and which also projects upwards from a horizontal plane
3 3
continuous volume greater than 1900 in. (31140 cm ) and in
(see Fig. A1.14 and Fig. A1.15) is an entanglement hazard.
whichallinternaldimensionsare6in.(150mm)ormore,shall
6.4.3 Test Procedure for Exposed Bolt End Projections—
provide an unobstructed ventilation area of greater than a total
Any accessible bolt end projecting beyond the face of the nut 2 2
of 2 in. (13 cm ) over two or more separate openings situated
more than two full threads is an entanglement hazard. A bolt
at least 6 in. (150 mm) apart. The ventilation area shall be
end is inaccessible and not an entanglement hazard when the
provided when the equipment is placed on the floor in any
bolt end is recessed and the 3.5 in. (89 mm) protrusion test
position and adjacent to two vertical plane surfaces meeting at
gage (gage C) (see Fig. A1.9) cannot be made to contact the
a 90° angle, so as to simulate the corner of a room.
bolt end when the outside curve of the gage is placed flat
6.6.2 The ventilation areas shall not be required if a perma-
against the recessed area (see Fig. A1.16).
nent partition or bars (two or more) are used to subdivide a
6.4.4 Test Procedure for Projections Which Increase in
continuous space, effectively limiting the continuous space by
Size—Any projection which fits within any of the three
makingthelargestinternaldimensionlessthan6in.(150mm).
protrusion test gages (see Fig. A1.9) and increases in size or
6.7 Closures—Closures such as lids, covers, and doors to
diameter from the initial surface to the outer end (see Fig.
enclosures falling within the scope of 6.6 shall not be fitted
A1.14(7)) is an entanglement hazard.
withautomaticlockingdevices.Closuresshallbeofatypethat
6.4.5 Test Procedure for Connecting Devices—Connecting
canbeopenedwithaforceof10lbf(45N)orlesswhentested
devicessuchas,butnotlimitedto,S-hooks,pelicanhooks,and
in accordance with the procedure in 6.7.1.
C-hooks, when properly closed, are not entanglement hazards.
6.7.1 Test Procedure for Closure—With the closure in a
Theseconnectorsareconsideredclosedwhenthereisnogapor
closed position, apply the force in an outward direction
space greater than 0.04 in. (1.0 mm) when measured with a
perpendicular to the plane of travel of the closure and any-
feeler gage (see Fig. A1.17(1)).
where within 1 in. (25 mm) from the geometric center of the
6.4.5.1 S-hook connectors are subject to these further re-
closure. The force measurement shall be made by means of a
quirements. If any of the following requirements are not met,
forcegagewithacalibratedaccuracywithin 60.1lbf(0.44N).
an entanglement hazard exists:
(1)No portion of the closed end of an S-hook lower loop
6.8 Suspended Hazards—There shall be no single non-rigid
shall project beyond the vertical boundary established by the
component (cable, wire, rope, or other similar component)
upper loop (see Fig. A1.17(2)).
suspended between play units unless it is above 84 in. (2130
(2)An S-hook upper loop can be installed to align with,
mm) from the playground or floor surface and has a cross
partiallyoverlap,orcompletelyoverlap,theconnectorbody.If
section dimension of 1.0 in. (25 mm) or greater. It is recom-
theupperloopcompletelyoverlapstheconnectorbody,itshall
mended that the suspended elements be either brightly colored
not extend past the connector body (see Fig. A1.17(3)).
or contrast with surrounding equipment to add to visibility.
(3)An S-hook lower loop shall align with the connector
6.8.1 Rope, Cable, or Chain, shall be fixed at both ends and
body and not overlap it in any way (see Fig. A1.17(4)).
notbecapableofbeingloopedbackonitself,creatinganinside
loop perimeter greater than 5 in. (130 mm).
6.5 Crush and Shear Points—There shall be no crush or
shear points caused by junctures of two components moving 6.8.1.1 Rope shall be constructed such that its braiding
relative to one another. cannot open to admit a 0.19 in. (5 mm) diameter rod.
6.5.1 Test Procedure for Crush and Shear: 6.8.2 Exemptions for Suspended Components (Rigid or
Flexible):
6.5.1.1 Acrushorshearpointisanypointthatallowsa0.19
in. (5 mm) diameter neoprene rod to enter at one or more 6.8.2.1 Chain or cable used to support a swing is exempt
positionsandentrapsatoneormorepositionsa0.5in.(13mm) from the requirements in 6.8.1. Rope shall not be used as a
diameterneoprenerodinaccordancewithTestMethodD2240. method for suspending swings.
F2373−11 (2017)
6.8.2.2 Rope,cable,orchainwithalengthof7in.(180mm) 7.4 Climbing Equipment Used for Access and Egress:
or less shall be permitted to be attached at one end only. 7.4.1 Climbing equipment used for access to or egress from
Multiple lengths of such materials that can be attached to each
other components of equipment shall provide user with a
other shall be treated as one length. means of hand support.
7.4.2 Climbing equipment used as access to or egress from
7. Requirements for Access and Egress
other components of equipment shall readily allow users to
bring both feet to the same level before ascending or descend-
7.1 Access and Egress Components That Shall Not Be Used:
ing to the next level.
7.1.1 Arch ladders and rung ladders shall not be used as
7.4.3 Climbing equipment used as access to or egress from
access and egress components.
other components shall be securely connected at both ends.
7.2 Adjacent Platforms:
When one end is connected to the ground, the anchoring
7.2.1 Vertical height of 7 in. (180 mm) or less between
devices shall be beneath the surface of the use zone or the
adjacent platforms shall have infill to reduce any openings to
non-encroachment zone.
dimensions that preclude entry of the infant torso probe (see
7.4.4 Climbing equipment shall not be used as the sole
Fig. A1.2).
means of access to other components of equipment.
7.2.2 Adjacent platforms between which access is intended
that have a height difference greater than 7 in. (180 mm) shall
7.5 Handrails and Other Means of Hand Support:
require a ramp or stairway.
7.5.1 Access components for platforms, landings, or other
designated play surfaces shall have some means of hand
7.3 Step Ladders, Stairways, Flexible Access Components,
support.
and Access Ramps (for play ramps, see Section 9):
7.5.2 Continuous handrails or other means of hand support
7.3.1 Steps shall be evenly spaced within a tolerance of
shall be provided on both sides of stairways and step ladders.
60.25in.(66.4mm)andhorizontalwithinatoleranceof 62°.
Continuoushandrailsorothermeansofhandsupportshallalso
7.3.2 Stepsandaccessrampsshallnottrapwater(thatis,no
be required on access ramps which are the sole means of
standing water) and shall be constructed to minimize the
access.
accumulation of debris.
7.5.3 Handrails or other means of hand support shall be
7.3.3 See Table 2 for access slope, tread or ramp width,
available for use at the beginning of a ramp or the first step
tread depth, and vertical rise.
except as noted in 7.5.6.
7.3.4 All step ladders and stairways shall have completely
7.5.4 The handrail shall be no less than 0.6 in. (15 mm) and
closed risers. Entrapment provisions of Section 6 do not apply
no greater than 1.2 in. (30 mm) in the maximum cross-section
to closed riser configurations.
dimension measured perpendicular to the longest dimension.
7.3.5 Step ladders are not recommended for children less
7.5.5 Handrail height (the vertical distance between the top
than 15 months old.
edgeofastepor,ifusedonanaccessramp,thetopoftheramp
7.3.6 Flexible access components are not recommended as
surface, and the top of the handrail above it) shall be between
the sole means of access and egress.
15 in. (370 mm) and 20 in. (510 mm).
7.3.7 Spiralstairwaysshallnotbeusedasthesolemeansof
access and egress. 7.5.6 Stairways or access ramps used in an indoor setting
whereonesideisagainstawallareallowedtobeexemptfrom
havingahandrailonthatwall,providedthatthewallissmooth
A
TABLE 2 Step Ladders, Stairways, and Access Ramps
and meets the requirements of Section 6 (see 11.2.2).
(Access Slope; Tread and Ramp Width; Tread Depth;
and Vertical Rise)
8. Requirements for Platforms, Landings, and Other
Type of Access
Designated Play Surfaces
Step Ladders
Slope 35° to less than or equal to 65°
8.1 Platforms and Similar Surfaces:
Tread Width—single file 12 in. (300 mm) to 21 in. (530 mm)
8.1.1 Platform surfaces shall have a maximum height of 32
Tread Depth—closed riser only 8 in. (200 mm)
Vertical Rise—top of step to top Greater than 5 in. (130 mm) and less
in. (810 mm) measured from finish grade for outdoor settings
of step than or equal to 7 in. (180 mm)
and from the finished floor for indoor settings.
Stairways
Slope Less than or equal to 35° 8.1.2 Platform surfaces shall be horizontal within a toler-
Tread Width
ance of 62°.
Single File 12 in. (300 mm) to 21 in. (530 mm)
8.1.3 Platformsandsimilarsurfacesshallnottrapwaterand
Two Abreast Greater than or equal to 30 in. (760 mm)
Tread Depth—closed riser only Greater than or equal to 8 in. (200 mm)
shall be constructed to minimize the accumulation of debris.
Vertical Rise—top of step to top Less than or equal to 7 in. (180 mm)
8.1.4 The fall height from a platform shall be measured
of step
from the platform surface to the adjacent lower surface.
Access Ramps—does NOT
address wheelchair use
8.1.5 See Table 3 for requirements for protective barriers
Slope (vertical : horizontal) Less than 1:8
and use zone surfacing. Where required, impact attenuating
Width
surfacing shall comply with the requirements of Specification
Single file Greater than or equal to 19 in. (480 mm)
Two abreast Greater than or equal to 30 in. (760 mm)
F1292. Protective barriers shall comply with the requirements
A
EntrapmentprovisionsofSection6,PerformanceRequirements,shallapplywith
of 8.3.
the exception of closed risers (see 7.3.4).
8.2 Adjacent Platforms:
F2373−11 (2017)
TABLE 3 Use Zone Surfacing, and Protective Barrier Requirements for Platform Fall Heights
Surfacing and Protective Barrier Requirements
Platform Fall Heights Indoor or Outdoor, Supervised Setting Unlimited Access Setting (for example, park)
Fall height 18 in. (460 mm) or less Surfacing consistent with 11.8.1 Surfacing meeting the requirements of Specification F1292
Fall height more than 18 in. (460 mm) Surfacing meeting the requirements Surfacing meeting requirements of Specification F1292
A
and no greater than 32 in. (810 mm) of Specification F1292 OR F1292 AND protective barriers consistent with 8.3
protective barriers consistent with 8.3
Unacceptable Surfaces
...