CERTIFIED PLAYGROUND Safety INSPECTor (CPSI)
What is a CPSI?
A Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) is an individual who has passed the CPSI examination consisting of 100 questions. This certification ensures that the individual is trained in identifying hazards on playgrounds and play equipment, assessing the severity of those hazards based on injury risk, and developing a comprehensive playground safety program. Additionally, CPSI professionals may collaborate with ADA consultant services and ADA inspectors to ensure compliance with accessibility standards, while also integrating insights from CASP consultants during CASP inspections to further enhance safety protocols.
Why Playground Safety Matters
When children play, they inevitably get hurt... that's life! However, there are steps we can take to ensure that injuries sustained during play are not life-threatening. Understanding the distinction between a bruised knee and a broken bone is essential. Engaging with ADA consultant services can help playground owners and operators enhance safety measures. The goal of playground safety is to reduce injuries and limit liability for playground owners and operators, which can be further supported by ADA inspectors and CASP consultant expertise during CASP inspections.
Who Needs a Playground Safety Evaluation?
Any owner or operator of a playground should have their playground evaluated. However, playgrounds in schools, public parks, and community centers are significantly higher profile entities that carry a greater risk factor than smaller private entities. To ensure safety and compliance, it is advisable to consult with ADA consultant services and engage ADA inspectors, especially during CASP inspections, to assess the facilities thoroughly.
What Does a CPSI Look at?
A CPSI will evaluate the area within and around your playground for compliance with the California Building Code (if applicable), the Americans with Disabilities Act (if applicable), and the ASTM. As part of this evaluation, the CPSI may also collaborate with ADA consultant services to ensure all accessibility standards are met. The CPSI specifically looks to ensure the playground surface can safely absorb the impact from a fall at a given height and that it remains firm, stable, and slip resistant. Additionally, ADA inspectors will identify any nearby hazards or potential risks that could arise within the play area, such as vehicles or stray balls. In some cases, a CASP consultant may be involved to provide insights during the CASP inspection, further ensuring a safe and compliant playground environment.
PLAYGROUND SURFACE IMPACT ATTENUATION
Surface Impact Attenuation Test
The surface impact attenuation test, commonly known as the Head Injury Criteria (HIC test), is designed to measure the impact attenuation of playground surfaces surrounding playground equipment. During this process, a device is suspended on a tripod at predetermined heights and then dropped to record the forces of the impact. The resulting HIC values are essential for determining the compliance of the playground surface with applicable standards, including those relevant to ADA consultant services. ADA inspectors often refer to these values to ensure that playgrounds meet safety regulations. Additionally, ground surfaces located within use zones must comply with ASTM F 1292, as outlined in the standards CBC 11B-1008.2.6.2 and 2010 ADA 1008.2.6.2. For those seeking to ensure compliance, engaging a CASP consultant can be beneficial, and a CASP inspection may be necessary to verify adherence to these safety standards.
Playground Surface Impact Attenuation Test
PLAYGROUND SURFACE Stability
Rotational Penetrometer Test
The surface impact attenuation test, commonly known as the Head Injury Criteria (HIC test), is designed to measure the impact attenuation of playground surfaces surrounding playground equipment. During this process, a device is suspended on a tripod at predetermined heights and then dropped to record the forces of the impact. The resulting HIC values are essential for determining the compliance of the playground surface with applicable standards, including those relevant to ADA consultant services. ADA inspectors often refer to these values to ensure that playgrounds meet safety regulations. Additionally, ground surfaces located within use zones must comply with ASTM F 1292, as outlined in the standards CBC 11B-1008.2.6.2 and 2010 ADA 1008.2.6.2. For those seeking to ensure compliance, engaging a CASP consultant can be beneficial, and a CASP inspection may be necessary to verify adherence to these safety standards.
Playground Surface Stability Test
Playground Safety Inspection Tools
Rotational Penetrometer
MBCS utilizes a rotational penetrometer developed by Beneficial Designs, Inc. as part of our playground safety inspections. The tool measures the firmness and stability of floor and playground surfacing. This tool is used to determine how accessible your play surface is to persons using mobility aids such as wheelchairs.
Impact Attenuation
MBCS utilizes the TRIAX E-Missile, a product developed by TRIAX Impact Testing Systems, to evaluate your playground surfacing during our playground safety inspection. This tool measures the shock (measured in Gs) and head injury criteria (HIC) that would be experienced on your playground play surface during a head collision.