DunRite Playgrounds

Monday, November 22, 2010

What is ADA Compliance and why it is important for playgrounds?

What is ADA Compliance and Why it is Important for Playgrounds

Playtime contributes greatly to a child’s physical, mental, emotional and social growth. Until recent years children with disabilities have missed out on this very important aspect of development due to inaccessible playgrounds. In 1992, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 became effective. This federal law prohibits disability-based discrimination by states, local governments and private entities (such as restaurants or child-care centers) that provide public accommodation. The law expands and helps clarify Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It applies to new and existing play areas – meaning that you must bring all playgrounds into ADA compliance.

Since guidelines for bringing playgrounds into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) were issued in the year 2000, playgrounds have become more than swings and slides. Newly built and altered playgrounds are now accessible to children of all abilities.

Designing a playground that provides an integrated play experience for children of all abilities is a real challenge. Involving users with disabilities is perhaps the most important step in creating a successful playground. It’s important to note that many amenities intended for users with disabilities will contribute to an overall improvement in safety and “user-friendly” design.

Access to at least 50 percent of the elevated play components is required. Minimum requirements are based on the number and type of ground level components and elevated play components provided. Access to ground level components is required to at least one of each type provided and in a number proportionate to elevated play components provided. Ramps, shorter step heights, roomier decks, hand rails and grab bars can enrich the play experience for children of all ages and abilities. Playground features are designed to promote imaginative, inclusive and interactive play.

An accessible playground means that it is as easy as possible for everyone to play, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Now, more than ever, to meet ADA guidelines and due to community pressure, playgrounds are being built with an eye towards accessibility and usability. Our certified playground designers will be able to assist you with these and many other design requirements.

Sherri M. Pope

Engineering Manager

Playland, International

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Friday, November 19, 2010

Concrete Under Play Equipment

I have a concrete pad (or asphalt) under my playground. What type of surfacing is allowed?

Loose fill materials (wood, rubber, sand, gravel) must NOT be installed over concrete or asphalt. Concrete or asphalt surfaces require that you install rubber tiles, mats or poured in place surfacing in your use zone. While this is a much greater initial expense than loose fill products, it is easier to maintain the proper depth of surface. Once purchased and properly installed, compaction and decomposition are much slower. Many owners find this class of material easier to inspect and maintain. The 2008 revision to CPSC guidelines recommends against installing loose fill over hard surface unless there are additional layers of protection added. This is not allowed in some state licensed facilities. The addition of extra protection, wear pads and additional height of containment border add to the cost of loose fill to a price level around the same as unitary surfacing. Maintenance costs will be incurred from continuous efforts to keep the surfacing level proper, membrane barrier intact and safely in place, and drainage subsurface properly installed.

For more information
sales@dunriteplaygrounds.com
http://www.dunriteplaygrounds.com/

COPYRIGHT 2010 DunRite PLAYGROUNDS

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Selecting a Site For Your Playground

Where do I put my playground? Well, where do you want it? The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers some advice in the Publication 325: Handbook for Playground Safety.

1. What is the travel pattern to and from the playground? Is there a door leading outdoors from your building or facility? Are there hazards in the way? Clear the hazards or pick a new location. What is a hazard? Crossing a parking lot or a remote location may be hazards.

2. What is nearby? Roads, traffic, lakes, ponds, streams, cliffs. This may mean a bi-directional concern. We don't want the children running off into the woods, into traffic, or into water. We also don't want those external issues joining a playground. Falling rock from placing equipment at the base of a cliff, stray vehicles out of control or flooding water may present danger to your children or your equipment. Building codes may address types of barriers that would be appropriate. A fence or hedge may define a perimeter but will do little to contain a car.

3. Sun Exposure: This is one that sometimes can be over the top. Pun intended. One state has guidelines that require licensed child care facilities to orient a slide so that it does not receive sun exposure. I can't figure out which part of the state this would be possible in, during daylight hours. Don't face the slide toward the west? If it is 100 degrees outside, does it matter what direction the slide faces? Consider natural shade from trees or buildings. Respect safety guidelines and distances. A tree may provide shade and may also provide a branch to climb or be struck by. Observe your site during various times of the day. Your buildings may offer shade in the morning or afternoon. A shade canopy may be part of your plan. They are available in many shapes and sizes to meet unique design needs.

4. Slope and Drainage: Some drainage is desired, but less than a two degree slope. You don't want materials to wash out. "A River Runs Through It" was a movie, not a playground. You may need some dirt-work to create a level playing area. If there are existing drainage patterns installation of a playground may change those plans. Placing your playground high on a high top might be a solution to drainage but creates problems in the travel pattern while running children fall going up or down a hill.

5. Accessibility: Do I need to meet ADA guidelines to allow access to the playground? Do I need a concrete walkway or crushed granite pathway to the playground? Children tromping through a grass or dirt field may have a negative impact on the carpet when they return from play.

6. Space: Do I have enough? The layout and pathways, even the landscaping should assist in identification of the route. Once on the playground distinct areas should be identified for each age group. How big is the equipment? Perhaps you have a piece of equipment in mind already, or a budget figure. Maybe you have a desired capacity for how many children you intend to be at play. If your goal suggests you need a certain space, you will have problems fitting the area into a smaller footprint.

7. Conflicting Activities: This goes along closely with space. As you create your design and layout, you don't want older children trampling younger children on their way to play. You don't want children running through the swing set to reach the slide. Moving equipment needs to go to the corner, side or edge of the layout. Slides exits should deposit the children in an uncongested area. Equipment selected will have specific use zone requirements. The slide you like may only be three feet wide, but needs fifteen feet of space.

8. Supervision: Can caregivers, parents or employees watch the children? If the playground forms a "L" shape around the corner of the building, it may be hard to watch children and monitor play activity. Are there shaded places available for parents or leaders. School principals have been surprised to find teachers huddled around the water fountain, at the building exit or under available shade. Plan for and encourage space, participation and involvement from adults.

9. Maintenance: Will the playground require replenishment of surfacing? Is there an accessible route for the initial installation and build? Can we get to the playground in the future? An interior courtyard may create a protected play area. When you have to run wheelbarrows of surfacing through the building you will remember next time.

Consult a playground professional. Extra effort up front will achieve better results later.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Playgrounds and the Law

October 6, 2010 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a final interpretative rule on the term "Children' s Product." The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) is found under Public Law 110-314. A "children's product" is defined as a consumer product designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age or younger. Playground equipment certainly falls into this category, often being labeled for a specific age group such as 2-5 or 5-12.

The CPSIA defines the maximum content allowed for heavy metal in coatings, phthalates and lead in substrates, 3rd party testing for certain products, and tracking labels. This legislation applies to imported as well as domestically manufactured product. With lead as a leading cause of concern under this law, it should be noted that many playground products are not "painted" but "powder coated." This lead free process exceeds the requirements under the law. Consumers should ensure what materials and process are utilized in the manufacture of their product.

So the law covers everything?

Not exactly. Actually, barely a fraction of the whole picture. While the CPSIA addresses several key and critical issues in safety, there are MANY other issues to address. The CPSC federal recommendations and the voluntary standards of the playground industry set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) do not present exact and conclusive definitions and standards, either. There are certain areas which remain gray and professional judgment comes into play. The application of rules should also consider minimum standards and standard of care. One set of state rules suggests that there should be a minimum of 6-8" of playground surfacing installed beneath playgrounds. In the same publication and rules it is also stated that surfacing should be installed (at least in the case of Engineered Wood Fiber) to a depth of 12". Further reading will find that wood surfacing compacts after installation, and the suggestion of 9" compacted be applied. So, do I need: 6, 7, 8, 9 or 12" of surfacing on my playground? If I install 12" of wood surfacing, do I need to go out every week and replenish? If there is a fatal, life threatening or debilitating injury on the playground that had 6" of impact attenuating surfacing, would 12" have been a better standard of care?

More information may be found in a previous blog: "What Federal Standards Apply to a Playground?"

California (CA) appears to lead the pack in terms of legal compliance to safety. In the California Code of Regulations it is stated that playgrounds (public) shall comply with sections of the CPSC Handbook and the ASTM standards. After pages of should versus shall, recommend versus require: it comes down to basic steps. Design, inspection, materials used, assembly, installation, maintenance, training and supervision are specifically identified and called for. Some other states have specific references or applications of rules, but largely only applied to child care settings.

In the playground industry, the International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) runs a 3rd party testing and certification program. Following every line to the letter and number won't make a difference if installation, operation and maintenance falls below standards. This means you may purchase top grade and quality product, yet fail at the simple standards due to error, neglect or omission.

I hope we aren't done, yet. With gray areas, voluntary compliance and optional concepts, playground safety may get put on the back burner. The National Program for Playground Safety suggests that our overall US safety grade in their study was a C+. States which adopted CPSC guidelines received the higher grade of B, with states not adopting guidelines the lower grade of C was found. If my child's safety is involved, law or not- my child deserves a better standard of care. The old adage "you get what you pay for" certainly could be called for. Buying the cheapest, cutting a corner, neglecting management and maintenance of the playground or following minimum standards likely will not result in your being issued a citation by a police officer. Law or no law, don't cut corners with your children's safety. Consult a professional.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Tax Benefits to Leasing

In September 2010, President Obama announced a Stimulus Initiative that allows a business to expense 100 percent of a new equipment purchases through tax deduction. This full-value deduction can be taken while spreading out payments for the equipment over a longer term, such as a 60 month purchase. IRS Section #179 will allow for the deduction of up to $250,000 of business equipment. Credit and equipment restrictions apply. This program doesn't assume you are eligible for the depreciation schedule. Previous depreciation claimed may affect your ability to utilize the elections. Consult your tax advisor or accountant for additional information. Contact DunRite for more information about LEASING options and programs available.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Municipal Leasing

In tough times, individuals are the only that are pressed for a cash flow to make purchases. Our leasing team has programs for business and municipal entities that may help. Rather than make a lump sum purchase, stretch your purchase power by spreading over a longer term with our Municipal Leasing Program.

Who is Eligible?

State Goverments

City Governments

State Agencies

School Districts

Port Authorities

Hospital (government funded)

Fire Districts

Water Districts

Municipal Corporations

With competitive rates, Fast turn-around time and hassle free documentation, this might be the solution to your equipment needs. Call us for more information!

Monday, November 8, 2010

How is our WOOD SURFACING produced?

Our wood surfacing is IPEMA certified. IPEMA is the International Playground Equipment Manufacturing Association. This is voluntary compliance, but requires strict adherence to standards. The reference standards for surfacing are developed and published by the American Society of Testing and Materials, as document F2075-04, Standard Specification for Engineered Wood Fiber for Use as a Playground Safety Surface Under and Around Playground Equipment. Compliance to this standard also requires compliance to F1292: Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials Within the Use Zone of Play Equipment. Testing of materials is rigid and conducted by Detroit Testing Laboratories. Inspection and follow up to equipment and process is maintained by IPEMA inspections of facility and product.

Here are key criteria that are utilized in manufacture:

1. Materials must meet particle size requirements and tests, both wet and dry. This is achieved by a cutter to reduce sizes and a sieve to filter particles too small. Sieve, shaker, oven and balance test gauges and process are specified by ASTM C136, and meet F963 specifications. Our process is thereby TWO steps, ground and then filtered again. Most surfacing manufacturers only utilize a one step process, "cut."

2. Material must meet metal particle limits and concentrations, including hazardous metals and soluables such as mercury. This requirement is easily managed, as we do not utilize any recycled materials. We do not use pallets or post consumer materials. ONLY virgin hardwood materials are utilized. Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium , Lead and Selenium are commonly found in wood products, tests are conducted to ensure processing is below threshold.

3. A minimum on 8- one gallon samples are taken at random from a 50 cubic yard test lot to ensure adequate volume of material to tests.

4. Tramp and magnetic tests are conducted to ensure protection from embedded material.

5. Our facility is deliberate in the selection of materials that are processed. In addition to not accepting reclamation material, the product accepted is ONLY harvested hardwood. Our sources are known and documented. Pine, a highly acidic wood is NOT utilized, EVER. Sub grades of lumber are not acceptable to our milling process.

6. Materials are NOT stored for long periods of time. Materials have generally been cut within a 48 hours prior to delivery. This ensures fresh material free from contamination and premature deterioration.

7. Materials are transported in equipment specifically designated for this material. Vehicles are NOT shared with other products, to eliminate contamination. As this is not landscape grade material, vehicles are not utilized to carry manure, sand, dirt, gravel or recycled materials.

There are about 6 pages of tiny 6 point font, double column specifications that are tested against by our testing laboratory. This is an expensive process, but a welcome and defining difference in an engineered and certified wood product.

Friday, November 5, 2010

What Federal Standards Apply to a Playground?

Are there really playground laws? Yes! While it is important that we follow the law, remember that our children are involved. We should also follow guidelines, recommendations, standards, best practice and COMMON SENSE. When our children are involved we have a privilege and responsibility to do our best to protect them.

You should also consider reviewing ASTM Standards and CPSC Guidelines when reviewing playground planning, design, manufacture, construction, installation and operation. Inspection and maintenance become critical to ensure that your playground operates at the best possible level of safety.

There is not an agency that travels about with a badge and represents themselves as "playground police." There are inspectors and specialists trained, educated and tested by a variety of sources. Consult your playground professional for information on best utilization of the available information.

16 CFR Part 1303 Ban of Lead-Containing Paint and Certain Consumer Products Bearing Lead-Containing Paint

16 CFR 1500 Hazardous Substances Act Regulations, including sections:

1500.48 Technical Requirements for Determining a Sharp Point in Toys and Other articles Intended for Use by Children UNDER 8 Years of Age

1500.49 Technical Requirements for Determining a Sharp Metal or Glass Edge and and Other articles Intended for Use by Children UNDER 8 Years of Age

16 CFR 1501 Method for Indentifying Toys and Other Articles Intended for Use by Children UNDER 3 Years of Age Which Present Choking, Aspiration, Ingestion Hazards because of Small Parts

36 CFR Part1191 Americans with Disabilities Act Disability Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities; Section 15.6 Play Areas (Final Rule)

CPSC Publication 325 Handbook for Public Playground Safety . While this is not a standard or regulation it is an important GUIDELINE.

More information is available from the United States Government Printing Office.

State regulations may also apply to your playground! AR, CA, CT, FL, IL, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA have references in state documents that may apply to your situation.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

What is ASTM?

The simple answer, American Society for Testing and Materials , ASTM International, West Conshohochen, NJ. The ASTM is a 100 year old organization that has become a world known and recognized source for standards related to materials, products and systems. These are usually recognized by the authorities, specialists and experts within specific subject areas. There are over 12,000 standards listed in 77 volumes. This is light reading material for those not familiar with an industry. Your playground professional should be familiar with the context or usage of the standards, or may relay on a manufacturer to follow standards . For more information, visit them at http://www.astm.org/.

Here is one of the more commonly referred to PLAYGROUND standards from the ASTM:

ASTM F1487-07ae1 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use: Purpose to provide safety and performance standards of public playground equipment and reduce life threatening and debilitating injuries.

What are all those numbers?

F1487 is the publication

07 is the year of adoption or revision

Following characters represent revisions or editorial changes

Here are additional ASTM documents that may relate to your playground

D2240 Test Method for Rubber Property- Durometer Hardness

F406 Consumer Safety Specifications for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs and Play Yards

F698 Specification for Physical Information to be provided for Amusement Rides and Devices

F846 Guide for Testing Performance of Amusement Rides and Devices

F853 Practice for Maintenance Procedures for Amusement Rides and Devices

F963 Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety

F893 Guide for Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices

F963 Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety

F1004 Consumer Safety Specification for Expansion Gates and Expandable Fasteners

F1077 Guide for the Selection of Committee F16 Fastener Specifications

F1148 Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Home Playground Equipment: This consumer safety specification provides safety requirements for various types of home playground equipment intended for use by children aged from over eighteen months through 10 years. It further provides such requirements for swings intended specifically for toddlers

F1159 Practice for Design and Manufacture of Patron Directed, Artificial Climbing Walls, Dry Slide, Coin Operated, and Purposeful Water Immersion Amusement Rides and Devices and Air-Supported Systems

F1292 Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment: This specification specifies impact attenuation performance requirements for playground surfaces and surfacing materials and provides a means of determining impact attenuation performance using a test method that simulates the impact of a child ' s head with the surface.

F1551 -09 Standard Test Methods for Comprehensive Characterization of Synthetic Turf Playing Surfaces and Materials

F1882 -06 Standard Specification for Residential Basketball Systems

F1918 Safety Performance Specification for Soft Contained Play Equipment

F1931 -98(2004) Standard Test Method for Characterization of Gymnastic Landing Mats and Floor Exercise Surfaces

F1936 -10 Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Turf Playing Systems as Measured in the Field

F1951 Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment: This specification establishes minimum characteristics for those factors that determine accessibility.

F2049 Fences/Barriers for Public, Commercial, and Multi-Family Residential Use Outdoor Play Areas

F2056 -09 Standard Safety and Performance Specification for Soccer Goals

F2075 Specification for Engineered Wood Fiber for Use as Playground Safety Surface Under and Around Playground Equipment: Establishes minimum characteristics including size, consistency, purity and draining of wood fiber.

F2223 Standard Guide for ASTM Standards on Playground Surfacing: Standards for selecting and specifying surface systems under and around playground equipment. This guide is to be used to assist the playground owner/operator, specifier, designer, etc., in determining the properties that can be considered with regard to the protective surfacing in the playground.

F2373 Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Public Use Playground Equipment for Children 6 Months through 23 Months: This consumer safety performance specification provides safety and performance requirements for various types of public use play equipment such as, but not limited to, composite play structures, climbing structures, to-fro swings, spring rocking equipment, and slides.

F2375 -09 Standard Practice for Design, Manufacture, Installation and Testing of Climbing Nets and Netting/Mesh used in Amusement Rides, Devices, Play Areas and Attractions

F2461 -09 Standard Practice for Manufacture, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Aquatic Play Equipment

F2479 Standard Guide for Specification, Purchase, Installation and Maintenance of Poured in Place Playground Surfacing

WK24383 New Specification for Sand used under and around Playground Equipment

WK28668 - New Specification for Loose-fill Rubber for Use as a Playground Safety Surface Under and Around Playground Equipment