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loose fill materials such as wood mulch/chips, engineered wood fiber (EWF), or
shredded/recycled rubber mulch for equipment up to 8 feet (244 cm)
high; and 9 inches (23 cm) of sand or pea gravel for equipment up to 5 feet (152
cm) high.
NOTE: An initial fill level of 12 inches (30 cm) will compress to about a 9-inch (23
cm) depth of surfacing over time. The surfacing will also compact, displace, and
settle, and should be periodically refilled to maintain at least a 9-inch (23 cm)
depth. Use a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) of protective surfacing for play
equipment less than 4 feet (122 cm) in height. If maintained properly, this should
be adequate. (At depths less than 6 inches (15 cm), the protective material is too
easily displaced or compacted.) Use containment, such as digging out around the
perimeter and/or lining the perimeter with landscape edging. Don't forget to
account for water drainage. Check and maintain the depth of the loose fill
surfacing material. To maintain the right amount of loose fill materials, mark the
correct level on play equipment support posts. That way you can easily see when
to replenish and/or redistribute the surfacing. Do not install loose fill surfacing over
hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.
Poured-In-Place surfaces or Premanufactured Rubber Tiles—You may be
interested in using surfacing other than loose fill materials – like rubber tiles or
poured-in-place surfaces. Installation of these surfaces generally requires a
professional and is not a "do-it-yourself" project. Review surface specifications
before purchasing this type of surfacing. Ask the installer/manufacturer for a report
showing that the product has been tested to the following safety standard: ASTM
F1292 Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials within
the Use Zone of Playground Equipment.
This report should show the specific height for which the surface is intended to
protect against serious head injury. This height should be equal to or greater than
the fall height – vertical distance between a designated play surface (elevated
surface for standing, sitting, or climbing) and the protective surfacing
below – of your play equipment. Check the protective surfacing frequently for wear.
Placements—Proper placement and maintenance of protective surfacing is
essential.
The protective surfacing must extend at least 2 m (6.6 feet) in all directions beyond
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