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CPSI Playground Inspector Cheat Sheet

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Hazard Identification

  • 34% of exam
  • Hazard Priority Entanglement + Impalement Protrusion Gauges Entrapment Openings Entrapment Fixtures Crush and Shear Misc Hazards

Surfacing

  • 18% of exam
  • Surfacing Standards Loose-Fill Depths Fall Height Points Surfacing Maintenance Critical vs Fall Height

Playground Environment

  • 17% of exam
  • Age Groups Guardrails and Barriers Use Zone Numbers Swing Clearances Slide Dimensions Site and Layout Accessibility Numbers

Audit, Inspection, Maintenance

  • 15% of exam
  • Inspection Types Inspection Forms Corrective Action Audit vs Inspection

Risk Management

  • 11% of exam
  • Records and Files Code of Conduct Hazard vs Risk ASTM vs CPSC Handbook

Quick Facts

  • Exam CPSI (NRPA)
  • Items 100 (95 scored, 5 beta)
  • Time 2 hours
  • Choices A through D
  • Guessing No penalty
  • Pass Criterion-referenced cut score
  • Passing % Not published by NRPA
  • Item split 34/18/17/15/11
  • Aid Table of Dimensions provided
  • Delivery PSI test centers
  • Age 18 or older
  • Valid 3 years
  • Renew 2.0 CEUs or exam
  • Handbook Effective 8/18/2025

Entrapment Range HA

  • Over 3.5, under 9 is entrapment
  • Under 3.5 in: torso blocked 9 in: head passes In between: test it Test all dimensions

Head vs Partial Entrapment HA

Completely bounded

  • Perimeter fully closed
  • Torso then head templates
  • 3.5 to 9 in range

Partially bound

  • Open on one side
  • Neck enters, head stuck
  • Angle over 55 degrees
  • Closed loop vs open angle

Is It an Entrapment? HA

  • Opening bounded by ground → Not applicable ( No test needed )
  • Torso template will not pass → Pass ( Stop testing )
  • Torso passes, head passes → Pass ( Free passage )
  • Torso passes, head stuck → Fail ( Head entrapment )
  • Flexible net opening → Probes under 50 lbf ( 30 lb for toddlers )
  • Perimeter not closed → Partially bound probe ( Watch 55 degrees )
  • Limited depth opening → Test planes A, B ( Both must pass )

Hazard Priority HA

  • Hazard Danger child cannot see
  • Risk Challenge child chooses
  • CPSI job Identify, rank, remove hazards
  • Rank by Foreseeable injury consequences
  • Document Cite specific standard section
  • Then Set inspection system
  • ER injuries yearly Over 190,000 (2021-2023)
  • Top hazard pattern Equipment hazards, 38%
  • Second pattern Falls, 29%
  • Study base 1,775 incidents, 2009-2014
  • Deaths involved Entanglement, falls, tip over

Projection Gauge Sizes HA

  • Gauges 1, 2, and 3.5 inches
  • Small: 1 in Middle: 2 in Large: 3.5 in Fail beyond any face

Entanglement vs Protrusion HA

Entanglement

  • Catches clothing or cords
  • Strangulation risk
  • Diameter grows outward

Protrusion

  • Impact injury
  • Impalement or laceration
  • Fails projection gauge
  • Catches versus strikes

Entanglement + Impalement HA

  • Growing projection Diameter increases outward: fail
  • Bolt threads Max 2 past nut
  • S-hook gap 0.04 in maximum Dime
  • In-filled connector Exempt from hook rule
  • Free-swinging ropes Not recommended
  • User-tied ropes Remove immediately
  • Helmets, drawstrings Never on equipment
  • Strangulation sources Ropes, leashes, helmets, drawstrings

Protrusion Gauges HA

  • Small gauge 1 in outside diameter
  • Middle gauge 2 in outside diameter
  • Large gauge 3.5 in outside diameter
  • Fail Extends beyond any gauge
  • Swing and slide gauge 1/8 in maximum rise
  • Slide clearance zone 21 in side clearance
  • Fence protrusions None below 54 in

Entrapment Openings HA

  • Hazard range Over 3.5 in, under 9 in
  • Under 3.5 in Torso cannot enter
  • 9 in or more Largest head passes
  • Ground-bounded Not subject to rule
  • Head-first entry Head in, turns, stuck
  • Feet-first entry Body passes, head does not
  • One dimension in range Evaluate all dimensions together
  • Partially bound angle Must exceed 55 degrees
  • Angle exception Lowest leg horizontal or below

Entrapment Fixtures HA

  • Small torso template 3.5 in thick, 6.2 in wide
  • Toddler torso template 3.0 by 5.0 in
  • Large head template 9 in diameter
  • Test order Torso first, then head
  • Pass Torso will not enter
  • Fail Torso in, head stuck
  • Flexible opening force 50 lbf per F1487
  • CPSC toddler force 30 lb toddler playgrounds
  • Limited depth openings Test planes A and B

Crush and Shear HA

  • General probe 0.62 in neoprene rod
  • Merry-go-round probe 0.30 in rod
  • Roller slide gap Under 0.19 in
  • Two questions Body part in? Closing force?
  • Source Parts moving during use
  • Classic example Seesaw fulcrum

Misc Hazards HA

  • Suspended hazard Within 45 degrees, under 7 ft
  • Loop perimeter Under 5 in
  • Short rope exempt 7 in or less
  • Thick component exempt 1 in minimum cross-section
  • Sharp edges Round corners, cap tubes
  • Tripping Footings below surfacing
  • Used tires Check exposed steel belts
  • Overhead clearance 84 in minimum
  • Solid fence indentations Under 0.375 in deep

Table 2 Depths SU

  • Sand 4, gravel 5, mulch 7, chips 10
  • All at 9 in compressed Install 12 in Rubber 6 in: 10 ft Never below 9 in

Critical vs Fall Height SU

Critical height

  • Belongs to surfacing
  • Rated by ASTM F1292
  • Protection ceiling

Fall height

  • Belongs to equipment
  • Highest play surface
  • Measured to surfacing
  • Critical must meet fall

How Much Surfacing? SU

  • Tested material available → Manufacturer critical height ( From F1292 report )
  • No test data → CPSC Table 2 ( Non-impact-tested only )
  • Fall height 10 ft → Wood chips 9 in ( Or rubber mulch )
  • Fall height 4 ft → Sand 9 in ( Lowest rated option )
  • Installing wood chips → Fill to 12 in ( Compresses 25% )
  • Installing rubber mulch → Fill to 8 in ( 6 in compressed )
  • Confirming installed surface → ASTM F3313 field test ( As installed )

Surfacing Standards SU

  • F1292 Lab impact attenuation
  • F3313 Field impact test
  • F2075 Engineered wood fiber
  • F3012 Loose-fill rubber
  • F1951 Accessible surface systems
  • F2223 Guide to surfacing standards
  • Thresholds Gmax 200, HIC 1000
  • Never acceptable Asphalt, concrete, dirt, grass
  • Also unacceptable CCA mulch, untested mats
  • Not required under Sandboxes, ground-level play

Lab vs Field Test SU

ASTM F1292

  • Laboratory sample
  • Rated critical height
  • Manufacturer supplies data

ASTM F3313

  • Installed surface
  • Tested on site
  • Confirms field performance
  • Rating vs installed reality

Where Is Fall Height? SU

  • Swing → Pivot point
  • Slide → Transition platform
  • Merry-go-round → Platform perimeter
  • Platform → Top of platform
  • Upper body equipment → Highest part
  • Composite structure → Highest fall height
  • Anything else → Highest designated play surface

Loose-Fill Depths SU

  • Sand 9 in compressed: 4 ft
  • Pea gravel 9 in compressed: 5 ft
  • Wood mulch 9 in compressed: 7 ft
  • Wood chips 9 in compressed: 10 ft
  • Rubber mulch 6 in compressed: 10 ft
  • Install depth 12 in; rubber 8 in
  • Compression At least 25% over time
  • Never maintain below 9 in; rubber 6 in
  • Table 2 applies Only non-impact-tested fill

Fall Height Points SU

  • Critical height Surfacing rating from F1292
  • Fall height Highest play surface down
  • Rule Critical height meets fall height
  • Swings Measured from pivot point
  • Slides Measured from transition platform
  • Merry-go-round Platform perimeter
  • Upper body equipment Highest part of equipment
  • Composite structure Use maximum fall height
  • Toddler climbers Maximum 32 in

Surfacing Maintenance SU

  • Watch areas Under swings, slide exits
  • Depth marks Mark posts at minimum
  • Wear mats Install flush with surfacing
  • Frozen surfacing Keep children off equipment
  • Standing water Compacts and decomposes mulch
  • Over hard surface Drainage base, geotextile, loose fill
  • Toddler playgrounds Avoid loose-fill surfacing
  • Dark unitary surfaces Can blister bare feet

Guardrail Heights EN

  • Guardrail tops 29 and 38 inches
  • Preschool guardrail: 20-30 in fall Preschool barrier: over 30 in School guardrail: 30-48 in fall School barrier: over 48 in

Guardrail vs Barrier EN

Guardrail

  • Stops accidental falls
  • Climbing over possible
  • Openings may exceed 9 in

Barrier

  • Stops accidental falls
  • Discourages climbing over
  • Blocks small torso probe
  • Barrier does all three

Guardrail or Barrier? EN

  • Toddler, above 18 in → Barrier ( Top 24 in )
  • Preschool, 20 to 30 in → Guardrail ( Top 29 in )
  • Preschool, over 30 in → Barrier ( Bottom under 3.5 in )
  • School-age, 30 to 48 in → Guardrail ( Top 38 in )
  • School-age, over 48 in → Barrier ( Top 38 in )
  • Climber or stair entry → Neither required ( Interferes with use )
  • Preschool layered platform → Neither required ( 20 in or less )

Age Groups EN

  • Toddler 6 through 23 months
  • Preschool-age 2 through 5 years
  • School-age 5 through 12 years
  • Overlap at 5 Child development is fluid
  • Inspect to Intended age of playground
  • School-age only Fulcrum seesaws, sliding poles
  • Not for toddlers Merry-go-rounds, loose fill
  • Full bucket swings Under 4, adult assistance
  • Toddler standard ASTM F2373
  • Toddler platforms No more than 32 in

Use Zone Rule EN

  • Six feet out; swings twice pivot height
  • Stationary: 6 ft Swing front, rear: 2x pivot Slide over 6 ft: max 8 Spacing: 6 or 9 ft

Preschool vs School-Age EN

Ages 2-5

  • Guardrail top 29 in
  • Barrier above 30 in
  • No fulcrum seesaws

Ages 5-12

  • Guardrail top 38 in
  • Barrier above 48 in
  • Sliding poles allowed
  • Heights rise with age

Guardrails and Barriers EN

  • Toddler guardrail Not recommended
  • Toddler barrier top 24 in or higher
  • Toddler barrier when Fall height 18 in up
  • Toddler barrier bottom Under 3 in
  • Preschool guardrail top 29 in or higher
  • Preschool guardrail when Fall height 20-30 in
  • Preschool guardrail bottom Over 9, up to 23
  • Preschool barrier when Fall height over 30 in
  • School guardrail top 38 in or higher
  • School guardrail when Fall height 30-48 in
  • School guardrail bottom Over 9, up to 28
  • School barrier when Fall height over 48 in
  • Barrier bottom Under 3.5 in
  • Barrier top Same as guardrail top
  • Open clearance 15 in without top rail
  • Exception Climbers, stair entries, transfers

Swing Clearance Numbers EN

  • Structure 30, swings 24, ground 12
  • Belt to structure 30 in Between belts 24 in Seat to ground 12 in Splay 20 in

Toddler vs Preschool EN

6-23 months

  • Barriers only, 24 in
  • Climbers under 32 in
  • ASTM F2373 applies

2-5 years

  • Guardrails permitted
  • Merry-go-rounds allowed
  • ASTM F1487 applies
  • Toddlers get barriers only

Use Zone Numbers EN

  • Stationary equipment 6 ft all directions
  • Overlap allowed Surfaces under 30 in
  • Low equipment spacing At least 6 ft apart
  • High equipment spacing At least 9 ft apart
  • Single-axis swing Front and rear: twice pivot
  • Swing sides 6 ft; may overlap
  • Multi-axis swing 6 ft plus suspender length
  • Slide 6 ft or lower 6 ft exit zone
  • Slide over 6 ft Slide height, max 8 ft
  • Rotating equipment 6 ft beyond platform
  • Never overlap Swing front, rear; slide exit
  • Parallel slides Exit zones may overlap

Swing Clearances EN

  • Seat to structure Belt 30 in; toddler 20
  • Between swings Belt 24 in; toddler 20
  • Seat to ground Belt 12 in; toddler 24
  • Side-to-side splay 20 in all types
  • Per bay No more than two
  • Full bucket pivot Over 47, up to 96
  • Tire swing to upright 30 in minimum
  • Tire seat clearance 12 in minimum
  • Swing projections 1/8 in maximum
  • Not allowed Swings on composite structures

Slide Dimensions EN

  • Sidewall height 4 in minimum
  • Transition platform 14 in deep minimum
  • Toddler platform 19 in deep minimum
  • Exit region length 11 in minimum
  • Slide 48 in or lower Exit max 11 in
  • Slide over 48 in Exit 7 to 15 in
  • Exit angle 0 to minus 4 degrees
  • Average slope 30 degrees; toddler 24
  • Tube slide 23 in interior diameter
  • Embankment slide Chute 12 in above ground
  • Toddler chute width 8 to 12 in wide
  • Toddler/preschool spiral One 360 degree turn maximum

Site and Layout EN

  • Age separation Buffer zone between areas
  • Moving equipment Corner, side, or edge
  • Slide exits Keep out of congestion
  • Sight lines Caregivers must see children
  • Signs State intended age group
  • Fence ground clearance 4 in maximum; height 48 in
  • Fence vertical spacing 1-3/4 in; rails under 45
  • Hardware Not removable without tools
  • Wood No CCA-treated products
  • Site checks Drainage, shade, travel routes

Accessibility Numbers EN

  • Elevated route 50% of elevated components
  • 20 or more components Ramps connect 25%
  • Under 20 components Transfer system may serve
  • Transfer platform 11 to 18 in
  • Accessible route width 60 in minimum
  • Ramp clear width 36 in minimum
  • Ramp run 144 in maximum
  • Overhead clearance 80 in minimum
  • Surface standard F1951 firmness and stability

Audit vs Inspection IN

Audit

  • One-time baseline
  • Whole play area
  • Against current standards

Inspection

  • Recurring check
  • Condition versus baseline
  • Routine or detailed
  • Baseline vs recurring check

Found a Hazard? IN

  • Seriously dangerous now → Remove or block access ( Notify owner )
  • Only caution tape available → Not acceptable ( Does not stop children )
  • Rope tied by users → Remove immediately ( Strangulation risk )
  • Broken or worn part → Manufacturer replacement part ( Follow instructions )
  • Equipment not in standards → General performance rules ( Entrapment, protrusion, use zone )
  • Recalled model suspected → Check site history file ( Gauges will not find )

Inspection Types IN

  • Audit Baseline against current standards
  • Routine inspection Recurring condition check
  • Detailed inspection Moving and wearing parts
  • First authority Manufacturer recommended schedule
  • Frequency drivers Type, age, use, climate
  • Check most often Schools and child care
  • Routine finds Breakage, debris, vandalism, rot
  • Dirty Dozen NPPS hazard checklist, not audit

Inspection Forms IN

  • Audit form Equipment, maker, model, age
  • Citation Specific standard section
  • Priority Rank by injury potential
  • Action Recommended corrective action
  • Signature Inspector signs and dates
  • Route Systematic; nothing skipped
  • Fallback checklist CPSC Handbook Appendix A

Corrective Action IN

  • Repairs Manufacturer parts and instructions
  • User modifications Remove immediately
  • Out of service Remove or block access
  • Caution tape Not sufficient alone
  • Notify owner Promptly and in writing
  • Nonlisted equipment Apply general performance rules
  • Recalls Track CPSC and manufacturer alerts

Code of Conduct RI

  • Safety, cite, prioritize, warn, consent
  • Current standard of care Omit no adverse finding Owner consent required Findings to owner only

Hazard vs Risk RI

Hazard

  • Child cannot see
  • Must be removed
  • Cited to standard

Risk

  • Child chooses challenge
  • Visible and developmental
  • Keep graduated challenge
  • Remove hazards, keep challenge

Records and Files RI

  • Retain Inspections, repairs, checklists
  • Site history file Cumulative record per playground
  • Contents Drawings, installs, audits, incidents
  • Surfacing documents F1292 critical height data
  • Depth data Minimum fill depth, toxicity
  • Accessibility data F1951 firmness and stability
  • Equipment documents Spec and installation instructions
  • Injury reports Retain to expose patterns
  • Investigate Even without a claim

ASTM vs CPSC Handbook RI

ASTM F1487

  • Voluntary consensus standard
  • Written by ASTM
  • Purchased from ASTM

CPSC Handbook 325

  • Federal guidance
  • Free download
  • Read every page
  • Standard vs federal guidance

Code of Conduct RI

  • Paramount Safety of playground users
  • Standard of care Most current ASTM, CPSC
  • Document all Omit no adverse findings
  • Cite Specific criterion document section
  • Prompt warning Seriously dangerous conditions first
  • Consent Owner knowledge and consent
  • Confidentiality Findings to owner only
  • No conflicts Never to promote sales
  • Penalty Loss of certification

Common Traps

Guardrail vs barrier

  • Guardrail stops falls only ≠ Barrier also blocks climbing

Critical vs fall height

  • Critical height is surfacing ≠ Fall height is equipment

Audit vs inspection

  • Audit sets the baseline ≠ Inspection checks against it

Lab vs field test

  • F1292 rates the material ≠ F3313 tests installed surface

Table 2 misuse

  • Table 2 is untested fill ≠ Tested data always wins

Grass is not surfacing

  • Grass and dirt fail ≠ Only F1292-tested materials pass

Entrapment range direction

  • Under 3.5 in passes ≠ 9 in or more passes

Flexible opening force

  • F1487 lists 50 lbf ≠ CPSC toddler test 30 lb

Fall height measuring point

  • Swing from pivot point ≠ Slide from transition platform

Caution tape is not removal

  • Tape does not stop children ≠ Remove or block access

Passing score myth

  • 70% is not published ≠ NRPA uses criterion-referenced cut

Hazard vs risk

  • Remove hazards children miss ≠ Keep challenge children choose

Last Minute

  • 1. 100 items, 2 hours, A-D
  • 2. Hazard ID is 34 items
  • 3. Surfacing 18, environment 17
  • 4. Audit 15, risk 11, beta 5
  • 5. No published passing percentage
  • 6. Entrapment: over 3.5, under 9
  • 7. Torso first, then head template
  • 8. Projection gauges 1, 2, 3.5 in
  • 9. S-hook gap under 0.04 in
  • 10. Crush probe 0.62 in rod
  • 11. Suspended: within 45, under 7 ft
  • 12. Guardrail tops 29 and 38 in
  • 13. Barrier triggers over 30, over 48
  • 14. Use zone 6 ft minimum
  • 15. Swings twice pivot height, no overlap
  • 16. Slide exit zone max 8 ft
  • 17. Loose fill never below 9 in
  • 18. Wood chips 9 in: 10 ft
  • 19. Gmax 200, HIC 1000
  • 20. Critical height meets fall height
  • 21. Fall height: pivot, transition platform
  • 22. Toddler 6-23 months; preschool 2-5
  • 23. Grass, dirt, asphalt never acceptable
  • 24. Transfer platform 11 to 18 in
  • 25. Ramps if 20 elevated components
  • 26. Audit baseline; inspection recurring
  • 27. Cite the standard section
  • 28. Certification 3 years, 2.0 CEUs

CPSI Certified Playground Safety Inspector

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