PLAYSPACE PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE · playspace planning, construction and maintenance 12 ten key areas – csa standard – z614-14 children’s playspaces and equipment

PLAYSPACE PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

Vince Kreiser

Program Coordinator/Instructor-Retired

Recreation Leadership Diploma Program

Phone: (604) 522-8696

454 Wilson Street, New Westminster, B.C. V3L 3R8

Email: [email protected]

2015

With special thanks to:

ALBERTA Recreation and Parks, Recreation Development Division and PlayTech Distributors Inc.

PLAYSPACE PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE 1












TEN KEY AREAS – CSA STANDARD – Z614-14

CHILDREN’S PLAYSPACES AND EQUIPMENT

1. USER AGE GROUPS

- Clause 1.1 (page 13)

- Section 4 (page 19)

2. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTIVE SURFACING ZONES AND NO-

ENCROACHMENT ZONES


3. SURFACING


- Section 15, Clause 15.16.1 (page 67)

4. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF PROTECTIVE SURFACING

- Section 10.4 (page 28)

5. ACCESSIBLE OPENINGS (HEAD AND TORSO PROBES, PARTIALLY

BOUNDED OPENING TEMPLATE)


6. SHARP POINTS, SHARP EDGES, PROTRUSIONS AND SURFACES


7. ENTANGLEMENT


8. GUARDRAILS AND PROTECTIVE BARRIERS


9. REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF PLAY EQUIPMENT


10. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT





1. USER AGE GROUPS

- Clause 1.1 (page 13) states this standard provides requirements for children

aged 18 months to 12 years with anthropometric limits based on the 95th

percentile with requirements split into two age groupings: 18 months to 5

years and 5 years to 12 years.

- Section 4 (page 19) states that the standard takes into account the physical

size, special characteristics and developmental needs of children so that

appropriate and challenging play experiences are provided.

- All play equipment designed for a specific age group shall have all play

activities on that equipment meet the requirements for the designated age

group.

2. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTIVE SURFACING ZONES AND NO-

ENCROACHMENT ZONES

- Section 14 (page 43).

- Playspace layout requirements are covered in this section.

- Protective surfacing requirements must comply with section 10 (page 26).

- The protective surfacing zone for stationary play equipment shall extend no

less than 1.8 m (70.87 in.) on all sides of the play structure.

- The protective surfacing zones for the sides of swing structure shall be no less

than 1.8 m (70.87 in.) measured in a semicircle from the end of the top beam.

- No-encroachment zone exemptions for an enclosed single swing seat with a

pivot height of 2.4 m (94.49 in.) or less above the protective surfacing (Clause

14.11.2 – page 49) and slides with a starting platform of 1.2 m (47.24 in.) in

height or less (Clause 14.5.3 – page 47).

3. SURFACING


- All play equipment with a fall height shall be located on a protective surface.

- Exemption for play equipment with no designated fall height.

- 60-70% of all injuries on playground equipment are caused by falls to the

surface (Protective Surfacing helps to protect against serious head injuries).

- Clause 15.16.1 (page 67) states – On elevated platforms where guardrails or

protective barriers are required, the fall height shall be measured from the

protective surfacing to 725 mm (28.54 in.) above the elevated platform when

intended for children 18 months to 5 years old and 950 mm (37.40 in.) above

the elevated platform for children 5 to 12 years old.




4. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF PROTECTIVE SURFACE

- Section 10.4 (page 28).

- The owner/operator shall maintain the protective surface to the appropriate

fall height for each piece of equipment.

- Periodic site testing of installed protective surfacing shall be performed.

5. ACCESSIBLE OPENINGS (HEAD AND TORSO PROBES, PARTIALLY

BOUNDED OPENING TEMPLATE)


- Large Probe – Head (head entrapment), Small Probe – Torso (feet first entry)

- Opening between 88.9 mm (3.5 in.) and 228.6 mm (9 in.) is a potential

entrapment space.

- Partially Bounded Opening Template is used to test for possible neck

entrapment openings such as can be found in picket fence style barriers.

6. SHARP POINTS, SHARP EDGES, PROTRUSIONS, AND SURFACES

- Section 12.3 (page 34).

- There shall be no accessible sharp points or sharp edges.

- There shall be no protrusion on any playstructure that extends beyond the face

of any of the three test gauges including bolt ends with more than two threads

exposed (Exemption if inaccessible per Fig. 11) (page 82).

- Protrusion Test Gauges (Test per Clauses 12.3.1-12.4.6.4 (pages 34 - 37) and

Figures 7 thru 12) (pages 77 - 83).

7. ENTANGLEMENT


- On play equipment where there is uncontrolled motion, (slides and sliding

poles) there shall be no causes of entanglement that could entangle

drawstrings or other pieces of clothing.

- Entanglement tests per Sections 12.4.6 (page 36) and 12.4.7 (page 37) and

Figures 14 thru 17 (pages 86 - 88).




8. GUARDRAILS AND PROTECTIVE BARRIERS


- Guardrails (Sec. 13.4.3 – page 41) and Protective Barriers (Sec. 13.4.4 – page

42) requirements are based on the user group, (18 months to 5 years – 5 years

to 12 years).

- Height of platform based on user group determine where a guardrail can be

used and where protective barriers shall be used.

- Guardrails and protective barriers have specified requirements for entrance

exit openings.

- Guardrails and protective barriers shall contain no designated play surfaces.

9. REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF PLAY EQUIPMENT


- Equipment section outlines specific requirements for various types of play

equipment listed within the standard.

10. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF PLAY EQUIPMENT


- Inspection and maintenance is a requirement of ownership.

- The owner/operator shall establish a comprehensive maintenance program.

- The owner/operator shall establish and maintain detailed installation,

inspection, maintenance and repair records for each playspace (Sec. 16.8 –

page 68).

- Installation of new and replacement equipment shall be completed according

to the manufacturer’s instructions and the standard.

***

NOTE: This list of Ten Key Areas has been created from an interpretation of the CSA

Standard – Z614-14. If there are any differences between this list and the CSA

Standard – Z614-14, the latter shall prevail.




1.1 PLAYSPACE PLANNING

HINT: NEVER OVER-PLAN BUT PLAN ENOUGH TO GET THE JOB DONE PROPERLY

SEVEN STEPS

1. ACCEPT

You accept that your community has a need for a new or improved playspace.

This task is your challenge.

2. ORGANIZE

You approach others and form a planning committee to seek out information on

playspace design. What do people want to have done?

3. DEFINE

Develop what you want to do and then get people together to help with the

project.

4. CREATE

Tour possible sites and select the location which has the most potential.

Brainstorm for design ideas (ASK THE CHILDREN!!!).

5. SELECT

Select the best ideas that you came up with for your playspace. Draw up a

preliminary budget and review funding sources.

6. IMPLEMENT

You are ready to start the actual process of putting the playspace together. Fund

raising, grants, site selection, construction, etc.

7. EVALUATE

Draw up a timetable for the project. If there are any apparent problems, make

revisions to your plan. Be flexible.

Source: PlaySpace Planning

Alberta Recreation & Parks


1.2 NEXT STEPS BEFORE CONSTRUCTION OF YOUR PLAYSPACE

1. Establish Designs - Your own.

- Consultants.

2. Establish a firm budget - Confirm funding sources.

3. If you plan to use outside consultants, obtain at least three quotes.

4. Get everything in writing so there are no "hidden" items once you start actual

construction (proposals and cost estimates).

5. MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION

If your playspace will be including major pieces of equipment, it would be in your

community’s best interests to work with an outside consultant. They should

supervise the design and installation of the equipment for safety sake.

As much as possible, local labour can be used for the actual construction of the

playspace.


1.3 CONSTRUCTION OF YOUR PLAYSPACE

1. Stake your selected site.

2. Dial before you dig.

3. Excavating, grading and drainage.

4. Foundations, footings and paving.

5. Play equipment and site furniture.

6. Landscaping.

7. Inspection.

1.4 TYPES OF CREWS

1. The heavy duty crew.

2. The cutting crew.

3. The assembly crew.

4. The finishing touch crew.

5. The planting crew.

Source: PlaySpace Construction

Alberta Recreation & Parks


1.5 INFORMATION RELATED TO THE USE AND LONGEVITY OF A

PLAYSPACE

Please read the following information carefully. Safety-in-play and accident frequency

reduction are the most important goals in every play area environment.

The recommendations and suggestions contained herein are intended to assist those

people in your organization responsible for installation, supervision and maintenance of

your playground.

PLANNERS AND INSTALLERS CHECKLIST:

1. Separation of equipment relative to age groups.

2. Placement of swings and swing sets away from the other activities or equipment.

3. Layout which promotes a specific organized flow of traffic, designed not to cross

paths with exits from play devices.

4. No equipment installed on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. A minimum

of 8" of sand or pea gravel as recommended for protective surface.

A MINIMUM DEPTH OF 300 mm (11.81 in.) IS NOW

RECOMMENDED IN THE CURRENT CSA PLAYSPACE

STANDARD FOR MOST TYPES OF LOOSEFILL MATERIAL

(Annex D – page 131).

5. No component or group of components forming angles or openings that could trap a

child's head or any part of a child's body.

6. Protective barrier on raised platforms to reduce risks of accidental falls.

7. Hand gripping components of size and shape to meet the needs of children.

Source: Paris Playground Equipment

Owner's Manual


NOTE TAKING PAGE


NOTE TAKING PAGE


1.6 MISCELLANEOUS HINTS FOR YOUR PLAYSPACE

1. BASIC TOOLS REQUIRED:

10' to 50' tape measure, 4' level, plumb bob or equivalent, standard set of

wrenches and sockets, hammer, vice grips, saw, rubber mallet, shovel, spud bar,

tamper, wheelbarrow, step ladder, felt tip marker. Optional equipment: cement

mixer, 12" diameter hole auger, transit level.

2. MATERIALS REQUIRED:

Pre-mixed commercial concrete or crushed stone, sand and Portland cement for

on-site concrete preparation. To determine concrete required, count number of

holes including all play events and accessories X 3 cu. ft. Protective surfacing

material: sand or pea gravel to a minimum depth of 8" is recommended.

This surfacing should cover an area extending 6' from all points of structure.





3. SITE PREPARATION:

The location for your playspace should be as level as possible. If necessary,

excavate material to create a level site. The site can be backfilled with acceptable

protective material after the system has been installed. DO NOT PLACE

PROTECTIVE SURFACING MATERIAL IN SITE BEFORE

INSTALLATION. If site is not level and no excavation takes place, you must

adjust footing depths to allow for grade changes.

4. FOOTINGS:

All uprights and play event legs are set in concrete footings. Concrete is 4 parts

stone and sand to 1 part Portland cement. (See materials required).

5. UPRIGHTS:

All uprights, except tire swing and to-and-from swings, are set in concrete to a

minimum depth of 36" measured from grade to bottom of post. Recommended

diameter of the hole is 12" with a bell shape at the bottom. Fill the hole around

the posts to within 8" of the surface. Backfill this space with material selected so

that concrete cannot be exposed to the playing surface.

6. UPRIGHTS:

Tire and to-and-from swings only - All uprights are to be 144" and set in concrete

50 1/2" from grade to bottom of post.


7. IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Read and understand manual before beginning installation.

Plan your playspace location so that an unobstructed area (a minimum of 6')

extends from all points of the structure.

Maintain a minimum of 18' from proximate equipment or obstructions such as

fences, curbs, etc.

Do not let concrete footings become exposed.

Fully understand mechanics of clamps.

Check and re-check for tightness of all nuts, bolts and screws.

Frequently inspect your playspace for any problems present or possible, and

take action to correct them.

After installation of your playspace, an acceptable protective surface (8" of

sand is an example) should be installed.





Check to see that all pipe ends are plugged.

Select the correct half-clamp (Steel system only) when two or more

components are located at the same level.

Set screws must be coated with liquid Loc-tite as per tube supplied.

8. LAST WORD:

Your installation will be easier if you:

READ INSTRUCTIONS

FOLLOW DRAWINGS

TELEPHONE AND/OR REQUEST ASSISTANCE FROM YOUR

SUPPLIER IF PROBLEMS SEEM UNSOLVABLE.


Owner’s Manual


1.7 PLAYSPACE MAINTENANCE

Inspections should be conducted on a frequent and regularly scheduled basis. It is

recommended that all playground areas be checked according to frequency of use. We

recommend that a maintenance checklist sheet be made up and times/dates/findings and

follow-up remedial action of routine inspections be recorded. The following are some

important points that should be checked on each tour.

1. Visible cracks, bending, warping, rusting or breakage of any component.

2. Deformation of open hooks, shackles, rings, links, etc.

3. Worn swing hangers, chains, bearings.

4. Missing, damaged, or loose swing seats, belt seats with sharp corners or missing

sections.

5. Broken supports/anchors.

6. Footings exposed, cracked, loose in ground.

7. Accessible sharp edges or points.

8. Exposed ends of tubing that should be covered by plugs or caps.

9. Protruding bolt ends that should be cut off and peened smooth.

10. Loose bolts, nuts, etc.

11. Splintered, cracked or otherwise deteriorated wood.

12. Lack of lubrication on moving parts.

13. Broken or missing rails, steps, rungs, seats.

14. Protective surfacing material worn or scattered (in landing pits, etc.).

15. Hard surfaces, especially under swings, slides, climbers, etc.

16. Chipped or peeling paint.

17. Vandalism (broken glass, trash, etc. in landing pits, play devices and around play

area).

18. Pinch or crush points (exposed mechanisms, junctions of moving components,

example axis of seesaw).

19. Tripping hazards such as roots, rocks or other environmental obstacles.

20. Poor drainage areas. Winter ice build up.

21. Replace only with original manufacturers' authorized parts.


Owner's Manual


1.8 PUBLIC PLAYGROUND LEADER’S CHECKLIST

1. Prepare written guidelines for playground operation, defining goals and procedures.

2. Insist on first aid and accident training for playground leaders.

3. Provide for constant supervision by establishing a written schedule.

4. Instruct children and Playground Supervisors on how to use equipment. (Clothing

and/or proper dress, for example, trailing scarves, cords, etc.).

5. Conduct daily cleaning and check for broken glass and other litter.

6. Do not permit children to use wet or damaged equipment.

7. Do not permit too many children on the same piece of equipment at the same time;

suggest that children take turns, or direct their attention towards other equipment or

activities.

8. Constantly observe play patterns to note possible hazards and suggest appropriate

equipment or usage changes.

9. Make periodic checkups, and request that worn or damaged pieces of equipment be

replaced.

10. Prepare written accident reports with special attention to surface conditions, type

and extent of injury, age and sex of child, how the accident occurred, and weather

conditions. Names and addresses of witnesses should be recorded.


Owner’s Manual


1.9 PM REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAYSPACES

INTERVAL PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TASK

1. SPRING - inspect site for signs of winter damage.

- roll, fertilize and water surrounding grass areas.

- sweep all hard surfaces.

- prune all trees and shrubs.

- remove and store snow fences.

- rake all protective ground surfaces; clear area of debris.

- examine all equipment for evidence of damage incurred

during the winter; repair as required.

- install any equipment held in storage during the winter.

- each nut, bolt, and nail should be thoroughly checked,

tightened, or replaced.

2. DAILY - conduct all daily checks in the morning before children arrive

to play.

- begin work shift with a perimeter tour, checking the

condition of the wood border; check whether any sections are

loose or sagging.

- check for any water build-up.

- empty all litter containers and line with replacement bags.

- inspect all play structure footings for possible exposure of

concrete portions.

- inspect under and around all play structures for possible

damaged or missing components.

- remove broken glass, animal droppings, or other debris from

play area.

- sweep all decks and stairs to climbing structures.

- rake protective surface and level any ruts or depressions;

areas requiring particular attention include swings, slides,

teeter-totters, and merry-go-rounds.

- check for any foreign objects in the slide bedway and sweep

as necessary.

- check each piece of play equipment and structure; test the

item yourself!

- be alert to the presence of glass, debris, splinters or abrasive

edges.

- test all hand rails; any exposed tube-ends should be covered

with plugs or caps.


INTERVAL PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TASK

3. WEEKLY - mow and water surrounding grass areas.

- sweep hard surfaces.

- maintain on a consistent and on-going basis all site

furnishings and fixtures, including benches, tables, bike

racks, garbage containers, water fountains, signs, and lights;

the overall appearance and safe operation of the playspace is

extremely important.

- check all moving parts of the various equipment, including

swivels, track rides, swing bearings, steering wheels, teeter-

totters, merry-go-rounds, etc.; lubricate these parts as

required using WD-40, 10W30 oil, grease, etc.

- replace any moving parts if worn.

- remove any graffiti.

- check and re-tighten all screws, clamps, and bolts on

equipment.

- re-paint or re-stain equipment surfaces as necessary.

- sand, plane or rasp any rough edges on wood or metal

surfaces.

- replace any split or cracked components constructed from

wood or metal; small cracks in wood should be monitored for

safety.

- check 'S' hooks, chains, and other parts of the swing set for

wear or damage; replace as necessary.

- wash all slide beds.

- check all rubber components such as tires and swing sets for

wear and replace as necessary.

- replenish protective surfacing as necessary.

- dig sand boxes; turn sand over to loosen and remove buried

debris such as broken glass, nails, bottle caps, etc.

4. FALL - complete year-end maintenance once the trees are empty of

leaves and before snow arrives.

- rake site and prune shrubs.

- remove and store small pieces of equipment.

- maintain larger pieces of equipment according to

manufacturer's specifications.

- lubricate all moveable metal parts to prevent rusting during

winter months.

- clear snow and ice from all equipment if winter play is

permitted.

- re-install snow fences around the various pieces of

equipment.

5. EVERY 3 YEARS - re-stain all wood portions on play structures.


Copyright BC Recreation and Parks Association – Recreation BC Winter 1992





Canadian Playground Safety Institute (CPSI)

The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association offers a number of training courses through

the CPSI to help make playgrounds safer for children across the country. With the Canadian

Standards Association (CSA) releasing the fifth edition of CSA Z614, Children’s Playspaces

and Equipment in 2014 it may be a good time for recreation practitioners and volunteers to

consider participating in one or more of these courses. Participants in past CPSI courses

should confirm what updates to their certificates are needed based on when they took their

training. For further information on the CPSI please call their office at: 1-877-536-2338 or

visit: www.cpsionline.ca

Shelley Wagner (left) and Scott Belair

conduct one of the Canadian Playground

Safety Institute courses held in St. John’s

Newfoundland.

One-Day Playspace Safety Course

As a good introduction to the CPSI courses and the CSA standard Vince Kreiser offers a

one-day Playspace Safety Course. Topics covered during the course include: an overview

of the 2014 CSA standard, playspace planning, equipment purchasing and installation,

maintenance and repair, and a "Hands On" site inspection. Further information on this

course is available by calling Vince at: (604) 522-8696 or by email at:

[email protected]

Participants in the one-day Playspace

Safety Course held in Comox, B.C.

take a quick photo break during their

afternoon site inspection.

http://www.cpsionline.ca/

Name: ________________________________ Mark: _________/50

Address: ______________________________________________________________

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_____________________________ Phone Number: ___________________

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***

PLAYSPACE PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

PARTICIPANT EVALUATION

1. Region of Province or Territory _______________________________

2. Your current work position __________________________________

3. Number of years in work position _____________________________

4. How would you rate your overall impressions of this course? (circle one)

Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor

5. Will the material presented help you in your work situation? (circle one) Yes No

6. What was the best part of this course?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

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7. Are there parts that you would like to see changed?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

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8. Was the time of year convenient for you to attend or would you like this course scheduled

some other time? (please specify).

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

9. Are there any other comments that you would like to make on this course?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!

Documents

PLAYSPACE PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE · playspace planning, construction and maintenance 12 ten key areas – csa standard – z614-14 children’s playspaces and equipment