ASTM F1918-12(2017)
(Specification)Standard Safety Performance Specification for Soft Contained Play Equipment
Standard Safety Performance Specification for Soft Contained Play Equipment
SCOPE
1.1 This safety performance specification provides safety and performance standards for soft contained play equipment. Its purpose is to reduce the potential for life-threatening and debilitating injuries.
1.2 The range of users encompassed by this safety performance specification is the 5th percentile 2 year old to the 95th percentile 12 year old.
1.3 Public playground equipment, home playground equipment, sports equipment, amusement rides, fitness equipment not part of the play system, water-related attractions and devices, and toys and juvenile products are not included in this specification.
1.4 This specification does not address accessibility, except as it pertains to safety issues not covered in The Americans With Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).2
1.5 This safety performance specification includes the following sections:
Title
Section
Number
Scope
1
Referenced Documents
2
Terminology
3
General Requirements
4
Materials and Manufacture
5
Performance Requirements
6
Requirements for Access/Egress
7
Equipment
8
Areas Outside Equipment
9
Structural Integrity
10
Maintenance
11
Fire Safety
12
Evacuation
13
Figures
Annex A1
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:F1918 −12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Safety Performance Specification for
Soft Contained Play Equipment
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1918; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This safety performance specification provides safety
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
and performance standards for soft contained play equipment.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Its purpose is to reduce the potential for life-threatening and
debilitating injuries.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 The range of users encompassed by this safety perfor-
th th 2.1 ASTM Standards:
mance specification is the 5 percentile 2 year old to the 95
E648Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor-
percentile 12 year old.
Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
1.3 Public playground equipment, home playground
F1077Guide for Selection of Committee F16 Fastener
equipment, sports equipment, amusement rides, fitness equip-
Specifications (Withdrawn 2014)
ment not part of the play system, water-related attractions and
F1292Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing
devices,andtoysandjuvenileproductsarenotincludedinthis
Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment
specification.
F1487ConsumerSafetyPerformanceSpecificationforPlay-
ground Equipment for Public Use
1.4 This specification does not address accessibility, except
as it pertains to safety issues not covered in The Americans
2.2 Federal Standards:
With Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).
16CFRPart1303BanofLead-ContainingPaintandCertain
Consumer Products Bearing Lead-Containing Paint
1.5 This safety performance specification includes the fol-
6 CFR 1500Hazardous SubstancesAct Regulations, includ-
lowing sections:
ing Sections:
Section
Title Number 1500.48 Technical Requirements for determining a Sharp
Point in Toys and other Articles Intended for Use by
Scope 1
Children Under 8 Years of Age.
Referenced Documents 2
Terminology 3 1500.49Technical Requirements for Determining a Sharp
General Requirements 4
Metal or Glass Edge in Toys and OtherArticles Intended
Materials and Manufacture 5
for Use by Children Under 8 Years of Age.
Performance Requirements 6
16CFRSection1501MethodforIdentifyingToysandOther
Requirements for Access/Egress 7
Equipment 8
Articles Intended for Use by Children Under 3 Years of
Areas Outside Equipment 9
Age Which Present Choking, Aspiration or Ingestion
Structural Integrity 10
Maintenance 11 Hazards Because of Small Parts
Fire Safety 12
Americans With Disabilities Act,Public Law 101–336:
Evacuation 13
28 CFR 35 Title II, Subtitle A
Figures Annex A1
28 CFR 36 Title III, Appendix A
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
36 CFR Part 1191Americans with DisabilitiesActAccessi-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
bility Guidelines (ADAAG)
This safety performance specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM
Committee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
mittee F15.36 on Soft-Contained Play Systems. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2017. Published October 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as F1918–12. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/F1918-12R17. the ASTM website.
2 4
Moreinformationonfederalrequirementsforplayequipmentaccessibilitymay The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
be obtained from the Office of Technical and Information Services, Architectural www.astm.org.
and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000, Code of Federal Regulations, available from U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20004-1111 or at www.access-board.gov/play/finalrule.htm. Washington, DC 20402.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1918−12 (2017)
2.3 Other Standards: 3.1.15 fabric, solid, n—a coated or laminated closed weave
UL Standard 94Test for Flammability of Plastic Materials fabric.
for Parts, Devices, and Appliances
3.1.16 fall height, n—the vertical distance between a desig-
UL Standard 1975Fire Tests for Foamed Plastics Used for
nated play surface and the protective surfacing beneath it.
Decorative Purposes
3.1.17 flexible component, n—any part of the SCPE that
NFPA 101Life Safety Code
temporarily changes its shape when in use; examples include
NFPA701Standard Methods of FireTests for Flame Propa-
the tire net, the cargo net, and the log bridge.
gation of Textiles and Films
3.1.18 netting, n—an open work fabric made of threads,
National Electrical Code (NEC)
cords, or mono filament fibers woven or knotted together at
California Technical Bulletin 117
regular intervals.
3. Terminology 3.1.19 net, webbing, n—a lattice of webbing sewn or other-
wise affixed together at overlapping conjunctions.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.20 non-climbable net or mesh, n—anetormesh,suchas
3.1.1 accessible, adj—relating to a part or portion of the
play system that is (1) capable of being contacted by any body metal, fabric, or synthetic material, that is not intended to be
climbedandwhichpassesthetestprocedurefornon-climbable
part,or(2)availabletoandusablebypersonswithdisabilities.
net or mesh.
3.1.2 air filled device, n—a play activity which allows the
3.1.21 partially bounded opening, n—any opening in SCPE
user to bounce upon an inflated structure within soft contained
play equipment. thatisnottotallyenclosedbyboundariesonallsidessothatthe
perimeter of the opening is discontinuous.
3.1.3 alternative means of hand support, n—nettingorother
material that follows the path of access or egress, that, when 3.1.22 platform, n—a flat surface, intended for more than
one user to stand upon, and upon which the user can move
grasped,providesbalanceandsupportinmaintainingaspecific
body posture. freely.
3.1.23 play area, n—a designated space intended for chil-
3.1.4 ball pool, n—any contained area with loose balls for
the purpose of play or transition. dren’s play.
3.1.24 play opportunity, n—any piece of equipment in-
3.1.5 barrier, protective, n—an enclosing device that is
intended to prevent both inadvertent and deliberate attempts to tendedtogeneratespecificrecreationaland/orlearningactivity.
pass through the device.
3.1.25 preventive maintenance, n—a planned program of
3.1.6 climber, n—any component with the purpose of as- inspections and maintenance intended to keep equipment
functioning properly and to forestall equipment failures.
cending or descending transition.
3.1.7 completely bounded non-rigid opening, n—any open- 3.1.26 projection, n—a condition which, due to its physical
ing in SCPE that is totally enclosed by flexible boundaries nature, must be tested to requirements of this standard to
which can deform or deflect during normal use (for example, determinewhetheritisaprotrusionoranentanglementhazard
the openings in a flexible net or lattice of webbing). or both.
3.1.8 completely bounded opening, n—any opening in 3.1.27 protective surfacing, n—surfacing material(s) to be
SCPEthatistotallyenclosedbyboundariesonallsidessothat used within the use zone of SCPE.
the perimeter of the opening is continuous.
3.1.28 protrusion, n—a projection which, when tested in
3.1.9 component, n—a part of a play system, any portion accordancewithrequirementsofthisstandard,isfoundtobea
thereof that generates specific activity and does not stand hazard having the potential to cause serious bodily injury to a
alone. user who impacts it.
3.1.10 containment wall, n—vertical part of the SCPE, 3.1.29 slide exit region, n—thelowerendofaslideintended
usually made up of netting, mesh or paneling, which serves to to slow the user before exiting.
enclose the SCPE.
3.1.30 slide use zone, n—the area immediately adjacent to
3.1.11 designated play surface, n—any elevated surface for accessible parts of the slide that is designated for circulation
standing, walking, sitting or climbing; or flat surface larger and on the surface of which a user would land when falling
than2in.(50mm)wideby2in.(50mm)longhavinglessthan
from or exiting the slide.
a 30° angle from horizontal.
3.1.31 soft contained play, equipment (SCPE), n—a play
3.1.12 emergency access/egress pathway, n—a clear and structure made up of one or more components where the user
unencumberedpathwhichleadsdirectlyintooroutoftheplay enters a fully enclosed play environment that utilizes pliable
equipment in a continuous manner.
material(s) (for example, plastic, netting, or fabric).
3.1.13 entanglement, n—a condition in which the user’s 3.1.32 stair, n—device having a slope of 50° or less from a
clothing or something around the user’s neck becomes caught horizontal plane and consisting of a series of steps that can be
or entwined on a component of playground equipment. used for ascending and descending.
3.1.14 fabric, mesh, n—a woven fabric with a permeable 3.1.33 step, n—horizontal flat crosspiece of a ladder or of a
networkmadefrominterlacingthreadsormonofilamentfibers. stair used primarily as a foot support.
F1918−12 (2017)
3.1.34 upper body equipment, n—equipment intended to be between the bottom edge of the equipment and the surface
grasped by the user’s hands and maneuvered upon using only directlybeneathit(thatis,thegroundorfloor)areexemptfrom
the hands and arms. this requirement.
6.2.1 Accessible Openings—A completely bounded rigid
3.1.35 webbing, n—a woven narrow gage flat fabric.
opening is accessible when it is possible to insert the torso test
3.1.36 zone, non-use, n—locked or secured area around or
probe(seeFig.A1.1)intotheopeningtoadepthof4.0in.(100
underneath the play system where unauthorized access is not
mm) or more.
allowed.
6.2.1.1 Test Procedure for Completely Bounded Rigid
3.1.37 zone, use, n—the area immediately adjacent to all
Openings—Align the torso probe (see Fig. A1.1) so that the
external areas of the SCPE that is designated for circulation
plane of its base is parallel to the plane of the opening. Rotate
and on the surface of which a user would land when falling
the probe to its most adverse orientation (that is, major axis of
from or exiting the equipment.
the base of the probe parallel to the major axis of the opening)
and attempt to insert it in the opening. If it is possible to insert
4. General Requirements
thetorsoprobeintotheopeningtoadepthof4.0in.(100mm)
4.1 Playground equipment represented as complying with
or more, place the head probe (see Fig. A1.2) in the opening
this consumer safety performance specification shall meet all
with the plane of the base of the probe parallel to the plane of
applicable requirements specified herein.Anyone representing
theopening.Anopeningpassesthistestif(1)theopeningdoes
compliance with this specification shall keep such essential
not admit the torso probe when it is rotated to any orientation
records as are necessary to document any claim that the
about its own axis, or (2) the opening admits the torso probe
requirements within this specification have been met.
and also admits the head probe.An opening fails the test if the
opening admits the torso probe but does not admit the head
4.2 SCPEshouldbedesignedtoallownaturalaircirculation
probe.
and lines of visibility between users and persons supervising.
6.2.2 Nonrigid Completely Bounded Openings—Anonrigid
opening such as may be found in but not limited to flexible
5. Materials and Manufacture
nets, tarps, and plastic enclosures is considered accessible if a
5.1 General Requirements—Soft contained play equipment
torsoprobewillpenetratetheopeningtoadepthof4.0in.(100
shall be manufactured and constructed only of materials that
mm)ormorewhentestedinaccordancewiththetestprocedure
have a demonstrated durability in the playground or similar
outlined in 6.2.2.1 (see Figs. A1.1 and A1.2 for probe dimen-
setting. Any new materials shall be documented or tested for
sions).
durability by the soft contained play equipment manufacturer.
6.2.2.1 Test Procedure for Completely Non-rigid Bounded
5.1.1 Regardless of the material or the treatment process
Openings—Align the torso probe (see Fig. A1.1) so that the
used, the manufacturer shall not utilize materials known to be
plane of its base is parallel to the plane of the opening. Rotate
hazardous (for example, lead, arsenic, creosote). All paints or
the probe to its most adverse orientation (that is, major axis of
similar finishes shall comply with 16 CFR Part 1303.
the base of the probe parallel to the major access of the
5.2 All fasteners used to construct soft contained play
opening).Apply a force 50 lbf (220 N) to the probe to attempt
equipment shall be manufactured in accordance with Guide
to pass it through the opening. If the base of the probe passes
F1077 and shall meet the requirements of Section 6.
throughtheopening,placethelargeheadprobeintheopening,
5.2.1 All fasteners, connecting, and covering devices shall
taperedendfirst,withtheplaneofitsbaseparalleltotheplane
be inherently corrosion resistant or be provided with a corro-
of the opening.Apply a force of 50 lbf (220 N) to the probe to
sion resistant coating.
attempt to pass it through the opening. A nonrigid opening
5.2.2 When installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
passesthetestif:(1)theopeningdoesnotallowthetorsoprobe
instructions, fasteners, connecting, and covering devices shall
to be inserted so deep that the opening admits the base of the
not loosen or be removable without the use of tools. Lock
probe when it is rotated to any orientation about its own axis,
washers, self-locking nuts, or other locking means shall be
or (2) the opening allows full passage of the torso probe and
provided for all fasteners to secure them from unintentional
alsoallowsthelargeheadprobetopasscompletelythrough.A
loosening. Hardware in moving joints shall also be secured
nonrigid opening fails the test if the opening allows full
against unintentional loosening.
passage of the torso probe but does not admit the large head
5.2.3 Connecting devices and hooks shall be subject to the
probe.
requirements of Section 6.
6.2.3 Angular Portions of Openings—Angles formed by the
surfaces of an opening (that i
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1918 − 12 F1918 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Safety Performance Specification for
Soft Contained Play Equipment
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1918; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This safety performance specification provides safety and performance standards for soft contained play equipment. Its
purpose is to reduce the potential for life-threatening and debilitating injuries.
th th
1.2 The range of users encompassed by this safety performance specification is the 5 percentile 2 year old to the 95 percentile
12 year old.
1.3 Public playground equipment, home playground equipment, sports equipment, amusement rides, fitness equipment not part
of the play system, water-related attractions and devices, and toys and juvenile products are not included in this specification.
1.4 This specification does not address accessibility, except as it pertains to safety issues not covered in The Americans With
Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).
1.5 This safety performance specification includes the following sections:
Section
Title Number
Scope 1
Referenced Documents 2
Terminology 3
General Requirements 4
Materials and Manufacture 5
Performance Requirements 6
Requirements for Access/Egress 7
Equipment 8
Areas Outside Equipment 9
Structural Integrity 10
Maintenance 11
Fire Safety 12
Evacuation 13
Figures Annex A1
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E648 Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor-Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
F1077 Guide for Selection of Committee F16 Fastener Specifications (Withdrawn 2014)
F1292 Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment
F1487 Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use
This safety performance specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.36
on Soft-Contained Play Systems.
Current edition approved May 1, 2012Oct. 1, 2017. Published December 2012October 2017. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20102012
as F1918 – 10.F1918 – 12. DOI: 10.1520/F1918-12.10.1520/F1918-12R17.
More information on federal requirements for play equipment accessibility may be obtained from the Office of Technical and Information Services, Architectural and
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004-1111 or at www.access-board.gov/play/finalrule.htm.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1918 − 12 (2017)
2.2 Federal Standards:
16 CFR Part 1303 —BanBan of Lead-Containing Paint and Certain Consumer Products Bearing Lead-Containing Paint
166 CFR 1500 —HazardousHazardous Substances Act Regulations, including Sections:
1500.48—Technical 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 1500.49 Technical Requirements for Determining a Sharp Metal or Glass Edge in Toys and Other Articles
Intended for Use by Children Under 8 Years of Age.
16 CFR Section 1501—1501 Method for Identifying Toys and Other Articles Intended for Use by Children Under 3 Years of
Age Which Present Choking, Aspiration or Ingestion Hazards Because of Small Parts
Americans With Disabilities Act, Public Law 101–336:
28 CFR 35 Title II, Subtitle A
28 CFR 36 Title III, Appendix A
36 CFR Part 1191 Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)
2.3 Other Standards:
UL Standard 94 Test for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts, Devices, and Appliances
UL Standard 1975 Fire Tests for Foamed Plastics Used for Decorative Purposes
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
NFPA 701 Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films
National Electrical Code (NEC)
California Technical Bulletin 117
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 accessible, adj—relating to a part or portion of the play system that is (1) capable of being contacted by any body part,
or (2) available to and usable by persons with disabilities.
3.1.2 air filled device, n—a play activity which allows the user to bounce upon an inflated structure within soft contained play
equipment.
3.1.3 alternative means of hand support, n—netting or other material that follows the path of access or egress, that, when
grasped, provides balance and support in maintaining a specific body posture.
3.1.4 ball pool, n—any contained area with loose balls for the purpose of play or transition.
3.1.5 barrier, protective, n—an enclosing device that is intended to prevent both inadvertent and deliberate attempts to pass
through the device.
3.1.6 climber, n—any component with the purpose of ascending or descending transition.
3.1.7 completely bounded non-rigid opening, n—any opening in SCPE that is totally enclosed by flexible boundaries which can
deform or deflect during normal use (for example, the openings in a flexible net or lattice of webbing).
3.1.8 completely bounded opening, n—any opening in SCPE that is totally enclosed by boundaries on all sides so that the
perimeter of the opening is continuous.
3.1.9 component, n—a part of a play system, any portion thereof that generates specific activity and does not stand alone.
3.1.10 containment wall, n—vertical part of the SCPE, usually made up of netting, mesh or paneling, which serves to enclose
the SCPE.
3.1.11 designated play surface, n—any elevated surface for standing, walking, sitting or climbing; or flat surface larger than 2
in. (50 mm) wide by 2 in. (50 mm) long having less than a 30° angle from horizontal.
3.1.12 emergency access/egress pathway, n—a clear and unencumbered path which leads directly into or out of the play
equipment in a continuous manner.
3.1.13 entanglement, n—a condition in which the user’s clothing or something around the user’s neck becomes caught or
entwined on a component of playground equipment.
3.1.14 fabric, mesh, n—a woven fabric with a permeable network made from interlacing threads or mono filament fibers.
3.1.15 fabric, solid, n—a coated or laminated closed weave fabric.
3.1.16 fall height, n—the vertical distance between a designated play surface and the protective surfacing beneath it.
3.1.17 flexible component, n—any part of the SCPE that temporarily changes its shape when in use; examples include the tire
net, the cargo net, and the log bridge.
Code of Federal Regulations, available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
F1918 − 12 (2017)
3.1.18 netting, n—an open work fabric made of threads, cords, or mono filament fibers woven or knotted together at regular
intervals.
3.1.19 net, webbing, n—a lattice of webbing sewn or otherwise affixed together at overlapping conjunctions.
3.1.20 non-climbable net or mesh, n—a net or mesh, such as metal, fabric, or synthetic material, that is not intended to be
climbed and which passes the test procedure for non-climbable net or mesh.
3.1.21 partially bounded opening, n—any opening in SCPE that is not totally enclosed by boundaries on all sides so that the
perimeter of the opening is discontinuous.
3.1.22 platform, n—a flat surface, intended for more than one user to stand upon, and upon which the user can move freely.
3.1.23 play area, n—a designated space intended for children’s play.
3.1.24 play opportunity, n—any piece of equipment intended to generate specific recreational and/or learning activity.
3.1.25 preventive maintenance, n—a planned program of inspections and maintenance intended to keep equipment functioning
properly and to forestall equipment failures.
3.1.26 projection, n—a condition which, due to its physical nature, must be tested to requirements of this standard to determine
whether it is a protrusion or an entanglement hazard or both.
3.1.27 protective surfacing, n—surfacing material(s) to be used within the use zone of SCPE.
3.1.28 protrusion, n—a projection which, when tested in accordance with requirements of this standard, is found to be a hazard
having the potential to cause serious bodily injury to a user who impacts it.
3.1.29 slide exit region, n—the lower end of a slide intended to slow the user before exiting.
3.1.30 slide use zone, n—the area immediately adjacent to accessible parts of the slide that is designated for circulation and on
the surface of which a user would land when falling from or exiting the slide.
3.1.31 soft contained play, equipment (SCPE), n—a play structure made up of one or more components where the user enters
a fully enclosed play environment that utilizes pliable material(s) (for example, plastic, netting, or fabric).
3.1.32 stair, n—device having a slope of 50° or less from a horizontal plane and consisting of a series of steps that can be used
for ascending and descending.
3.1.33 step, n—horizontal flat crosspiece of a ladder or of a stair used primarily as a foot support.
3.1.34 upper body equipment, n—equipment intended to be grasped by the user’s hands and maneuvered upon using only the
hands and arms.
3.1.35 webbing, n—a woven narrow gage flat fabric.
3.1.36 zone, non-use, n—locked or secured area around or underneath the play system where unauthorized access is not allowed.
3.1.37 zone, use, n—the area immediately adjacent to all external areas of the SCPE that is designated for circulation and on
the surface of which a user would land when falling from or exiting the equipment.
4. General Requirements
4.1 Playground equipment represented as complying with this consumer safety performance specification shall meet all
applicable requirements specified herein. Anyone representing compliance with this specification shall keep such essential records
as are necessary to document any claim that the requirements within this specification have been met.
4.2 SCPE should be designed to allow natural air circulation and lines of visibility between users and persons supervising.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 General Requirements—Soft contained play equipment shall be manufactured and constructed only of materials that have
a demonstrated durability in the playground or similar setting. Any new materials shall be documented or tested for durability by
the soft contained play equipment manufacturer.
5.1.1 Regardless of the material or the treatment process used, the manufacturer shall not utilize materials known to be
hazardous (for example, lead, arsenic, creosote). All paints or similar finishes shall comply with 16 CFR Part 1303.
5.2 All fasteners used to construct soft contained play equipment shall be manufactured in accordance with Guide F1077 and
shall meet the requirements of Section 6.
5.2.1 All fasteners, connecting, and covering devices shall be inherently corrosion resistant or be provided with a corrosion
resistant coating.
5.2.2 When installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, fasteners, connecting, and covering devices shall not
loosen or be removable without the use of tools. Lock washers, self-locking nuts, or other locking means shall be provided for all
fasteners to secure them from unintentional loosening. Hardware in moving joints shall also be secured against unintentional
loosening.
5.2.3 Connecting devices and hooks shall be subject to the requirements of Section 6.
F1918 − 12 (2017)
6. Performance Requirements
6.1 These requirements apply to the play equipment and do not apply to nonuse zones.
6.2 Head and Neck Entrapment—Soft contained play equipment shall be designed and constructed or assembled so that any
accessible opening shall meet the following performance requirements to reduce the risk of head or neck entrapment by either a
head first or feet first entry into the opening. Openings between the bottom edge of the equipment and the surface directly beneath
it (that is, the ground or floor) are exempt from this requirement.
6.2.1 Accessible Openings—A completely bounded rigid opening is accessible when it is possible to insert the torso test probe
(see Fig. A1.1) into the opening to a depth of 4.0 in. (100 mm) or more.
6.2.1.1 Test Procedure for Completely Bounded Rigid Openings—Align the torso probe (see Fig. A1.1) so that the plane of its
base is parallel to the plane of the opening. Rotate the probe to its most adverse orientation (that is, major axis of the base of the
probe parallel to the major axis of the opening) and attempt to insert it in the opening. If it is possible to insert the torso probe
into the opening to a depth of 4.0 in. (100 mm) or more, place the head probe (see Fig. A1.2) in the opening with the plane of
the base of the probe parallel to the plane of the opening. An opening passes this test if (1) the opening does not admit the torso
probe when it is rotated to any orientation about its own axis, or (2) the opening admits the torso probe and also admits the head
probe. An opening fails the test if the opening admits the torso probe but does not admit the head probe.
6.2.2 Nonrigid Completely Bounded Openings—A nonrigid opening such as may be found in but not limited to flexible nets,
tarps, and plastic enclosures is considered accessible if a torso probe will penetrate the opening to a depth of 4.0 in. (100 mm) or
more when tested in accordance with the test procedure outlined in 6.2.2.1 (see Figs. A1.1 and A1.2 for probe dimensions).
6.2.2.1 Test Procedure for Completely Non-ri
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Questions, Comments and Discussion
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