ASTM F2049-11(2017)

Standard Safety Performance Specification for Fences/Barriers for Public, Commercial, and Multi-Family Residential Use Outdoor Play Areas

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This specification sets forth minimum standard requirements for use in local codes and ordinances relating to public, multi-family, residential, and commercial outdoor play areas or zones and their environments.  
5.2 This specification does not have the effect of law, nor is it intended to supersede local codes and ordinances of a more restrictive nature.  
5.3 Playgrounds that intentionally incorporate water into the play area are exempt from this specification.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification provides the recommended minimum requirements for denoting various types of fences/barriers for the protection of children's outdoor play spaces in public, commercial, and multi-family residential use locations. This specification excludes individual single family residential use play equipment locations. Interior fences located in a play area that has a perimeter fence established shall only have to comply with the latch height requirement indicated in 7.6.2.  
1.2 This specification provides for the safety of occupants in play areas or zones as it pertains to vehicular intrusion as well as other participant intrusion, and for children containment or entry/exit. This specification has the intent to also keep children inside a predetermined area in an effort to enhance supervision; to keep children from running out of the area into water and other hazards; to minimize the likelihood of facial lacerations on low gate and fence hardware; to minimize the likelihood of abduction; and to restrict access to railroads, highways, roads, and other such hazards.  
1.3 This specification does not choose the product components for the fence system, the choice of which should be made by the operators of the play space and their specification writers or drafters based upon their determination of the merits of the products that could be used.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The SI values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 This specification does not purport to address the aspect of safety within a play area or zone. It is the responsibility of the user of this specification to establish appropriate safety practices as related to the play area and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.  
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

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Apr-2017
• ICS: 91.090 - External structures
• Technical Committee: F14 - Fences
• Drafting Committee: F14.10 - Specific Applications and Other Fence Systems and Components

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2049-11 - Standard Safety Performance Specification for Fences/Barriers for Public, Commercial, and Multi-Family Residential Use Outdoor Play Areas
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM F1043-17a - Standard Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on Steel Industrial Fence Framework
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM F1043-17 - Standard Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on Steel Industrial Fence Framework
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM F1043-16a - Standard Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on Steel Industrial Fence Framework
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM F1043-16 - Standard Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on Steel Industrial Fence Framework
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM F1083-16 - Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Hot-Dipped Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Welded, for Fence Structures
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• Refers: ASTM F1345-10a(2015) - Standard Specification for Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM F1043-14 - Standard Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on Steel Industrial Fence Framework
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM F552-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Chain Link Fencing
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2014
• Refers: ASTM F1083-13 - Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Hot-Dipped Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Welded, for Fence Structures
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM F1043-13 - Standard Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on Steel Industrial Fence Framework
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM F552-02(2013) - Standard Terminology Relating to Chain Link Fencing
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM F1043-12 - Standard Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on Steel Industrial Fence Framework
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM F1043-11a - Standard Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on Steel Industrial Chain Link Fence Framework
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM A491-11 - Standard Specification for Aluminum-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011

Overview

ASTM F2049-11(2017), "Standard Safety Performance Specification for Fences/Barriers for Public, Commercial, and Multi-Family Residential Use Outdoor Play Areas," establishes minimum safety requirements for fences and barriers intended to protect children's outdoor play spaces. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is widely referenced in local codes and ordinances to enhance the safety of public, commercial, and multi-family residential outdoor play environments, especially those adjacent to traffic, water, or other hazards. While this standard provides essential guidance for fence and barrier safety, it does not override more restrictive local regulations or address all aspects of play area safety practices.

Key Topics

• Applicability: Covers outdoor play areas in public, commercial, and multi-family residential settings, excluding single-family residential play equipment locations.
• Barrier Types: Defines minimum requirements for various fences and barriers, including continuous and discrete barriers, their positioning, and suitability for restricting access by children or vehicles.
• Child Containment: Details design criteria to keep children within supervised play areas and prevent unsupervised exit or entry, thereby supporting safe play and minimizing abduction risk.
• Vehicular Intrusion Protection: Specifies barrier characteristics to reduce the chances of vehicles entering play zones, including impact resistance for barriers adjacent to roads and parking areas.
• Accessibility and Supervision: Recommends visibility through fencing to support adult supervision and mandates requirements for gate operation, latching, and height.
• Maintenance: Outlines responsibilities for regular inspection and upkeep of fencing and barriers to maintain ongoing safety and compliance.
• Protrusion Hazards: Provides guidance to prevent hardware or components that could injure children, such as protrusions or pinch points.
• Exemptions: Playgrounds that intentionally include water as a play element are not covered by this standard.

Applications

ASTM F2049 is valuable for organizations and property managers responsible for designing, building, and maintaining outdoor play areas where child safety is a priority. Common applications include:

• Municipal Parks and Public Playgrounds: Enhancing child safety around areas with high pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
• School and Day-Care Play Areas: Securing perimeters to prevent children from wandering and minimizing external intrusion.
• Multi-Family Residential Complexes: Providing safe recreational spaces that meet recognized safety standards.
• Commercial Properties: Fast-food restaurants, malls, and other businesses with outdoor play spaces use this standard to demonstrate commitment to child safety.
• Playground Designers and Specifiers: Informing fence and barrier selection, placement, and layout to ensure compliance with local codes and industry best practices.

Related Standards

ASTM F2049 references several other important standards related to fencing materials and safety. These include:

• ASTM A392: Specification for Zinc-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
• ASTM A491: Specification for Aluminum-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
• ASTM F552: Terminology Relating to Chain Link Fencing
• ASTM F668: Specification for Polymer-Coated Steel Chain Link Fence Fabric
• ASTM F1043: Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on Steel Industrial Fence Framework
• ASTM F1083: Specification for Hot-Dipped Zinc-Coated Pipe for Fence Structures
• ASTM F1183: Specification for Aluminum Alloy Chain Link Fence Fabric
• ASTM F1345: Specification for Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric

These related standards support the selection of appropriate, durable fencing materials, ensuring both compliance and long-term performance in safeguarding children in outdoor play areas.

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Keywords: ASTM F2049, playground safety fence standard, outdoor play area barriers, child containment fences, vehicular intrusion protection, public playground fencing requirements, commercial play area safety

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: F2049 −11 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Safety Performance Specification for
Fences/Barriers for Public, Commercial, and Multi-Family
Residential Use Outdoor Play Areas
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2049; 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 Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.1 This specification provides the recommended minimum
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
requirements for denoting various types of fences/barriers for
the protection of children’s outdoor play spaces in public,
2. Referenced Documents
commercial, and multi-family residential use locations. This
2.1 ASTM Standards:
specification excludes individual single family residential use
A392 Specification for Zinc-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence
play equipment locations. Interior fences located in a play area
Fabric
that has a perimeter fence established shall only have to
A491 Specification for Aluminum-Coated Steel Chain-Link
comply with the latch height requirement indicated in 7.6.2.
Fence Fabric
1.2 Thisspecificationprovidesforthesafetyofoccupantsin
F552 Terminology Relating to Chain Link Fencing
play areas or zones as it pertains to vehicular intrusion as well
F668 Specification for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyolefin
as other participant intrusion, and for children containment or
and Other Polymer-Coated Steel Chain Link Fence Fabric
entry/exit. This specification has the intent to also keep
F1043 Specification for Strength and Protective Coatings on
children inside a predetermined area in an effort to enhance
Steel Industrial Fence Framework
supervision; to keep children from running out of the area into
F1083 Specification for Pipe, Steel, Hot-Dipped Zinc-
water and other hazards; to minimize the likelihood of facial
Coated (Galvanized) Welded, for Fence Structures
lacerations on low gate and fence hardware; to minimize the
F1183 Specification for Aluminum Alloy Chain Link Fence
likelihood of abduction; and to restrict access to railroads,
Fabric
highways, roads, and other such hazards.
F1345 Specification for Zinc-5 % Aluminum-Mischmetal
1.3 This specification does not choose the product compo-
Alloy-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
nents for the fence system, the choice of which should be made
2.2 Research Reports:
by the operators of the play space and their specification
National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report
writers or drafters based upon their determination of the merits
#54
of the products that could be used.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 3. Terminology
as standard. The SI values given in parentheses are for
3.1 See Terminology F552 for definitions of terms relating
information only.
to chain-link fencing.
1.5 This specification does not purport to address the aspect
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
of safety within a play area or zone. It is the responsibility of
3.2.1 fence, n—type of containment that surrounds and
the user of this specification to establish appropriate safety
obstructs primarily people passage to or from the play area.
practices as related to the play area and determine the
3.2.2 barrier, n—type of containment or deflector system
applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
that surrounds and obstructs primarily vehicle passage into a
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
playarea,suchasbollardsandposts.Barriersmustpassimpact
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F14 on Fences Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F14.10 on Specific Applications. the ASTM website.
Current edition approved April 15, 2017. Published July 2017. Originally Colcote, L. R., and Mitchie, J. D., “Location, Selection, and Maintenance of
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F2049 – 11. DOI: Highway Guardrails and Median Barriers,” National Cooperative Highway Re-
10.1520/F2049-11R17. search Program Report #54, S. W. Research Institute, San Antonio, TX.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2049 − 11 (2017)
tests for the highest speed limit allowed and posted on the multi-family, residential, and commercial outdoor play areas or
street, road, or parking lot adjacent to the outdoor play area. zones and their environments.
3.2.3 continuous barrier, n—type of traffic barrier designed
5.2 This specification does not have the effect of law, nor is
to prevent vehicular intrusion into a play area and that also
it intended to supersede local codes and ordinances of a more
impedes pedestrian passage to and from the play space.
restrictive nature.
3.2.4 curb, n—permanent, continuous structure made of
5.3 Playgroundsthatintentionallyincorporatewaterintothe
concrete, asphalt, or other structural material presentinga6to
play area are exempt from this specification.
8 in. (15.24 to 20-32 cm) elevation change at the curbline.
6. Methods of Protection
3.2.5 curbline, n—pavement elevation change defining the
edge of a fire lane, vehicular travel lane, or contiguous or
6.1 Discrete and Continuous Barriers—These methods of
individual parking spaces with depressions meeting the re-
protection shall be determined by the vulnerable play area or
quirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
play zone requirement for protection for vehicle intrusion and
3.2.6 debris fence, n—shield used to prevent flying post-
adjacent traffic circumstances. If a fence itself complies with
crash or other debris from entering a play zone. the impact tests described in 7.1, then a barrier is not required.
6.1.1 Continuous Barrier—If a vulnerable play area has no
3.2.7 discrete barrier, n—barrier designed to prevent ve-
exterior exit gate on the traffic side of the play zone, then the
hicular intrusion that allows for pedestrian passage to and from
play area shall be protected with a continuous barrier on the
the play space.
traffic side as specified in the following sections. If pedestrian
3.2.8 guardrail, n—an example of a continuous barrier.
access through this continuous barrier is necessary, it shall
3.2.9 play zone or area, n—environment for public, multi-
meet applicable sections. Continuous barrier methods include,
family residential, or commercial play use containing recre-
but are not limited to, guardrails, concrete or brick reinforced
ation equipment intended for activities by children where entry
walls, and concrete Jersey barriers.
or egress access is intended.
6.1.2 Discrete Barrier—If a vulnerable play area has an exit
3.2.9.1 Discussion—This may be through its adjacent apart-
gate on the traffic side of the play zone, then pedestrian access
ment or home decorative lattice work, public or commercial
through a barrier is necessary and a discrete barrier should be
building door, or via a controlled gate. Examples include, but
provided on the traffic side as specified in the following
are not limited to, the following: fast food establishments,
sections. Discrete barrier methods include, but are not limited
day-care centers, shopping malls, apartments, parks, and
to, the following: structural bollards, trees, posts, and other
schools.
vertical structures.
6.1.3 Fences—All vulnerable play areas shall have fences
3.2.10 structural bollards, n—steel pipe structure filled with
concrete installed in the ground with a concrete footing. with gates as described in 7.6. This method of protection may
include chain link and other materials of a minimum height of
3.2.10.1 Discussion—Astructural bollard is an example of a
4 ft (1.22 m) above grade.
barrier and discrete barrier.
6.1.4 Building—Where a building may abut or is adjacent to
3.2.11 traffıc, n—movement of vehicles for purpose of
a play area or play zone, it may be used as part of the
driving-through or parking motions.
containment. If the building wall contains a door for ingress
3.2.12 vulnerable play zone, n—play zone in the proximity
and egress into the play area, it shall comply with subsequent
(as outlined in 8.3) of vehicular traffic, railroad tracks, bodies
sections. If the building wall contains windows for viewing, it
of water, streets, parking lots, roads, electrical and other utility
shall contain glazing that is unbreakable and shatter-proof.
features, and other similar life-threatening or debilitating
6.2 Buildings—The fence shall completely surround the
features.
play zone or area environment except where a building or
dwelling or portion thereof is utilized as part of the play
4. Site Covered
environment enclosure. If the exterior wall or walls of that
4.1 A play zone shall be protected in accordance with this
portion of the building contains doors, or other openings, it
specification in locations that are vulnerable to vehicular
shall comply with the following provisions.
traffic, from activity and game conflicting uses, and for the
6.2.1 Doors—Doors in the wall of a building or dwelling
control of entering or exiting the play zone or area. Protection
that allow direct access through the wall to the play environ-
fromvehicularintrusionshallbeplacedasspecifiedinSections
ment shall be provided with the following:
6 and 7. Barriers shall protect the perimeters of the play area
6.2.1.1 An alarm capable of detecting unauthorized entry or
that are adjacent to the direction of traffic, and only apply to
exit through the gate or opening into or from the play
those perimeters that are parallel and perpendicular to the
environment area when not in use and which, when activated,
direction of traffic. Playground enclosures, such as fences,
emits a sound of sufficient volume to be heard in the building
walls, or buildings, shall be on all sides of the play zone.
or dwelling as a means of outdoor area security when deemed
necessary. The audible warning shall commence not more than
5. Significance and Use
7 s after the door, or its screen, if present, or both are opened
5.1 This specification sets forth minimum standard require- andshallsoundcontinuouslyforaminimumof30s.Thealarm
ments for use in local codes and ordinances relating to public, shall have a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB at 10 ft
F2049 − 11 (2017)
(3.4 m) and the sounds of the alarm shall be distinctive from 7.4.4 Solid barriers that do not have openings, such as
other sounds such as auto alarms, smoke alarms, telephones, masonry or stone walls, shall not contain indentations or
and door bells. The alarm shall automatically reset after 2 min protrusions except for normal construction tolerances and
under all conditions. tooled masonry joints when used as both barriers and fences.
Such indentations shall not be deeper than 0.375 in. (9.5 mm).
7. Requirements
7.5 Fence Types:
7.5.1 Horizontal and Vertical Design—Where the fence is
7.1 Continuous Barrier:
composed of horizontal and vertical members, and if the
7.1.1 Strength and Deflection Limits—The barrier used shall
distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less
be able to withstand a one-time 10,000 lb (4535.9 kg)
than 45 in. (1.143 mm), the horizontal members shall be
concentrated, point-load located 2 ft (0.61 m) above ground
located on the side opposite the play environment to prevent
with permanent deformation less than 0.1 in. (2.54 mm) after a
egress over it and the spacing between the vertical members
single load when tested in accordance with the U.S. Depart-
shall not exceed 1 ⁄4 in. (44.4 mm). If the distance between the
ment of Transportation specifications.
tops of the horizontal members is 45 in. (1.143 mm) or more,
7.1.2 Maintenance—If any permanent deformation or dam-
thespacingbetweentheverticalmembersshallnotexceed4in.
age is done to a continuous barrier, the play area facility shall
(102 mm). Where there are decorative cutouts, the spacing
be closed until a new barrier has been installed.
within the cutouts shall not exceed 1 ⁄4 in. (44.4 mm).
7.1.3 Inspection—Avisualcheckshallbedonebytheowner
7.5.2 Chain Link Mesh—Mesh opening for fences shall be a
or operator on a regular basis to note damage.Asign should be
nominal 1 ⁄4 in. (3.2 mm) measured between the parallel sides
posted with the name and owner to be notified if damage
of the mesh, and a maximum of 1 ⁄4 in. (44.4 mm) measured
occurs.
horizontally between the corners of the installed mesh, unless
7.1.4 Distance—Minimum unobstructed distance between
the fence is provided with privacy slats fastened at the top or
the continuous barrier and the play area perimeter fence
the bottom, in which case no opening in the mesh shall exc
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