CA Division of State Architects
Playground Inspection Worksheets
Accessible
Surface Testing 
What is Surface Accessibility Testing?
ASTM F 1487 requires that all access routes within the play area must comply with the requirements of ASTM F 1292 Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems under and around Playground Equipment and ASTM F 1951 Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment.
Until now Accessibility Testing to comply with ASTM F 1951 could only be conducted with a laboratory test called the Wheelchair Work Measurement Method. There was no approved devise for conducting field tests. A new device developed by Beneficial Designs called the Rotational Penetrometer. This devise measures the firmness and stability of all floor surfaces such as trails, playgrounds and carpets. The devise is currently being tested by ASTM to verify that it can test the firmness and stability of a surface as well as the existing method. Repeatability testing of the devise were conducted at the ASTM Meeting in Atlanta on November 12, 2009 and the results were very positive. Hopefully this process will be completed within the next year. The goal is to require that all playground Access routs to be tested for compliance with the ADA requirements for a firm and stable path of travel. This test could also be used for carpeting in office, schools and hotels and trail systems.
Is Surface Accessibility Testing required?
Surface Accessibility testing is not required by law at this time but if this passes it may because ADA accessibility is a Federal requirement. At this time a product can pass the lab test but not be able to perform adequately on the actual installation or the surface may loose its accessibility after use without proper maintenance. Customers should require that all surfacing products purchased of use in a playground and used in an accessible route be certified by the manufacturers to comply with ASTM F 1951 but when this specification is adopted even if it is not mandated be the ADA Guidelines, "Best Practice" would indicate that all new surfaces should be field tested on installation and on a regular basis to verify continued compliance.
How is Surface Accessibility Testing done?
The Rotational Penetrometer shown above is placed on the surface to be tested. The operator stands on the two base plates. The devise is slowly lowered to the surface and secured. The wheel is mounted on a spring loaded axis that pushes the wheel into the surface and the firmness of the surface is recorded. The wheel is rotated in 4-90 degree turns and a second reading is taken that measures the stability of the surface. The test is done 5 times in each test area and the five readings for firmness and the five readings for stability are averaged.
How do I schedule Surface Accessibility for my play area and how much does it cost?
At this time there are only 34 of these devises and most of them are owned by governmental agencies or manufacturers of surfacing products. There are only a hand full of these devices owned by private firms. Safeplay by Design, Inc. is one of those companies. The devises are relatively cheap in comparison to the Triax 2000 that is used for Impact Attenuation so I assume there will be many devices purchased when this specification is adopted. I will certainly provide the service when the specification is adopted but for the time being your first priority should be having the playground equipment certified and the second priority is to have impact testing of your surfacing.
Last update: Monday, February 15, 2010 11:24 AM
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