Disclaimer

The American Society of Testing and Materials has published an updated version of ASTM F 1487-11.  These worksheetds will be revised  in a few days to conform to the revisions.  There are significant changes to the swing ans label requirements.

The worksheets comply with ASTM F 1487-07-ae1, the CPSC Playground Safety Handbook, Publication #325-10 and the revised California Playground Safety Legislation (AB 1144) that became effective on January 1, 2008.  With the passage of AB 1144, California also has Playground Safety Regulations that cover playgrounds for children 6 Months through 23 Months of age.  The CPSC Handbook #325-10 includes some references to this age group but the most complete coverage is in ASTM F 2337-08.  A separate set of worksheets has been developed and is included for this age group.

These worksheets can help anyone prepare a thorough Playground Safety Inspection even if they are not trained as certified playground safety inspectors. Please remember, however, that the California Playground Safety Regulations require that all play areas must be inspected and approved by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector before the play area is opened to the public.  Using my forms does not satisfy the requirements of the California Playground Safety Regulations unless they are signed by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector.

These worksheets may not be appropriate for use in states other than California.  It is the responsibility of the user of these worksheets to be familiar with the specific requirements of the state in which they are used.  The States of California, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Texas have playground safety laws but they do not all recognize both CPSC and ASTM.  In states that do not have playground laws both CPSC and ASTM are normally considered to be the "Standard of Care."

CPSC and ASTM do not always agree and they do not cover the same subject matter.  CPSC is a user guideline and ASTM is basically a specification for manufacturers that has become the standard of care.  CPSC covers things like supervision and sight lines and ASTM includes information about structural integrity that can only be evaluated in a factory setting.  Where differences occur it is best practice to choose the most protective option.

If you use these worksheets, please send me an email to let me know; I would appreciate any feedback. 

Each play area inspection should include one of each of the general worksheets; I recommend grouping them in the order they are listed.  Each age appropriate grouping of components should be treated as a separate inspection, even if two age appropriate groupings are in the same play area enclosure.  Each playground inspection report should have a summary report that identifies all areas of concern and discusses potential repair, modification or replacement options.

THESE FORMS ARE DESIGNED TO WORK WITH ASTM F 1487-07ae1, ASTM F 2373-08 and CPSC Handbook #325-10.  USE OF THESE FORMS DOES NOT GUARANTEE AN ACCURATE INSPECTION.  THEY ARE SAMPLES ONLY TO BE USED AT YOUR OWN RISK AND MUST BE SIGNED BY A CERTIFIED PLAYGROUND SAFETY INSPECTOR TO BE VALID.

Scroll up to the top of the page then click on the other tabs to view the inspection form worksheets for the corresponding user age groups.

6 - 23 Month Olds

This age group is primarily for child care facilities that provide infant and toddler services. It is occasionally also found in High Schools that teach child care as part of the curriculum or to provide child care for students that may have children.  Some Parks Agencies also lease park property to child care facilities that may have this type of playground.  The most common usage of this type of play equipment is Child Care services.  These worksheets were last edited on 08/02/2008.

This group has two sets of worksheets, so click on both tabs to see both sets.

2 - 12 Year Olds

These worksheets were last edited on 02/23/2009.

This group has three sets of worksheets, so click on each tab to see all of the sets.

Executive Summary Samples

These Executive Summaries are given as examples only.  They may be modified to meet your needs as an inspector based on the types of services that you provide and the needs of your clients.  If a series of inspections for multiple sites is required, you may wish to provide a spreadsheet summary for the project in addition to a summary sheet.  The worksheets are used to assure a complete report but most clients will want to have a simple summary.  They can read the complete worksheets to learn specific information about the requirements.

Summary With Approval
AdProvide your client with an Executive Summary similar to this sample on your letterhead with your reports for play areas that meet the requirements.

Summary With Concerns
Provide your client an Executive Summary similar to this sample that outlines conflicts and indicates options for modifications that may be available.