Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas
The Final Rules were published by the Access Board on October 18, 2000.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission has an information-only on line course; no certification is given.  In September  2010, the Department of Justice included the Guidelines in the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design. Compliance with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design is permitted now but not required until March 15, 2012; all new and altered play areas will be required to comply.  There are two sections that apply to playgrounds: Chapter 2 section 240 and Chapter 10 section 1008.

Other publications of interest include the Final Rules for Recreational Facilities and the Pending Rules for Outdoor Developed Areas. National Playground Safety Institute Certified Playground Safety Inspectors are not trained or certified for inspecting Accessibility Requirements.  Some Inspectors may be qualified to advise clients regarding compliance with these rules as an extra service.  Operators should be aware of these rules and comply with them.

ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities
The access route from the parking lot and or accessible buildings and facilities must comply with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards.  The link to this site is on the Links Page.  Certified Playground Safety Inspectors are not trained or certified for inspecting Accessibility Requirements outside of the play area.

California Health and Safety Code
California Health and Safety Code Section 115725-115750.  This is the new code based on passage of AB 1144

AB 2701 Eng
This bill would have placed qualified playgrounds and playground sites with Historical or cultural significance under the exclusive jurisdiction of the State Historical Building Code.  The Bill was vetoed September 29, 2010.

Playground Sand
Do you know what kind of sand you have in your play area?  The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement act of 1986 (Health and Safety Code Section 25249.5-25249.13) requires the Governor to publish a list of all toxic materials that can cause cancer or reproductive hazards.  In 1998 crystalline silica was added to the list.

Public Employee Liability
Do Public Employee CPSI's have any liability for injuries that take place on playgrounds that they have responsibility for inspecting?  California Governmental Code Section 840-840.6 will answer most of your questions.

Skateboard Parks
California Health and Safety Code Section 115800.  National Playground Safety Institute Certified Playground Safety Inspectors are not trained or certified for inspecting Skateboard Parks.  The National Playground Safety Institute Certified Playground Safety Inspectors are not trained or certified for inspecting skateboard facilities and the California Playground Safety Regulations do not cover skateboard facilities.  This item is included for information only.

Wood Preservatives
California Health and Safety Code Section 115775  California requires that all play equipment treated with wood preservatives be sealed to prevent contact every two years.  National Playground Safety Institute Certified Playground Safety Inspectors are not trained or certified for inspecting play areas for wood preservatives and the California Playground Safety Regulations do not cover wood preservatives.  This item is included for information only.  If the inspector or operator suspects the use of wood preservatives, that should be brought to the attention of the project owner.

Smoking Near Playgrounds
California Health and Safety Code Section 104495.  No smoking is allowed within 25 feet of a playground, tot lot or sand box in California.  There is a fine of $250 per violation.  Smoking near playgrounds is not covered by the California Playground Safety Regulations.  This item is included for information only.