FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. WHAT IS A PLAYGROUND INSPECTION?
A playground inspection is a systematic, field-based evaluation of public playground equipment and surfacing to assess alignment with ASTM F1487 and the CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook. Inspections document measurable conditions such as entrapment hazards, protrusions, use zones, and surfacing performance. While layout is typically evaluated at installation, components such as swings and surfacing depths require ongoing verification.
2. WHO PERFORMS YOUR PLAYGROUND INSPECTIONS & SERVICES?
All inspections are performed directly by the owners of Play Safe Inspections, both Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSI). We do not subcontract inspection work. Our direct involvement ensures consistency, technical accuracy, and standards-based evaluations for every site we serve throughout California and beyond.
3. WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVICE?
We provide playground inspections and surface impact testing throughout California and have completed projects in neighboring states. Travel-based inspection services are available as needed.
4. WHY IS SURFACE IMPACT TESTING IMPORTANT?
Approximately 70% of playground injuries are related to falls onto the surface below. Surface impact testing measures Gmax and Head Injury Criterion (HIC) values in accordance with ASTM F1292 and ASTM F3313. Field testing is the only way to verify installed surfacing performance at the time of testing. Documented compliance provides measurable evidence in the event of liability review.
5. HOW OFTEN SHOULD A PLAYGROUND BE INSPECTED?
Inspection frequency depends on use, environment, and maintenance practices. A documented internal inspection process is a best practice and may extend the need for third-party inspections. When no internal process exists, more frequent third-party evaluations are recommended. Many sites schedule comprehensive third-party inspections every 1 to 3 years, as site conditions can change quickly.
6. DO YOU PERFORM PLAYGROUND INSPECTION AUDITS?
Yes. However, our focus is comprehensive field inspections evaluating measurable conditions against ASTM playground standards rather than paperwork-only audits. While we can review existing documentation when requested, our primary service is on-site inspection to document current alignment with applicable standards.
7. DO YOU OFFER PRE-INSTALLATION PLAYGROUND INSPECTIONS?
Yes. Pre-install inspections evaluate equipment placement, use zones, surfacing depth, swing clearances, and other measurable installation factors prior to public use. Early verification can help identify conditions requiring adjustment before opening.
8. DO YOU PROVIDE ADA PLAYGROUND ASSESSMENTS?
Yes. We perform ADA playground assessments in accordance with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, evaluating accessible routes, transfer systems, ground-level play components, and surfacing accessibility requirements.
9. DO YOU PROVIDE PLAYGROUND CONSULTING WITHOUT A FULL INSPECTION
REPORT?
Yes. We offer consulting services for playground planning, renovation projects, surfacing upgrades, equipment replacement, and standards interpretation—with or without a formal written report.
10. DO YOU PROVIDE LEGAL CONSULTATION OR EXPER WITNESS SERVICES?
We provide playground legal consultation, standards interpretation, inspection documentation review, and surface impact testing analysis. Expert witness services are available for qualifying cases involving playground equipment and surfacing conditions.
11. WHAT STANDARDS ARE REFERENCED DURING AN INSPECTION?
Inspections commonly reference ASTM F1487 (Public Playground Equipment), ASTM F1292 (Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials), ASTM F3313 (Field Impact Testing), and the CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook. Additional ASTM playground standards may apply depending on equipment type, surfacing system, or requested services.
12. CAN YOU BUY PARTS FOR MY PLAYGROUND?
The most affordable option will always be to go straight to the manufacturer for replacement parts. Because ordering replacement parts is not always an easy straightforward process, we have become licensed resellers in order to help. If you are struggling to find the replacement parts you need, feel free to reach out to use our ordering services.
HOURS
Mon. - Thurs. 9AM - 5PM
Fri. 9AM - 3PM
some weekend availability