Question 1

What is a playground inspection?

Accepted Answer

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. Components such as swings and surfacing depths require ongoing verification.

Question 2

Who performs your playground inspections?

Accepted Answer

All inspections are performed directly by the owners of Play Safe Inspections, both Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSI). We do not subcontract inspection work, ensuring consistency and standards-based evaluations throughout California and beyond.

Question 3

What areas do you service?

Accepted Answer

We provide playground inspections and surface impact testing throughout California and have completed projects in neighboring states. Travel-based services are available as needed.

Question 4

Why is surface impact testing important?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 70 percent of playground injuries involve falls onto the surface below. Surface impact testing measures Gmax and HIC values in accordance with ASTM F1292 and ASTM F3313 and verifies installed surfacing performance at the time of testing. Documented compliance provides measurable evidence in liability review.

Question 5

How often should a playground be inspected?

Accepted Answer

Inspection frequency depends on use and maintenance practices. A documented internal inspection process is a best practice and may extend the need for third-party inspections. Many sites schedule comprehensive third-party inspections every 1 to 3 years.

Question 6

Do you perform playground inspection audits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our focus is comprehensive field inspections evaluating measurable conditions against ASTM playground standards rather than paperwork-only audits. We can review documentation when requested.

Question 7

Do you offer pre-installation playground inspections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pre-install inspections evaluate equipment placement, use zones, surfacing depth, swing clearances, and measurable installation factors prior to public use.

Question 8

Do you provide ADA playground assessments?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Do you provide playground consulting without a full inspection report?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer consulting services for playground planning, surfacing upgrades, equipment replacement, renovation projects, and standards interpretation with or without a formal written report.

Question 10

Do you provide legal consultation or expert witness services?

Accepted Answer

We provide playground legal consultation, standards interpretation, inspection documentation review, and surface impact testing analysis. Expert witness services are available for qualifying cases.

Question 11

What standards are referenced during an inspection?

Accepted Answer

Inspections commonly reference ASTM F1487, ASTM F1292, ASTM F3313, and the CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook. Additional ASTM playground standards may apply depending on equipment type and surfacing system.

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