Determining the Highest Accessible Part of Equipment

The surfacing material used under and around a particular piece of playground equipment should have a Critical Height value of at least the height of the highest accessible part of the equipment.

Recommendations for the "highest accessible part" for various pieces of playground equipment are as follows.

Swings - Since children may fall from a swing seat at its maximum attainable angle (assumed to be 900 from the "at rest" position), the highest accessible part of a swing structure is the height of the pivot point where the swing suspending elements connect to the supporting structure.

Elevated Platforms Including Slide Platforms - Since children may climb onto or over guardrails, the highest accessible part of a platform surrounded by guardrails is the height above the playing surface of the top of the guardrail . Since protective barriers are designed to minimize the likelihood of climbing, the highest accessible part of a platform surrounded by protective barriers is the height of the platform surface above the ground.

Climbers and Horizontal Ladders - For structures that are intended to be climbed upon, the highest accessible part is the maximum height of the structure.

Merry-Go-Rounds - The highest accessible part is the height above the ground of any part at the perimeter on which a child may sit or stand.

See-Saws - The highest accessible part is the maximum height attainable by any part of the see-saw.

Spring Rockers - The highest accessible part is the maximum height above the ground of the seat or designated play surface.

Information Source:
This article is a excerpt from the "Handbook for Public Playground Safety", Pub. No. 325
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207.