UFC 4-740-14
1 August 2002
6-5.3.1.4
Provide guardrails for infants and toddlers on all platforms greater than
300 mm (12 in.) above adjacent surfaces. Provide guardrails for preschool-age children
on all platforms greater than 505 mm (20 in.) above adjacent surfaces. Design the top
surface of the guardrail to be a minimum of 740 mm (29 in.) above the platform and the
bottom surface no more than 635 mm (25 in.) above the platform. Design the guardrail
with no openings between 85 mm (3.5 in.) and 230 mm (9 in.) to avoid the possibility of
head entrapment. To prevent finger entrapment, design for no openings between 9 mm
(.38 in.) and 25 mm (1 in.) wide.
6-5.3.1.5
Provide protective barriers for all children on all platforms greater than 760
mm (30 in.) above adjacent surfaces. Design the top surface of the protective barrier to
be 740 mm (29 in.) high, with no openings greater than 75 mm (3 in.) and no horizontal
footholds to prevent climbing.
6-5.3.2
Covered patios are desirable elements, particularly in areas where
weather can be problematic for outdoor play, such as the Northwest with its abundant
rainfall, or the Great Lakes region with its abundant snow. Covered patios can be
valuable for use on days when the weather will not permit full use of the playground. In
areas with moderate temperatures for much of the year, such as Southern California,
covered patios can be used as activity areas for virtually the entire year. When
provided, design patios large enough to accommodate children's play activities.
6-5.3.3
Refer to Surfacing below for patio surfacing materials.
6-5.4
patterns, textures, and colors to stimulate interest and increase play opportunities. A
variety of materials incorporates the advantages of each material and renders a more
natural, less institutional appearance than any one alone. The outdoor activity area has
four categories of surface areas, each with specific requirements: use zones, wheeled
toy pathways, other hard surface areas, and general.
6-5.4.1
Use Zones. Use zones are the areas under and around playground
equipment and are defined by ASTM F 1487. Use surface materials that meet the
shock absorbency criteria recommended by the most current CPSC and ASTM
guidelines. Additionally, accommodate ADAAG accessibility requirements. Provide as
submittals the commercial playground safety surface manufacturer's warranty and
liability in the specifications and transfer to the Using Service. Include a written
verification by the manufacturer that the playground safety surface meets the
requirements of the CPSC Handbook and ASTM in the submittal section of the
specifications.
6-5.4.1.1
The Services prefer poured-in-place resilient safety surfaces. These
surfaces allow for creative designs and patterns, are low maintenance, easy to clean
and non-moveable. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for drainage during
installation of poured-in-place resilient safety surfaces. Receive approval of any other
use zone surface material from the using Service.
6-8
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