CPSI key terms

A condition where a child's head, neck, or body part becomes wedged in an opening and cannot be pulled free, posing a strangulation or suffocation risk. Openings are tested against standard probe sizes to prevent this.

A test gauge shaped to represent a small child's head and neck, used to check whether openings in equipment or barriers could trap a head. Openings that admit the probe but not its larger section fail the test.

A hazard where clothing drawstrings, cords, or loose items catch on equipment such as bolts, hooks, or open S-hooks, potentially strangling a child. Protrusions and gaps are evaluated to reduce this risk.

Any bolt end, fastener, or projecting object that can catch clothing or skin. Acceptable protrusions must either be capped, recessed, or project far enough that clothing slips off rather than snagging.

A location where moving parts come together or pass close enough to pinch, crush, or cut a child's fingers or limbs. These are assessed on moving equipment such as seesaws, swings, and gliders.

A gap between parts that closes or narrows as equipment moves, trapping skin or fingers. Designers avoid gaps that change size within a range that can catch a child during normal play.

The vertical distance between the highest designated play surface of equipment and the protective surfacing beneath it. It determines the required thickness and type of surfacing material.

The maximum drop height at which a surfacing material, tested in a laboratory, keeps the risk of serious head injury below a defined threshold. Surfacing must have a critical height at least equal to the equipment's fall height.

The ability of a surface to absorb and spread the energy of a falling body, reducing the force of impact. It is the primary defense against head injuries from falls.

A continuous, bound surface such as poured rubber, rubber tiles, or synthetic turf that does not scatter under impact. It is generally more accessible to wheelchairs and mobility devices than loose fill.

Protective material such as engineered wood fiber, sand, pea gravel, or shredded rubber that is installed loose and requires raking and replenishment. Depth and compaction affect its shock absorption.

The ground area beneath and around equipment where protective surfacing and clear space are required to cushion falls and prevent collisions. Its size depends on equipment type and height.

The minimum open distance required between a piece of stationary equipment and any other structure, fence, or obstacle. It keeps children from striking objects while moving or falling.

The larger open space required around swings, slides, and other moving equipment so that users do not collide with each other or with nearby structures. Clearance depends on the direction and extent of motion.

The required distance in front of and behind a swing seat, measured from the pivot, that must remain free of obstacles and other equipment. It protects children who jump or are pushed from the swing.

A swing designed for young children, typically with a bucket or full-support seat and a restraint. It is used with a lower seat height and appropriate clearance for small riders.

A barrier along an elevated platform that prevents a child from falling off the side but may allow climbing over. It is used where a lower protective barrier is sufficient for the age group.

A taller, fully enclosed barrier around an elevated surface that is designed to prevent a child from passing through, over, or under it. It is required where falls from height pose a serious risk.

An elevated, level walking or standing surface on play equipment, often reached by stairs, ladders, or ramps. Platforms require guardrails or barriers and contribute to the equipment's fall height.

An opening bounded on some but not all sides, such as the space under a platform or between a slide and a support. These are evaluated for head entrapment and strangulation risk.

A closed opening enclosed on all sides, such as a hole in a panel or a gap between rails. It must be sized to avoid trapping a head or to be small enough to prevent entry.

A hook shaped like the letter S with an exposed gap that can catch clothing or skin. Acceptable installations close the gap or orient the hook so the opening is not accessible.

Planning equipment and layouts to match the developmental abilities of intended users, separating areas for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. It reduces injuries from equipment that is too advanced or too simple.

The ability of caregivers to see children throughout the play area from common vantage points. Layout, fencing, and equipment placement are arranged to keep blind spots to a minimum.

A path of travel that meets width, slope, and surface requirements so people using wheelchairs or mobility devices can reach play areas and equipment. It connects parking, entrances, and play components.

A play element designed so children with disabilities can use it, such as a transfer platform, ramp, or ground-level activity panel. The number required depends on the total components provided.

An uneven surface, exposed footing, root, or object in a walkway or use zone that can cause a child to stumble. Inspections look for these conditions and for surfacing that has shifted or settled.

The routine work of raking, topping up, loosening, or repairing protective surfacing so it keeps its required depth and shock-absorbing quality. Neglect reduces critical height and increases fall injury risk.

Checking bolts, nuts, S-hooks, clamps, and fasteners for looseness, wear, corrosion, and exposed ends. Proper hardware condition prevents equipment failure and clothing entanglement.

A scheduled program of inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and repair that keeps equipment safe before problems become hazards. Records of these activities support accountability and planning.

How often a play area is checked, set according to use, age of equipment, climate, and manufacturer guidance. High-use sites typically need more frequent routine inspections than low-use sites.

A frequent visual check for obvious hazards such as broken parts, litter, vandalism, and surfacing problems. It is usually performed by on-site staff and does not require detailed technical testing.

A detailed check, often by a trained or certified inspector, that examines structural integrity, entrapment, hardware, and surfacing performance. It is done less often than routine checks but more thoroughly.

The process of recognizing conditions in a play area that could injure a child, such as sharp edges, entrapment openings, or inadequate surfacing. Findings are recorded and prioritized for correction.

Evaluating identified hazards by likelihood and severity of injury to decide what action to take and how quickly. It helps prioritize limited maintenance resources on the most serious dangers.

A cut, corner, or projection on equipment or surfacing that can cut or puncture skin. Exposed metal edges, broken plastic, and damaged hardware are common sources.

The area under and around equipment where a child might land after falling, requiring protective surfacing. It overlaps with the use zone and is sized by the equipment's fall height and type.