CPSI Definitions
barrier or protective barrier - ANS -an enclosing device around an elevated platform that is
intended to prevent both inadvertent and deliberate attempts to pass through the device
composite structure - ANS -two or more play structures attached or functionally linked, to create
one integral unit that provides more than one play activity
critical height - ANS -the fall height below which a life threatening head injury would not be
expected to occur
designated play surface - ANS -Any elevated surface for standing, walking, crawling, sitting or
climbing, or a flat surface greater than 2 inches wide by 2 inches long having an angle less than
30° from horizontal.
embankment slide - ANS -A slide that follows the contour of the ground and at no point is the
bottom of the chute greater than 12 inches above the surrounding ground.
entanglement - ANS -A condition in which the user's clothes or something around the user's
neck becomes caught or entwined on a component of playground equipment.
entrapment - ANS -any condition that impedes withdrawal of a body or body part that has
penetrated an opening
fall height - ANS -the vertical distance between the highest designated play surface on a piece
of equipment and the protective surfacing beneath it
footing - ANS -A means for anchoring playground equipment to the ground.
full bucket seat swing - ANS -A swing generally appropriate for children under 4 years of age
that provides support on all sides and between the legs of the occupant and cannot be entered
or exited without adult assistance.
Geotextile (filter) Cloth - ANS -A fabric that retains its relative structure during handling,
placement, and long-term service to enhance water movement, retard soil movement, and to
add reinforcement and separation between the soil and the surfacing and/or sub-base.
guardrail - ANS -An enclosing device around an elevated platform that is intended to prevent
inadvertent falls from the elevated surface.
, infill - ANS -Material(s) used in a protective barrier or between decks to prevent a user from
passing through the barrier (e.g., vertical bars, lattice, solid panel, etc.).
Loose-Fill Surfacing Material - ANS -A material used for protective surfacing in the use zone
that consists of loose particles such as sand, gravel, engineered wood fibers, or shredded
rubber.
preschool age children - ANS -Children 2 years of age through 5 years of age.
projection - ANS -anything that extends outward from a surface of the playground equipment
and must be tested to determine whether it is a protrusion or entanglement hazard, or both.
protective surfacing - ANS -Shock absorbing (i.e., impact attenuating) surfacing material in the
use zone that conforms to the recommendations in §2.4.
protrusion - ANS -A projection which, when tested, is found to be a hazard having the potential
to cause bodily injury to a user who impacts it.
roller slide - ANS -A slide that has a chute consisting of a series of individual rollers over which
the user travels.
school age children - ANS -Children 5 years of age through 12 years of age.
slide chute - ANS -The inclined sliding surface of a slide
stationary play equipment - ANS -any play structure that has a fixed base and does not move
supervisor - ANS -any person tasked with watching children on a playground. supervisors may
be paid professionals ie childcare, elementary school or park and recreation personnel, paid
seasonal workers ie college or high school students, volunteers ie pta members, or unpaid
caregivers ie parents of the children playing in the playground.
toddlers - ANS -children 6 months through 23 months of age
tube slide - ANS -a slide in which the chute consists of a totally enclosed tube or tunnel
Unitary Surfacing Material - ANS -a manufactured material used for protective surfacing in the
use zone that may be rubber tiles, mats, or a combination of energy absorbing materials held in
place by a binder that may be poured in place at the playground site and cures to form a unitary
shock absorbing surface
upper body equipment - ANS -Equipment designed to support a child by the hands only (e.g.,
horizontal ladder, overhead swinging rings).
barrier or protective barrier - ANS -an enclosing device around an elevated platform that is
intended to prevent both inadvertent and deliberate attempts to pass through the device
composite structure - ANS -two or more play structures attached or functionally linked, to create
one integral unit that provides more than one play activity
critical height - ANS -the fall height below which a life threatening head injury would not be
expected to occur
designated play surface - ANS -Any elevated surface for standing, walking, crawling, sitting or
climbing, or a flat surface greater than 2 inches wide by 2 inches long having an angle less than
30° from horizontal.
embankment slide - ANS -A slide that follows the contour of the ground and at no point is the
bottom of the chute greater than 12 inches above the surrounding ground.
entanglement - ANS -A condition in which the user's clothes or something around the user's
neck becomes caught or entwined on a component of playground equipment.
entrapment - ANS -any condition that impedes withdrawal of a body or body part that has
penetrated an opening
fall height - ANS -the vertical distance between the highest designated play surface on a piece
of equipment and the protective surfacing beneath it
footing - ANS -A means for anchoring playground equipment to the ground.
full bucket seat swing - ANS -A swing generally appropriate for children under 4 years of age
that provides support on all sides and between the legs of the occupant and cannot be entered
or exited without adult assistance.
Geotextile (filter) Cloth - ANS -A fabric that retains its relative structure during handling,
placement, and long-term service to enhance water movement, retard soil movement, and to
add reinforcement and separation between the soil and the surfacing and/or sub-base.
guardrail - ANS -An enclosing device around an elevated platform that is intended to prevent
inadvertent falls from the elevated surface.
, infill - ANS -Material(s) used in a protective barrier or between decks to prevent a user from
passing through the barrier (e.g., vertical bars, lattice, solid panel, etc.).
Loose-Fill Surfacing Material - ANS -A material used for protective surfacing in the use zone
that consists of loose particles such as sand, gravel, engineered wood fibers, or shredded
rubber.
preschool age children - ANS -Children 2 years of age through 5 years of age.
projection - ANS -anything that extends outward from a surface of the playground equipment
and must be tested to determine whether it is a protrusion or entanglement hazard, or both.
protective surfacing - ANS -Shock absorbing (i.e., impact attenuating) surfacing material in the
use zone that conforms to the recommendations in §2.4.
protrusion - ANS -A projection which, when tested, is found to be a hazard having the potential
to cause bodily injury to a user who impacts it.
roller slide - ANS -A slide that has a chute consisting of a series of individual rollers over which
the user travels.
school age children - ANS -Children 5 years of age through 12 years of age.
slide chute - ANS -The inclined sliding surface of a slide
stationary play equipment - ANS -any play structure that has a fixed base and does not move
supervisor - ANS -any person tasked with watching children on a playground. supervisors may
be paid professionals ie childcare, elementary school or park and recreation personnel, paid
seasonal workers ie college or high school students, volunteers ie pta members, or unpaid
caregivers ie parents of the children playing in the playground.
toddlers - ANS -children 6 months through 23 months of age
tube slide - ANS -a slide in which the chute consists of a totally enclosed tube or tunnel
Unitary Surfacing Material - ANS -a manufactured material used for protective surfacing in the
use zone that may be rubber tiles, mats, or a combination of energy absorbing materials held in
place by a binder that may be poured in place at the playground site and cures to form a unitary
shock absorbing surface
upper body equipment - ANS -Equipment designed to support a child by the hands only (e.g.,
horizontal ladder, overhead swinging rings).
