An important ASTM International standard that is used to reduce life-threatening and debilitating injuries on playgrounds has recently undergone extensive revisions.
Specification F 1487, Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use, is a comprehensive standard covering the full range of public playground equipment. It provides safety and performance standards for various types of public playground equipment used by children from the ages of two through 12. The standard is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F15.29 on Playground Equipment for Public Use, which is part of ASTM International Committee F15 on Consumer Products.
The recently approved revision of Specification F 1487 includes new requirements for access/egress; a new section on stepping forms; revisions to use zone requirements; deletion of the accessibility section, with reference now being made to the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Play Areas; a new section on information signage and labels; and new and revised figures in the appendix.
The International Playground Equipment Manufacturers’ Association uses Specification F 1487 for their certification program for public playground equipment; the standard is also an integral part of the National Playground Safety Institute’s playground inspector certification program.
Kenneth Kutska, vice chairman of Subcommittee F15.29, says the subcommittee is actively seeking the participation of any interested parties in its standards activities.
ASTM International standards are available for purchase from Customer Service (phone: 610/832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact or http://www.astm.org/).
For further technical information, contact Kenneth S. Kutska, Wheaton Park District, Wheaton, Ill. (phone: 630/665-4710; kutska@wheatonparks.org). Committee F15 will meet Nov. 7-10, at the November Committee Week in Dallas, Texas. For membership or meeting details, contact Katharine Morgan, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9721; kmorgan@astm.org).
Release #7229