The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released an updated Public Playground Safety Handbook, its first major revision since 2010. The new edition incorporates updated ASTM playground standards and the latest national injury data.
Key changes include:
- Equipment: Revised guidance on merry-go-rounds and other spinning equipment, with closer alignment to ASTM F1487 testing and specifications.
- Surfacing: Expanded recommendations for surfacing materials, including clarification on loose fill options and chemical safety considerations.
- General Safety: Strengthened guidelines for fencing, gates, signage, supervision, and prevention of strangulation hazards.
- Accessibility: Updated figures and reorganized content to make the handbook more user-friendly.
The updated handbook provides schools and childcare providers with clearer, more current guidance to support safe play environments. Now is a great time to review the handbook and inspect your playgrounds.
