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About Scott Burton
Expertise
As a third party, I can answer virtually any question about playground safety, as well as sports (trampolines, basketball, baseball, soccer, etc.) and
recreation in general, without having a conflict of interest.
Experience
Ex-manufacturer/installer, Certified Playground Safety Inspector (inspected almost 2,600 sites nationwide), designer, expert witness in almost 300 cases, etc.
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ASTM, NRPA, IPA, NAEYC, ASSE, MASONS, ETC.
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Education/Credentials
CPSI, Business degree
Past/Present Clients
Disney, IKEA, Sears, numerous plaintiff and defense attorneys, cities, child care centers, etc.
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You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Protecting your Home and Family > Playground Safety and Design > swing set ground cover
Expert: Scott Burton - 10/30/2009
Question
We have a swing set at school and are considering installing a border to keep wood chips contained. Could you provide us with the measurements we should use to keep the border away from swingset. Also what would you recommend we use for the border.
Thanks
Brad
Answer
Depending on the state you are in, it may be a law to comply with ASTM & CPSC rules.
Even if it's not law, you should follow the ASTM Standard #F1487-07ae1, and the CPSC Guidelines #325. GENERALLY, swings need at least 6' use zone on the sides of the legs. The use zone in front and back (swing direction) is twice the height of the pivot point above the protective surfacing. These are the minimum distances to keep the border materials. I always suggest going beyond the minimums. Loose fill surfacing must be at least 9 inches deep, but the Fall Height could determine that you require it to be deeper. Check Fall Height on the CPSC chart to determine surfacing material depth, which will also tell you the height of the borders. Borders can be 4x6's, molded plastic, etc., just not anything (like railroad ties) that might have toxic
chemicals. Borders should be a different color so the change in elevation is obvious and not a trip hazard.
Scott Burton
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