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SURFACING MATERIALS
UNITARY SURFACING MATERIALS
Unitary materials are generally rubber mats and tiles or a combination of energy-absorbing materials held in place by a binder that
may be poured in place at the playground site and then cured to form a unitary shock absorbing surface. Unitary materials are
available from a number of different manufacturers, many of whom have a range of materials with differing shock absorbing
properties. New surfacing materials, such as bonded wood fiber and combinations of loose-fill and unitary, are being developed
that may also be tested to ASTM F1292 and fall into the unitary materials category. When deciding on the best surfacing materials
keep in mind that some dark colored surfacing materials exposed to the intense sun have caused blistering on bare feet. Check with
the manufacturer if light colored materials are available or provide shading to reduce direct sun exposure.
Persons wishing to install a unitary material as a playground surface should request ASTM F1292 test data from the manufacturer
identifying the critical height rating of the desired surface. In addition, site requirements should be obtained from the manufacturer
because some unitary materials require installation over a hard surface while others do not.
Manufacturer’s instructions should be followed closely, as some unitary systems require professional installation. Testing should be
conducted in accordance with the ASTM F1292 standard.
LOOSE-FILL SURFACING MATERIALS
Engineered wood fiber (EWF) is a wood product that may look similar in appearance to landscaping mulch, but EWF products are
designed specifically for use as a playground safety surface under and around playground equipment. EWF products should meet
the specifications in ASTM F2075: Standard Specification for Engineered Wood Fiber and be tested to and comply with ASTM F1292.
There are also rubber mulch products that are designed specifically for use as playground surfacing. Make sure they have been
tested to and comply with ASTM F1292.
There are two options available for surfacing public playgrounds: unitary and loose-fill materials. A playground should never be
installed without protective surfacing of some type. Concrete, asphalt, or other hard surfaces should never be directly under
playground equipment. Grass and dirt are not considered protective surfacing because wear and environmental factors can
reduce their shock absorbing effectiveness. Carpeting and mats are also not appropriate unless they are tested to and comply
with ASTM F1292. Loose-fill should be avoided for playgrounds intended for toddlers.
Selecting a surfacing material
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) that has long recognized the potential hazards existing with
the use of playground equipment, there are more than 200,000 estimated emergency room-treated injuries annually. Most of the
injuries occur when a child falls from the equipment onto the ground. As a result, it's important to select appropriate surfacing
materials to minimize life-threatening injuries.
The data and the information below are excerpted from the CPSC website and publications Public
Playground Safety Handbook (December 29, 2015). The full version can be obtained by visiting
http://www.cpsc.gov.
Note