The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has issued updated safety standards for public playgrounds: ASTM F 1487-11 for children age 2-12; and ASTM F 2373-11 for children age 6 months 23 months.
Notable changes to the standards are the requirement for barriers on stairways above 48″ (instead of handrails), the addition of guidelines for multiple-user to-fro swings, increased requirements for play equipment labeling, and clarification of safety zones on elevated structures with certain types of ground level components attached.
Rest assured that Landscape Structures is reviewing the new requirements and will continue to meet or exceed the ASTM standards for playgrounds.
At Ross Recreation, contact Judy Ogburn ([email protected]) if you have questions about regulations governing children’s’ playgrounds. Judy has over 18 years of design experience and recently secured her NPSI (National Playground Safety Institute) Certification.