Damaged Outdoor Surface (Slip and Fall)

Defective playground surface may cause tripping

 

Design Guidelines
  • Select playground surfacing material as per SS 495:2001, ASTM F 1292-04. Classify surface materials’ slip resistance through Wet pendulum test, Dry floor friction test, Wet/ barefoot ramp test and Oil-wet ramp test. (See also BS EN 1177:2008).
  • Conduct testing impact attenuation for a critical fall height for surfacing (SS 495:2001) (see also BS EN 1177:2008). Refer to AS/ NZS 4486.1: 1997 for guidelines for playgrounds’ development, installation and maintenance.
Construction Guidelines
  • The minimum slip resistance on surface systems (e.g. moulded tiles, mats, cast in-situ rubber surfaces) when tested for any direction, under either dry or wet conditions must not fall below 40 (SS 495:2001). (See also BS 7188:1998+A2:200).
  • The use of Pendulum and Tortus methods for slip resistance tests are recommended (SS 485:2011). (See also AS 1683.15.1:2000; AS HB 197:1999 and AS/NZS 4663:2004).
  • Refer to AS/NZS 4486.1:1997 for guidelines for playgrounds’ development, installation and maintenance.
Maintenance Guidelines
  • Minimum pendulum test classification of W for external walkways (SS 485:2011). (See also AS 1683.15.1:2000; AS HB 197:1999 and AS/ NZS 4663:2004).
  • Keep footpath surfaces clear of any dirt, waste, or liquid spills (water) which might result in slip hazards [1].
  • Provide visual demarcation of wet floor areas and slip hazards [1] during cleaning and maintenance.
  • Refer to AS/NZS 4486.1:1997 for guidelines for playgrounds’ development, installation and maintenance.

Example of a dry floor friction tester (FFT)

 

Example of a wet pendulum slip tester

 

References
[1] Workplace Safety and Health Council (2016). Workplace Safety and Health Guidelines on Workplace Housekeeping. Singapore: WSHC.

Normative References/Standards Referred to for Outdoor Surface
• AS 1683.15.1:2000 — Methods of test for elastomers — International rubber hardness
• AS HB 197:1999 — An introductory guide to the slip resistance of pedestrian surface
• AS/NZS 4486.1:1997 — Playgrounds and playground equipment — Development, installation, inspection, maintenance and operation
• AS/NZS 4663: 2004 — Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces
• ASTM F 1292-04 — Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment
• BS 7188:1998+A2:200 — Impact absorbing playground surfacing. Performance requirements and test methods
• BS EN 1177:2008 — Impact attenuating playground surfacing. Determination of critical fall height
• SS 485:2011 — Specification for slip resistance classification of pedestrian surface materials
• SS 495:2001 — Impact attenuation of surface systems under and around playground equipment