Materials & Equipment Specifications

Equipment Specifications

Revision Date: 2/2021

IPEMA Certified Products

IPEMA: In the interest of playground safety, the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) provides a Third Party Certification Service, whereby a designated independent laboratory, (TÜV SÜD America Inc.), validates an equipment manufacturer’s certification of conformance to ASTM F1487-, Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use, except sections 7.1.1, 10 and 12.6.1. and conformance to CSA Z614-07 Children’s Playspaces and Equipment. TÜV SÜD America Inc. is a globally recognized testing, inspection, and certification organization. The use of the corresponding logo in Nature of Early Play’s website signifies that Nature of Early Play has received written validation from the independent laboratory that the product(s) associated with the use of the logo conforms to the requirements of the indicated standard. Check the IPEMA website (www.ipema.org) to confirm product validation.

Registered Landscape Architect Approved Designs

All designs, site plans or other drawings generated from Nature of Early Play’s AutoCAD and Inventor designers are approved by a Registered Landscape Architect, ASLA License #506. Registered Architect, supportive drawings in Google SketchUp.

Structural components

Recycled Structural Plastic (RSPTM) 100% recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE), and additives including: UV protectant and colorant additives, strengthening agents, blowing agents. Structural deck systems pass the ASTM 12.4.1.3. structural integrity tests withstanding 273 # per sq. ft. without failure. (See www.ipema.org for validated products) Horizontal structural members with steel inserts meet a stress level of 2610.00 psi.

Mini Systems:

4” x 4” [nominal] solid posts with uniform color
4.5 # per sq ft – 24” x 31” Deck System

Mega Systems:

6” x 6” [nominal] solid post with uniform color
10 # per sq ft – 46” x 36” Deck System

All structural components must comply with ASTM-F 1487-07. 12 for Structural Integrity.

Walking Surfaces

SureStepTM Non Slip RSPTM Walking Surfaces: All decks, bridges, transfer stations, and all walking surfaces comprised of RSPTM with a minimum of (27) slip-resistant ridges (1/8” wide with 1/16” spacing) to prevent injuries by falls when wet.

Cloud: This HDPE rubberized textured surface provides a slightly cushioned surface for flooring on infant playsets. It also gives children a better grip on rock climbers. Rock handles remain firm and secure without danger of spinning or turning. All updated 2020 playsets will now use this material for Infant Playsets and Rock Climbers.

Hardware

All hardware shall be stainless steel; minimum of grade 304 Stainless Steel. Hardware employs a vandal-resistant lock system. Galvanized, zinc coated or plated hardware will not be accepted. Manufacturer must validate stainless steel and country of origin. Products manufactured in China will not be accepted. Meet standards for ASTM B-117 and ASTM D-1654; ASTM-F 1487-07 6.2, CPSC 9.1-9.4: all hardware shall be assembled such that no protrusion hazards or sharp edges exist.

Metal Components

SureGripTM Paint – Safety Powder Epoxy Wrinkle Finish for all metal products. Specific gravity meets a calculated range of 1.2 – 1.7, direct impact resistance up to 140 in. / lb. Flexibility follows the ASTM D 522 Test Method B, with equal to or less than .25 mandrel. Pencil hardness, following ASTM D test method 3368 [greater than or equal to “H”, refer to standard]. Salt Spray resistance meets a 1000+ hour resistance rate. Humidity resistance meets a 1000+ hour resistance rate. Gloss (60°) [refer to ASTM D 523] less than 5 units.

Grade 304 Stainless Steel attachment plates, angle iron and welding wires for all applications.
Meet standards for ASTM B-117 and ASTM D-165 – Industry Average Steel recycled content: 85% minimum.

Cautions for the End User

Equipment Manufacturers should be able to supply specification sheets for every material for verification. In particular specs should be provided for stainless steel hardware, plates and welding wire. A simple in-house test is to use a magnet on all metal parts. Stainless is not magnetic; steel (zinc coated or plated) is magnetic. Verification should also be provided on the recycled content of any product claiming to be “recycled”. In particular, if any manufacturer claims its product is 100% recycled, ask for verification. Most recycled materials require some portion of virgin materials to achieve consistency in color, strength, & durability.

Plastic Components (Rotomolded)

Refer to ASTM D 1248 type 2 class A category 3 and Federal Specification LP-390 type 1, class M, grade 2: rotationally molded using polyethylene resin with wall thickness varying with the specific component’s size and stress design from 1/4”, 5/16”, and 3/8” with the tolerances being plus or minus 1/16”. All polyethylene shall contain a UV-8 maximum ultraviolet stabilization package.

Plastic Components (Roofs, panels, post-caps)

Flat Plastic 15% recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE), with recyclostabilizer, UV protectant and colorant additives.
Refer to ASTM-F 1487-07 4.1, 4.1.1: Designed for commercial playground equipment industry
ASTM-D 257: Graffiti-resistant finish, non-delaminating
ASTM-D 570: Moisture Resistant
ASTM-F 1487 4.1.1 UV Stabilized for Outdoor Applications
ASTM-D 638 – 1/2” – 3/4” in thickness

Requirements, Standards, & Guidelines

ADAAG (Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines)

Playground equipment and entire play site shall conform to the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines including section 15.6.

ASTM & CPSC & CSA

All equipment must meet or exceed requirements established by the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) and by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and equipment must conform to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Pub 325 Public Playground Safety Handbook.

Manufacturer qualifications

International Play Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (IPEMA) Certification is required to guarantee compliance with ASTM Standards, per requirements of ASTM F 1487, Sec. 12.6.1. and CSA Standards. Membership does not constitute certification.

IPEMA Certified Products

Manufacturer’s products must be certified by “International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association” (IPEMA) and show current participation in the Third Party Certification Service with the designated independent laboratory, TÜV SÜD America Inc. (TUV), certifying conformance to the most current ASTM F1487 and CSA Z614 standards and CPSC Pub 325 Guidelines.

Drawings

Play equipment and site plan drawings should be approved by a licensed landscape architect, licensed architect, or licensed engineer.

Download our Equipment Specifications