It should be recognized that all injuries due to falls cannot be prevented no matter what playground surfacing material is used. However, the potential severity of an injury can be reduced depending on the surfacing material used under and around the playground equipment. It is self evident that a fall onto a shock-absorbing surface is less likely to cause a serious injury than a fall onto a hard surface. Because head impact injuries from a fall have the potential of being life threatening, the softer (shock-absorbing) the surface, the greater the likelihood that the severity of the injury will be reduced.

Acceptable playground surfacing materials are available in two basic types: Unitary-rubber mats or a combination of rubber-like materials held in place or Loose Fill Materials, which include but not limited to: sand, gravel, and shredded wood products. Loose fill materials should not be installed over hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.

CRITICAL HEIGHT

This term describes the shock absorbing performance of a surfacing material. Critical Height is the approximate maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury can possibly occur.

Those considering the installation of a unitary material for a playground surface should request test data from the manufacturer identifying the Critical Height of the desired material.

The Critical Heights table below provides guidelines when selecting the type and depth of loose-fill materials that will provide the necessary safety for equipment of various heights.