Designing a safe playground goes beyond selecting fun slides and swings. The most vital safety feature is often the surface beneath your feet. Understanding the science behind impact attenuation is crucial for preventing serious injuries. One concept central to this is Critical Fall Height (CFH), a standard that guides how we design protective recreational spaces.
The Science of Playground Safety: What is Critical Fall Height?
Defining Critical Fall Height
Simply put, Critical Fall Height is the maximum height from which a child can fall onto a specific surface without sustaining a life-threatening head injury. It is not a guarantee against any injury, but rather a scientific measurement used to determine the necessary shock-absorbing properties required for the flooring directly under elevated play equipment.
How Surfacing Impacts Safety
Different materials absorb impact differently. Concrete has virtually no shock absorption, while engineered wood fiber offers some. High-quality poured-in-place rubber provides superior, consistent impact attenuation. By varying the thickness of the rubber base layer, we can customize the surface to meet specific CFH requirements relative to the height of your playground structure.
The Science of Testing
To determine CFH, laboratory tests use an instrumented headform dropped from varied heights onto the surface material. Sensors measure the G-force of impact. This rigorous testing ensures that the surfacing meets strict ASTM safety standards. We rely heavily on this empirical data to ensure the flooring we install performs reliably under real-world play conditions.
Balancing Safety and Accessibility
While impact absorption is paramount, a truly safe playground must also be inclusive. Loose-fill materials often shift, altering CFH ratings and creating barriers for mobility devices. Poured-in-place rubber offers the dual benefit of meeting high CFH standards while providing smooth, stable, and ADA compliant playground flooring that is accessible to everyone.
At Pacific Playground, we believe safety is a science, not a guessing game. Navigating Critical Fall Height requirements and choosing the right materials is essential for protecting children. We are here to help you interpret these standards and install durable, compliant surfacing tailored to your project's specific equipment needs. Contact us to ensure your playground is built on a foundation of safety.