SS 457 : 2017
(ICS 97.200.40)
SINGAPORE STANDARD
Specification for playground equipment for
public use
This Singapore Standard is based on ASTM F 1487, Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA 19428, USA. Reprinted by permission of ASTM International.
Published by
SS 457 : 2017
(ICS 97.200.40)
SINGAPORE STANDARD
Specification for playground equipment for public
use
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this Singapore Standard may
be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying and microfilming, without permission in writing from Enterprise Singapore.
Request for permission can be sent to: standards@[Link].
ISBN 978-981-47-8465-8
SS 457 : 2017
This Singapore Standard was approved by the Quality and Safety Standards Committee on behalf of
the Singapore Standards Council on 30 November 2017.
First published, 1999
First revision, 2007
Second revision, 2017
The Quality and Safety Standards Committee, appointed by the Standards Council, consists of the
following members:
Name Capacity
Chairman : Er. Go Heng Huat Individual Capacity
Deputy
Chairman : Mr Seet Choh San Singapore Institution of Safety Officers
Advisor : Mr Chan Yew Kwong Individual Capacity
Secretary : Ms Kong Wai Yee Singapore Manufacturing Federation – Standards
Development Organisation
Members : Er. Goh Keng Cheong Housing & Development Board
Er. Hashim Bin Mansoor Building and Construction Authority
Assoc Prof Hoon Kay Hiang Nanyang Technological University
Mr Koh Yeong Kheng Association of Small and Medium Enterprises
Mr Lee Kay Chai Singapore Contractors Association Limited
Prof Lee Pui Mun Singapore University of Social Sciences
Mr Lim Kee Huat/Mr Liow Kin Society of Loss Prevention in the Process
Lian Industries
Mr Steven Nah Association of Process Industry
Mr Ong Liong Chuan Individual Capacity
Mr Perianan Radhakrishnan Singapore Welding Society
Assoc Prof Simon Poh Siew National University of Singapore
Beng
Mr Derek Sim Association of Singapore Marine Industries
Mr Harnek Singh Individual Capacity
Mr Birch Sio Singapore Manufacturing Federation
Mr Alvin Soong Kheng Boon Land Transport Authority
Mr Tan Kay Chen The Institution of Engineers, Singapore
Mr Daniel Tan Kuan Wei Individual Capacity
Mr Ronald Tan Singapore Productivity Association
Mr Jonathan Wan Individual Capacity
Mr Wong Siu Tee JTC Corporation
Mr Winston Yew Workplace Safety and Health Council
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The Technical Committee on Personal Safety and Health, appointed by the Quality and Safety
Standards Committee and responsible for the preparation of this standard, consists of representatives
from the following organisations:
Name Capacity
Co-Chairmen : Assoc Prof Chew Chye Heng Individual Capacity
Mr Winston Yew Individual Capacity
Secretary : Ms Julia Yeo Singapore Manufacturing Federation –
Standards Development Organisation
Members : Mr Bhupendra Singh Baliyan The Institution of Engineers, Singapore
Mr Thomas Fong Singapore Contractors Association Limited
Mr Patrick Ker Singapore Association of Occupational
Therapists
Mr Lim Cheong Ministry of Manpower
Mr Seah Chong An TÜV SÜD PSB Pte Ltd
Mr Seah Liang Bing Singapore Institution of Safety Officers
Mr Derek Sim Association of Singapore Marine Industries
Mr Edwin Yap Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of
Singapore
Mr Yusoof Aynuddin SETSCO Services Pte Ltd
The Working Group on SS 457, appointed by the Technical Committee to assist in the preparation of
this standard, comprises the following experts who contribute in their individual capacity:
Name
Convenor : Mr Wong Wei Jue
Members : Mr Kenneth S Kutska
Mr Jimmy Lee Shen Sun
Mr Derek Loei
Ms Berni Ong
Mr Jason Sim
Mr Soo Kwok Meng
Dr Sun Qiqing
Ms Alisa Wee Huili
Ms Yoon Hui Lian
Resource
Members : Ms Lauw Sok Chin
Ms Nur Khairiana
The organisations in which the experts of the Working Group are involved are:
EM Services Pte Ltd
Health Promotion Board
Housing & Development Board
International Playground Safety Institute
National Parks Board
Playpoint (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Singapore Laboratory Services Pte Ltd
TÜV SÜD PSB Pte Ltd
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Contents
Page
National Foreword 8
0 Introduction 9
1 Scope 9
2 Referenced documents 11
3 Terminology 12
4 Materials and manufacture 18
5 General requirements 19
6 Performance requirements 19
7 Requirements for access/egress 25
8 Equipment 29
9 Playground layout 41
10 Accessibility 45
11 Installation 45
12 Structural integrity 45
13 Maintenance 49
14 Signs or labels, or both 50
15 Manufacturer identification 50
16 Keywords 51
Annex
ZA National deviations 102
Tables
1 Minimum acceptable distance from an opening to a crush or shear point 24
2 Rung ladders, stepladders, stairways, and ramps (access slope; tread, rung, and
ramp width; tread depth; rung diameter; and vertical rise, by age of intended user) 25
Figures
A1.1 Exemption from head and neck entrapment requirements 52
A1.2 Torso probe 53
A1.3 Head probe 54
A1.4 Test template for partially bounded openings 55
A1.5 Inserting the template into the opening 56
A1.6 Test template for partially bounded openings 57
A1.7 Exemption for a thick surface condition using the “B” portion of the test template 58
A1.8 Template test 59
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A1.9 A partially bounded opening is not considered accessible if the template cannot
penetrate the opening to a depth greater than 0.75 in. (19.1 mm) (thickness of
the test template) 60
A1.10 Projection test gauges 60
A1.11 Projection test gauge for suspended swing assemblies 61
A1.12 Compound projection test 61
A1.13 Use of projection gauges 62
A1.14 Area subject to the requirements of 6.4.1 63
A1.15 Entanglement test requirements examples 64
A1.16 Entanglement test requirements examples continued 66
A1.17 Entanglement test requirements examples 66
A1.18 Entanglement test requirements examples 67
A1.19 Requirements for fastening devices 68
A1.20 Accessibility probe 69
A1.21 Adjacent platforms 69
A1.22 Height/length ratio of sliding surfaces 70
A1.23 Formula for minimum vertical sidewall height 70
A1.24 Formula for minimum vertical sidewall height 71
A1.25 Slide exit requirements 71
A1.26 Height of slide exit region and slide bedway length 71
A1.27 Slide and spiral slide clearance 72
A1.28 To/fro swings 73
A1.29 Rotating (multiple axis) swings 73
A1.30 Example of ring ladder 74
A1.31 Minimum and maximum radii of noncircular rotating equipment 74
A1.32 Use zones for stationary equipment 75
A1.33 Use zones for rotating equipment 76
A1.34 Use zones for to-fro swings 77
A1.35 Use zones for to-fro swings “T” swings with open seats 78
A1.36 Use zones for to-fro swings with fully enclosed swings seats 79
A1.37 Use zones for to-fro swings “T” swings with fully enclosed seats 80
A1.38 Use zones for rotating swings 81
A1.39 Use zones for rocking/springing equipment 82
A1.40 Use zones for slides 83
A1.41 Overlap of parallel of diverging slide paths (pass) 84
A1.42 Slide exit clearance 84
A1.43 Overlap of converging slide paths (fail) 85
A1.44 Composite play structure 86
A1.45 Placement of equipment 86
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A1.46 Ramps intended for wheelchair use 87
A1.47 Transfer point and return on a wheelchair accessible platform 88
A1.48 Minimum clear width 89
A1.49 Wheelchair accessible platforms 89
A1.50 Horizontal rings and ladders 90
A1.51 Load distribution devices 91
A1.52 Hanging ring and hanging rung-dimensional details 92
A1.53 2-dimensional grids and 3-dimensional matrix nets 92
A1.54 Climbing net clear opening 93
A1.55 Fall heights for 3-dimensional matrix nets 94
A1.56 Fall heights for 3-dimensional matrix nets 95
A1.57 Fall heights for 3-dimensional matrix nets 96
A1.58 Overhead obstructions 97
A1.59 Use zone of combination swings 98
A1.60 Swing impact test device arrangement 99
A1.61 Clearance for rotating equipment with a reducing plane of motion 99
A1.62 Clearance zone for rotating equipment 100
A1.63 Embankment slide 101
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National Foreword
This Singapore Standard was prepared by the Working Group on Playground Equipment for Public
Use, appointed by the Technical Committee on Personal Safety and Health under the direction of the
Quality and Safety Standards Committee.
This standard is a revision of SS 457 : 2007, “Specification for playground equipment for public use”. It
is based on ASTM F1487-17, Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground
Equipment for Public Use, Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken,
PA 19428, USA. Reprinted by permission of ASTM International.
The modifications (national deviations) to suit local requirements and the needs of the industry are given
in Annex ZA. The changes in the main text are indicated with lines along the margins.
The summary of changes from the 2007 edition is as follows:
(a) Revision to the scope and definitions;
(b) Revision to the performance requirements, requirements for access and egress, playground
layout, maintenance and installation;
(c) Inclusion of embankment slides, vertical rotating equipment and horizontal rotating equipment;
(d) Additional figures.
The revision brings the standard up-to-date and makes it more comprehensive by incorporating
recommendations made in the latest ASTM F 1487.
In preparing this standard, reference was made to the Code on accessibility in the built environment,
Building and Construction Authority.
Acknowledgement is made for the use of information from the above publications.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this Singapore Standard may be the
subject of patent rights. Enterprise Singapore shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all of
such patent rights.
NOTE
1. Singapore Standards (SSs) and Technical References (TRs) are reviewed periodically to keep abreast of technical
changes, technological developments and industry practices. The changes are documented through the issue of either
amendments or revisions.
2. An SS or TR is voluntary in nature except when it is made mandatory by a regulatory authority. It can also be cited in
contracts making its application a business necessity. Users are advised to assess and determine whether the SS or TR
is suitable for their intended use or purpose. If required, they should refer to the relevant professionals or experts for advice
on the use of the document. Enterprise Singapore shall not be liable for any damages whether directly or indirectly suffered
by anyone or any organisation as a result of the use of any SS or TR.
3. Compliance with a SS or TR does not exempt users from any legal obligations.
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Specification for playground equipment for public use1
0 Introduction
0.1 This consumer safety performance specification establishes nationally recognized safety
standards for public playground equipment to address injuries identified by the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC).
0.2 During 1999 the CPSC estimated that about 156 000 victims were treated in U.S. hospital
emergency rooms for injuries associated with public playground equipment. About three fourths of these
injuries resulted from falls, primarily to the surface on which the equipment was located. Other hazard
patterns involved impact by swings and other moving equipment and contact with protrusions, crush or
shear points, and sharp edges. Fatalities reported to the CPSC resulted from falls; entanglement of
clothing or similar items on equipment; entanglement in ropes tied to or caught on equipment; head
entrapment; impact by equipment that tipped over or otherwise failed; and impact by moving swings.
This consumer safety performance specification does not eliminate the need for supervision of children
on public playground equipment. It is intended to minimize the likelihood of life-threatening or debilitating
injuries, such as those identified by the CPSC.
0.3 There has been significant harmonization of this performance specification and CAN/CSA-
Z614.
1 Scope
1.1 This consumer safety performance specification provides safety and performance standards
for various types of public playground equipment. Its purpose is to reduce life-threatening and
debilitating injuries.
1.2 The range of users encompassed by this consumer safety performance specification is the 5th
percentile 2-year-old through the 95th percentile 12-year-old.
1.3 Home playground equipment, toys, amusement rides, sports equipment, fitness equipment
intended for users over the age of 12, public use play equipment for children 6 to 24 months, and soft
contained play equipment are not included in this specification.
1.4 Products or materials (site furnishings) that are installed outside the equipment use zone, such
as benches, tables, independent shade structures, and borders used to contain protective surfacing,
are not considered playground equipment and are not included in this specification.
1.5 This specification does not address accessibility, except as it pertains to safety issues not
covered in the DOJ 2010 Standard for accessible design.
1 This consumer safety performance specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer
Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.29 on Playground Equipment for Public Use.
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2017. Published April 2017. Originally approved in 1993. Last previous edition
approved in 2011 as F1487 – 11. DOI: 10.1520/F1487-17.
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1.6 This consumer safety performance specification includes the following sections:
Title Section number
Scope 1
Referenced documents 2
Terminology 3
Materials and manufacture 4
General requirements 5
Performance requirements 6
Requirements for access/egress 7
Equipment 8
Playground layout 9
Accessibility 10
Installation 11
Structural integrity 12
Maintenance 13
Signs or labels, or both 14
Manufacturer identification 15
Keywords 16
Figures Annex A1
1.6.1 The requirements in this specification are designed to mitigate the hazards typically presented
by various types of equipment. New equipment may not specifically fit into the designated types listed
in the specification; however, the designer or manufacturer, or both, shall use professional judgment to
perform and document a hazard analysis and follow appropriate requirements to mitigate the hazards.
1.7 General measures, tolerances, and conversions:
1.7.1 The general tolerances for this specification (unless otherwise specified) are as follows:
Dimension Tolerance
X in. ±0.5 in.
X.X in. ±0.05 in.
[Link] in. ±0.005 in.
These tolerances still apply to a dimension even when terms like greater than, less than, minimum, or
maximum are used.
1.7.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in
parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only.
1.7.3 The conversion factor from inch-pound to metric units is 1 in. = 25.4 mm, and 1 lb = 0.45359 kg.
1.7.4 See Annex A1 for figures referenced throughout this specification.
1.7.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized
principles on standardization established in the decision on principles for the development of
international standards, guides and recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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2 Referenced documents
2.1 ASTM standards2
D2240 Standard test method for rubber property – Durometer hardness
F698 Standard specification for physical information to be provided for
amusement rides and devices
F846 Standard guide for testing performance of amusement rides and
devices
F853 Standard practice for maintenance procedures for amusement rides
and devices
F893 Standard guide for inspection of amusement rides and devices
F963 Standard consumer safety specification for toy safety
F1004 Standard consumer safety specification for expansion gates and
expandable enclosures
F1148 Standard consumer safety performance specification for home
playground equipment
F1159 Standard practice for design of amusement rides and devices that are
outside the purview of other F24 design standards
F1292 Standard specification for impact attenuation of surfacing materials
within the use zone of playground equipment
F1918 Standard safety performance specification for soft contained play
equipment
F1951 Standard specification for determination of accessibility of surface
systems under and around playground equipment
F2373 Standard consumer safety performance specification for public use
play equipment for children 6 months through 23 months
2.2 ANSI standards3
ANSI Z535.1 Safety color code
ANSI Z535.2 Environmental and facility safety signs
ANSI Z535.4 Products safety—Signs and labels
2 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, [Link], or contact ASTM Customer Service at
service@[Link]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard's Document
Summary page on the ASTM website.
3 Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
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2.3 Federal standards4
16 CFR Part 1303 Ban of lead-containing paint and certain consumer products bearing
lead-containing paint
16 CFR 1500 Hazardous Substances Act Regulations, including sections:
1500.48 Technical requirements for determining a sharp point in toys
and other articles intended for use by children under 8 years of age
1500.49 Technical requirements for determining a sharp metal or
glass edge in toys and other articles intended for use by children under
8 years of age
16 CFR Section Method for identifying toys and other articles intended for use by
1501 children under 3 years of age which present choking, aspiration or
ingestion hazards because of small parts
DOJ 2010 Standard for accessible design United States Department of Justice
(DOJ) 2010 Standard for accessible design: Title II (28 CFR 35) and
Title III (28 CFR 36)5
2.4 UL standard6
UL 969 Standard for safety: marking and labeling systems
2.5 CSA standard7
CAN/CSA-Z614 Children's playspaces and equipment
4 Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail
Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401.
5 Available free at: [Link]
6 Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Corporate Progress, 333 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062.
7 Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 178 Rexdale Blvd., Toronto, ON M9W1R3, Canada.
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