The National Playground Safety Institute: the most commonly asked questions answered! - Cover Story

Parks & Recreation, April, 1997 by Teri Hendy

The National Playground Safety Institute is beginning to make an impact on the safety of playgrounds, having certified over 3,500 playground safety inspectors in the past three years. Throughout the institute, the participants are asked to write questions or concerns down on note cards. These questions are then answered as the course work progresses. Following is a sampling of the typical questions and answers. If you are directly involved in the purchase, installation, inspection and maintenance of playground equipment, test yourself and see how many questions you can answer correctly. If you don't do very well, consider attending the safety institute. We look forward to expanding your knowledge of safe playgrounds.

What exactly is NPSI and who runs it?

The National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI) is a program of the NRPA. As the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods ever offered, it is the only course of its kind where the participants that successfully complete the course and exam receive "Playground Safety Inspector Certification." To receive this certification, participants are asked to study their course materials in advance and come prepared to participate in lectures, and hands-on experiences. The institute consists of l0 hours of training in preparation for the exam, given at the completion of the course. Persons not wishing to receive certification are welcome to attend the training and do not have to sit for the exam. An executive board representing a broad range of professionals from the parks and recreation, education and child development, landscape architecture, playground equipment manufacture and designer fields oversee the direction of the institute.

Where do I have to go to attend the institute?

The positive response to this program has been somewhat overwhelming. The largest institute is held at the National Congress for Recreation and Parks which will be held in Salt Lake City this coming October; this has always been a well-attended institute with over 150 participants. For the past two years NRPA has brought the institute to the local participants by hosting sites all over the United States through NRPA regional offices and state associations. For a complete up to date listing of all the institutes contact the NRPA NPSI office.

Who are those CPSIs?

To date the National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI) has trained and certified more than 3,500 Certified Playground Safety Inspectors. These inspectors, also known as CPSIs, are taking their work very seriously as they are charged with the task of making America's playgrounds safer for our most precious resource, our children. The playground safety institute has attracted people with diverse occupations such as concerned parents, park district directors, grounds maintenance supervisors, entry-level maintenance staff, playground monitors, risk managers, architects, playground designers, playground manufacturers, and school administrators and consultants. For many of the participants, receiving their certification has elevated their job status and responsibilities; some have seen their certification as a new business opportunity.

How long does my certification last?

The certification is good for three years. To be re-certified, it is not necessary to take the complete course again. Updated course materials may be purchased from NPSI and studied independently. You may then sit for the exam at one of the institute's sites by registering in advance.

Why is the certification good for only three years?

The playground industry is dynamic and continues to change every year as new products are introduced and as standards and guidelines which seem to be in a constant state of revision change. In order to ensure that our inspectors are up to date with current changes, it is necessary to limit the certification to three years.

How do I find a certified inspector to audit my playgrounds?

NRPA keeps a master list of all of the certified inspectors in your state. You may call the NRPA Safety Institute's office and request an updated list of inspectors in your area.

Is there a law that says that my playgrounds must comply with certain standards and guidelines?

To date there is no federal law that mandates compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Guidelines and the American Standards for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1487-95 Standard for Public Playground Equipment. The CPSC Guideline is consumer oriented and contains recommendations only. The ASTM Standard, which is more technical in nature, is a voluntary performance standard for public playground equipment. California has mandated compliance with these standards, Texas recommends "substantial" compliance and North Carolina's state regulations for daycare centers are based on the recommendations of these guidelines. Many states are in the process of drafting legislation that would mandate compliance. Experience in the courts has shown that the guidelines and standards have been accepted by the public as the standard of care for the industry.