8VAC20-780-330: Play areas

A. Playgrounds shall be located and designed to protect children from hazards.

B. Where playground equipment is provided, resilient surfacing shall comply with minimum safety standards when tested in accordance with the procedures described in the American Society for Testing and Materials standard F1292-99 as shown in Figures 2 (Compressed Loose Fill Synthetic Materials Depth Chart) and 3 (Use Zones for Equipment) on pages 6-7 of the National Program for Playground Safety's "Selecting Playground Surface Materials: Selecting the Best Surface Material for Your Playground," February 2004, and shall be under equipment with moving parts or climbing apparatus to create a fall zone free of hazardous obstacles. Fall zones are defined as the area underneath and surrounding equipment that requires a resilient surface. A fall zone shall encompass sufficient area to include the child's trajectory in the event of a fall while the equipment is in use. Falls zones shall not include barriers for resilient surfacing. Where steps are used for accessibility, resilient surfacing is not required.

C. Ground supports shall be covered with materials that protect children from injury.

D. Swing seats shall be constructed with flexible material.

1. Exceptions: Nonflexible molded swing seats may be used only in a separate infant or toddler play area.

2. Swings made specifically for a child with a special need shall be permitted in any area as long as a staff member is positioned to see and protect other children who might walk into the path of the swing.

E. Sandboxes with bottoms which prevent drainage shall be covered when not in use.

F. A shady area shall be provided on playgrounds during the months of June, July, and August.

EXCEPTION: The requirements of this section shall not prohibit child day programs providing care for school-age children at a location that is currently approved by the Department of Education or recognized as a private school by the State Board of Education for school occupancy and that houses a public or private school during the school year from permitting school-age children to use outdoor play equipment and areas approved for use by students of the school during school hours.