ASTM F3313-20 PDF Download

The impact attenuation of playground surfaces inside the use zone of playground equipment is measured using the ASTM F3313-20 standard test procedure. This test method's goal is to identify and gauge the installed playground surfaces' impact attenuation capabilities at the time of testing. It offers a consistent way to compare the performance of various surfaces and can be used as a guide when defining the impact attenuation specifications for a playground surface that has been installed.

The test procedure is particular to surfacing materials used in conjunction with playground equipment and simulates the collision of a child's head with the playground surface. It lays out guidelines for field testing and compares results with laboratory testing. The objective of the field test is to evaluate how well playground surfaces perform when used outside by kids ages 2 to 12.

When paired with information on head injuries, the impact attenuation test results can be used to calculate the relative risk of suffering a severe head injury as a result of a fall. It is crucial to remember that this test method does not determine the critical fall height for a playground surface that has been established and does not take into account additional elements that increase the risk of fall-related injuries. While adhering to this test technique may lower the probability of fatal falls and serious injuries, it cannot guarantee that no injuries or deaths will occur.