⚠️ Important Updates: The New CPSC Playground Safety Handbook Is Here

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released the newest version of its Public Playground Safety Handbook, and the changes are significant for anyone responsible for public or institutional play areas.

This update goes far beyond simple edits — it includes new guidance on equipment height limits, expanded use-zone spacing, revised surfacing depth and impact standards, and enhanced maintenance expectations for older playgrounds. The handbook also better aligns with ASTM F1487-21, the key industry standard that sets performance and design requirements for public playground equipment.

In plain terms, what passed a safety inspection a few years ago might not meet best practices today. Many playgrounds built before 2020 could now fall short in areas like surfacing attenuation, entrapment hazards, and fall-zone layout. The updated handbook also places much stronger emphasis on ongoing inspections, recognizing that aging materials, shifting surfacing, and worn hardware are leading causes of playground injuries.

For municipalities, schools, HOAs, and childcare centers, this update is a reminder that liability doesn’t wait for an accident. Staying current with federal safety guidance is essential for protecting children and the organization that operates the playground.

At Playground Inspections USA, we help you stay ahead of the curve. Our certified inspectors apply the latest CPSC, ASTM, ADA, and NPPS standards to every site we assess, identifying risks before they become costly problems.

Now is the ideal time to schedule your 2025 inspection and confirm your play areas meet the newest safety expectations.

📞 Call 215-990-6179 or visit playgroundinspectionsusa.com to book your professional inspection today.