B.2.4 Entrapment B.2. .1 General Any completely-bounded opening (Figure B14) that is not bounded by the ground may be a potential head entrapment hazard. Even those openings which are low enough to permit a child’s feet to touch the ground present a risk of strangulation to an entrapped child, because younger children may not have the necessary intellectual ability and motor skills to withdraw their heads, especially if scared or panicked. An opening may present an entrapment hazard if the distance between any interior opposing surfaces is greater than 3.5 inches and less than 9 inches. If one dimension of an opening is within this potentially hazardous range, all dimensions of the opening should be considered together to fully evaluate the possibility of entrapment. The most appropriate method to determine whether an opening is hazardous is to test it using the following fixtures, methods, and performance criteria. These recommendations apply to all playground equipment, i.e., toddler, preschool-age, and school-age children. Fixed equipment as well as moving equipment (in its stationary position) should be tested for entrapment hazards. There are two special cases for which separate procedures are given: (1) completely-bounded openings where depth of penetration is a critical issue (see Figure B15) and (2) openings formed by flexible climbing components. Handbook for Public Playground Safety 51 Ground-bounded: Not subject to entrapment recommendations. Low entrapment High entrapment Figure B14. Examples of completely bounded openings Limiting Depth Figure B15. Completely bounded opening with limited depth
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