B.2.5 Test fixtures Two templates are required to determine if completely bounded openings in rigid structures present an entrapment hazard. These templates can easily be fabricated from cardboard, plywood, or sheet metal. B.2.5.1 Small torso template The dimensions (see Figure B3 and Figure B4) of this template are based on the size of the torso of the smallest user at risk (5th percentile 6-month-old child for Figure B3 and 2year-old child for Figure B4). If an opening is too small to admit the template, it is also too small to permit feet first entry by a child. Because children’s heads are larger than their torsos, an opening that does not admit the small torso template will also prevent head first entry into an opening by a child. B.2.5.2 Large head template The dimensions (see Figure B5) of this template are based on the largest dimension on the head of the largest child at risk (95th percentile 5-year-old child). If an opening is large enough to permit free passage of the template, it is large enough to permit free passage of the head of the largest child at risk in any orientation. Openings large enough to permit free passage of the large head template will not entrap the chest of the largest child at risk. B.2.5.3 Completely bounded openings with unlimited depth B.2.5.3.1 Test procedure Step 1: Select the appropriate small torso template based on the intended users of the playground (Figure B3 for toddler playgrounds, Figure B4 for preschooland school-age playgrounds). Step 2: Identify all completely bounded openings. Step 3: Attempt to place the small torso template in the opening with the plane of the template parallel to the plane of the opening. While keeping it parallel to the plane of the opening, the template should be rotated to its most adverse orientation (i.e., major axis of template oriented parallel to the major axis of the opening.) Step 4: Determine if the small torso template can freely pass through the opening. No: Pass. Stop Yes: Continue Step 5: Place the large head template in the opening, again with the plane of the template parallel to the plane of the opening, and try to insert it through the opening. Pass: The large head template can be freely inserted through the opening Fail: The opening admits the small torso template but does not admit the large head template. Handbook for Public Playground Safety 52
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