NPSI Certified Playground Safety Inspectors

SafePark has 4 Certified Playground Safety Inspectors on Staff:

• James (Jamey) Clark, CPSI #42578-0721
• Charles (Chuck) Froeming, CPSI #39092-0820
• Michael ScHmidt, CPSI #32058-818

A Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) has passed the National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI)’s examination and is in good standing with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The American Society for Testing and Materials  (ASTM) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are the safety standards used for this test. NRPA began the Safety Institute examinations in 1991 to promote the latest public playground industry standards and guidelines. The CPSI usually takes the two day NPSI course, which teaches how to use the ASTM 1487 and CPSC guidelines; how to identify playground hazards, how to address age appropriate and site planning concerns and how to establish a playground safety program. This type of safety program would encompass playground maintenance plans, risk management concerns, regular inspections and audits, teaching safety awareness, and maintaining documentation. Participants also study the different surfacing materials and learn of impact attenuation, head injury criteria, critical heights, fall heights, and use zones. The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) accessibility guidelines as set forth by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (ADAAG) are covered as well. In 2001, NPSI adopted the CPSI’s Professional Code of Practice to establish a written code of excellence for all Certified Playground Safety Inspectors. Violations of this Code, after a review process by the Executive Committee of NPSI, can mean a loss of certification.