Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Practice Exam

For sliding poles not accessed from platforms, the fall height is the distance between a point ___ the highest point of the pole and the protective surfacing.

1. directly above

2. 60 inches above

3. below

4. at

The correct answer is: directly above

For sliding poles that are not accessed from platforms, the fall height measurement is taken from a point directly above the highest point of the pole down to the protective surfacing. This method ensures that the measurement accurately reflects the potential fall distance a user might experience while using the slide. Taking the measurement from directly above allows for a precise calculation of the fall height, which is essential in assessing whether the protective surfacing meets safety standards for shock absorption. In contrast, other choices do not effectively capture the true fall distance, as they either imply a specific height above or below the highest point of the pole rather than a direct vertical line. This precise delineation is critical for ensuring compliance with safety regulations in playground design.