About Our Tests
Each system is validated through independent laboratory testing for PFAS compounds (EPA Method 1633), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ASTM F3496), and heavy metal content (EN 71-3). These surfaces are formulated to contain no detectable PFAS at standard laboratory thresholds, meet PAH safety standards, and comply with heavy metal migration requirements equivalent to toy industry regulations, providing schools, parks, and municipal facilities with resilient, safe, and easy-to-maintain playground surfacing solutions.
Testing & Compliance
TPV/EPDM Poured Rubber Systems
Testing samples, which included both the SBR cushion layer and wear surface, were analyzed for three critical safety categories—PFAS compounds, PAHs, and heavy metals.
Laboratory results indicated no detectable PFAS or PAH presence in either component, with heavy metal migration levels falling within toy industry safety thresholds.
EPA Method 1633 (PFAs Analysis)
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What it evaluates: Tests for an extensive range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," within surfacing materials.
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Why it's important: Demonstrates that PFAS compounds are not detected above minimal laboratory reporting thresholds—providing assurance of safer recreational spaces and confidence for purchasers.
Test Results:
- TPV/EPDM wear layer/binder: Laboratory analysis of 40 PFAS compounds yielded non-detect (ND) results at exceptionally low reporting thresholds (parts-per-billion in solid materials).
- SBR cushion: Identical EPA 1633 protocol applied; all PFAS compounds returned ND results across the entire testing panel.
ASTM F3496 (PAH Assessment / "PAH8")
- What it evaluates: Identifies eight priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—compounds associated with incomplete combustion processes.
- Why it's important: Validates that PAH concentrations remain at or below established safety benchmarks, supporting responsible material choices for spaces where children play.
Test Results:
- TPV/EPDM wear layer/binder: Both TPV and EPDM colored wear layers demonstrate acceptable PAH concentrations per the passing benchmark of ≤20 mg/kg.
- SBR cushion: Evaluated against the same standard utilizing a ≤20 mg/kg total PAH8 threshold; achieved overall PASS.
Heavy Metal Analysis (EN 71-3, Category III "scraped-off")
- What it evaluates: Employs toy industry testing protocols to measure the potential migration of heavy metals (such as lead or cadmium) from the surface material.
- Why it's important: Verifies minimal risk of metal leaching from playground surfaces—meeting rigorous safety standards designed for children's products.
Test Results:
- TPV/EPDM wear layer/binder: Complies with rigorous toy industry migration thresholds for elements including lead, cadmium, chromium, and others (PASS).
- SBR cushion: Assessed using EN 71-3 protocol; achieved overall PASS designation.
The Significance of These Tests
- PFAS analysis screens for persistent "forever chemicals." ND results indicate the laboratory detected no presence above minimal detection thresholds in either system component.
- EN 71-3 applies toy-safety leaching protocols; PASS designation confirms minimal potential for metal migration from the surface material.
- PAH8 screening validates that materials meet the commonly applied threshold for playground surfaces regarding these combustion-related compounds.
Compliance and Standards ASTM International
ASTM publishes standards regarding playground surfaces. The following are those that our company meets or exceeds for our installed systems.
To learn more, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org
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ASTM F1292 - Critical Fall Height Impact Attenuation
This standard establishes a test procedure to determine the critical fall height for the impact attenuation of playground surfacing materials installed within the use zone of playground equipment.
ASTM F2075 – Engineered Wood Fiber Playground Surfacing
This standard defines the test procedure to classify a product as Engineered Wood Fiber. The surfacing must pass ASTM-1292 for impact, meet a certain particle size, pass a hazardous metals test and a tramp metal test.
ASTM F1951 – Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment
This standard defines the test procedure to test for firmness and stability to make sure the surfacing is accessible.
ASTM F3012 – Loose Fill Rubber Playground Surfacing
This standard defines the test procedure to classify a product as Loose Fill Rubber. The surfacing must pass ASTM-1292 for impact, meet a certain particle size, pass a sharp and tramp metal test.
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ASTM F3351 – Specified Fall Height Impact Attenuation
This standard defines the test procedure to test a surface for impact attenuation at a specified height..
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ASTM F3313 – Field Test at a Specified Fall Height Impact Attenuation
This standard defines the test procedure to test a surface for impact attenuation at a specified height in the field.
F2479 – Guide Specification for Poured in Place Rubber Surfacing
ASTM also publishes Guides (verses a full ASTM Standard). This guide defines what the characteristics should be for poured in place rubber surfacing, such as passing ASTM-1292, 1951 and other durability requirements.
Compliance and Standards IPEMA
IPEMA's independent certification program tests products to specific ASTM surfacing standards.
You can search for specific IPEMA certifications via the website, www.ipema.org
Compliance and Standards
Accessibility
The Department of Justice (DOJ) 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design provides guidance on the law requiring accessible routes within a playground, which must pass ASTM F1951 Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under or Around Playground Equipment) and ASTM 1292 Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment.
Compliance and Standards
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (“CPSC” or “Commission”) Public Playground Safety Handbook was first published in 1981 under the name A Handbook for Public Playground Safety. The recommendations in the Handbook are focused on playground-related injuries and mechanical mechanisms of injury; falls from playground equipment have remained the largest single hazard pattern associated with playground use. Maintaining the focus on falls, the Handbook’s surfacing recommendations are based on the surfacing material’s energy absorbing effectiveness.