EWF_Installation_Spec.pdf

Installation for Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) to meet ADA Requirements

IPEMA believes that following the installation and maintenance recommendations below will result in greater accessibility and compliance with ADA requirements for EWF accessible surfacing under and around playground equipment. EWF accessible surfacing should meet the ASTM F1951 surface accessibility standard.

Request a copy of the manufacturer's ASTM F1951 surface testing report to confirm that the product meets the maneuverability performance requirements of the accessibility standard.

Installation:

1. Please visit the IPEMA website (www.ipema.org) to print a certificate showing the engineered wood fiber is IPEMA certified for ASTM F1292‐impact attenuation within the use zone of the playground equipment, F2075‐ sieve analysis, tramp metals and hazardous metals.

2. Prepare the site in accordance with the project engineer's directions and project specifications.

3. Install drainage as recommended by the manufacturer of the engineered wood fiber (EWF). Drainage installation is recommended to increase the life of EWF, reduce mold and fungus issues and help retain resiliency during cold temperatures. Different drainage systems are available. Pictured to the right is a typical gravel drainage model.

4. Installing one or more compliant ADA ramps into the play area is recommended to allow an accessible entrance to and from the play area.

5. Once drainage is installed, proceed to install the EWF at the recommended thickness per the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations. Be sure the surface is level & compacted.

Optional: To speed up the natural compaction process, once drainage is installed, install the EWF in layers, 6‐8" at a time. Rake, level and wet the surface before compacting with a mechanical compactor after each layer is installed. Change direction 90 degrees between each layer. Repeat these steps until the desired surface thickness is achieved.

6. In kick‐out areas, such as swings and slides, install wear mats on top of the EWF to prevent holes and to maintain a level surface. Be sure these mats are installed in such a way as they do not have an edge above the surface that wi l l create an accessibility issue. Tapered edges are recommended.

Note: This is a technical document and in no way is an endorsement for any particular surfacing. It is intended to assist the playground owner in making their playground a well‐ maintained and accessible area. It does not imply that an injury cannot occur. For more information about the IPEMA certification program, go to www.ipema.org.

Typical wear mats installed in kick‐out areas.

Maintenance for Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) to meet ADA Requirements Maintenance:

Maintaining your EWF surface is critical to keeping your surfacing ADA compliant. The frequency of the maintenance information below should be conducted in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations.

1. Visually inspect the entire playground area. Remove all foreign material (i.e. trash, tree branches, etc.).

2. Rake the EWF to keep the surface level and the thickness to the original recommended depth. A level surface is necessary for wheelchair access and compliance with ADA requirements. Wear mats can reduce or eliminate the need to rake the EWF in high traffic areas such as swings and slide exits. Be sure the transition between the wear mats and the EWF is level.

3. At accessible entrances onto the playground surface, ensure that the surface material, accessible route or the top of the access ramp is within ¼" of the top of the play area border. An ADA compliant access ramp into the play area will help reduce maintenance in this area.

4. In the highest use areas and around equipment footers, dig down to the subsurface or drain system and measure the depth of the EWF. Ensure that the depth is sufficient for the fall height of the structure or at the manufacturer's original recommended depth, whichever one is greater. Add EWF as necessary, level, wet and compact.

The use of markings on the play structure supports or on the containment barriers is also recommended as a means to ensure depth of surface is kept to original thickness.

5. Visually inspect all wear mats for tears, cracks and general wear. Add EWF around the wear mat to ensure a smooth transition from wear mat to surface.

Turn wear mats over periodically and add EWF beneath them to bring wear mats up to original grade.

6. Check the performance of the drain system by ensuring that water is flowing from a drain system outflow pipe immediately after rain. Also, make sure there is no standing water on the playground surface. It is important to have a functioning drainage system to improve EWF life expectancy and the resilience of the surfacing.

Note: This is a technical document and in no way is an endorsement for any particular surfacing. It is intended to assist the playground owner in making their playground a well‐maintained and accessible area. It does not imply that an injury cannot occur. For more information about the IPEMA certification program, go to www.ipema.org.