NPCAI Programs
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New Resources for CPSI’s introduced at NRPA Congress
On behalf of the tens of thousands of playground owner/operators who have and will continue to use the contents of Playground Safety Is No Accident as a guide for inspecting and maintaining safer playgrounds, we wish to inform everyone that the new and improved Fourth Edition is finally available.
Today’s playground safety needs are becoming more complex and inspectors need more information and tools to do a more effective and efficient job. Over the years we have identified specific needs from many CPSI’s who took the time to write the author and express their needs. This version includes many of these suggestions. There are a couple of personal stories explaining how the user utilized this book’s content to develop and implement their agency playground safety inspection and maintenance program. Since the last revision there have been several ASTMF1487 revisions and a major revision to the CPSC Handbook that required a complete review and rewriting of the entire text. One of the most important and comprehensive changes will be found in the playground safety compliance audit process. Steve Plumb and Ken Kutska collaborated on many changes and improvements to the old form that many CPSI’s are still using in Microsoft Excel® electronic format. The new form includes all new citation references.
The layout has been completely reformatted and the comprehensive audit process has been revised to reflect current compliance inspection or audit process requirements. The new process will identify non-compliant circumstances and utilizing the hazard risk assessment process as identified in the NRPA Certified Playground Safety Inspectors Course and the most current ASTM Standard and CPSC Handbook. The results of this assessment process will require the inspector to assign a risk assessment Safety Concern Priority. Upon completion of this initial process the inspector and/or playground owner has the responsibility to develop a plan of action necessary to address these deficiencies in priority order. This new form also provides a twenty (20) question section to begin the process of evaluating the entire playground for compliance to the minimum requirements for accessibility in accordance with the July 2004 ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines. It does not attempt to qualify a playground as
There is a new High Frequency Inspection Form which will help owner/operators track maintenance and inspection manpower for all types of surfaces. Today’s playground environment often includes many different types of surfacing systems in one site. Having this information can assist in the evaluation of these surface systems over time and help the owner make better purchasing and budgeting decisions for effective and efficient use of your limited resources necessary to maintain their playground safety surfacing in accordance with the ASTM F1487 standard.
Probably the most important and valuable aspect of the PSINA, 4th Edition is the companion CD included inside each book. The CD includes all playground safety related forms and inspections in Adobe format with fill-in fields for recording your actions. These forms can be then copied and stored for further use and reused over and over as needed. The user must have Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0 or higher to read and use these forms. Adobe Reader can be downloaded free from the Adobe Web Site. If the user has the Adobe Suite Software the user can create customized inspection forms and save them in specific site history electronic files plus many other things you may need in the future to improve your safety program. All CPSI Course participants now receive a free CD with all the Adobe PDF forms discussed in the book. The National Recreation and Park Association recommends purchase of Playground Safety Is No Accident, Fourth Edition before using the CD electronic forms because the book includes detailed instructions and other staff training materials for those using these forms who have less knowledge, skill, and experience with the forms used in previous editions of this book.
Additional CD’s can be purchased for $25 plus shipping and handling charges.
Other improvements to the book include a glossary of terms to help less experienced playground safety inspectors understand many of the playground terminology so important to the task at hand.
Thanks to the Park District Risk Management Association of Illinois there are two new sections. The first new section is from Monty Christiansen, NPSI Co-Founder, and principle author for PDRMA’s manuscript, Maintaining Child’s Play, which is the major resource document for their newly developed playground maintenance course. This section explains the maintenance needs assessment process. Playground inspections require a consistent, systematic and comprehensive approach to be effective. This section outlines the process to assist the inspector in applying an effective and efficient inspection and maintenance program.
Even with effective playground inspections and timely ongoing maintenance there will be problems. The action taken when a play component fails or when replacement of a damaged component becomes equally important. To assist with this dilemma the next new section suggests various options for taking play equipment out of service. This section was originally written by Steve Plumb, another primary contributor to PDRMA’s Maintaining Child’s Play manuscript. This section is intended to provide a wide array of options to responsibly take play equipment out of service. The options consider taking a piece of play equipment or an entire playground out of service for a very short period of time to considering options when more comprehensive repairs are required over an extended period of time. The goal of this section is to protect the users from injury and the equipment from further damage until the playground can be brought back into compliance.
PSINA has an expanded Appendix providing examples of others inspection forms. David Spease (
The contents of this book provide practical information concerning the subject matters covered. It is sold with the understanding that neither the IPSI, LLC, the publisher, author, contributing writers nor the agencies or organizations they may represent are rendering legal advice or other professional service. Both the law and professional standards and guidelines change regularly, and may vary from state to state and from one locality to another. You should consult a competent attorney in your state if you are in need of specific legal advice concerning any of the subjects addressed in this book.
Playground Safety Inspector Worksheets including the sample Playground Safety Compliance Audit and Inspection Forms are intended for voluntary use by anyone who has purchased a copy of Playground Safety Is No Accident to document playground equipment conditions at the time of inspection. Effort has been made to ensure the appropriateness of the forms in relation to best practices for inspecting playground equipment. However, Standards and Guidelines change from time to time and the final determination of the appropriate inspection practices and safety of playground equipment must be determined on a case-by-case basis. In addition, all manufacturer requirements must be strictly followed. Participants of the Certified Playground Safety Inspection Course who have attained CPSI status should, with practice and continued study, become skilled in applying their knowledge in conducting accurate and complete playground safety assessments according to their own frequency as determined by internal policy and procedures. NRPA, NPSI, and IPSI, LLC and the book contributors do not endorse or enforce use of these forms. No certification or “seal of approval” is granted or may be inferred by the IPSI, LLC the authors, its officers, agents, or employees.
That being said, the materials contained in this new edition of Playground Safety Is No Accident are as current as the information available in the ASTM F1487-07ae1 standard and the April 2008 revision of the U. S. CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook.
My web site is www.internationalplaygroundsafetyinstitute.com for credit card orders and I can arrange for purchase orders and invoices if they contact me via email. Thank You!
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Career Enhancing Playground Construction Training
A Three-Year Certification Program
Attend this course and you will learn
Elements of Playground Site Design ● Pre-Construction Procedures ● Job Site Safety ● Blueprints/Specifications ● Pre-Manufactured Equipment ● Installation Manuel ● Installation Techniques ● Job Tools & Materials ● Safety Surfacing ● Job Completion Procedures ● Standards, Guidelines for the Playground Industry ● In the field Installation Exercise
Learn the Real Dirt About Playground Construction
The Playground Construction School is a comprehensive course focusing on the knowledge and skills need to be an effective Playground Installer. The curriculum, written and field-tested by and for the International Playground Contractors Association, is a must for all persons involved in building playground equipment or working with Installers.
Un-Earth the World of Playground Construction
The Playground Construction School is not limited to playground contractors and installers. Attendees from municipal park departments have found the course most beneficial as they need to know what to look for when hiring playground contractors or inspecting newly installed play equipment and/or surfacing. You'll leave with more than knowledge, skills, and resources about playgrounds.
Dig Deep for Value Gained by Attending
- Playground Construction School Curriculum - You'll receive a comprehensive Playground Construction School Curriculum including space for notes, an in-depth summary of the classes, notes from power point presentations, and suggested readings.
- Resource Network - A valuable benefit of attending the Playground Construction School is the personal networking opportunities.
- Certification - By completing the entire course, you are eligible for the playground Construction School Certification that is applicable to use for the Qualified Contractors Program with the International Playground Contractors Association.
- An Amazing Team of Playground Professional.
The Playground Construction School sessions are taught by playground safety experts reflecting the many facets of playground development: manufacturers, and professional playground installers with over 150 years of combined experience available for you. As a benefit of attending the Playground Construction School, you'll get expert advice for your toughest and most-unique playground challenges. At specified times during the school, you'll have the opportunity to share your concerns one-on-one with our playground safety experts and receive suggestions for change.
November 6-8, 2013 - St. Louis, MO
Click here for registration application.
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The next playground construction school is being planned for November in Houston, TX. Details will be posted soon.
The Playground Construction School is not limited to playground contractors and installers. Attendees from municipal park departments have found the course most beneficial as they need to know what to look for when hiring playground contractors or inspecting newly installed play equipment and/or surfacing. Playground equipment representatives and surfacing sales representatives need to know about installation to better communicate with their customers.Knowing the procedures of playground installations is educational to landscape architects planners and designers as well.
Call Today 1-888-908-9519 or e-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. @playground-contractors.org
Click for Feedback from past attendees -
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International Playground Contractors Association (NPCAI) Membership & Qualified Contractors Application
Print and Complete
Organization Name__________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address_____________________________________________________________________________________
City______________________________________________ State________________ Zip ________________________
Telephone_____________________________________________ Toll Free_____________________________________
Fax ________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________
Website____________________________________________________________________________________________
Business Type: ____ Sole Proprietor ____ Corporation _____ Partnership
Are you licensed to do business in your City/State? ____ Yes _____ No
Names & Emails of Owner(s), Partners(s), or Officer(s) of Organization________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Names & Emails of persons authorized to represent your Organization with NPCAI _______________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Membership Level:
- General Membership ________ $250.00 (annually) (Playground Contractors, Installers, Sub-contractors, Playground Safety Inspectors, Insurance Underwriters, etc.) Offer basic listing and listing basic listing on website, alpha listing in Directory and Buyer’s Guide member access to website, limited discount on playground construction school (5), and full access to membership benefits.
- Manufacturers Membership ________$750.00 (annually) (Industry Related, Suppliers, Fabricators, etc.) Manufacturing membership offers listing in manufacturing, full access on website, Directory and Buyer’s Guide listing and unlimited discounts on the Playground Construction School and full access to membership benefits.
Program Type:
- Qualified Playground Contractor ________ $350.00 (annually) (must be a member to participate in this program & include license*s) in states that you service in. (must be a member to participate in this program & include license, insurance, and NPSI certificate) copies are required. Offers Qualified Playground Contractor listing with use of logo and listing under website for Qualified Contractors with section of Qualified Playground Contractor in member’s directory and Buyer’s Guide, (10) discounts on the Playground Construction School and full access to membership benefits.
State(s) Licensed in: (must be current) _______, _______, _______, _______, _______, _______, _______, _______,
_______,_______,_______,_______,_______,_______,_______,_______,_______,_______,_______,_______,_______,
Please submit this application with the following (all items must be received before qualified contractor status can be achieved)
Copies are required and must be current.
- Application Fee
- Copy of Liability Insurance Certificate
- Copy of Workers Compensation Certificate
- Copy of National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI) certification
- Copy of Applicable Contractors Licenses for states listed above if required
- Listing of certification programs completed for independent playground manufacturers
- Business Card and Letterhead on file
- Photographs and detailed (address, telephone #’s, and contact) site listing of three current jobs
What type or style of equipment does your organization typically work with. (in-ground field structures, soft modular,
residential wood units, aquatic playgrounds, safety surfacing, etc.)?
Please list______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you sell playground equipment? □ Yes (if, yes which manufacturers?) □ No
____________________, ____________________, ____________________, ___________________, ____________
How many play structures has your organization constructed in the past 12 months? ___________________
Are you willing to serve on an association committee? □ Yes □ No
Are you willing to serve on the Board of Directors? □ Yes □ No
As a supporter of the NPCAI, what are the biggest concerns about the playground industry facing your organization?
- _______________________________________________________________________________________
- _______________________________________________________________________________________
- _______________________________________________________________________________________
I hereby make application for a membership in the International Playground Contractors Association on the basis of
the foregoing statements. I certify that the foregoing statements are correct. I will support the mission statement of the
International Playground Contractors Association as long as I continue as a member. Member’s dues are per
calendar year, payable in advance. Cancellation of membership requires written notice within 10 days of renewal.
We do accept Visa and MasterCard for payment and a $3.95 processing fee is applied.
Payment Method:
□ Check # _____________________ □ Credit Card # __________________________________ Exp: __________
Firm Name ______________________________________________________________________________________
Name _________________________________________________ Title_____________________________________
Signature ______________________________________________ Date _____________________________________
For a twelve month membership, enclose checks payable to NPCAI:
We do accept Canadian checks.
International Playground Contractors Association (NPCAI)
Post Office Box 2364, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110-2364
Toll Free: 1-888-908-9519 · Fax: 801-355-2788
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web: www.playground-contractors.org
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GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM & ERRORS AND OMISSIONS
Don’t Let Your Insurance Coverage Slide!
Struggling with obtaining enough insurance to meet your contract needs?
If you’re a U.S. member of the International Playground Contractors Association (NPCAI), Western Heritage makes getting insurance child’s play.
The Playground Equipment Installation program, which comes with your NPCAI membership, offers a deluxe set of features including:
- A nonauditable policy
- General Liability (occurrence form)
- Available Errors & Omissions Coverage for Playground Safety Inspectors
- Quick turnaround for certificates
- Competitive Rates
- No deductibles
- $3,500 minimum premium
Don’t money around – grab hold of the most comprehensive insurance around the Western Heritage’s Playground Equipment Installation Program.
You won’t find this all –inclusive package anywhere else. Play it safe- apply today.
For more information, please contact
Steve Carraway
Phone: 765-534-3152
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You can download our application here
Insurance Testimonials:
Just a note to let you know what a GREAT job Steve Carraway is doing. We are very fortunate to have someone like him assisting the members with their insurance needs. Every year it seems to get more complicated and his 25+ years in the business are invaluable.
Joining the NPCAI was the best thing we've ever done! - Karen M. Hickman, Progressive Playgrounds, Inc. 2-2011.
NPCAI WORKER’S COMPENSATION PROGRAM
Ascension Insurance Inc. is a specialized insurance brokerage offering property & casualty, employee benefits and risk management services to privately-owned and small and mid-cap publicly traded businesses, as well as non-profits, municipalities and individuals. We bring a combination of sophisticated national resources and specialized industry expertise to clients through the Ascension agencies throughout the U.S. This combination of national resources delivers the best combination of insurance coverage, service and price, and helps our clients to address the needs of their businesses and employees.
The NPCAI Worker’s Compensation Program is a members benefit program.
Applications are available by calling Ascension Insurance Agency at 1-800-482-3461 or contact Millie Wood at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Ascension Insurance Agency, Inc., workers compensation program are offered through a Fortune 100 carrier that has been protecting the financial future of American for over 200 years, and has been listed as one of Forbes Magazine’s Most Reputable Companies (2008). This industry leader consistently drives aggressive investment in Worker’s Compensation product enhancements, helping to ensure the long-term protection of your employees when they suffer an injury.