ASTM targets standard for synthetic turf used in playgrounds

Conshohocken, Pennsylvania – ASTM International is developing a proposed standard that will cover the specification, purchase, installation, and maintenance of synthetic turf for playground surfacing.

Work on the standard is being led by ASTM’s sports equipment, playing surfaces, and facilities committee (F08), according to a 24 March announcement.

“Synthetic turf has been used on athletic fields since the 1960s but in more recent years for playground surfacing as well,” ASTM member Jeff Mrakovich explained in the statement.

“Although there are no standards specifically for turf used on playgrounds, there are plenty of standard test methods in use on athletic fields,” added Mrakovich, who is director of technical product compliance at Playcore.

Athletic field tests, he noted, are also relevant for playgrounds: characterising synthetic turf in terms of durability, flammability, presence of toxic substances and drainage capability.

“The proposed guide will help consumers know what to ask for when buying a synthetic turf product for their playground,” continued Mrakovich,

Use of synthetic turf can save millions of litres of water each year and eliminates the need for pesticides, fertilissrs, fungicides, and herbicides which are used to maintain grass, he added.

Interested parties are invited to join in the development of this proposed standard (WK93750), with current ASTM members working on related subcommittees particularly encouraged to get involved.