Playpens Regulations (SOR/2018-186)

1 The following method is to be used for testing the deflection of a playpen’s sides:

• (a) assemble the playpen according to the manufacturer’s instructions, omitting any attachments that could interfere with the conduct of the test;

• (b) with no load placed on the playing surface, gradually apply a vertical force of 220 N downwards to a location that measures 50 mm on the upper surface of the top rail of a side where the application of the force is likely to cause the top rail to deflect, then maintain the force for 10 seconds;

• (c) remove the force and measure the distance between the lowest point on the upper surface of the top rail and the playing surface;

• (d) repeat the steps set out in paragraphs (b) and (c) at all the other locations on the upper surface of the top rail where the application of the force is likely to cause the top rail to deflect;

• (e) repeat the steps set out in paragraphs (b) to (d) for all the other top rails of the playpen;

• (f) identify a location that measures 50 mm on the upper surface of a top rail where the application of force is likely to cause the top rail to deflect;

• (g) place on the playing surface a wooden block that has a square base that measures 152 mm × 152 mm so that the centre of the side of the block that is closest to the top rail is aligned on a vertical axis with the centre of the identified location;

• (h) place a load of 4.5 kg on the centre of the wooden block;

• (i) gradually apply a vertical force of 130 N downwards to the location identified in paragraph (f) and then maintain the force for 10 seconds while measuring the distance between the playing surface and the identified location;

• (j) repeat the steps set out in paragraphs (f) to (i) at all the other locations on the upper surface of the top rail where the application of the force is likely to cause the top rail to deflect; and

• (k) repeat the steps set out in paragraphs (f) to (j) for all the other top rails of the playpen.

2 The following method is to be used for testing the strength of a side of a playpen that has a hinge:

• (a) assemble the playpen according to the manufacturer’s instructions, omitting any attachments that could interfere with the conduct of the test, and place the playpen against a wall or in a test device that holds the playpen at a 45° angle from the horizontal;

• (b) gradually apply, over a period of five seconds, a force of 445 N to a location that measures 50 mm on the upper surface of a top rail that is as close to the centre of the top rail as possible and in a direction that is 45° to the playing surface and towards the interior of the playpen, and maintain the force for 10 seconds; and

• (c) repeat the step set out in paragraph (b) for all the other top rails of the playpen.