What is HIC testing for playgrounds?
+–
HIC (Head Injury Criterion) testing measures the potential for head injury when a child falls from playground equipment onto the surfacing below. Along with GMAX testing, HIC is one of the two critical measurements in playground impact attenuation testing under ASTM F1292 and CSA Z614 standards. Our TRIAX Touch systems measure both HIC and GMAX values in a single drop test.
What is the difference between GMAX and HIC in playground surface testing?
+–
GMAX measures the maximum deceleration (in Gs) during an impact, while HIC calculates the duration and severity of deceleration to predict head injury risk. Both are required for ASTM F1292 compliance. A playground surface passes if GMAX is below 200 and HIC is below 1000. Our TRIAX Touch and GfactorGo systems measure these values accurately for playground inspectors and municipalities.
What is the difference between TRIAX Touch and GfactorGo?
+–
TRIAX Touch uses an electromagnet release system and measures up to 500 peak Gs. It can be used handheld or with a tripod for consistent, repeatable drops from up to 12 feet. It supports full HIC, GMAX, E-Missile, A-Missile, and swing seat testing. GfactorGo uses a mechanical drop, measures up to 200 peak Gs, and is not compatible with a tripod. GfactorGo is a great entry point for playground inspectors, while TRIAX Touch is best for teams with higher-volume testing needs.
Do I need the Pea Gravel Accelerometer Upgrade?
+–
If you will be testing pea gravel, crushed rock, engineered wood fibre, or other loose-fill playground surfacing, yes. An upgraded accelerometer is required for accurate HIC and GMAX readings on those materials. We recommend adding it to your order if loose-fill surfaces are part of your playground testing program.
Are there any duty or import fees on playground testing equipment?
+–
No. We are a Canadian distributor based in Edmonton, Alberta, so there are no duty or import fees on any of our playground inspection supplies or impact testing equipment. The quoted price is what you pay, plus shipping within Canada.
How fast is shipping for playground inspection supplies?
+–
We ship playground testing equipment and inspection supplies directly across Canada from our Canadian location. Delivery times vary by province, but we prioritize fast turnaround. Contact us for an estimated delivery date to your area in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, or anywhere in Canada.
Do you offer product support and calibration guidance?
+–
Yes. We provide setup guidance, calibration advice, and ongoing product support for all TRIAX Touch and GfactorGo playground testing equipment we sell. Our team understands HIC and GMAX testing requirements and can help you get accurate, repeatable results.
Do you also offer playground inspection services?
+–
Yes. We provide CPSI-certified playground inspections, GMAX and HIC surface testing, sport field impact attenuation testing, and construction drawing reviews (Annex H compliance) across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Over 800 inspections completed annually.
What playground inspection supplies do you carry besides impact testers?
+–
We carry a full range of playground inspector tools including straightedges, depth gauges, drop test devices, E-Missiles, A-Missiles, pendulum swing seat testers, probes, and other CSA Z614 and ASTM compliant inspection equipment. Browse our full shop for the complete catalogue.
What standards do your testing systems support?
+–
Our TRIAX Touch and GfactorGo systems support testing under ASTM F1292 (impact attenuation of surfacing), ASTM F355 (shock-absorbing properties), CSA Z614 (children's play spaces and equipment), and other international playground safety standards. Results are accepted by municipalities, school boards, and regulatory bodies across Canada.
