This handbook suggests safety guidelines for public playground equipment and describes various surfaces used under the equipment and possible injuries resulting from falls. The handbook is intended for use mainly by manufacturers, installers, school and park officials, and others interested in technical criteria for public playground equipment. Information and suggestions on what to look for and what to avoid are covered: (1) assembly, installation, and maintenance of equipment; (2) materials from which equipment is constructed; (3) strength of individual components and structures; (4) sharp points, corners, edges, and other safety hazards; (5) base configuration of rotating equipment; (6) moving impact of swings; (7) entrapment; (8) falls from equipment; and (9) safety guidelines for surfaces under playground equipment. (JD)