Peabody, Massachusetts. Effective this year, all play areas intended for use by children 2 and older must comply with the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act, which states that surfaces under and around playground areas must be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure continued compliance with ASTM F1951 standard, and that surfaces located within playgrounds comply with ASTM F1292.

TÜV SÜD America, part of the global TÜV SÜD testing, inspection, and certification organization, validates a manufacturer's conformance to the ASTM F1951 Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment, as well as F1292 Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment. TÜV SÜD America is also the contracted third-party laboratory of IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association), which provides Product Certification Services for U.S. and Canadian public play equipment and play surfacing materials. "The implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act now requires that all children, regardless of ability, can participate in, and enjoy the value associated with play," stated Keith Shelton, Manager of Certification, Playgrounds and Children's Products at TÜV SÜD America. " As IPEMA's third-party validating laboratory, the staff at TÜV SÜD America can provide comprehensive testing to both of these standards, as well as educate companies in their pursuit of IPEMA Certification," concluded Mr. Shelton.

For more information on how TÜV SÜD America can assist with your testing needs, visit http://tuvamerica.com/industry/consumer/toys.cfm.

Media Relations:

For more information, contact:

Keith G. Shelton

Manager- Certification, Playgrounds and Children's Products

TÜV SÜD America Inc.

734.455.4841

kshelton@tuvam.com

For editorial information, contact:

Vanessa Ashton
Marketing Communications Specialist

TÜV SÜD America Inc.
978.573.2564
vashton@tuvam.com

About TÜV SÜD Group

TÜV SÜD is a major international service group operating in the INDUSTRY, MOBILITY, and CERTIFICATION business segments. With 14,000 staff, we are represented at over 600 locations worldwide. Our teams of specialists are engaged in optimizing technology, systems, and know-how, and thus act as process partners, enhancing the competitive strength of our customers throughout the world.

About TÜV SÜD America Inc.

TÜV SÜD America Inc., a subsidiary of TÜV SÜD AG, is a leading globally recognized testing and certification organization. TÜV SÜD's Product Service Division offers international safety testing and certification services. With over 600 experts in North America, TÜV SÜD offers America NRTL and SCC Certification, CB Scheme Certification, Field Evaluations, SEMI Evaluations, and other Industrial Machinery Services. Additional services include Restricted Substances services, CE Marking assistance, International Compliance, EMC/Environmental Testing, and Quality Management System Certification. TÜV SÜD also provides CE Marking assistance for the European market, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Electrical & Mechanical testing, and many additional global conformity assessment services that help companies gain product compliance in order to enter individual country markets. For more information, visit www.TUVamerica.com.