How to Accurately Check the LIAS Depth
To check the LIAS depth, either following installation, or to determine what topping-up quantity is required, as part of the ongoing maintenance programme, the following procedure is recommended:
- Carefully excavate the LIAS material, down to the membrane separator, using a garden spade or similar tool.
- Ensure that the excavated material is put into one heap.
- Lay a straight edge, of at least 1 metre long, across the hole.
- Carefully measure the vertical distance from the bottom of the straight edge, to the surface of the membrane separator.
- Record measured depth.
- Backfill the hole and firm down excavated material to the existing LIAS level.If the hole is not properly backfilled, this could become a safety hazard, causing children to trip and fall.
- Using the same procedure as above, take a number of measurements throughout the play area.
- From the series of measurements taken, together with the recommended spreading depths given in the individual specifications from the 'Melcourt' brands of LIAS, it will be possible to determine what topping-up is required, if any, to ensure that the LIAS is of sufficient depth to provide adequate impact absorbtion for the given maximum fall height.