What would you look for when you are inspecting a playground?

Routine inspection of playground areas include checking equipment for broken or missing pieces, cracks, rust or deterioration, and loose anchoring. As well as checking surfacing for debris, displacement, proper drainage and checking surrounding environment for trash, vandalism and modifications.

How often should outdoor play equipment be inspected?

Often performed quarterly or semi-annually, low frequency inspections are in-depth investigations of the equipment and surfacing looking for wear and tear. This inspection requires a staff member with mechanical knowledge and extensive knowledge about play equipment and surfacing standards.

How do you make a school playground safe?

Public Playground Safety Checklist

  1. Make sure surfaces around playground equipment have at least 12 inches of wood chips, mulch, sand, or pea gravel, or are mats made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like materials.
  2. Check that protective surfacing extends at least 6 feet in all directions from play equipment.

What is the role of Npps?

NPPS is guided by the following goals: To act as the clearinghouse for materials on playground safety. To educate the public on issues of playground safety and make information readily available.

What are safety features in a playground?

The safety features every playground needs to minimize these injuries include: Closed “S” hooks or “C” hooks. Covered bolts or bolts with minimal exposure past the nut (no more than two threads) Ropes secured at the top and bottom with minimal slack, to avoid forming a loop or noose.

How often should outdoor play areas be checked for defects?

The HSE and British and European Safety Standard BS EN 1176 strongly recommend that all play areas have at least one inspection every year carried out by an independent suitably qualified specialist.

When should I replace playground equipment?

Typically, you should consider replacing your playground equipment every eight to ten years after the installation date. Most playground equipment that are inspected regularly and maintained properly can last for up to a decade without any issues. However, poorly maintained equipment cannot go past five years.

What makes a playground safe?

Safe surfaces. A good playground should have surfaces that will absorb impacts and make walking, running, and jumping easier on your child. Look for surfaces such as wood chips, sand, shredded rubber, and mulch. Grass and dirt may seem impact-absorbing, but can be just as unsafe as asphalt or concrete.

Who published the National Action Plan for playground safety?

National Action Plan for the Prevention of Playground Injuries. National Program for Playground Safety, School of HPELS, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0618 ($3).

Where can I get a free playground safety inspection checklist?

Get your free playground safety inspection checklist from certified playground inspectors. A quick guide to keep your playground equipment and surfacing safe,with an easy downloadable pdf.

Who are SafePlay playground Services Ltd?

We are Safeplay Playground Services Ltd, a company dedicated to playground inspections, installations, refurbishment of equipment and playground maintenance in London and the South East of England. We work with housing associations, councils and schools who value our experience, knowledge and project management skill.

Where is SafePlay inspection services located?

Safeplay Inspection Services Inc. 82 Bush Dr . Vaughan , Ontario . L4H 1H3 Tel: 416-402-4957 Email: [email protected] Certified Playground Inspections, Safety Surface Attenuation Testing and Consulting Services

What is a playground inspection and why is it important?

The primary purpose of a playground inspection is to ensure that they present safe play conditions and that appropriate measures are being taken to reduce the risk of injury to children and other occupants. Having an effective checklist is only one of many factors for adequate playground safety.