Playground Safety Inspections
Playground equipment and outdoor fitness equipment BS EN 1176, BS EN 1177 & BS EN 16630:2015
The Health & safety Excecutive & the British & European Standards strongly recommend that all play areas have at least one inspection a year by a suitably qualified and experienced competent person, such as our Engineer Surveyor
ANNUAL PLAYGROUND INSPECTIONS
OPERATIONAL PLAYGROUND INSPECTIONS
Operational playground inspections are carried out monthly or quarterly, depending on comprehensive risk assessment of the play area & equipment.
Operational playground inspections are detailed checks to assess:
- General Condition - wear & tears, signs of damage
- Performance - ensuring the equipment & surfaces are working as designed
- Overall cleanliness and tidiness of the equipment and play area
- Requirement for any maintenance or repair
Operational inspections are often carried out by site staff or an outside contractor with a reasonable knowledge of the euqipment & maintenance.
ROUTINE PLAYGROUND CHECKS
Routine checks are carried out weekly or daily, depending on the risk assessment.
They involve visual inspections of the equippment an play area to identify obvious hazards such as damage, vandalism, & wear, cleanliness and litter.
Routine checks are usually carried out by site staff.
It is recognised by the HSE that play is important for child development & well-being, and that the goal in planning & providing play opportunities is not to eliminated risk but to weigh up the risks & benefits.
Play opportunities should focus on controlling real risks, while securing or increasing the benefits, and that accidents and mistakes do happen during play.
Playground & Outdoor Fitness Equipment operators are expected to ensure effective risk management through an inspection regime that includes routine checks, operational inspections and at least one main inspection a year by an independent competent person.
Contact us to discuss how HWEC can help you maintain a safe play area and fulfil your duty care obligations:
