If you are a landowner and/or responsible for a playground, you should be well aware that maintaining the safety of this kind of environment requires high levels of attention to detail and compliance with relevant rules and regulations. Whether found in a school or public place, playgrounds pose a significant range of safety risks that need to be proactively managed. Thorough playground inspections play a vital role in identifying and minimising these risks.
When it comes to how often playground inspections should be conducted, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The frequency of inspections ultimately varies on a number of factors and the inspection schedule must be tailored to each playground’s unique circumstances to be effective. To help you get a better understanding of the requirements for your own space, we have compiled all of the key information you need to be aware of in this guide.
Why Are Playground Inspections Important?
Understanding the importance of regular playground inspections is essential before diving into the inspection process itself. Playgrounds are mainly used by children, who are especially vulnerable to the potential hazards in these environments. Because of this, landowners and those responsible for playgrounds carry a duty of care to actively manage risks and maintain a safe space. Playground inspections are vital in your ability to fulfil this responsibility, as they assess the safety of equipment, surfacing, and surrounding areas to ensure they meet established safety standards.
One such standard is BS EN 1176, which sets out essential safety and quality requirements for playground equipment. While compliance with BS EN 1176 is not legally required, it’s highly recommended as it provides clear guidelines that significantly reduce the risk of accidents and liability. Conducting regular inspections according to these standards ensures that playgrounds not only meet safety benchmarks but also proactively address and resolve hazards before they pose a threat to users.
Types Of Playground Inspection
When working out how frequently your playground should be inspected, know that there are different types of checks which must be conducted. Each of these inspection types plays a different role in maintaining safety and a combination is typically necessary to ensure consistency and compliance.
The main types of playground inspection are:
- Routine Checks – Quick examinations intended to catch visible hazards such as broken glass or loose fastenings on equipment. These routine checks are generally carried out by staff or grounds staff on a daily or weekly basis to spot immediate issues that can be rectified with prompt attention.
- Operational Inspections – More thorough than routine checks, operational inspections assess the functionality of playground equipment, checking moving parts and structural integrity. In most cases, they are performed quarterly but a monthly inspection may be more appropriate in high-use areas.
- Annual Inspections – Comprehensive annual inspections should also be conducted to confirm that your playground abides by BS EN 1176. Yearly, an inspector will carefully examine every aspect of the playground, from equipment stability to surface quality, and provide you with a detailed report outlining any necessary maintenance or remedial work.
Factors Affecting The Recommended Frequency Of Your Playground Inspection
As we have already covered, there is no set answer when it comes to the recommended frequency of your routine and operational playground inspections. There are a number of factors that determine how frequently the safety of your playground should be scrutinized, and understanding these is key to ensuring a safe and fun environment for playground users.
1. Type & Volume Of Use
One of the most significant factors affecting the recommended frequency of a playground inspection is the type and volume of use. Wear and tear increases as usage does, so playgrounds with high foot traffic, such as those in public parks or schools, may need more frequent inspections and remedial work to keep equipment in good working condition. However, this is not to say that low-traffic playgrounds do not require inspection. Often these areas are most susceptible to unexpected damage such as weather damage or vandalism and therefore regular checks are still important.
2. Age & Condition Of Equipment
As a general rule of thumb, older playground equipment often requires more frequent inspections as it can be more susceptible to wear and damage. Equipment that is in a state of disrepair or shows signs of deterioration should be checked regularly to identify emerging hazards. However, if the age and/or condition of your playground is of high concern, then inspections should be more frequent to proactively manage safety risks.
3. Weather & Environmental Factors
Local weather conditions also play a role in how often playground inspections should be conducted. Playgrounds exposed to extreme weather, whether intense heat or heavy rain, experience naturally high levels of wear and tear and you may see accelerated degradation of your equipment. Should a significant weather event like a storm occur, it is highly recommended that you conduct an additional playground inspection to assess potential damage.
Next Steps For Those Responsible
For those responsible for grounds and playground maintenance, keeping up with inspection schedules and safety standards can be tricky. One of the most effective ways to ensure the safety of your playground is by enlisting the services of a professional. At Arborcure, we offer comprehensive playground inspection services, helping you to ensure that your space meets the relevant standards and remains a safe environment for children.
Our certified playground inspectors can work with you to conduct both routine and one-off playground inspections, identifying potential hazards before they become serious issues. We can also assess your playground to help you understand the risks posed by both your fixed equipment as well as fencing and the surrounding area, and how frequently the different types of playground inspection should take place for optimum safety. Reach out to us today to learn more.
