Title Page

  • Document No.

  • Inspection Title

  • Client / Site

  • Conducted on

  • Prepared by

  • Signature

Introduction

Introduction

  • Priority 1 Have been requested to undertake an Operational Playground Inspection. Whilst there is no legal responsibility to provide an inspection and maintenance, playground managers have a legal duty (MHSWR 1999) and moral responsibility to take care for children using the site. This inspection will be carried out according to the recommendations set out in British Standard EN 1176-7. This inspection will look, in detail, at the equipment, vandalism and certain types of minor wear.

  • The safety of children on playgrounds does not depend solely upon the initial design of the site and the selection of equipment. The continued management and the provision of high quality inspection and maintenance programmes are essential if safe opportunities for children to play creatively are to be preserved.

Inspection

  • Inspections should cover the whole site, this includes pathways, fences, seats, bins and all other items that need to be checked.

Manufacturers Instructions

  • No playground equipment should be purchased without details of inspection and maintenance requirements. A note should be kept of the age of the equipment and a special inspection carried out before the expiry of the warranty.

Surfacing

  • Surfacing should be carefully checked for it's soundness. Economic impact absorbency tests should be available as part of the annual inspection if required.

Post-installation Inspections

  • New playgrounds and equipment should be carefully checked for compliance with claims, specifications and installation procedures before being accepted. Where only a single items is placed on a site, such inspections are uneconomic but can be carried out as part of an annual inspection since they will fall within warranty periods if there is anything wrong.

Legal Position

  • The various legal standards are not mandatory in the UK and therefore you are not breaking any laws by not undertaking inspections. However, if there is an accident on your site, your position is considerably weakened if you don't undertake such a regime. You should check with your insurance policy wording to see if there are any extra requirements. The various British and European Standards relating to playgrounds recommend a system of inspections to help ensure the safety of users. There should be an annual main inspection from a competent person, such as a RoSPA inspector, an operational inspection (quarterly) and regular routine / visual inspections (weekly).Where is site is is subject to frequent vandalism, daily checks should be considered.

Damages

  • It should be remembered that damages will only be awarded against you in a court where there is negligence on your behalf, although insurers may consider a payment under the terms of your cover without proof of negligence. If a child sustains an injury on a play area the courts will only award charges where it can be proved that it was a result of your negligence. Your inspection regime and records help to show that you are behaving responsibly and therefore are not likely to be considered negligent.

Playground Information

Safety Inspection Report

  • Photo of the playground:

  • Name of Site Owner:

  • Play Area:

  • Name of Inspector:

  • Company of Inspector:

  • Weather Conditions:

  • The present overall risk rating for this playground is:

Site Access

Site Access

  • Are all road barriers undamaged and securely fixed?

  • Are all road signs present and legible?

  • Are pathways in a good condition without any trip hazards?

  • Are pathways suitable for wheelchair access?

  • Are pathways free from weeds and overgrown planting?

  • Are any adjacent fences undamaged and not presenting a hazard?

  • Are there any other issues?

General Location

General Location

  • If applicable, are safety measures for nearby water in a good condition?

  • If applicable, is protection for electricity items in a good condition?

  • If applicable, are car parking safety measures in a good condition?

  • If applicable, are nearby trees in a good condition?

  • If applicable, have all hazardous planting which intrudes into the play area been removed?

  • Is the site and surrounding areas free from litter and debris?

  • Is the site and surrounding area free from animal fouling?

  • Is the site and surrounding area free from sharp objects?

  • Are there any other issues?

Ancillary Items

Ancillary Items

Gates and Dog Grids

  • Are all gates a different colour to the fencing?

  • Do all gates open and close properly (no faster than 5 seconds)?

  • Are all closing mechanisms working, in good condition, with no loose covers?

  • Is the gap either side of all gates no less than 12mm when in use?

  • Are all gates free from protrusions (bolts etc)?

  • If dog grids are present, are they securely fixed and clean underneath?

  • Is the vehicle access gate locked?

Fences and Hedges

  • Are all fences complete, undamaged and securely fixed?

  • Are any hedges in a good condition?

  • Are fences free from protrusions (bolts etc)?

Signs and Seats

  • Are all signs present, legible and securely fixed?

  • Are all seats and benches undamaged and in a good condition?

  • Is paint/ preservative in a good condition?

Litter Bins

  • Are litter bins complete and undamaged?

  • Are they securely fixed against movement?

  • Are any inserts locked against unauthorised movement?

  • Have the bins been emptied?

Other

  • Are all internal barriers secure and in a good condition?

  • Are internal paths and routes between items in a good condition?

  • If there are drains on site, are covers present and secure?

  • Is the general surface free from trip hazards?

  • Does the site appear to be well drained without excessive puddles?

  • Are any cycle racks in a good condition and well fixed?

  • If the site free from unauthorised items?

  • Are there any other issues?

Swings

Swings

  • Are there swings installed at this playground?

  • Swing Set:
  • Picture of swing:

  • Supplier:

  • Are all supports present, secure and free from decay at ground level?

  • Is all timber or metal work undamaged and free from corrosion?

  • Are all fixings secure?

  • Does it work properly without undue noise?

  • Are the chains intact and in a good condition with less than 40% wear?

  • Are the swing seats unbroken with no exposed metal?

  • Are the swing seats securely fixed and free from damage?

  • On single point swings, is the beam padded where children may strike it?

  • Surfacing

  • Surface Type:

  • Are safety surfaces undamaged with no holes in wet pour and all tiles securely fixed without undue gaps?

  • Are loose fill surfaces level, without rubbish or fouling and at least 300mm deep?

  • Is the safety surface level with surrounding ground and not causing a trip hazard?

  • If surfacing is grass, is it in a good condition without undue wear?

  • Is the edge of the surface free from trip hazards?

  • Is the area free from weed growth?

  • Are there any other issues?

Slides

Slides

  • Are there slides installed at this playground?

  • Slide Set:
  • Picture of slide:

  • Supplier:

  • Are all supports present, secure and free from decay at ground level?

  • Is all timber or metal work undamaged and free from corrosion?

  • Are steps in a good condition and not slippery?

  • Are handrails secure and in a good condition?

  • Is the chute securely fixed, undamaged and clear of foreign objects?

  • On mound slides, are steps in a good condition and the mound free from wear?

  • Surfacing

  • Surface Type:

  • Are safety surfaces undamaged with no holes in wet pour and all tiles securely fixed without undue gaps?

  • Are loose fill surfaces level, without rubbish or fouling and at least 300mm deep?

  • Is the safety surface level with surrounding ground and not causing a trip hazard?

  • If surfacing is grass, is it in a good condition without undue wear?

  • Is the edge of the surface free from trip hazards?

  • Is the surface free from weed growth?

  • Are there any other issues?

Rotating Items

Rotating Items

  • Are there rotating items installed at this playground?

  • Rotating Item:
  • Picture of rotating item:

  • Supplier:

  • Are all rotating items undamaged and platforms level?

  • Do all rotating items revolve smoothly and noiselessly?

  • If applicable, does any speed restrictor fitted work correctly?

  • Are all rotating items free from protruding bolts under the platform?

  • Are all seats or handrails securely fixed and in a good condition?

  • On pedal roundabouts, are pedals secure?

  • On overhead items, do they rotate freely and without undue noise?

  • Is the area free from rubbish underneath?

  • Surfacing

  • Surface Type:

  • Are safety surfaces undamaged with no holes in wet pour and all tiles securely fixed without undue gaps?

  • Are loose fill surfaces level, without rubbish or fouling and at least 300mm deep?

  • Is the safety surface level with surrounding ground and not causing a trip hazard?

  • If surfacing is grass, is it in a good condition without undue wear?

  • Is the edge of the surface free from trip hazards?

  • Is the area free from weed growth?

  • Are there any other issues?

Rocking Items

Rocking Items

  • Are there rocking items installed at this playground?

  • Rocking Item:
  • Picture of rocking item:

  • Supplier:

  • Are all supports and springs present, secure and free from decay at ground level?

  • Are ground fixings secure and without undue movement?

  • Does the rotating items move smoothly and noiselessly?

  • Are all hand grips and footrests present and securely fixed?

  • Is all timber, metal or laminate in a good condition?

  • Where chains or ropes are present are they secure and in a good condition?

  • Surfacing

  • Surface Type:

  • Are safety surfaces undamaged with no holes in wet pour and all tiles securely fixed without undue gaps?

  • Are loose fill surfaces level, without rubbish or fouling and at least 300mm deep?

  • Is the safety surface level with surrounding ground and not causing a trip hazard?

  • If surfacing is grass, is it in a good condition without undue wear?

  • Is the edge of the surface free from trip hazards?

  • Is the area free from weed growth?

  • Are there any other issues?

Aerial Runways & Track Items

Aerial Runways & Track Items

  • Are there any aerial runways & track items installed at this playground?

  • Aerial Runway or Track Item:
  • Picture of aerial runway & track item:

  • Supplier:

  • Are all supports present, secure and free from decay at ground level?

  • Is all timber or metal work undamaged and free from corrosion?

  • Are take off platforms in a good condition?

  • Is the cable in a good condition and securely fixed at each end?

  • Is the seat securely fixed with chains in a good condition?

  • Does the trolley move easily and noiselessly and are guards intact?

  • if hand grips are present are they in a good condition?

  • If trackway, is it free from rust and are all joints level?

  • Surfacing

  • Surface Type:

  • Are safety surfaces undamaged with no holes in wet pour and all tiles securely fixed without undue gaps?

  • Are loose fill surfaces level, without rubbish or fouling and at least 300mm deep?

  • Is safety surfaces level with surrounding ground and not causing trip hazards?

  • if surfacing is grass, is it in a good condition without undue wear?

  • Is the edge of the surface free from trip hazards?

  • Is the area free from weed growth?

  • Are there any other issues?

Climbing & Agility Items

Climbing & Agility Items

  • Are there climbing & agility items installed at this playground?

  • Climbing or Agility Item:
  • Picture of climbing & agility items:

  • Supplier:

  • Are all supports present, secure and free from decay at ground level?

  • Is all timber or metal work undamaged and free from corrosion?

  • Are all the bars in place, securely fixed and any tube ends plugged?

  • Are any overhead bars/rings all present, securely fixed, and do bars not rotate?

  • Are all ropes or chains present and in a good condition?

  • Are all nuts and bolts secure without any projecting thread?

  • Are all other parts secure and in a good condition?

  • Surfacing

  • Surface Type:

  • Are safety surfaces undamaged with no holes in wet pour and all tiles securely fixed without undue gaps?

  • Are loose fill surfaced level, without rubbish or fouling and at least 300mm deep?

  • Is the safety surface level with surrounding ground and not causing trip hazards?

  • If surfacing is grass, is it in a good condition without undue wear?

  • Is the edge of the surface free from trip hazards?

  • is the area free from weed growth?

  • Are there any other issues?

Multi-Play Items

Multi-Play Items

  • Are there any multi-play items installed at this playground?

  • Multi-Play Item:
  • Picture of the multi-play item:

  • Supplier:

  • Are all supports present, secure and free from decay at ground level?

  • Is all timber or metal work undamaged and free from corrosion?

  • Are all guard rails and barriers present and all parts securely fixed?

  • Are all platforms secure and undamaged?

  • Are all nuts and bolts secure without any projecting thread?

  • Are all ropes or chains secure, undamaged and free from wear?

  • Is the slide chute secure, undamaged and free from obstructions?

  • Are any moving parts secure and do they move freely without undue noise?

  • Surfacing

  • Surface Type:

  • Are safety surfaces undamaged with no holes in wet pour and all tiles securely fixed without undue gaps?

  • Are loose fill surfaces level, without rubbish or fouling and at least 300mm deep?

  • Is the safety surface level with surrounding ground and not causing trip hazards?

  • If surfacing is grass, is it in a good condition without undue wear?

  • Is the edge of the surface free from trip hazards?

  • Is the area free from weed growth?

  • Are there any other issues?

Tunnels

Tunnels

  • Are there any tunnels installed at this playground?

  • Tunnel:
  • Is the tunnel in a good condition and free from damage?

  • Is the tunnel less than 10m long?

  • Are there any other issues relating to the tunnel?

Adventure Trails

Adventure Trails

  • Are there any adventure trails installed at this playground?

  • Adventure Trail:
  • Picture of adventure trail:

  • Supplier:

  • Are all supports present, secure and free from decay at ground level?

  • Is all timber or metal work undamaged and free from corrosion?

  • Are all the components in place and securely fixed?

  • Are all chains/ ropes secure and in a good condition?

  • Are all balance beams secure with non slip tops?

  • Are any agility bars present, undamaged and free from rotation?

  • Are all nuts and bolts secure without any projecting thread?

  • Surfacing

  • Surface Type:

  • Are safety surfaces undamaged with no holes in wet pour and all tiles securely fixed?

  • Are loose fill surfaces level, without rubbish or fouling and at least 300mm deep?

  • Is the safety surface level with surrounding ground and not causing trip hazards?

  • If the surfacing is grass, is it in a good condition?

  • Is the edge of the surface free from trip hazards?

  • Is the area free from weed growth?

  • Are there any other issues?

Balance Beams, Stepping Logs & Play Houses

Balance Beams, Stepping Logs & Play Houses

  • Are there any Balance Beams, Stepping Logs & Play Houses on site?

  • Balance Beam, Stepping Log or Play House:
  • Picture of Balance Beam / Stepping Log / Playhouse:

  • Supplier:

  • Are all supports present, secure and free from decay at ground level?

  • Is all timber or metal work undamaged and free from corrosion?

  • Do all top surfaces have a non slip top?

  • Are all nuts and bolts secure without any projecting thread?

  • On Play Houses, are all doors and windows secure and in a good condition?

  • Are all doors and windows free from finger entrapment's?

  • Are Play Houses clean inside without graffiti (especially obscenities)?

  • Surfacing

  • Surface Type:

  • Are safety surfaces undamaged with no holes in wet pour and all tiles securely fixed without gaps?

  • Are loose fill surfaces level, without rubbish or fouling and at least 300mm deep?

  • Is the safety surface level with surrounding ground and not causing trip hazards?

  • If surfacing is grass, is it in a good condition without undue wear?

  • Is the surface edge free from trip hazards?

  • Is the area free from weed growth?

Bridges

Bridges

  • Are there any bridges installed at this playground?

  • Bridge:
  • Picture of Bridge(s):

  • Supplier:

  • Are all supports present, secure and free from decay at ground level?

  • Is all timber or metal work undamaged and free from corrosion?

  • Are the ends free from gaps which children can slip through?

  • Are bridge slats all present, secure and evenly spaced?

  • Are all fixings secure and in a good condition?

  • Are the chains and ropes secure without undue wear?

  • Surfacing

  • Surface Type:

  • Are safety surfaces undamaged with no holes in wet pour and all tiles securely fixed without gaps?

  • Are loose fill surfaces level, without rubbish or fouling and at least 300mm deep?

  • Is safety surfaces level with surrounding ground and not causing trip hazards?

  • If surfacing is grass, is it in a good condition without undue wear?

  • Is the edge of the surface free from trip hazards?

  • Is the area free from weed growth?

Sand & Water Play

Sand & Water Play

  • Are there any sand and/ or water play areas installed at this playground?

  • Sand & Water Play:
  • Picture of Sand & Water Play:

  • Supplier:

  • Is the sand pit surround in a good condition?

  • Is the sand free of rubbish and fouling?

  • Are sand play items in a good condition?

  • Do all water features function correctly?

  • Is the water clean and not polluted?

  • Are surrounding grass areas in a good condition?

Multi Use Games Areas

Multi Use Games Areas

  • Are there any MUGA's installed at this property?

  • Multi Use Game Area:
  • Picture of MUGA:

  • Supplier:

  • Are any goals/ nets in a good condition?

  • Are all fences/ barriers in a good condition?

  • Are all nuts and bolts secure without any projecting thread?

  • Surface Type:

  • Is the surface in a good condition and free from rubbish?

  • Is the surface level with surrounding ground and not causing trip hazards?

  • Are surrounding grass areas in a good condition?

Skateboard Ramps

Skateboard Ramps

  • Are there any skateboard ramps installed at this playground?

  • Skateboard Ramp:
  • Picture of Skateboard Ramp:

  • Supplier:

  • Are all supports present and secure?

  • Is all skating surfaces free from damage and loose material?

  • Are all ramp surfaces in a good condition?

  • Are all safety barriers and guardrails present?

  • Are all coping ends capped?

  • Are adjacent surfaces free from damage?

  • Are any fences in a good condition?

  • Are all signs to EN14974 present, legible and in a good condition?

  • Is this area free from any other issues?

BMX Tracks

BMX Tracks

  • Are there any BMX Tracks installed at this playground?

  • BMX Track:
  • Picture of BMX Track:

  • Supplier:

  • Are all ramps in a good condition?

  • Are all riding surfaces undamaged and free from rubbish and hard objects?

  • Are all tracks free from overhanging branches or planting within 2.5m of the surface?

  • Is the track free from any "unauthorised" additions?

  • Is the track free from foreign objects?

  • Are adjacent run out surfaces free from damage?

  • Are signs present, legible and in a good condition?

  • Is this area free from any other issues?

Legislation & British Standards

  • Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, 1984

  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 - This requires that employers or facility owners conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of your facilities to identify risks to users. Whilst you can do this yourself, operators may feel that it is better to have this undertaken at the same time as the annual inspection by a contractor. Once you have a risk assessment it should be reviewed in the light of experience, accidents and incidents. These regulations also recommend that persons undertaking such inspections receive the appropriate training.

  • The Equality Act 2010 - Requires that you make "reasonable provision" for the inclusion for disabled people. Generally this is not an inspection issue, however as damaged or badly maintenance access to the site can restrict access to people with mobility problems, access to the site should form part of routine / operational inspections.

  • BS EN 1176-7:2020 - Playground equipment and surfacing. Guidance on installation, inspection, maintenance and operation

  • BS EN 1177 - Impact Attenuating Surfacing

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