Play Safety : Information Sheets : No.3
Annual Inspections of Playgrounds (
PDF format 36kb)
RoSPA annual inspections are designed to:
- Improve the play value of playgrounds
- Reduce accidents
Reducing accidents is carried out by:
- Knowledge of children’s play and child development
- Analysis of available accident data
- Risk assessment
- Use of relevant standards (EN 1176)
- Implementation of these standards where applicable and can be related to accident data.
Reports will indicate:
- Compliance with standards and notification of major failures where these are related to accidents and an assessment of risk given
- Notification of faults and suggested remedial action
- An indication of the risk
The annual inspection differs from regular inspections in that it:
- Identifies long-term failures and work required
- Identifies changes in standard compliances
- Identifies areas where accidents are being noted which are not standard related
- Provides a quality control check for operators.
RoSPA annual inspections look at:
- Site design safety
- Ancillary item safety
- Equipment safety
- Surfacing safety.
In all cases the condition is assessed and any repair or refurbishment requirements noted. Suggestions are also made, where relevant, to improving the quality of the site.
Notes
Inspections are non-dismantling. Where dismantling work is required, this will be recommended. Standard compliance is assessed where such appraisals may be made on site without dismantling or destruction. Minor infringements not associated with accidents are not notified unless requested.
A written report with work recommended will be supplied within 15 working days. Areas of hazard requiring immediate attention will be notified to an appropriate officer within two hours of the inspection. A sample report is available.
RoSPA inspections are acceptable for insurance purposes and carry a professional indemnity cover of £5,000,000.
Basic details
The annual inspection of children’s playgrounds undertaken by RoSPA covers:
SITE
- Access
- Landscaping
- Planting
- Design safety
ANCILLARY ITEMS
- Pathways
- Fences
- Gates
- Seats
- Signs
- Litter bins
- Other relevant items
EQUIPMENT
- Compliance with relevant Standards
- Damage or deterioration caused by wear
- Mechanical or structural failure
- Vandalism
- Likely areas of future problems
- Accident prevention
SURFACING
- Compliance of surface areas with Standards
- Condition and work required
A full methodology is available. See Information Sheet Number 2.
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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