Playgrounds are a little quieter than we are used to. Nevertheless, playgrounds need to be inspected regularly. The time now can be used for the annual main inspection.
Which playgrounds need to be inspected?
All publicly accessible playgrounds must be inspected at regular intervals. The owner is liable for the playgrounds and must therefore guarantee the playground inspections. In addition to traditional playgrounds, outdoor pump tracks and fitness equipment must also be maintained and regularly inspected.
Although adventure playgrounds built for older children are excluded from the standard, they must be fenced in and secured. In addition, adventure playgrounds must always be supervised by childcare staff and have restricted access.
Devices, drop heights and clamping points
Checking a playground involves much more than just detecting visible defects. In addition to checking the playground equipment for wear and tear, accident prevention plays a central role, as dangers and risks are not easily recognisable, especially for children. Exceeded fall heights or possible catch points must be detected in order to eliminate them.
When and by whom must such checks be carried out?
Playground inspections can basically be divided into three stages.
Visual inspection: This should certainly be done weekly by the caretaker. Playgrounds are checked here for obvious dangers.
Operative inspection: A detailed inspection of the equipment in the playground is carried out here. This should take place at monthly to three-monthly intervals.
Main inspection: Every piece of equipment is carefully inspected and the foundations and surfaces are checked. The materials are inspected and checked for any scorching or wear and tear, possible catch points are identified and fences and gates are checked for changes in safety. This inspection should be carried out annually by a specialist. The devices are checked using different test specimens.
Our new service: main inspection by our specialist
As horticulturalists, we have already built and renovated numerous playgrounds because they no longer met current standards. Thanks to his further training as a playground safety specialist, Patrick Fux has a trained eye for detecting defects. All information on playground inspections can be found on the new «Playground safety» website.
