Inspections of playgrounds
Playground inspections are essential for keeping areas safe and enjoyable for visitors. Inspectors are required to check if playground equipment, sports facilities, park furniture, and other amenities meet safety standards. They do this by verifying that their technical functions are working as intended. Any possible flaws or malfunctions need to be identified so they can be repaired quickly and efficiently.
Why do playgrounds or sports areas need to be inspected?
To encourage play and exercise, playgrounds and sports areas must remain safe for all users. To make sure that everything is in order, playground and sports equipment should be inspected regularly. This helps identify any minor repairs that need to be made promptly, preventing the need for larger refurbishments later on.
Additionally, Lappset warranties are only valid as long as routine maintenance has been followed correctly on the equipment. Please also note that the owner is responsible for the entire playground and sports area.
It is essential to carry out regular inspections, preferably with independent and certified external inspectors, to ensure the highest levels of safety on the premises. Having a third-party opinion on these matters guarantees an unbiased assessment and any necessary improvements that discreetly eradicate any possible inconsistencies within the organization. These inspections can help companies not only grow but remain profitable over longer periods due to the assurance that there is an acceptable level of safety and that the equipment has a long life cycle.
Commissioning inspection
Handover inspection
Before using the new or refurbished playground and sports area, a handover inspection must be conducted. In the handover inspection, the actual installation of the equipment and the possible repair work will be checked so that they are executed correctly, and the whole area is ready.
A handover inspection ensures that your play area is safe and secure. A logbook and installation manual are included to guarantee correct assembly. With these resources available with delivery and/or order confirmation, you can rest assured that each component has been carefully set up for optimal safety around children’s play areas. Please remember that the play area should only be used once the site has been cleared and the playground is declared safe!
Annual inspection
Every year, all equipment and safety surfaces should undergo inspection audits to ensure they are technically sound and safe to use according to safety standards. All necessary updates and repair procedures for the upcoming year should be mapped out during this annual inspection, including a schedule and budget. This annual inspection is considered the main inspection of the area.
Yearly inspection of playgrounds
Functional inspection of a playground
Operational inspection
The operational inspection looks over the primary functions of the playground and sports equipment. The equipment often includes moving parts that can wear or break.
Operational inspection should be completed every 1 to 6 months regarding the area’s usage to ensure safety. A routine visual inspection should be done at least every month, if not more frequently.
The inspection frequency of play and sports equipment depends on the type of equipment, level of use, level of vandalism, and location (e.g. harsh climate conditions). If equipment is subject to heavy use, harsh climate conditions, or vandalism, inspection and maintenance should be done more frequently than the instructions recommend.
HIC testing
HIC (Head Injury Criterion) testing ensures adequate shock absorption of the platforms.
- The HIC test determines the critical fall height of the platform, which in turn determines the shock absorption.
- The testing ensures that the shock absorption of the platform complies with EN 1176-1:2008 safety standards.
- HIC testing requires professional equipment and an expert to run the test.
- A certified inspector measures the flexibility of the playground's base with a measuring device specifically intended for that purpose.
- The measurement results are recorded in a report, usually containing a bird`s eye view of the area or the equipment with measurement points.
- The HIC-test should be a part of the commissioning inspection.
HIC testing
Keep your outdoor equipment safe with Maintenance Year Clock
Maintaining outdoor play and sports equipment is critical for the safety and longevity of your investment. That's why we're excited to offer our Maintenance Year Clock, a valuable tool that will help you stay on top of your equipment maintenance needs.