Annual inspections of playgrounds

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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.

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

Here you can read a full Annual Inspection Methodology.