Inspection

BS EN 1176-1 requires that the equipment and its components should be inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions at a frequency not less than that stated by the manufacturer.

The HSE and British and European Safety Standard BS EN 1176 strongly recommend that all inspections of play areas are to be carried out on an annual basis. It should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The inspection looks at vandalism, minor and major wear, long-term structural problems, changes in standards, compliance and design practices, risk assessment etc.

17.1 Routine inspection

This looks at the equipment's basic condition, especially faults due to recent vandalism. Such inspections should be recorded on a simple sheet or book. The equipment supplier should provide a checklist – RoSPA can produce checklists if required. Frequency will vary with the site and local usage although weekly should be seen as a minimum.

17.2 Operational inspection

This looks in more detail at the equipment, at vandalism and certain types of minor wear. Such inspections may be carried out by the manager or his/her staff and should be recorded. With a good, routine hands-on check linked to the annual inspection, the quarterly check may not be necessary.

17.3 Annual inspection

This should be carried out by a specialist not connected with the playground operator or manager. It looks at vandalism, minor and major wear, long-term structural problems, changes in Standard compliance and design practice, risk assessment etc. Such inspections are offered by insurance companies, playground equipment manufacturers, commercial companies, and safety organisations, such as RoSPA. This inspection should be carried out by a registered RPII Inspectors Register of Play Inspectors International