Legislation
Last updated:The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Sections 3 and 4 places a duty, as far as is reasonably practicable, on employers to protect people who may be affected by their work activities from risks to their health and safety. Within the meaning of the Act, the provision of play equipment for use by children who are members of the public, but who are not employees of the Council is regarded as work activity for this purpose.
The Health and Safety Executive if investigating an accident would look for a systems approach to health and safety and for compliance with BS (EN) 1176 and BS (EN) 1177.
The general requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 extend to the provision of playgrounds and play equipment.
- Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
- Occupiers Liability Acts 1957/1984
- Disability Discrimination Act 1995
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
PLAY EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
- BS EN 1176: Playground Equipment (11 Parts)
- BS EN 1177: Impact Absorbing Playground Surfacing
- BS EN 15312: Free access multi-sports equipment
The European Standards are not retrospective or a legal requirement, but they represent good practice. However, it does not mean that older facilities, constructed to previous standards are no longer safe.