Playgrounds are places of adventure and fun. They are where friendships are made and imaginations run wild. They should also be safe. A regular playground inspection and maintenance schedule will ensure this is the case.
Standards Australia states: “It is the operator’s responsibility to provide for regular inspections of playgrounds and playground equipment, surfaces, corrective action, maintenance and records which is crucial to their safe performance.”
So playground inspection and maintenance isn’t just a good idea, it’s regulated. However, the Standards are just one of the things to consider. Regular and detailed inspections will allow you to weigh up the risks as they relate to the safety of your playground users.
- Your schedule should allow for daily, weekly and monthly inspections.
- Dangerous and worn-out equipment should be identified.
- The playground’s surface should be checked to ensure it still provides the correct cushioning for children should they fall.
- Trip hazards should be removed.
- As a playground ages, any gaps between the equipment should be closely monitored to ensure they don’t become large enough for a child to trap a body part, such as a finger, arm, leg or head.
Any playground item that is found to be unsafe should be immediately removed or this area fenced off and closed to play until the repair can take place. General wear and tear that does not pose any threat to the safety of users should be attended to as part of your ongoing maintenance program.
Playgrounds are exposed to the elements 24/7/365. Thousands of pairs of little feet tramp the boards and tread the ropes each year. A regular maintenance schedule will slow a playground’s natural deterioration and promote a long life.
