Playgrounds are an essential part of all of our childhoods, providing kids with a safe and fun space to learn and explore. However, without regular inspections, playground equipment can become worn, damaged or unsafe, and this can put children at risk of injury or harm.
At Harlequin Playgrounds, we take playground inspections seriously, which is why we work with the Register of Play Inspectors International (RPII), who are the official body in the UK for examining, accrediting and certifying outdoor play inspectors. The British and European standards (BSEN 1176) recommend that playgrounds are inspected regularly to ensure they remain safe and compliant with relevant standards, which is designed to protect children from harm. That’s why we recommend our clients carry out regular inspections – to keep the children using your play area safe.
So, what are the other benefits of regular playground inspections? Firstly, it helps to improve and maintain the overall quality of the playground. Not only will ensuring equipment is well-maintained and clean make your play area more attractive to children and their families, it could actually save you money. Spotting faults sooner rather than later allows you to carry out cost-effective repairs, rather than allowing the equipment to degenerate, which could end up costing you more if you have to replace an entire piece of kit.
We know that regular inspections keep your playground safer, reducing the likelihood of an accident occurring. However, if an accident was to happen, it’s also important for your organisation to be able to demonstrate your commitment to safety by having carried out regular inspections.
When considering commissioning an inspection, It’s important to work with qualified professionals, such as those registered with the RPII, to ensure that inspections are thorough, independent, and effective. Inspectors should have the knowledge, training, and experience necessary to identify potential hazards and make recommendations for any corrective action.
At Harlequin Playgrounds, we understand that the safety of a playground doesn’t stop with the design – it takes regular maintenance to keep it safe for children to use. And it’s not just the play kit that needs to be safe, but the whole site. We want to make organising regular inspections easy for our clients by providing a series of packages – Bronze, Silver, Gold and Black – meaning you can find the exact inspection package for your requirements.
Our inspection packages explained
Bronze – Our Bronze package is an Operational Inspection. An Operational Inspection is a detailed inspection of operational function and stability, looking for any signs of wear such as bushes, chains ropes or parts and the structural integrity of steel and timber, especially where it meets the ground. BS EN 1176 Part 7 recommends that operational inspections are carried out every 1 to 3 months, depending on the risk assessment for your site.
Silver – Our Silver package is an Annual Inspection. This is a one-off assessment that should be conducted once a year by an independent specialist to review any longer-term issues. The assessment will take into account vandalism and general wear and tear, long-term structural problems, design and compliance to standards, as well as overall risk assessment. It is a requirement of BS EN 1176 Part 7 that an Annual Inspection is carried out at intervals not exceeding 12 months.
Gold - Our Gold package provides 3 Operational and 1 Annual Inspection, as detailed above. This package ensures you are maintaining your playground to the highest standard by covering both types of inspection, as well as providing good value for money for our clients.
Black – Our Black package is what’s known as a Post-Installation inspection. This inspection is vital to ensure that the playground has been built and installed correctly and meets with the relevant standards. The Post-Installation Inspection forms a critical part of any parish council, local authorities or school’s site risk assessment, which is a legal requirement.
At Harlequin Playgrounds, we believe that regular playground inspections are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of children who use play equipment. There is nothing more important than a child’s safety, so we believe the benefits of regular inspections far outweigh the costs. For us, the safety and well-being of children should always be the top priority, and regular playground inspections are an essential part of what we do.
Inspection FAQs
But playground inspections are expensive... do we really need them?
While there is undoubtedly a cost attached to carrying out playground inspections, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Failure to maintain playgrounds and equipment can result in accidents and injuries, and no one wants to be responsible for this happening to a child in their playground. Regular inspections are essential for identifying potential hazards before they can cause harm. They can save you money in the long run, by identifying minor items that need replacing, such as a bearing or a bush, before the entire item needs replacing. For example, a bush is designed to wear, its main purpose is to stop an integral part of the structure from wearing. And replacing a £5 bush is a lot cheaper than replacing an entire item.
A playground inspection can’t guarantee an accident won’t occur – so why should we have one?
By commissioning a playground inspection, you might not be able to guarantee an accident won’t occur, but you are greatly reducing the likelihood by making sure it is safe to use. Also, by investing in regular inspections, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to the safety of children and avoid the potential legal and reputational damage that can result from accidents and injuries. It’s also important to be able to demonstrate that you comply with safety standards and regulations, in particular in the case of an accident occurring.
To book an inspection with Harlequin Playgrounds, click here to contact us today.