MAINTENANCE OF CHILDREN

PLAY TOOLS
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HHB3013 CHILD CARE CENTRE OPERATIONS

































































MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
OF PLAYGROUND
The safety of children on their playgrounds does not
depend solely upon the initial design of the site and
the selection of equipment. Its continued
management and the provision of high quality
inspection and maintenance programmes are essential
if safe opportunities for children to play creatively are
to be preserved.

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INSPECTIONS
Inspections should cover the whole of the site - not
just the equipment. Pathways, fences, seats etc all need
to be checked. Further information on inspection
methodologies is available from RoSPA, along with
training where necessary.

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A defined system of inspections is recommended for
childrens playgrounds
Routine Inspection
This looks at the equipment's basic condition, especially faults due to recent vandalism.
Such inspections may be carried out by the manager or his/her staff and 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.
Operational Inspection
This looks in more detail at the equipment, essentially 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. RoSPA publishes Routine
Inspection of Playgrounds" to assist with this inspection.
Annual inspection
This should be carried out by a specialist not connected with the playground operator or
manager. Essentially 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.

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The 4 Steps in the Playground
Inspection
1. Conduct daily visual play area inspection. The
inspection is conducted using inspection list. The staff
will verify the checklist
2. Record hazard. If there are hazards that staff cannot
immediately correct, staff will inform the Director
3. Perform the appropriate corrective actions. For each
hazard identified, maintenance task will be performed to
correct the hazard
4. Maintain inspection and maintenance records.
Inspection logs and maintenance records are maintained
in the play area record keeping system
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Plan Your Play Area
1. Create a site free of obstacles that could cause
injuries
2. Choose a level location for the equipment. This can
reduce the likelihood of the playset tipping over
3. Locate play equipment at least 6 feet from any
structure or obstacle, such as house, fence , sheds,
trees or poles
4. Locate bare metal platforms and slides out of direct
sunlight to reduce the likelihood of serious burns
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Providing Play Areas
To help prevent injury:
1. Provide shock- absorbing protective surfacing
material
2. Provide enough room so that children can use the
equipment safely
3. Place each piece of play equipment so that it has at
least 6 feet of play area around it
4. Separate active and quite activities from each other
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Pick The Right Materials
1. Metal should be painted, galvanized or treated to
prevent rust, corrosion or deteriorated. Do not use
paint containing lead
2. Wood intended for outdoor used, should be
naturally rot resistant or treated to prevent
deterioration
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Maintenance
Keeping a play set in good condition is essential to
reduce injuries
The following maintenance schedule is recommended:
1. Check nuts and bolts twice a month and tightened as
needed
2. Oil moving metal parts as directed by the
manufacturer
3. Check to make sure protective caps and plugs that
cover bolt ends and ends of the tubing are in place
and tight. Inspect twice a month
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4. Check the condition of the equipment looking for
signs of wear and tear such as broken or missing
components
5. Check swing seats, ropes, chain and cables monthly
for deterioration and replace as needed
6. Clean, sand and repaint rusted areas with a non-lead-
based paint
7. Remove plastic swing seats in cold wheather
8. Rake surfacing periodically to prevent compaction and
maintain appropriate depths
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