MAINTENANCE OF

CHILDREN PLAY TOOLS

HHB3013 CHILD CARE CENTRE

OPERATIONS

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.

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.

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.

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

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 nonlead-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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