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A playground safety audit is a one-time process that focuses on compliance with the current standard of care. Unless your program contains only brand new equipment that was purchased from a knowledgeable manufacturer and installed by a certified installer, your playground is due for a safety audit. The purpose of the audit is to identify non-conforming products and designs, installation problems and environmental hazards that could pose long term health risks to children (based on the CPSC guidelines and ASTM standards).
Some of the items covered in a safety audit include:
• Entrapment- Any condition that impedes the withdrawal of a body part from an opening
• Protrusions- A projection that has the potential to cause bodily injury
• Layout- Age and activity separation, site lines, and supervision
• Surfacing- The depth of surfacing based on the height of the equipment
A playground safety audit should be conducted by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector.
A playground safety inspection is conducted at regular intervals and focuses on immediate hazards caused by aging or damaged equipment. There are many factors that contribute to the need for maintenance, such as:
• Physical wear
• Environmental factors
• Vandalism
Child care centers should design maintenance inspection programs based on the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining their equipment. Heavily used components will require more frequent inspections and preventative maintenance should be ongoing.
Documentation makes it easier to keep on top of your maintenance needs. Develop short term and long term plans and a budget line for your outside, gross moto space. Keep a binder of your audit and regular inspections to formalize your commitment to safety for the children in your care.
A playground safety inspection should be conducted by a Certified Safety Inspector or a well trained staff person.