◆ Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use F1487-17 ◆ Standard Guide for ASTM Standards on Playground Surfacing F2223-15 Audits should always be conducted by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI). This certification is available from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
When should any entity schedule an audit?
The Benefits of a Playground Safety Audit by Joann M. Robertson OUR PLAYGROUNDS and the surfacing beneath them are not usually the primary focus of our day until our organization is choosing new playgrounds or renovating the ones we already have. When playground safety concerns increase in priority, we may consider scheduling a playground audit. What is an audit and how can one benefit any organization?
An Audit
A playground audit is an initial or follow-up comprehensive examination of a playground. The purpose of an audit is to review a playground for compliance with: ■ Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Guidelines ◆ Public Playground Safety Handbook (Publication #325) ■ American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards
1. When a playground is newly installed 2. After catastrophe or serious damage (earthquake, mudslide, vehicle strike, etc.) occurs to the playground 3. When the playground is relocated 4. When playground regulations are updated
What are the benefits to your organization?
People often assume that a newly manufactured and installed playground will always meet the requirements, but playgrounds might be installed by contractors who are uneducated about playground equipment, accessibility, or surfacing. For example, a playground may be correctly assembled and installed, but the use zone around the equipment may be inadequate. The playground could then be installed too close to a fence, parking lot, other playground equipment which could then lead to frequent injuries or a fatality. A playground audit will improve your peace of mind about a new installation or renovation. In addition, audits provide safety documentation from an independent third party.
What is the difference between a playground inspection and an audit?
A playground inspection can vary greatly in type and may be done at various intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually). Playground inspections are often determined by the amount of use a playground receives and they can be conducted by different individuals, such as in-house facilities staff, playground vendors, the insurance company, or other interested parties. There are two general types of playground surveys: ■ High-Frequency Inspections - This 12 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020
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