Risk Assessment
A risk assessment should be carried out when there has been a significant change in the matters it relates to, or when there is reason to believe the original assessment is no longer valid.
Some examples:
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New legislation
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Removal of an item
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Manufacturer’s design change
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Modification of an item
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Incident on equipment or within the play area
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Item replacement, including surfacing and ancillary items
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Additional items installed within a play area
What are we inspecting Surfacing:
Check if all safety surfacing is undamaged.
Ensure loose-fill surfaces are at the correct level and free of rubbish.
Equipment:
Verify all supports are present.
Check the condition of all timbers.
Ensure all safety barriers are present.
Swings:
Check the condition of swing chains and shackles.
Ensure the seats are securely fixed and undamaged.
Slides:
Check the condition of steps and chutes.
Ensure chutes are clear of foreign objects.
Roundabouts:
Check if it revolves smoothly and noiselessly.
Verify its condition and functionality of the speed governor if present.
Rocking Items:
Check if the item moves smoothly and noiselessly.
Ensure all safety guards are present and it doesn’t strike the ground.
Spring Items:
Check if the item moves freely and noiselessly.
Verify the condition of the spring.
Climbing Frames:
Ensure all bars are in place and securely fixed.
Cable Runaways:
Check if the runner moves smoothly and noiselessly.
Ropes:
Verify the ropes are secure and undamaged.
Check the condition of connectors.
Multi-Play Items:
Ensure guard rails are present.
Look for signs of new timber where a piece has been removed.
Check for holes in the metal indicating where a piece has been removed.
The parties managing the play area have the responsibility to review the report. They must then decide on the implementation of the risk mitigation measures identified in the report.