Playground Inspections are Essential for Safety

Why Playground Inspections Are Essential for Equipment and Surfacing Safety

At The Playground Company, we believe every child deserves a safe, engaging, and fun space to play. As a leading provider of playground design, installation, and maintenance services across the UK, we know that safety doesn’t end after the equipment is installed -it’s a continuous commitment. That’s where playground inspections come in.

Over time, even the highest-quality equipment and safety surfacing can develop issues that, if unnoticed, may lead to injuries. If your playground isn’t regularly inspected - especially the equipment and safety surfacing - you could be risking more than just costly repairs. According to RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), regular and annual inspections are vital for identifying wear, damage, and potential hazards before they become serious safety issues.

What is a Playground Inspection?

A playground inspection is a formal process where play equipment and surfacing are assessed for safety, stability, wear and tear, and compliance with relevant standards. These checks are vital in ensuring that your play area is fit for purpose and continues to provide a safe environment for children.

Playgrounds can be affected by:

• Natural wear from use and weather

• Vandalism or misuse

• Deterioration of fixings, joints, or foundations

• Failing surfacing materials (which may no longer provide adequate fall protection)

Key Areas: Equipment and Surfacing

Playground Equipment

Over time, even high-quality play structures can become unsafe. Inspections examine:

• Stability of frames and foundations

• Wear on moving parts like swings, see-saws, and spinners

• Rust, cracks, or sharp edges

• Loose, missing, or broken fixings

Playground Surfacing

Safety surfacing plays a vital role in minimising injuries from falls. Inspections examine:

• Depth and consistency of impact-absorbing materials (like wet pour or rubber mulch)

• Signs of degradation, lifting edges, or compaction

• Drainage issues and weather-related damage

• Trip hazards and foreign object intrusion

  
  

Types of Playground Inspections

1. Routine Visual Inspections

Carried out daily or weekly by staff or caretakers, these inspections spot obvious hazards like broken glass, litter, or visible damage.

2. Operational Inspections

Typically done monthly or quarterly, these are more in-depth and assess equipment functionality and surfacing condition. They’re usually carried out by a trained member of your team or an external professional.

3. Annual Inspections (RoSPA-Recommended)

An annual playground inspection is a comprehensive check conducted by an independent qualified inspector.

According to RoSPA, this inspection will:

• Assess long-term wear and structural integrity

• Ensure compliance with BS EN 1176 (equipment) and BS EN 1177 (surfacing)

• Evaluate risk levels and safety standards

• Provide an official written report with recommendations

These inspections are especially important for insurance and legal protection, acting as documented evidence of responsible management.

Why Playground Inspections Matter

✅ Safety First

The primary goal is to protect children from preventable accidents or injury.

✅ Legal Compliance

Stay compliant with UK and European safety standards.

✅ Extend Lifespan

Catching wear early can prevent costly repairs or full replacements.

✅ Reputation and Trust

A well-maintained playground builds confidence with parents, staff, and the wider community.

Work with The Playground Company

As experts in playground installation and maintenance, The Playground Company can direct you to a company that offers:

• One-off and scheduled inspections

• Professional surfacing assessments

• Maintenance and repair solutions

• Full compliance with RoSPA, BS EN 1176, and BS EN 1177 guidelines

We work with schools, local authorities, nurseries, and private developments across the UK to ensure playgrounds are always safe, fun, and compliant.