playground risk assessment template

Is the playground generally clean and well maintained?
Can the playground be safely reached by pedestrians or those on bicycles?
Are vehicle parking areas physically separated from the playground?
Is perimeter fencing provided?
Are fencing and gate in good condition?
Are informational signs concerning the use of the playground and the equipment provided?
Are signs presented in both written and graphic formats?
Is the playground surface provided with proper drainage to prevent water from forming puddles?
Are restrooms clean and well maintained?
Are the playground areas free from utility boxes, drainage ditches, sewer covers, and other items that could cause
a trip and fall

Are trees free from cracked or loose limbs?
Are pesticides/herbicides used on shrubs and trees?
Are there any indications of damage caused by vandalism?
Are areas where playground equipment is used separated from areas where running games are played?
Is playground equipment suitably separated to prevent collisions?
Are walkways located away from the equipment in active use.
Are walkways free from loose surface materials, irregularities, and slippery substances that could cause slips?

At least one primary entrance provided for persons in wheelchairs?
Are sharp inclines and abrupt changes in levels avoided at entrances?

Are walkways clearly defined?
Are pathways at least 48 inches (1.22 m) wide?
Are the slopes of the walkways less than 5%?
Are pedestrian ramps limited to slopes less than 8% and equipped with handrails?

Is the playground actively supervised?
Is the supervisor trained to perform the required duties?
Are records kept of playground and equipment repairs.

Is the area under and around playground equipment equipped with shock absorbent material?
Is all equipment when in use visibly stable?
Are metal equipment and hardware free of major corrosion?
Are wooden structural components free of rot, major cracks, and splinters?
Is equipment free of protrusions and projections that may entangle children’s clothing?
Is equipment free of pinch, crush, and shearing points that could injure children?
Is equipment fabricated to eliminate areas that may entrap children’s heads?
Do adjacent structural elements form a vertex angle greater than 55 degrees?
Are the bases of equipment free of tripping hazards?
Are the areas above and around equipment free of suspended hazards?
Are the ladders, stairways, and ramps built in accordance with standard requirements

SLIDES

Are slides equipped with platforms to facilitate access to the sitting position?
Are the platforms equipped with guardrails or equivalent protective equipment?
Is the average incline of the slides less than 30 degrees?
Are the exit regions of the slides level?
SWINGS
Are swing hardware and supporting chains in satisfactory condition?
Are swings located away from other playground equipment and protected by barriers?
Are the edges of seats smooth and free from obstructions?
Are multiple-axis swings mounted on frames that do not contain single axis swings?
CLIMBING EQUIPMENT
Is the interior of the climbing equipment free of structural components upon which a child could fall?
Are the tops of the equipment provided with an auxiliary means for reaching the ground?
MERRY-GO-ROUNDS
Are the rotating platforms essentially circular?
Does the equipment contain handholds or equivalent devices?
Are the rotating platforms free of sharp edges?
SEESAWS
Are the seesaws free of cracks, corrosion, and other obvious structural defects?

Is the equipment provided with spring centering devices or cushioning material to prevent abrupt contact with the ground?

Are the fulcrums of seesaws free of pinch or crush hazards?
Are handholds provided at each seating position?
SECURITY
Does the management of the playground have a security program?
Is there access to a phone or radio to allow for communication in the event of an emergency?

Tagged as: playgrounds