Play Areas and Centres

· Incorrect design and layout
· Unsuitable equipment
· Poorly designed equipment
· Incorrect installation
· Poor inspection and maintenance procedures

· Lack of adult supervision
· Misuse of equipment
· Unsuitable clothing
· Weather conditions

· Easy access for children and adults; ideally access routes and the play area should be overlooked.
· Avoid need to cross car parks, etc. Direct access from the play area to car parks, etc. to be restricted by barriers.
· Security of the site against vandalism.
· Well drained site and hazard-free surroundings.

· Appropriate quantity and siting of equipment for designed usage.
· Sufficient 'circulation' space adjacent to equipment.
· Prevention of dog fouling by fencing and self-closing gates, signs, etc.
· Most reputable suppliers provide a design service.

· Should conform to BS 5696 : 'Play Equipment Intended for Permanent Installation Outdoors' or to a Common European Play Equipment Standard. Equipment should carry the appropriate kitemark.
· Suppliers should provide written confirmation of compliance with appropriate standards.
· Whilst these standards are not mandatory, they represent good practice and may be referred to in any legal action.
· The booklet 'A Code of Practice for the Safety of Play Equipment in Commercial or Business Premises' (see References/Further Details) lists key points that should be taken into account in the selection and layout of swings, slides and rotating equipment.
· Wherever possible an independent post-installation check of new sites should be undertaken. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) operates such a scheme.

· BS 5696 recommends the use of impact absorbing surfaces where the fall from equipment is greater than 60cms.
· Impact absorbing surfaces should be of an appropriate standard, laid to an appropriate standard and in appropriate areas, relevant to the equipment.
· If loose fill surfaces are provided, allowance should be made for regular cleaning, maintenance and replenishment.

· A comprehensive and documented inspection and maintenance programme should be implemented.
· Three categories of inspection are recommended:

i) daily;
ii) 1-3 monthly;
iii) a full certified inspection at intervals not exceeding 12 months.

· Certified inspections, are offered by reputable manufacturers or suppliers, or independent organisations such as RoSPA.
· Suggested items to be covered during checks are given in the booklet 'Code of Practice for the Safety of Play Equipment, etc.'
· Full records of inspections should be kept.

• Contingency plans, accident/complaint log books, adequate public liability insurance and first aid facilities are considerations here.

· Recommended safety precautions include:

- adequate level of supervision, both by adult carers and members of staff. For the latter in general this may be in the region of one competent supervisor to every 30 children or part thereof, but this may be affected by factors such as the size of the play centre, whether there are mixed age groups or where there is high risk equipment;
- appropriate length of play sessions;
- appropriate age and size limits as necessary;
- safety rules established and promoted through signs/posters;
- establishing, and keeping to, maximum capacity;
- waiting areas close to the entrance may be beneficial;
- any high risk equipment or facilities to be identified and specifically supervised;
- identification and control of unsafe or inappropriate behaviour by children.