Inspection Requirements

Playground safety is a topic that’s become more and more pertinent in recent years, and with the American public becoming increasingly litigious, it’s more important than ever to be cognizant of common-sense playground safety standards in order to avoid potential lawsuits. This is where playground safety inspections come in, as they help playground managers identify the problematic, potentially hazardous aspects of their playgrounds. That said, there are a few key sources from which certified playground inspectors (CPSIs) gain their playground knowledge and expertise:

United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is responsible for ensuring the safety of products sold within the US, and their Public Playground Safety Handbook effectively lays out the guidelines for playground equipment commonly found in schools, parks, and other public areas. Although not required by law, these stipulations are a handy reference tool for CPSIs to build their own playground inspection criteria.

ASTM International

ASTM International is an organization responsible for publishing technical standards for a wide variety of consumer products. CPSIs trust ASTM International to inform them about up-to-date playground safety standards. Manufacturers of commercial playground equipment are required to meet ASTM standards in all their products. Before conducting playground safety inspections and formulating inspection criteria, CPSIs must familiarize themselves with ASTM standards and regulations.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, and helps to ensure equal access to public areas for all people. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design lay out a series of rules that playgrounds in public places must comply with. CPSIs are keenly aware of ADA regulations pertaining to playgrounds, and with their help, you can easily bring your playground into compliance with ADA standards. According to the ADA, playgrounds must feature an easily navigable pathway from the school building or parking lot to the edge of the playground itself. Additionally, CPSIs will ensure that your surfacing meets ADA requirements for safety and accessibility.

CPSIs use these and other sources to ensure that the playgrounds they inspect are as safe and accessible as possible. This way, you can rest assured that your playground is one that kids won’t injure themselves or others on, further protecting you from costly litigation in the event that a child using your playground injures themselves.