Our Maintenance & Inspection Policies

The following equipment inspection and maintenance advice will reduce the incidence of playground-related injuries.

Ground Surfaces

• Hard surfaces, such as asphalt, concrete and blacktop, are never truly safe. Packed-earth and grass can also be unsafe because wear and weather can reduce their ability to soften a child’s fall.  More acceptable surface materials include wood chips, mulch, shredded rubber, pea gravel, sand, and safety-tested rubber mats. Of these options, wood chips and rubber mats allow the best wheelchair accessibility. Even the best surface materials are unsafe for falls greater than 12 feet.
• The cushioned ground surface must extend at least 6 feet beyond the perimeter of all equipment. Certain playground structures, such as swings and slides, may require an even greater protective perimeter.
• Surfaces should be free from items and debris, such as toys, tree roots and rocks, which may cause a child to trip and fall. Standing water can also cause dangerous slips.
• Playgrounds should be maintained to remove dangerous debris, such as broken glass, sharp sticks and twisted metal, which may injure a child if he falls on them.

Spacing

• At least 9 feet of spacing is required for playground equipment taller than 30 inches.
• Equipment with moving parts, such as see-saws, merry-go-rounds and swings, should be located in a separate area of the playground. Such equipment should also be inspected for pinch points that may crush a child’s hand or finger.
• Swings should be spaced at least 24 inches apart and at least 30 inches from the support frame.
• Tot swings should have full-bucket seats and their own bay.
• Beware of spaces that may allow entrapment of limbs. Ladder rungs, for instance, should be less than 3½ inches or greater than 9 inches apart.
• Equipment designed for younger children should be clearly separated from equipment meant for older children. Older children may be injured when they try to fit into equipment intended for younger children, just as small children lack the physical proportions necessary to be protected while using equipment intended for larger, older children.

For All Equipment

• No damaged parts should be observable. Inspect wooden equipment for splintering or cracking, and check metal equipment for rust. Materials should be durable and resistant to weathering and abuse. If a part is loose, broken or in need of maintenance, designate the equipment off-limits and report the problem to whoever is responsible for maintaining the equipment.
• The fence that separates the playground from nearby traffic should be in good condition, with no unintended openings.
• There should be no protruding objects with sharp, unfinished or otherwise awkward edges, such as bolts or S-shaped hooks that could cut a child or catch or become entangled with their clothing.
• Surface material should be free from animal droppings. A cover can be used at night to prevent birds, cats and other animals from using a child’s sandbox as a litter box.
• Protective barriers, such as guardrails or walls, should be installed on elevated surfaces, including ramps and platforms.

CSA-Z614-14, Clause 1.4 reads:

This Standard applies to (a) public-use playspaces built, protective surfacing installed, and public-use playground equipment manufactured after the date of publication of this edition; and (b) additions to, and replacement parts for, public-use playspaces installed after the date of publication of this edition.

CSA-Z614-14, clause 11.3.2 reads:

Visual inspection shall be performed by the owner, maintenance inspector, caregiver, or custodian on a daily basis, if possible, or at least once a week, to identify defects or emerging problems.

CSA-Z614-14, clause 11.3.3 reads:

A detailed inspection shall be performed every month, and the results and actions taken shall be entered in a permanent record available for examination.

CSA-Z614-14, clause 11.3.4 reads:

Every year, a comprehensive written report shall be completed by the owner/operator or it’s designate.

CSA-Z614-14, clause 11.2.6 reads:

A record of any injuries reported to have occurred on the playground shall also be collected. This will help identify potential hazards or dangerous design features that warrant attention.

Inspecting Ours VS Traditional Clamp & Collar Style Of Assemblies

A structure consisting of 4 decks, 2 slides, 3 climbers and a staircase would comprise the following typical time and material costs.

All Welded System Inspection

15 minutes average inspection time x avg. $80.00/hour = $20.00 Multiplied by 50 parks = $1000.00/month.

Clamp & Collar System Inspection

60 minutes average inspection time x avg. $80.00/hr. = $80.00 Multiplied by 50 parks = $4000.00/month.

A difference of $3000.00/month over 12 months = $36,000.00 per year. That’s $720,000 saved over an average 20-year lifespan of a structure!