School Playground Safety Inspection Checklist
This playground safety inspection checklist ensures compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines and ASTM F1487 standards for public playground equipment safety.
- Industry: Education
- Frequency: Weekly
- Estimated Time: 30-40 minutes
- Role: Facility Manager / Playground Supervisor / Safety Officer
- Total Items: 32
- Compliance: CPSC Playground Safety Guidelines, ASTM F1487, ASTM F1292, ADA Accessibility Guidelines
Protective Surfacing
Fall zone surfacing condition and depth
- Surfacing type
- Loose fill depth adequate (9-12 inches)
- Surfacing extends to fall zones (6 ft minimum)
- No excessive compaction or displacement
- No foreign objects or debris in surfacing
- Adequate drainage, no standing water
Equipment Structure
Structural integrity of playground equipment
- No excessive rust, rot, or deterioration
- All connections and fasteners secure
- No missing or broken components
- No sharp edges, points, or protrusions
- No crush or pinch points
- Platforms and decks stable
Entrapment Hazards
Head and body entrapment prevention
- Openings comply with entrapment guidelines (no 3.5-9 inch gaps)
- No potential head entrapment hazards
- Guardrails adequate for platform heights
- Handrails secure and appropriate height
Swing Equipment
Swing safety inspection
- Swing seats appropriate type (belt, bucket)
- Swing chains in good condition, no wear
- Adequate clearance between swings
- Surfacing adequate in use zones
- No open S-hooks present
Slide Equipment
Slide safety inspection
- Slide surface smooth, no protrusions
- Slide sides adequate height
- Exit region clear and surfaced
- Safe transition from platform to slide
General Safety & Sign-Off
Overall safety and documentation
- Adequate supervision sight lines
- Age-appropriate signage posted
- ADA accessible routes to equipment
- Perimeter fencing adequate (if applicable)
- Hazards identified requiring repair
- Hazard details (if any)
- Inspector Signature
Related Education Checklists
- Daily Classroom Safety Checklist
- School Bus Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist - FREE PDF
- School Fire Drill Checklist
- Fire Safety Checklist
- Classroom Daily Safety Check
- Laboratory Safety Checklist