Playground Safety Inspection Checklist

This playground safety inspection checklist ensures compliance with international safety standards including CPSC (US Consumer Product Safety Commission), ASTM F1487-21 for playground equipment, ASTM F1292-22 for impact attenuation, EN 1176/1177 (European/UK standards), and BIS IS 15935 (India). Complete weekly, after severe weather, or following any reported incident. Document all findings with photos and prioritize repairs by risk level.

Industry: Government & Municipal
Frequency: Weekly/After Weather Events
Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
Role: Parks Inspector / CPSI Certified Inspector / Facility Manager
Total Items: 56
Compliance: CPSC Pub 325, ASTM F1487-21, ASTM F1292-22, ASTM F2373, EN 1176

Fall Zones & Impact Attenuating Surfacing (ASTM F1292/EN 1177)

Verify fall zone clearances and surfacing meets impact attenuation requirements.

Use zones extend minimum 6 feet in all directions from equipment?
Surfacing material type
Loose-fill surfacing depth adequate (9-12 inches)?
No displacement or compaction reducing depth?
Surfacing covers entire use zone without gaps?
No hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, packed dirt) in fall zones?
Proper drainage - no standing water or erosion?
Rubber mat/tile edges secured and not creating trip hazards?

Entrapment Hazards (CPSC/ASTM F1487 Section 6)

Check for head, neck, limb, and clothing entrapment risks.

No openings between 3.5 and 9 inches (head entrapment)?
No protrusions that could entangle clothing?
S-hooks fully closed (gap < 0.04 inches)?
Bolts do not protrude more than 2 threads?
Rope/net openings do not allow head entrapment?
Guardrail/barrier openings safe (not 3.5-9 inches)?

Equipment Structural Integrity

Check all equipment for structural soundness and stability.

All equipment firmly anchored and stable?
Footings buried and not exposed/corroded?
All bolts, nuts, and fasteners tight and secure?
No excessive rust, corrosion, or rot?
No cracks, breaks, or structural damage?
All welds intact with no visible cracks?
Plastic components not cracked, faded, or brittle?
Wood components free of rot, splinters, and insect damage?

Moving Parts & Mechanical Components

Inspect swings, merry-go-rounds, and other moving equipment.

Swing chains/cables in good condition, no wear?
Swing seats appropriate type (belt for 2-5, flat for 5-12)?
Swing clearance: 24 inches between seats, 30 inches from frame?
Bearings and pivots operate smoothly?
No accessible pinch, crush, or shear points?
Merry-go-round speed limiter functional (if applicable)?
Spring rocker springs and handgrips secure?

Sharp Edges, Points & Protrusions

Check for laceration and puncture hazards.

No sharp edges that could cut or scrape?
No sharp points or corners?
All protective caps and plugs in place?
No splinters on wood surfaces?
All accessible edges properly rounded or capped?

Slides, Platforms & Elevated Surfaces

Inspect slides, decks, and elevated play areas.

Slide surface smooth with no gaps or rough spots?
Slide sides adequate height (4 inches minimum)?
Platforms over 30 inches have guardrails/barriers?
Guardrails appropriate height (29-38 inches)?
Deck/platform surfaces slip-resistant?
Transfer platforms for accessibility (if applicable)?

Accessibility (ADA 2010 Standards/EN 1176-7)

Verify playground meets accessibility requirements.

Accessible route to playground entrance?
Accessible route surfacing firm, stable, slip-resistant?
Adequate ground-level play components?
50% of elevated components accessible via ramp/transfer?
Manipulative components within reach ranges?

Site Conditions & Housekeeping

General site safety and cleanliness.

No glass, sharp objects, or dangerous debris?
No evidence of vandalism or graffiti?
Trash receptacles emptied and area clean?
No animal waste present?
Vegetation trimmed and not encroaching?
Clear sight lines for supervision?
Lighting functional (if applicable)?

Signage & Documentation

Verify required signage and manufacturer labels.

Age-appropriate use signage posted?
Playground rules posted?
Emergency contact information posted?
Manufacturer labels/installation dates visible?

Related Government & Municipal Checklists

Related Parks Recreation Checklists

Why Use This Playground Safety Inspection Checklist?

This playground safety inspection checklist helps government & municipal teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for parks inspector / cpsi certified inspector / facility manager professionals, this checklist covers 56 critical inspection points across 9 sections. Recommended frequency: weekly/after weather events.

Ensures compliance with CPSC Pub 325, ASTM F1487-21, ASTM F1292-22, ASTM F2373, EN 1176, EN 1177, BIS IS 15935, ADA 2010 Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Playground Safety Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 56 inspection items across 9 sections: Fall Zones & Impact Attenuating Surfacing (ASTM F1292/EN 1177), Entrapment Hazards (CPSC/ASTM F1487 Section 6), Equipment Structural Integrity, Moving Parts & Mechanical Components, Sharp Edges, Points & Protrusions, Slides, Platforms & Elevated Surfaces, Accessibility (ADA 2010 Standards/EN 1176-7), Site Conditions & Housekeeping, Signage & Documentation. It is designed for government & municipal operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed weekly/after weather events. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Playground Safety Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Parks Inspector / CPSI Certified Inspector / Facility Manager professionals in the government & municipal industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.