Playground Maintenance {insert school district name} Courtesy of Schools Insurance Authority

Playgrounds are Important Social development Physical development Taking risks Interaction Schools Insurance Authority

Injury data Nationwide, it is estimated 220,000 playground equipment related injuries occur annually –45% of these on school playgrounds 79% of all playground injuries are falls Poor maintenance of equipment is cited as the second leading factor in playground injuries after improper use/poor supervision Schools Insurance Authority

Recognizing Hazards: Container Box Fall material –Rake frequently so is does not pile up and/or leave holes –Concrete footers should be covered Debris in container box –Rocks, glass, sticks, needles, etc. Trip hazards Repair damaged boxes. Hazards around the playground –Cut back trees and vegetation to allow 7 feet of clearance Schools Insurance Authority

Repair damaged container boxes. Remove potential hazards.

Recognizing Hazards: Equipment Damaged equipment –Look and touch equipment to help determine if it is loose or broken Hardware –Protruding bolts –Missing or loose hardware Metal surfaces –Sharp edges Check for wear on moving parts –Worn S-hooks –Fraying cables on flexible climbers Schools Insurance Authority

Watch for loose bolts and missing hardware.

Schools Insurance Authority Check swing seats and other equipment for wear and damage

Schools Insurance Authority Replace missing or damaged equipment. Close playground equipment if missing or damaged piece creates a hazard.

Schools Insurance Authority

Remove equipment or hardware that protrudes.

Signage Gives guidance to users – especially during non-school hours Young children may not have the strength to use equipment found on playground structures designed for older children Age of user is defined by equipment manufacturer SIA has free stickers Replace when worn or damaged Schools Insurance Authority

Replace worn and damaged signage and labels.

Regular Inspections Inspection intervals are dependent upon age, use, type of equipment and the climate. –Check after weekends, holidays and in the morning before students arrive Follow manufacturers recommendations Visual inspections should be ongoing by maintenance staff and playground supervisors Document inspections –If it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen –Take credit for the work you are doing! Schools Insurance Authority

Documentation Use inspection checklists –File completed checklists in the event of an incident or claim Keep copies of completed work orders Save receipts for fall material and equipment purchased Schools Insurance Authority

Review Playgrounds are important to a child’s development Regular inspections must include” –Equipment –Container box –Signage Document inspections, repairs and purchases –If it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen! Schools Insurance Authority