FAQ's

What is considered a public playground?

A public playground is one that is accessible by the public such as city parks, county parks, municipality parks, homeowners' associations, daycare centers, recreation centers, public and private schools, churches, restaurants and apartment/condo/multi-family setting with playgrounds.

Why should I have my playground inspected?

The purpose of an inspection is to protect the children that use your playground as well as to provide protection for yourself legally. Safety inspections can identify small problems that can mean the difference between a safe play environment and a harmful play environment. Even in the safest play environment, accidents are likely to occur. However, in the event of an accident diligent playground owners/operators understand the value of documentation that shows regular and consistent inspections and timely maintenance.

Do I have to have my playground inspected?

In most states the answer is no. Some states inspection regulations are mandatory and in other's it is voluntary. Although introduced this year, Florida currently does not have mandatory legislation on the books. As a playground owner you are responsible to provide a safe play environment. Regular inspections and proper maintenance are key factors in providing a safe play environment and providing protection against litigation in the event a child gets injured.

What regulations do playground inspections follow?

Playground inspections are based on the U.S. consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) public playground safety guidelines as well as following ASTM International Standards. The primary guidelines followed are but not limited to F1487 (Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use), F1292 (Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment), F2049 (Standard Guide for Fences/Barriers for Public, Commercial, and Multi-Family Residential Use Outdoor Play Areas), and F1918 (Standard Safety Performance Specification for Soft Contained Play Equipment).

What qualifies someone to be a playground inspector?

A Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) is trained by the National Recreation and Parks Association's National Playground Safety Institute. They attend training courses and must pass an examination administered by the NRPA with re-certification reequipments/testing every three years.

What is inspected?

Our Certified Playground Safety Inspectors examine every piece of equipment, the playground surfacing, the playground borders/fences, signs, and any other item located within the play area. Equipment is identified and noted, photographs are taken and measurements are taken. Our inspectors will climb on and under the play equipment, tug and pull looking for wear, hazards and generally giving the equipment the same physical pressures that it receives daily from children to ensure its safety.

All Audits, Inspections, and Testing are confidential. In keeping with the Certified Playground Safety Inspector Code of Conduct, inspectors shall "sustain and advance the integrity, honor and veracity of their certification by... never providing findings... to anyone other than the playground owner unless authorized by the owner to do so."