Playground safety inspection
Before kids play, a playground safety inspection looks for dangers in your equipment and the surface below it. For the in-depth inspection, many groups bring in a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), while your own staff can handle quick checks between those visits.
Playground safety inspection at a glance
Check quickly for vandalism, weather damage, and wear
Daily or weekly, from playcore.com:
Often performed daily or weekly, high frequency inspections look at frequently changing conditions caused by use, weather, and/or vandalism.
Inspect equipment and surfacing in depth
Every three or six months, from playcore.com:
Often performed quarterly or semi-annually, low frequency inspections are in-depth investigations of the equipment and surfacing looking for wear and tear.
Usual cost of a certified inspection
$300 to $700, from playgroundguardian.com:
The average playground equipment inspection costs between $300-700…
CPSI certification lasts
3 years, from nrpa.org:
CPSI certification is valid for three years.
Certification for CPSI Inspectors
The National Recreation and Park Association grants a CPSI certification to show an inspector is trained to find hazards in play areas. This credential must be renewed by the inspector after three years.
To keep the credential active, pay a recertification fee of $95 if you belong to the National Recreation and Park Association or $125 if you do not.
Auditing Your Playground: Checking the Ground
A playground audit involves a thorough review comparing your ground cover and play equipment to national safety guidelines. Shredded wood fiber or rubber mulch are examples of loose-fill, a loose ground material that cushions a child's fall.
As time passes, loose-fill material compresses by at least 25 percent, leaving less cushion under slides and climbers. When budgeting for ground cover only, the price scales with how large your space is.
- For 1,000 square feet, expect $3,500 to $5,500 for engineered wood fiber and $9,000 to $18,000 for poured in place rubber.
- On 2,500 square feet, expect $8,800 to $13,800 for engineered wood fiber and $22,500 to $45,000 for poured in place rubber.
What Is the Right Inspection Schedule for a Playground?
PlayCore, the firm behind GameTime, divides playground inspections into two types:
- Quick checks, which are often done daily or weekly, search for things that change quickly: litter, weather effects, vandalism, and damage from heavy use.
- Often done every three or six months, in-depth checks examine the ground and equipment closely for wear and tear, like thin surfacing or worn hooks.
Factors like equipment age, usage levels, materials, child ages, climate, and vandalism determine how often your site needs each type. In Appendix A of its safety handbook, the Consumer Product Safety Commission lists a routine inspection checklist. Repair anything you find as soon as possible.
Common Questions About Playground Safety Inspection
What is the cost of a playground inspection?
Playground Guardian, an inspection firm, states a certified playground inspection typically costs $300 to $700. Costs vary by location, equipment size and age, usage levels, condition, time since last inspection, and inspector experience. You can ask dealers to price a first inspection separately when they quote a new playground.
What tasks do playground safety inspectors perform?
Inspectors examine your equipment and measure the fall space surrounding each structure. A use zone defines the clear ground area where a child could land after falling or jumping off play equipment. For a standalone climber, an inspector verifies this clear space reaches six feet in all directions.
How frequently must playgrounds be inspected?
Most sites need two rhythms. Often done daily or weekly, quick checks target damage, litter, and vandalism, whereas in-depth checks of the ground and equipment often happen every three or six months. More frequent checks are needed for busy sites, older equipment, and harsh weather. You can print the routine checklist found in Appendix A of the CPSC handbook for your team.
What steps are needed to become a certified playground inspector?
Passing the National Recreation and Park Association exam is required, and this test contains 100 questions with 95 counted toward your final score. Let experienced professionals take on your project, if that is what you want. Playground equipment dealers and manufacturers' representatives receive one short quote request and quote the equipment, surfacing, and installation for your site.