RoSPA Play Safety News Archive
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Welcome to the RoSPA Play Safety News Archive.
Post installation Inspections
In undertaking Post Installation Inspections RoSPA Playsafety often come on interesting play areas.
A recent example of an area using water play to provide an interesting and stimulating facility is this one at Clifton Park in Rotherham.
Congratulations to all involved in the provision and construction of this area. Now all we want is lots of sun.
Skate parks
The European Standard for skate parks and other wheeled sports facilities has recently been subject to amendment and improvement. There was input from several European countries to update and amend BS EN 14974:2006. These changes will be published in due course by British Standards Institution and they will be reflected in assessments of skate parks.
It may be that existing facilities will no longer conform to the revisions, but this does not mean that they suddenly become inappropriate. Similarly, it may be that previous failures to comply will now conform.
Sports pitches and playing fields
There are 22 million sporting injuries in the UK each year and many of these are on outdoor sports facilities. A large number of incidents are associated with playing surface problems. Correct maintenance and inspection procedures can greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring.
RoSPA can provide a detailed inspection report for any sports pitch or playing field and assess its compliance with the current British Standard 7370. This will include assessment of ground cover, broad leafed weeds, sward height, thatch, hardness, evenness and slopes. Additionally, top soil samples can be taken and subsequent testing can be applied off site. For more specific information on the report, see the sports pitches and playing fields inspection page.
Alan Penn is our dedicated playing fields inspector and has a great wealth of experience in this area. Working in the industry for over 20 years, he has undertaken much research within soil science and written numerous articles for industry specific journals and publications. He is also involved with the NPFA, ILAM, IOG and SAPCA.
If you manage a sports pitch or playing field and would like to book an inspection with Alan, please contact us for prices and booking information on info@rospaplaysafety.co.uk or call +44 (0)1367 244600.
Plan checking service
Getting it wrong when constructing a play area can be expensive. That is why more and more people are using the RoSPA Plan Checking service. By having plans checked in advance costly mistakes can be avoided with resultant considerable savings. Equally often the check can recommend cheaper ways of achieving the desired result.
Our highly qualified inspectors can support you throughout the entire design process. This is not simply a ‘box ticking’ exercise. They spend time thoroughly examining the plans and forming valuable opinions and recommendations which will be detailed in a written report. If many changes are incurred, we can provide ongoing advice that will take you right through to installation and beyond.
At a cost of normally between £250 and £350 (plus VAT) per site, this service is very cost effective and may prove to be a valuable money saving resource. A Post Installation Inspection is recommended for all new play areas and a discount is offered to any clients who have used our plan checking service.
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