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40,000 injuries to children on playgrounds each year Approximately 40,000 injuries to children occur on playgrounds each year Image: child on a playground
 

RoSPA Play Safety : Inspections

Notes on Indoor Soft Play Areas

General

  1. Indoor Soft Play Areas are covered by The British Standard BS 8409 which is not mandatory in the UK . The Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) have made it clear that whilst compliance with BS 8409 is recommended, it is the risks associated with the equipment which are of paramount importance. Compliance with BS 8409 does not remove the operator’s responsibility to ensure that equipment is safe; equally failure to comply does not necessarily mean that equipment is dangerous. The Courts have also made it clear that compliance with BS 8409 does not remove the operator’s obligation to have a safe area and that BS 8409 compliance cannot necessarily be used as defense in the event of litigation. It is essential therefore to have all new areas inspected by an organization such as RoSPA before opening.
  2. RoSPA inspects against the relevant standards. The site and equipment are also assessed with the protection of the operator and contractor against litigation in mind.
  3. Play is all about “doing” and by “doing” accidents will from time to time occur. Play is an essential part of a child’s physical and mental development and RoSPA believes that it is essential that a level of assessed challenge and risk is provided to enable children to properly develop their survival skills. Risk Assessment is all about balancing risk against return.
  4. BS 8409 is not always a precise standard and includes in some cases imprecise wording. It also makes reference to BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177. In some cases BS EN 71 also applies.
  5. The provisions of the Children Act 1989 might apply to soft play centres. (Consult your local authority on this if in doubt)
  6. All play frame equipment should be ordered to meet the requirements of BS 8409.
  7. When purchasing equipment the site operator should request confirmation that ancillary equipment meets the following standards:

    • Fire fighting equipment to BS 5306-8
    • Emergency Lighting to BS 5266-1 or BS EN 1838
    • Emergency escapes to BS 5395-1, BS 5395-2, BS 5395-3 or BS EN 1125 (as applicable)
    • Ventilation to BS 5720, BS 5925 or PD CR 1752 as appropriate
    • Lighting to BS 8206-1 and BS 8206-2
    • Soap and hand drying in toilets to BS 6465-1
    • PVC covered foam composites to BS 5852:1990, Section 4
    • Electrical installations to BS 7671

  8. Maximum numbers: A rough rule of thumb is a maximum of one child per 2 square metres of play space. In some areas the safe numbers may be less than that. RoSPA will indicate safe maximum numbers with the Post Installation Inspection report.

Inspections
BS 8409 and the HSE recommend the following inspection procedure for indoor soft play areas:

  1. A daily safety check should be undertaken by a competent member of staff. A relevant checklist should be provided by the supplier. (In a busy centre it may be necessary to carry out these checks before every session)
  2. An annual independent inspection (independent from operator and supplier) should be undertaken by a body such as RoSPA with the knowledge and experience of this type of facility.

All inspections should be documented and records kept. RoSPA recommend a period of 21 years ( RoSPA keep all their records for this time).

In addition a safety testing programme should be carried out for areas in or adjacent to the indoor play area. These include:

  • Fixed electrical installation and portable electrical appliances
  • Gas equipment (including Carbon Monoxide monitors etc)
  • Lifting equipment
  • Fire detection and fire fighting equipment

For all new areas a full Post Installation Inspection of the facility should be obtained from RoSPA (or similar) to ensure site safety prior to opening.

Cleaning
The area should be maintained in a clean condition at all times. Only non-hazardous materials should be used

There should be procedures in place for immediate cleaning and disinfecting where urination, defecation, vomiting or blood spillage could occur.

Training
All staff should receive appropriate training. RoSPA provides a range of appropriate training courses (contact RoSPA on 01367 820988 for details). Training for staff on daily inspection procedures can be provided as part of the post installation inspection.

There should also be at least one member of staff on duty who is first aid trained.

Suppliers
For a list of suppliers of indoor soft play areas see the Members (Indoor) section of the Association of Play Industries web site www.playindustries.org

RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823
Patron: Her Majesty the Queen

RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK
Telephone: 0121 248 2000 Fax: 0121 248 2001 Email: help@rospa.com
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