We do playground inspections and audits in many local areas, including Montgomery County, Maryland; Prince George’s County, Maryland; Frederick County, Maryland; Washington, DC; Arlington County, Virginia; Fairfax County, Virginia; and many other towns, cities, and counties in Maryland and Virginia. Click Here to open a sample playground safety report. To discuss an NAEYC audit or a playground inspection, call us locally at 301-840-0707 or send us an e-mail at mdmail@mdmaterials.com
The main reason is to protect children and avoid lawsuits. Unfortunately, children sometimes get injured on the playground and what usually ensues is a lawsuit. However, getting a playground inspection is one way of protecting your school, daycare or business from a lawsuit. Fortunately, safety inspections can identify small problems that can be fixed in order to prevent injuries. The best way to manage a playground is to be proactive.
Playground inspections are required in some states, while they are voluntary in others. However, whether one is required or not, it is a good idea to get one to be on the safe side. Again, a safety inspection goes a long way in keeping children safe. It also provides your organization with a document to protect against lawsuits.
Playround inspections are based on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) public playground safety guidelines, and the following ASTM International standards: F1487-11, “Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use,” and F2223-11, “Standard Guide for ASTM Standards on Playground Surfacing”
All Certified Playground Safety Inspectors are trained by the National Recreation and Park Association’s National Playground Safety Institute. Inspectors attend a training course and take an examination administered by the NRPA. Our company inspectors have several years of experience. They have inspected dozens of playgrounds in the Washington DC metro area.
Your organization receives a detailed report of the inspectionn to keep for your records. Our playground inspectors thoroughly examine every inch of playground equipment, including playground surfacing, the playground borders, and any other item that is found within and above the play area. Inspectors take careful measurements and photos in order to accurately compare the condition of the equipment with the prevailing CPSC and ASTM safety standards. Our inspectors actually climb on the equipment and each piece of equipment through a rigorous test to make sure that it is sturdy, secure and reliable.