Maintenance Guidelines
Playground equipment should be inspected and properly maintained at regular intervals to
reduce the risk of injury. Inadequate maintenance of playground equipment has resulted in
injuries on playgrounds. Because the safety of playground equipment and its suitability for use
depends on good inspection and proper maintenance,
Component Playgrounds recommends that a comprehensive and regularly scheduled
maintenance program be implemented and strictly followed. Equipment should be inspected for
any potential hazards. Pay special attention to moving parts and any other part or piece of the
equipment that is expected to wear. If inspection finds potential hazards, the playground should
be closed until the necessary repairs can be completed. Any damaged or worn parts must be
repaired or replaced before the playground equipment can be reopened for use by children.
Records
Complete and comprehensive records should be kept of all inspections and maintenance of the
playground.
• These records should be signed and dated by the playground inspector each time that
the playground is inspected.
• Maintenance records should be signed and dated and include comprehensive notes as
to each action that was taken to correct any adverse findings made by the playground
inspector.
• Other records of importance that should be retained are: Installation instructions and
site plans, all reported accidents or injuries.
