Health & Safety Guidance Notes: Children's Play Areas

The main hazards associated with Play Areas and Play Centres (the list is not exhaustive) include:

1. Location:
   Play areas should be easily accessed by children and adults; ideally access routes and the play area should be overlooked.  It is preferable that barriers restrict direct access from play areas to car parks.  Play areas should be well drained and have hazard free surroundings.
2. Layout / Design of area:
   Sufficient circulation space between equipment should be provided to prevent entrapment and accidental collision.
3. Equipment:
   Equipment intended for permanent outdoor installation should carry the appropriate kite mark. Competent installers should carry out installation to the manufacturers/suppliers instructions.
4. Surfaces:
   It is recommended that impact-absorbing surfaces be used where the fall from equipment is greater than 60 cms.  If loose fill surfaces are provided, allowance should be made for regular cleaning, maintenance and replenishment.
5. Inspections & Maintenance:
   A comprehensive documented inspection and maintenance programme should be implemented.  There are three categories of inspection: i) Daily ii) 1 - 3 monthly iii) A full-certified inspection at intervals not exceeding 12 months.  Reputable manufacturer/suppliers and independent organisations i.e. RoSPA offer certified inspections.  Full records of inspections should be filed.
6. Emergency Procedures:
   Accident books and public liability insurance and the availability of first aid facilities should be considered.
7. Dog Fouling:
   Measures should be taken to prevent dog fouling of play areas by fencing and self closing gates and warning signage to dog owners.
8. Indoor play centres:
   The following control measures should be considered when conducting a risk assessment, namely: The level of adult supervision (1:30), appropriate length of play sessions, appropriate age and size limits, safety rules promoted through signage, capacity limits and the control of unsafe and inappropriate child behaviour.
9. Inflatable - Bouncy Castles:
   Currently, HSE supports the work of two inspection schemes, namely ADIPS and PIPA.  Both of these are independent voluntary schemes, funded and run by industry members.  While compliance can be achieved using other equally effective means, HSE is content that when an operator or other dutyholder has their inflatable devices examined by an inspector who is registered with either of these schemes, they will normally have done enough to comply with the relevant part of their duties under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
10. Smoking (Effective 1st July 2007):
    All premises, which are wholly or substantially enclosed and used as a place of work by more than one person are, now smoke free.  "No smoking" signs must be displayed at the public entrance to the premises.  Take reasonable steps to ensure that staff, customers etc. are aware that smoking is not permitted.  Ensure that no one smokes in smoke free premises or vehicles.
11. Additional information: Online publication of RoSPA Play Safety Information Sheets
12. Main legislative requirements:
    • The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
    • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Guidance Notes - Printable version