YOUR SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Every playground owner should keep permanent records of inspections and maintenance of the playground. Nominate a competent person to do regular inspections and ensure any repair work is done and recorded. Your nominated inspector may require training to identify hazards. Any incident, which results in an injury, should be recorded and investigated.

Your records for a Safety Management System should have:

• Equipment records - location of playground(s) and all equipment, details of surfacing, the installer and installation dates, the manufacturer and warranty. Any certificates of inspection and testing (if applicable) and inspection and maintenance instructions (from the manufacturer)
• Inspection checklists and timetables
• Records of what corrective action was taken
• Maintenance procedures
• Incident reports

HOW TO USE YOUR INSPECTION CHECKLIST

The checklist is used regularly in order to maintain your playground in a safe condition. There is no such thing as the one checklist that will suit every playground. Questions will vary according to the number and types of playgrounds you have, whether the playground is in a park, school, or early childhood centre. Ask your equipment manufacturer to supply inspection information for you to maintain your particular equipment, and include it in your checklist.

A sample checklist is available from Kidsafe Queensland. Use it as a guide to what to look for, and adapt the questions to suit your playground.