Playground Equipment Inspections

Annual playground inspections to BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177 standards for all types of play equipment and safety surfacing.

LDN Inspection Services provides comprehensive playground safety inspections for schools, parks, councils and leisure facilities. Our qualified inspectors examine all types of playground equipment and safety surfacing to protect children, manage liability, and maintain compliance with current safety standards.

Playground Safety Inspections

Playground equipment is used daily by children and must be maintained in a safe condition at all times. Equipment failures, worn surfacing, and unidentified hazards can result in serious injuries. Annual inspections by a competent person are essential to identify risks before they cause harm.

Under BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177, playground operators are expected to implement a structured inspection regime that includes routine checks, operational inspections, and an annual main inspection. Compliance with these standards demonstrates effective risk management and supports your duty of care obligations.

Our inspections cover structural integrity, fixings and foundations, moving parts, safety surfacing condition, entrapment and protrusion risks, fall zone clearances, and all safety-critical features of each piece of equipment.

Key Requirements

  • Annual main inspection by a competent person
  • Compliance with BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177 standards
  • Duty of care under Health and Safety at Work Act
  • Insurance policy compliance and liability protection
  • Early detection of wear, damage and emerging hazards

Equipment We Inspect

Our inspectors examine all types of playground equipment and safety surfacing, including:

Swings (flat seat, cradle, basket, nest)
Slides (straight, spiral, tunnel)
Climbing frames and climbing walls
Roundabouts and spinning equipment
Seesaws and spring rockers
Multi-play units and combination structures
Trim trails and adventure trails
Ziplines and aerial runways
Inclusive and accessible play equipment
Outdoor gym and fitness equipment
Wet pour and rubber mulch surfacing
Bark and loose-fill safety surfacing

What We Check

Structural and Mechanical

  • Structural integrity of frames, posts and platforms
  • Fixings, foundations and ground anchoring
  • Moving parts, bearings and pivot points
  • Surface wear, corrosion and trip hazards

Safety and Compliance

  • Entrapment risks including finger and head traps
  • Sharp edges, protrusions and catching points
  • Fall zone clearances and equipment spacing
  • Safety surfacing depth, coverage and impact attenuation

Our Inspection Process

A thorough approach to playground equipment safety inspection

1

Pre-inspection review of equipment records, installation data and previous reports

2

Visual and operational inspection of all play equipment and structures

3

Measurement of fall heights, spacing and clearance zones

4

Surfacing depth checks and impact attenuation testing

5

Assessment of entrapment risks, protrusion hazards and finger/head traps

6

Digital report with photographs, defect grading and recommendations

Sectors We Work With

Schools and academies
Local councils and parish councils
Public parks and recreation grounds
Housing associations and residential developments
Nurseries and childcare settings
Holiday parks and leisure facilities

Why Choose LDN Inspection Services?

Qualified inspectors with playground safety expertise
Inspections to BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177 standards
Clear digital reports with photographic evidence
Defect grading with prioritised recommendations
Automated reminder service for annual inspections
UK-wide coverage with fast turnaround

Playground Equipment FAQs

Where We Provide Playground Equipment Inspections

Our engineers cover all of London within the M25. Here are some of the key areas we serve.

Ready to Arrange Your Next Inspection?

Get in touch with our team today for a no-obligation quote and fast support.

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