Policy Documents

Date policy approved and adopted: 4 December 2023. Policy reviewed: 9 May 2025, 11 May 2026. Date of next review: May 2027

1. Introduction

This policy has been prepared to recognise formally the maintenance and inspection regime of South Kelsey and Moortown Parish Council’s play facilities and the assets within these facilities. The policy will outline the legal responsibilities of the authority and how the Parish Council (Council) will meet these responsibilities through a system of inspection, assessing risk and responses to faults and risks.

Playgrounds by their very nature should provide a degree of risk and challenges to the users. At all times it is to be recognised that in providing challenging play there will be an identifiable acceptable degree of risk.

The Council aims to offer a play space which is a stimulating, and challenging environment enabling children to explore and develop their abilities. In providing these environments, the Council will manage the level of risk so that users of the play areas and its equipment are not exposed to unacceptable risks and hazards.

2. Legal Requirements

There is no specific legislation on play safety. However, the key legislation is:

• The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and appropriate updates

• Occupiers Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Management Regulations)

• Consumer Protection Act 1987

• Children Act 1989

• RIDDOR 2013

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation 1992

• Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986

• Environmental Protection Act 1990

The Council and its Officers have a duty to take actions that will ensure the safety of people at work and members of the public who may be affected by the facilities that are provided by the Parish Council

The Council will be governed by the rules of “reasonable practicability” and will seek to correct major hazards. Minor faults where risk is negligible and potential injury very minor will be monitored unless the fault or hazard changes status.

3. Industry Standards and Guidance

These standards and Safety Guidelines are not a legal requirement but are considered to be good professional working practice.

EN1176 – Playground Equipment

EN1176 is the European Standard which replaced the old British Standards. The standard is not

retrospective and provides advice on design layout and the inspection of playground equipment.

Contained within the guidance are the following key recommendations:

• That if the equipment is not safe, access by the public should be prevented

• The equipment must be inspected and maintained

• An inspection record should be maintained for 21 years

4. Civil Legislation

In the event of a serious accident claims are based on negligence. Such claims will need to show that the organisation responsible for play failed to take some action which made the accident more likely to happen. The defence will be based on evidence such as records of inspections and maintenance, compliance with the Standards and relevant risk assessments.

This policy will take into account the Council’s legal responsibilities and outline a method of inspections and maintenance given the resources available to it.

5. Playground Inspection Methodology

South Kelsey and Moortown Parish Council is responsible for managing and maintaining play equipment at: Recreation Field, Waddingham Road, South Kelsey, Market Rasen, LN7 6PN

6. Inspection Type & Frequency

Inspection and maintenance activities are carried out to ensure the play areas are safe for people using them. They also ensure timely maintenance to minimise major maintenance issues and replacement costs for equipment. The inspections will be carried out weekly with monthly reports going to the Clerk

a. Visual Inspections - The weekly visual inspection will be carried out by an appointed councillor for and will be undertaken using the relevant form covering the site and equipment and are provided by the Clerk. The inspection will include the identification of obvious hazards resulting from use, weather and vandalism, broken parts or bottles, litter, graffiti, equipment misuse. Obvious hazards as described above along with the overall results of the inspections will be fed back to the Clerk. All completed forms following review are filed for future reference.

b. Independent Full Inspections - The annual inspection is carried out by an independent accredited playground inspector.

c. Reactive inspections - The Clerk will respond to complaints, requests and reports received about play equipment from members of the public.

7. Accidents, Enquiries and Claims

The Council will record all accidents and enquires relating to the play areas and facilities within them. Records will be maintained to ensure that the Council is are able to identify a clear chain of information from the inspection, the associated risk, details of works and repairs carried out and any information related to an accident or enquiry. This information will enable the Council to defend itself against claims and be an effective management tool for future improvements.

8. Responsibilities

The South Kelsey and Moortown Parish Council will take responsibility for

• the nominate Councillor to be responsible for weekly inspections with monthly reports.
• Ensure all types of inspections are taking place, reports are filed and identified actions are undertaken in an appropriate time frame.
• Approve spending on remedial actions.
• Delegate authority to the Clerk to undertake actions to resolve urgent/and or high-risk issue where such action is required before the next meeting.

The Clerk:

• Review the monthly inspection checklist completed by the identified Councillor
• File all inspection records.
• Ensure monthly inspection checklists and annual playground inspections are retained for 21 years.
• Engage a registered playground maintenance company to perform all (other than minor) maintenance repair works.
• Instigate action to resolve urgent and/or high-risk issues identified in inspections where such action is required before the next council meeting.
• Report any issues and actions to the Council.

Nominated Councillor will:

• Complete monthly inspection reports and file with the Clerk.
• Notify the Clerk as a matter of urgency of any dangerous equipment or in the event the office is closed take steps to isolate the dangerous equipment with temporary barriers or barricades.

Village Handyman will:

• Perform minor remedial works where appropriate.