Playground Safety Inspection Checklist

Ensure playground safety & minimize liability! Download our comprehensive Playground Safety Inspection Checklist - a vital tool for Facility Managers. Protect children with this easy-to-use guide covering surfacing, equipment, and more. Free download!

This Template was installed 4 times.

General Site Assessment

1 of 8

Overall impression of the playground. Includes considerations for surfacing, fencing, and landscaping.

Overall Playground Condition (Brief Description)

Approximate Playground Area (Square Feet)

Type of Playground (e.g., Public, School, Daycare)

Age Range of Primary Users

Date of Last Significant Renovation/Upgrade

Notes on Surrounding Environment (e.g., proximity to street, noise levels)

GPS Coordinates of Playground

Surfacing Inspection

2 of 8

Evaluation of the playground surfacing material for depth, condition, and appropriate use under and around equipment.

Surfacing Depth - Under Swing Set (inches)

Surfacing Depth - Under Slide (inches)

Surfacing Depth - Around Climbing Structure (inches)

Surfacing Type

If 'Other' surfacing type selected, please specify:

Surfacing Condition

Describe any observed damage or deficiencies in the surfacing:

Attach photos of surfacing (optional):

Equipment Inspection - Structural Integrity

3 of 8

Assessment of the structural components of playground equipment, including posts, platforms, and supports.

Post Depth (inches) - Slide Structure

Platform Thickness (inches) - Climbing Structure

Evidence of Rot/Decay on Wood Posts?

Rust/Corrosion Present on Metal Supports?

Describe any observed structural damage (cracks, bends, etc.)

Distance Between Support Posts (feet)

Are support beams securely anchored?

Upload Photo of structural concern (if any)

Equipment Inspection - Hardware & Fasteners

4 of 8

Checking bolts, screws, rivets, and other fasteners for tightness and corrosion.

Check each fastener type and assess its condition:

Number of loose/missing bolts/screws observed:

Number of corroded fasteners observed:

Fastener corrosion level (if applicable):

Description of any damaged or compromised fasteners:

Upload photos of any concerning fasteners (optional):

Are all fasteners of the correct type and size for the application?

Any additional notes regarding hardware and fasteners:

Equipment Inspection - Moving Parts

5 of 8

Evaluation of swings, slides, seesaws, and other moving parts for proper function and safety.

Swing Chain Length (inches)

Swing Seat Height (inches)

Slide Condition (Surface)

Seesaw Movement

Carousel/Merry-Go-Round Issues

Describe any unusual noises or movement observed in any moving equipment.

Distance between swing seats (feet)

Fall Zone & Accessibility

6 of 8

Ensuring adequate fall zones around equipment and accessibility for users with disabilities.

Minimum Fall Height for Equipment (inches)

Fall Zone Depth (inches) Around Slide

Fall Zone Depth (inches) Around Swings

Surfacing Material Type in Fall Zones

If 'Other' surfacing material selected, please specify:

Is the playground accessible according to ADA guidelines?

Accessibility Features Present?

Notes on Accessibility Observations (if any issues found)

Hazard Identification & Removal

7 of 8

Identifying and addressing potential hazards such as protruding objects, entanglement risks, and trip hazards.

Identify any Protruding Objects (nails, screws, sharp edges)?

Describe any Entanglement Hazards (rope, clothing, hair)

Number of Trip Hazards Identified (e.g., exposed roots, uneven surfacing)

Describe any condition leading to chemical hazards (e.g., rotting wood, treated lumber)

Evidence of Vandalism or Damage?

Details Regarding Vandalism or Damage (if applicable)

Attach photos of identified hazards

Date Hazard Remediation Required (if applicable)

Signage and Documentation

8 of 8

Verification of proper signage regarding age appropriateness, rules, and contact information.

Playground Capacity Signage Present?

Age Appropriateness Signage Present?

Emergency Contact Information Posted?

Describe any missing or damaged signage observed:

Last Signage Review Date:

Signage Condition (Good, Fair, Poor):

Upload Photo of Signage (if needed)

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