Liverpool Streetscene Services - Banks Road Presentation

British Standard BS EN 1176 & 77

What is the background of the standard? Playground standards aren’t and have never been a legal requirement. However, following the BS EN 1176 represents good practice. This standard does have some limitations as compliance won’t automatically create a safe playground. The importance of providing good children’s playgrounds is becoming ever more important with the increasing demands on open space for other purposes. So often adult pressures override the outdoor play requirements of children, who need the social and play opportunities that playgrounds can provide to support their development and wellbeing. For those who are looking to provide exciting and well-designed equipment how can they be sure that the items will be appropriately constructed, for all the use and energy that children and the occasional parent need? The British Standard BS EN 1176 covers playground equipment, and the necessary surfacing to reduce the consequences of ground impact of a child. For example, during adventurous play exploring high up on equipment and unfortunately falling. This British Standard has the tremendous benefit of being produced with the joint expertise of all the European countries and importantly, is appropriate for any scale of playground provision, from the smallest community playspace to the largest city park. With the provided inspection information, their operators are also given information to enable them to implement the crucial ongoing maintenance of the equipment. Equipment supplied labelled to BS EN 1176, installed, inspected and maintained to that standard provides the safety assurance for concerned operators and parents, wherever their children are playing. It is the go-to Standard for all publicly accessible playground equipment whether in schools, parks, leisure centres or shopping areas. Risk Benefit Assessment Playground equipment not complying with EN 1176-1:2017 should not automatically be considered as being unsafe or requiring replacement. A risk assessment by competent persons should be used to determine what action, if any, is necessary. A number of new products are appearing on the market that are not specifically covered by the types of products found in the standard. Where items are not specifically covered by the additional requirements they should then be subject to a risk assessment.” Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents RoSPA recognises and promotes the fundamental role of play in children’s lives. This guide allows play providers to ensure that they encompass appropriate levels of risk and challenge in their provision by balancing risk against benefit. This will allow children to exercise their right to play in more satisfying settings. Accordingly, RoSPA endorses the approach taken by this guide and commends it to readers. David Yearley Head of Play Safety

Risk Level

Risk

Action Advised

No risk or risk of very minor injury

Monitor if there is a minor risk

Very Low

Does not comply with relevant standards but carries no immediate risk of injury

Monitor and repair/ replace when possible

Low

Does not comply with relevant standards and holds a reasonable risk of causing injury

Repair/replace as soon as possible before injury occurs

Medium

There is a high risk of causing serious injury

Repair/replace immediately. Where possible, close off item until repaired to stop users playing on it.

High

Banks Road Play Area - Liverpool Streetscene Services / 30

Banks Road Play Area - Liverpool Streetscene Services / 31