Grounds For Play Playground Maintenance Guidebook

Maintenance Inspection - Low Frequency Inspection Guide

Maintenance Inspection - Low Frequency Inspection Guide

Finishes and Material Conditions

The following low frequency inspection recommendations apply to specific types of surfaces, finishes, and materials and may not apply to all components of the play equipment.

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This pipe is splitting.

Separating weld joints must be repaired and repainted immediately.

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Cracked plastic could be an indicator of future product failure or present undesirable sharp edges.

The PVC coating is peeling, exposing the metal underneath to the elements.

4. Check that there are no damaged, bent, broken, or missing parts. • Damaged, bent, broken, or missing components could compromise the integrity of the structure. 5. Check that plastic components are free from cracks, holes, and burns. • Damaged plastic components should be repaired, removed, or isolated. Before altering a damaged component, consult with the manufacturer of the equipment to determine if repair is possible. 6. Check that no weld joints are broken, rusting, or rough. • A skilled welder should make repairs within the parameters of the manufacturer and playground industry standards. Be sure to

repaint the weld afterward. Touch up paint can be purchased from your playground manufacturer. Do not weld swing “S” hooks closed, as it changes the property of the metal and reduces its strength. 7. Check PVC coated components for signs of wear and peeling. • Frequently used to coat swing chain, platforms, and other components, PVC coatings are subject to degradation and UV breakdown and need to be checked for signs of wear and peeling. When possible, correct peeling by re-coating the component immediately because, in some cases, exposed metal may deteriorate more quickly. Plastisol, which can be used to touch up PVC coated decks and other components, can be purchased from your playground manufacturer.

Chipped paint on this equipment should be addressed and repainted.

Vandalized surfaces can be cleaned with Graffiti Remover.

This wooden upright post is unstable.

1. Check that metal surfaces are free from rust and chipping paint. • Clean and paint all metal surfaces if rust appears. Prepare the surfaces properly before painting. Touch up paint is available for purchase from your playground manufacturer. 2. Check the conditions of all surfaces. • Surfaces should be free from mold and mildew as they can be health and slip hazards. • Equipment and surfacing should be carefully checked to remove any graffiti or vandalism. Graffiti breeds more graffiti and should be removed immediately.

3. Check that wood surfaces are free from rot, splinters, warping, and severe cracking. • Remove any splinters, smooth the area, and fill with caulk if necessary. If warping or rot exists, check the integrity of the wood and its anchoring point. (Hidden rot can occur where the wood member intersects the protective surface and concrete footers.) When possible, obtain replacement wood from the manufacturer of the wooden play equipment.

Preserving the Play Environment • Promoting the Value of Play • Protecting Children

Preserving the Play Environment • Promoting the Value of Play • Protecting Children

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