eibe Projects Manager, Ben Neaves, has experienced pretty much every eventuality when it comes to overcoming issues regarding playground safety. Here he talks through his key points to ensure everything is absolutely ready for your re-opening, as well as announcing our new Summer Sanitising Service.
We have lived through unprecedented times in 2020. These last few months have certainly been challenging for everybody. Keeping children active and healthy when school playgrounds and local parks have been out of bounds, has been a real strain on parental patience; especially given the (generally!) lovely weather with which we have been blessed. With guidelines gradually evolving to allow children to play together again, it is of paramount importance that your recreational facilities are clean and safe. Here are some pointers and considerations:
Ben's Ten
1. Visual Inspection Assessment - An awful lot could have changed since the play facilities were used, so it is crucial to check everything.
2. Starting with fixtures & fittings; have any come loose or unstable? Scrutinise each and every item.
3. General wear and tear. This is always an occupational hazard, but particular when an area has been left unused, it is important to look out for anything that has deteriorated over time.
4. Weather damage. Although we have been blessed with one of the hottest periods on record, it is always worth an overview. Rain, wind and indeed extreme heat can cause erosion and cracking.
5. Vandalism - alas, an unfortunate component part of society, wilful damage, breakages and graffiti are all things we have to deal with on an ongoing basis. Check for any anti-social behaviour that could cause injury or offence.
6. Litter. Another necessary evil of playgrounds around the country. Look out particularly for any unpleasant item that could have been discarded after use.
7. Surfacing: It would be easy for subsidence or heave to cause lasting damage to a play area. Be vigilant and check levels, paying attention to anything that could cause tripping.
8. Grass. Overgrown grass can hide a multitude of sins. As well as cutting it back to manageable levels, keep an eye out for unpleasant objects.
9. Animals - safe to say that nobody would have been clearing up any excess waste, so a thorough root around is essential.
10. eibe Play offers a host of maintenance options to help you get back up to speed as soon as possible.
Call us on 01483 813834 and we will talk you through your options and discuss the sanitising service that is best for you.