Trends in dangerous ‘play’

David Yearley Chair and Technical Director – Outdoor Register of Play Inspectors International (RPII)

INSIGHT

Regular safety inspections play a vital role in distinguishing between expected deterioration and defects from misuse

David Yearley Chair and Technical Director – Outdoor Register of Play Inspectors International (RPII)

Play spaces are designed to encourage exploration, imagination and healthy risk-taking, but safety inspectors are facing a concerning trend: the misuse of equipment in ways that compromise safety and longevity. Vandalism and the misuse of playground equipment are not new challenges, but play safety inspectors are increasingly observing behaviours that go beyond opportunistic damage. From graffiti and littering to arson, deliberate destruction and the inappropriate use of electric scooters and bicycles on equipment, anti-social behaviour is placing strain on facilities that are designed first and foremost for children’s safe play.

This kind of misuse has consequences that extend far beyond aesthetics. Damage to moving parts, structural components or impact-absorbing surfaces can compromise the performance of equipment and may create hidden safety risks. Timber structures exposed to fire may suffer unseen degradation, while repeated misuse can accelerate wear on bearings, fixings and foundations, shortening the lifespan of otherwise well-maintained assets.

As government and local authorities work to increase investment in play, it’s more critical than ever to protect and preserve these dedicated spaces.

Every pound spent creating or upgrading a playground should deliver long-term value for communities, supporting children’s physical health, social development and wellbeing for years to come. That investment can only be safeguarded through a combination of responsible community behaviour, effective maintenance and robust inspection regimes that identify routine wear and damage caused by abnormal use. Regular safety inspections play a vital role in distinguishing between expected deterioration and defects from misuse. By identifying issues at an early stage, safety inspectors help ensure that remedial action can be taken before problems escalate into more serious safety concerns.

Play spaces should be subject to routine, operational and annual inspections. Routine checks should be carried out daily or weekly to spot obvious signs of damage, while operational inspections should take place monthly or quarterly to assess wear and tear. Both should be undertaken by appropriate RPII-qualified inspectors, with a more detailed independent annual inspection carried out by an RPII-certified annual inspector. RPII qualification gives owners, operators, and communities confidence that the right safety standards are being met. This not only helps protects children, but also extends the life of play assets and reduces risk for operators.