Playground and recreational areas — Framework for the competence of playground inspectors and playground maintenance technicians

This document gives guidelines for the education, examination and evaluation of the inspectors’ and maintenance technicians’ competence concerning public playground and recreational areas. This document describes the knowledge and competence required for each specific task an inspector or technician may need to perform. This document is intended primarily for public playgrounds, but the principles are applicable to other recreational areas. This document does not include benefit/risk assessment methods. In Annex B an overview of the risk assessment process is provided. This document does not cover the competence of staff conducting product certification. Note 1: The different types of inspections covered are: routine visual inspection; operational inspection; annual main inspection; post-installation inspection; post-accident inspection; pre-installation consultation; mid-installation surveillance. Note 2: This document may be applicable to Roller-sport infrastructure, Multi-sport arenas, Outdoor exercise equipment, Bouldering walls, Portable and permanent socketed goals, Parkour facilities, Adventure playgrounds, Ropes courses, Inflatable play equipment.

Aires de jeux et de loisirs — Cadre définissant les compétences des inspecteurs des aires de jeux et des techniciens en assurant la maintenance

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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
ISO/TC 83/SC /WG 8
Secretariat: DIN
Date: 2023-03-0905-02
Playground and recreational areas - — Framework for the
competence of playground inspectors and playground
maintenance technicians
DTSFDIS stage
Warning for WDs and CDs

This document is not an ISO International Standard. It is distributed for review and comment. It is subject to

change without notice and may not be referred to as an International Standard.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of

which they are aware and to provide supporting documentation.
© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved
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ISO #####-#:####(X)
© ISO 2022
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)
© ISO 2023

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this

publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,

including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can

be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.

ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
EmailE-mail: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.orgwww.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
© ISO #### 2023 – All rights reserved iii
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)
Contents

Foreword ............................................................................................................................................................................................ vi

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................................vi i

1 Scope ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

2 Normative references ....................................................................................................................................................... 1

3 Terms and definitions ...................................................................................................................................................... 1

4 Inspection .............................................................................................................................................................................. 4

4.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

4.2 Other inspection activities ............................................................................................................................................. 5

4.2.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................................... 5

4.2.2 Post-incident/accident inspection ......................................................................................................................... 5

4.2.3 Pre-installation consultation .................................................................................................................................... 5

4.2.4 Mid-installation surveillance .................................................................................................................................... 5

4.3 Inspection report ............................................................................................................................................................... 5

4.3.1 Scope of work between the inspector and the purchaser of the inspection service ......................... 5

4.3.2 General information ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

4.3.3 Inspection outcome ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

4.3.4 Quality of inspection report ...................................................................................................................................... 7

4.4 Inspector competence ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

4.5 Levels of competence for inspection and maintenance ..................................................................................... 8

4.6 Learning goals for level 3 inspectors ...................................................................................................................... 10

4.6.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................................ 10

4.6.2 Standards / technical reports ............................................................................................................................... 11

4.6.3 Risk analysis / benefit-risk analysis ................................................................................................................... 11

4.6.4 Technical production ................................................................................................................................................ 11

4.6.5 Child development ..................................................................................................................................................... 12

4.6.6 Environmental issues / layout design ............................................................................................................... 12

4.6.7 Knowledge of legal requirements ....................................................................................................................... 12

4.7 Cooperation with other parties ................................................................................................................................. 12

4.7.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................................ 12

4.7.2 Code of conduct and ethics ..................................................................................................................................... 13

5 Maintenance and repair ............................................................................................................................................... 15

5.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................................ 15

5.2 The importance of maintenance in relation to injury prevention .............................................................. 15

5.3 Types of maintenance ................................................................................................................................................... 16

5.3.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................................ 16

5.3.2 Routine maintenance ................................................................................................................................................ 16

5.3.3 Corrective maintenance .......................................................................................................................................... 16

5.4 Maintenance schedule ................................................................................................................................................... 17

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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)

5.5 Record keeping ................................................................................................................................................................ 17

5.6 Regional and/or cultural differences regarding maintenance ..................................................................... 17

6 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Annex A (informative) Introduction to children's play and development ........................................................... 19

Annex B (informative) Risk assessment ............................................................................................................................. 20

B.1 Risk assessment ............................................................................................................................................................... 20

B.2 Advantages of risk assessment .................................................................................................................................. 21

B.3 Benefit-risk assessment ............................................................................................................................................... 22

Bibliography .................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

© ISO #### 2023 – All rights reserved v
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)
Foreword

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards

bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out

through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical

committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International

organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO

collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of

electrotechnical standardization.

The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are

described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the

different types of ISO documentsdocument should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance

with the editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).

Attention is drawnISO draws attention to the possibility that some of the elementsimplementation of this

document may beinvolve the subjectuse of (a) patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence,

validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of

this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this

document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent the latest information,

which may be obtained from the patent database available at www.iso.org/patents.. ISO shall not be held

responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent rights identified during the

development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of patent declarations

received (see ).

Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not

constitute an endorsement.

For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and

expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World

Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see

www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.

This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 83, Sports and other recreational facilities

and equipment.

Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A

complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
vi © ISO 2022 2023 – All rights reserved
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)
Introduction

AfterBased on a review of many international playground and recreation area standards, it becameis

clear that there is a broad spectrum of competence in inspectors of playground environments that goes

beyond just the black and white application of the various performance requirements found in current

playground standards. Many maintenance and repair tasks can be easily identified and corrected with

some very basic knowledge, experience, and skillskills. However, with the many elements involved in the

playground environment, such as equipment, environment, children, etc., an inspection of a play

spaceplayspace is not solely a “technical” inspection but also requires knowledge of how and why

children of all abilities play. Inspectors should understand the way children play, interact, evolve, and

develop to be able to make informed, balanced decisions about the safety of the playground environment.

There is international consensus among experts to describe the needed competences of playground

inspectors and technicians in the public playground environment. For maintenance technicians This, this

document intends to harmonize the intent of the different levels of inspections commonly being

performed around the world.

As stated in EN 1176--1: “Risk taking is an essential feature of play provision and of all environments in

which children legitimately spend time playing. Play provision should aim to offer children the chance to

encounter acceptable risks as a part of a stimulating, challenging and controlled learning environment.

Play provision should aim at managing the balance between the need to offer risk and the need to keep

children safe from serious harm.” The aim should be to provide as much play value as possible and as

little safety as necessary. In this vision on the safety of playground environments it is essential that the

inspector and maintenance technicians do not only know the technical content of the related standards,

but at a certain level of expertise also understandsunderstand why and how to make risk assessments

and/or a benefit-risk analysis.

The way in which children play and the public perception of children’s play variesvary from country to

country and; with this in mind, it is vital that the inspector and technician arebe aware of the cultural

differences that exist. They need toshould be familiar with what is an acceptable level of risk or challenge

for the country in which they are employed or contracted. Cultural and socioeconomic differences cannot

and can never be an argument to withhold children from a beneficial risk/challenge while playing in a

reasonably safe environment.

This document accepts that there maycan be variations in working practices in different countries.

Irrespective of established systems, inspectors need toshould have necessary competence to undertake

the tasks.

The lack of safety knowledge by some product and layout designers cannot be compensated for by the

expertise of inspectors or maintenance technicians. Owner/OperatorsOwners/operators of one or more

playgrounds have the responsibility for all operational aspects of the playspace and will need toshould

have or acquire competency and knowledge. Installers will have toshould have correct detailed technical

documents to work with as well as a basic level of knowledge about safety couldwhich can help to solve

problems arising during installation. Manufacturers should have a high level of knowledge. In general,

safety relates to everything from the inception of a playground project to the end of its lifecycle.

Staff training is vital to the success of a comprehensive program of playground management. The users

of this document are encouraged to take this information and share it with everyone involved in the

management and day-to-day operation of a public playground. The contents provide a road map for

success in achieving well managed public playground environments,; but, like any map, one needs

toshould learn how to read it and understand the various keys and symbols found on the map.

Inspection and maintenance/repair are equally important; when implemented together they create a

safer, clean, and functioning playground environment free of hidden dangers and known hazards that

only a trained playground safety inspector and playground maintenance technician can identify and one

that children deserve.

Timely and thorough inspections coupled with the application of proper routine and preventive

maintenance practices should be considered standard operating procedures. This action requires trained

© ISO #### 2023 – All rights reserved vii
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)

persons with knowledge and experience in not just how to do something but also why it is required and

when it is to be done to meet the manufacture/designer requirements for correct functionality and injury

prevention. While knowledge is most important it also requires a certain amount of skill which comes

with experience and additional training.

Regardless of the quantity or quality of these routine visual and operational playground inspections some

playground owners maycan have licensing or legislated inspection requirements for specific types of play

areas. Some types of playground inspections maycan require specific inspector education or certification

in order to conduct these inspections. As an example, in Ontario Canada it is a commercial childcare

center’s licensing requirement to conduct an annual playground inspection including the testing of the

impact attenuating surfacing. This type of annual inspection is becoming more common whenever the

owner has been determined to have a higher duty of care. As a result, the owner requires a higher level

of inspector competency and experience. An annual comprehensive inspection includes a thorough

review of the entire playground environment, the playground equipment, the performance of the impact

attenuating surfacing, and a discussion with the owner as to the playground’s ability to meet the original

intended goals and objectives of the owner’s initial playground plan. As part of the annual comprehensive

inspection report, the inspector should be looking for visual evidence that the owner has been conducting

routine safety inspections and has performed regular custodial and preventive maintenance throughout

the year. Playground owners are required to retain written records related to the installation,

maintenance, repair, and inspections of each playground. To facilitate the record keeping, many

equipment and surface system manufacturers provide forms and checklists. The inspector should review

the owner’s written inspection and maintenance records looking for visual and written evidence of

routine playground maintenance practices. The playground owner cannot effectively maintain and repair

the playground without access to these records. Therefore, the annual comprehensive inspection should

be able to illustrate the playground owner’s diligence in meeting emerging trends in usage while still

meeting the minimum requirements for written documentation and record keeping as specified in the

applicable local standards and guidelines.

Irrespective of how effective the playground inspection and maintenance program are there will likely

be an incident that results in a serious injury to a playground user. How a playground accident

investigation is addressed can make a big difference in the overall liability exposure of the playground

owner or operator. An incident investigation should focus on cause or cascade of causes which can lead

to prevention of similar injuries. Sound investigation can aid in litigation defence. Good risk

management/loss control practices detail what to do in the event of an accident. The owner/operator

should make sure there is an accident/incident procedure in place. If not, one should be prepared with

the assistance of the owner’s appropriate legal adviser to provide incident management. The policy or

procedure should be approved by the appropriate authority and published as part of the standard

playground operating procedures. This procedure should include an accident/incident report form and

the appropriate staff should be trained on how to complete the form. This staff training should include

appropriate content of verbal or written statements taken from witnesses or ones that maycan be made

to the injured party, witnesses, and the media. The last thing the owner/operator needs is for an

employee to make a statement that maycan be perceived as an admission of liability.

By following this document, the playground owner can implement the necessary steps to assure their

playground inspectors and maintenance technicians have the necessary competencies required by

persons conducting the various levels of inspections and maintenance/repairs previously mentioned and

as documented in PD CEN/TR 17207:2018. It is recognized that different countries and jurisdictions will

have cultural, technical, and legal differences that play an important role in the provision of inspections,

maintenance, repairs, replacement, and removal of recreation and play equipment and components.

Users of this document should familiarize themselves with the vocabulary commonly used in the field of

playground performance. Without an understanding of the vocabulary, the ownerowners/operators,

inspectors, and maintenance technicians will find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to reading,

writing or communicating issues that couldcan have serious consequences to the users of the playspace.

Although the focus of this document is specific to the public playground and the space in which it is

situated, the information and principles can be generally applied to other aspects of public play and

viii © ISO 2022 2023 – All rights reserved
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)

recreation features such as waterplay (splashpads), skateboarding, outdoor fitness, etc. that are found in

public access settings.
© ISO #### 2023 – All rights reserved ix
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ISO/DTS 24665:(E)
Playground and recreational areas — Framework for the
competence of playground inspectors and playground
maintenance technicians
1 Scope

This document gives guidance and requirements for the education, examination and evaluation of the

inspectors’ and maintenance technicians’ competence concerning public playground and recreational

areas. This document describes the knowledge and competence required for each specific task an

inspector or technician performs.

This document is intended primarily for public playgrounds, but the principles are applicable to other

recreational areas.
This document does not include benefit/risk assessment methods.

This document does not cover the competence of staff conducting product certification.

NOTE 1 The different types of inspections covered are: routine visual inspection; operational inspection; annual

main inspection; post-installation inspection; post-accident inspection; pre-installation consultation; mid-

installation surveillance.

NOTE 2 This document can be applicable to: Rollerroller-sport infrastructure; Multimulti-sport arenas;

Outdooroutdoor exercise equipment; Boulderingbouldering walls (; Portable; portable and permanent socketed

goals; Parkourparkour facilities; Adventureadventure playgrounds; Ropesropes courses; Inflatableinflatable play

equipment.
2 Normative references

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content

constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For

undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

ISO/TR 20183, Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment –— Injury and safety definitions and

thresholds –— Guidelines for their inclusion in standards
3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/TR 20183 and the following

apply.

ISO and IEC maintain terminologicalterminology databases for use in standardization at the following

addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.21
inspector

competent person (3.3) qualified to undertake inspections of playground environments (3.12)

3.32
competence
ability to apply knowledge (3.15) and skills to achieve intended results
[SOURCE: ISO/IWA 26:2017, 3.9]
© ISO 2022 2023 – All rights reserved 1
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ISO/DTS 24665:(E)
3.43
competent person

person who has acquired through training, qualifications or experience, or a combination of these, the

knowledge (3.15) and skills enabling that person to perform a specified task
[SOURCE: ISO 17842--1:2015, 3.6]
3.4
routine visual inspection

inspection intended to identify obvious hazards that can result from normal use, vandalism or weather

conditions

NOTENote 1 to entry: Typical hazards can take the form of broken parts or broken bottles.

3.5
operational inspection

inspection, more detailed than routine visual inspection (3.4,), to check the operation and stability of the

equipment

NOTENote 1 to entry: Typical checks include an examination for wear, rotting and corrosion.

3.6
annual main inspection

inspection intended to establish the overall level of safety (3.18) of equipment, structural stability,

foundations and playing surfaces

NOTENote 1 to entry: This inspection is to include the determination of complianceconformity with the relevant

local standards and codes.

NOTENote 2 to entry: Typical checks include the effects of weather, evidence of rotting or corrosion and any change

in the level of safety of the equipment as a result of repairs made, or of added or replaced components.

3.7
pre-installation Consultationconsultation

meeting intended to assess the design and layout of the area prior to building works commencing

3.8
mid-installation Surveillancesurveillance

inspection undertaken to review work in progress during installation, especially features that cannot be

easily checked or corrected after completion of the project
3.9
post-installation inspection

inspection undertaken prior to the opening of a playground environment (3.12) for public use

3.10
post-accident inspection

inspection undertaken after a serious injury (3.24) on a playground to assess the safety (3.18) of the area

and to help assist in determining if any immediate works are required, with the intent of providing

positive feedback on prevention of a similar occurrence
3.11
inspection report

document produced as a result of an inspection to a predetermined or agreed specification

2 © ISO 2022 2023 – All rights reserved
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ISO/DTS 24665:(E)
3.12
playground environment

designated area, open to public access that can contain play equipment, ancillary items, landscaping

and/or natural features.
3.13
playground equipment

equipment and structures, including components and constructional elements with, or on which, children

can play outdoors or indoors, either individually or in groups, according to their own rules or own

reasons for playing which can change at any time
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.1]
3.14
adventure playground

fenced, secured playgrounds run and staffed in accordance with the widely accepted principles that

encourage children’s development and often use self-build equipment
3.15
knowledge
understanding of information achieved by experience and study
3.16
risk assessment

process including a combination of risk (3.19) analysis, risk evaluation and optional benefit-risk analysis

with the purpose of determining a quantitative or qualitative value related to circumstances resulting

from a hazard

NOTENote 1 to entry: Regarding playground equipment (3.13), a risk assessment is the determination of

quantitative or qualitative value of risk related to a specific situation and an identified hazard. Quantitative risk

assessment requires calculations of three components of risk (R): The severity of the potential injury (S), the

probability of the incident occurring (P) and the exposure to the hazard (E) and opportunity to avoid the hazard

(A).
* A
𝑅𝑅=𝑆𝑆∗𝑃𝑃∗𝐸𝐸∗ A
3.17
benefit-risk Assessmentassessment

tool to aid risk (3.19) management that explicitly brings together consideration of the benefits as well as

the risks of play in a single judgement
3.18
safety
freedom from unacceptable risk (3.19,), but not safe
NOTENote 1 to entry: Safety is achieved by reducing risk to a tolerable level.

NOTENote 2 to entry: There is no complete absence of risk. In turn, there is no product or system that is withou

...

FINAL
TECHNICAL ISO/DTS
DRAFT
SPECIFICATION 24665
ISO/TC 83
Playground and recreational areas —
Secretariat: DIN
Framework for the competence of
Voting begins on:
2023-05-17 playground inspectors and playground
maintenance technicians
Voting terminates on:
2023-07-12
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN-
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2023
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
FINAL
TECHNICAL ISO/DTS
DRAFT
SPECIFICATION 24665
ISO/TC 83
Playground and recreational areas —
Secretariat: DIN
Framework for the competence of
Voting begins on:
playground inspectors and playground
maintenance technicians
Voting terminates on:
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© ISO 2023

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may

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the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below

or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
ISO copyright office
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
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THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
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DOCUMENTATION.
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Reference number
Email: copyright@iso.org
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
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Website: www.iso.org
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
Published in Switzerland
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN­
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2023
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
Contents Page

Foreword ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................iv

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v

1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1

2 Normative references ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

3 Terms and definitions .................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

4 Inspection .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

4.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

4.2 Other inspection activities .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

4.2.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 4

4.2.2 Post­incident/accident inspection ...................................................................................................................... 5

4.2.3 Pre­installation consultation .................................................................................................................................. 5

4.2.4 Mid­installation surveillance .................................................................................................................................. 5

4.3 Inspection report ................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

4.3.1 Scope of work between the inspector and the purchaser of the inspection

service .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

4.3.2 General information ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

4.3.3 Inspection outcome ......................................................................................................................................................... 6

4.3.4 Quality of inspection report ..................................................................................................................................... 7

4.4 Inspector competence ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7

4.5 Levels of competence for inspection and maintenance ..................................................................................... 7

4.6 Learning goals for level 3 inspectors .............................................................................................................................. 10

4.6.1 General ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

4.6.2 Standards / technical reports ............................................................................................................................. 10

4.6.3 Risk analysis / benefit-risk analysis .............................................................................................................. 11

4.6.4 Technical production ................................................................................................................................................... 11

4.6.5 Child development ......................................................................................................................................................... 11

4.6.6 Environmental issues / layout design .......................................................................................................... 11

4.6.7 Knowledge of legal requirements ....................................................................................................................12

4.7 Cooperation with other parties ............................................................................................................................................12

4.7.1 General .....................................................................................................................................................................................12

4.7.2 Code of conduct and ethics .....................................................................................................................................12

5 Maintenance and repair ............................................................................................................................................................................14

5.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 14

5.2 The importance of maintenance in relation to injury prevention .........................................................15

5.3 Types of maintenance ....................................................................................................................................................................15

5.3.1 General .....................................................................................................................................................................................15

5.3.2 Routine maintenance ..................................................................................................................................................15

5.3.3 Corrective maintenance ........................................................................................................................................... 16

5.4 Maintenance schedule ................................................................................................................................................................... 16

5.5 Record keeping .................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

5.6 Regional and/or cultural differences regarding maintenance ................................................................. 17

6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................................................................................17

Annex A (informative) Introduction to children's play and development ..............................................................18

Annex B (informative) Risk assessment ......................................................................................................................................................19

Bibliography .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................22

iii
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
Foreword

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards

bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out

through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical

committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International

organizations, governmental and non­governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.

ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of

electrotechnical standardization.

The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are

described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the

different types of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the

editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).

ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use

of (a) patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed

patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received

notice of (a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are

cautioned that this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent

database available at www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all

such patent rights.

Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not

constitute an endorsement.

For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and

expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to

the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see

www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.

This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 83, Sports and other recreational facilities

and equipment.

Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A

complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
Introduction

Based on a review of many international playground and recreation area standards, it is clear that there

is a broad spectrum of competence in inspectors of playground environments that goes beyond just

the black and white application of the various performance requirements found in current playground

standards. Many maintenance and repair tasks can be easily identified and corrected with some very

basic knowledge, experience, and skills. However, with the many elements involved in the playground

environment, such as equipment, environment, children, an inspection of a playspace is not solely a

“technical” inspection but also requires knowledge of how and why children of all abilities play.

Inspectors should understand the way children play, interact, evolve, and develop to be able to make

informed, balanced decisions about the safety of the playground environment. There is international

consensus among experts to describe the needed competences of playground inspectors and

technicians in the public playground environment. For maintenance technicians, this document intends

to harmonize the intent of the different levels of inspections commonly being performed around the

world.

As stated in EN 1176-1: “Risk taking is an essential feature of play provision and of all environments in

which children legitimately spend time playing. Play provision should aim to offer children the chance to

encounter acceptable risks as a part of a stimulating, challenging and controlled learning environment.

Play provision should aim at managing the balance between the need to offer risk and the need to keep

children safe from serious harm.” The aim should be to provide as much play value as possible and as

little safety as necessary. In this vision on the safety of playground environments it is essential that the

inspector and maintenance technicians not only know the technical content of the related standards,

but at a certain level of expertise also understand why and how to make risk assessments and/or a

benefit-risk analysis.

The way in which children play and the public perception of children’s play vary from country to country;

with this in mind, it is vital that the inspector and technician be aware of the cultural differences that

exist. They should be familiar with what is an acceptable level of risk or challenge for the country in

which they are employed or contracted. Cultural and socioeconomic differences cannot and can never

be an argument to withhold children from a beneficial risk/challenge while playing in a reasonably safe

environment.

This document accepts that there can be variations in working practices in different countries.

Irrespective of established systems, inspectors should have necessary competence to undertake the

tasks.

The lack of safety knowledge by some product and layout designers cannot be compensated for by the

expertise of inspectors or maintenance technicians. Owners/operators of one or more playgrounds have

the responsibility for all operational aspects of the playspace and should have or acquire competency

and knowledge. Installers should have correct detailed technical documents to work with as well as

a basic level of knowledge about safety which can help to solve problems arising during installation.

Manufacturers should have a high level of knowledge. In general, safety relates to everything from the

inception of a playground project to the end of its lifecycle.

Staff training is vital to the success of a comprehensive program of playground management. The users

of this document are encouraged to take this information and share it with everyone involved in the

management and day-to-day operation of a public playground. The contents provide a road map for

success in achieving well managed public playground environments; but, like any map, one should learn

how to read it and understand the various keys and symbols found on the map.

Inspection and maintenance/repair are equally important; when implemented together they create a

safer, clean, and functioning playground environment free of hidden dangers and known hazards that

only a trained playground safety inspector and playground maintenance technician can identify and

one that children deserve.

Timely and thorough inspections coupled with the application of proper routine and preventive

maintenance practices should be considered standard operating procedures. This action requires

trained persons with knowledge and experience in not just how to do something but also why it

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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)

is required and when it is to be done to meet the manufacture/designer requirements for correct

functionality and injury prevention. While knowledge is most important it also requires a certain

amount of skill which comes with experience and additional training.

Regardless of the quantity or quality of these routine visual and operational playground inspections

some playground owners can have licensing or legislated inspection requirements for specific types

of play areas. Some types of playground inspections can require specific inspector education or

certification in order to conduct these inspections. As an example, in Ontario Canada it is a commercial

childcare center’s licensing requirement to conduct an annual playground inspection including the

testing of the impact attenuating surfacing. This type of annual inspection is becoming more common

whenever the owner has been determined to have a higher duty of care. As a result, the owner requires

a higher level of inspector competency and experience. An annual comprehensive inspection includes a

thorough review of the entire playground environment, the playground equipment, the performance of

the impact attenuating surfacing, and a discussion with the owner as to the playground’s ability to meet

the original intended goals and objectives of the owner’s initial playground plan. As part of the annual

comprehensive inspection report, the inspector should be looking for visual evidence that the owner

has been conducting routine safety inspections and has performed regular custodial and preventive

maintenance throughout the year. Playground owners are required to retain written records related

to the installation, maintenance, repair, and inspections of each playground. To facilitate the record

keeping, many equipment and surface system manufacturers provide forms and checklists. The

inspector should review the owner’s written inspection and maintenance records looking for visual

and written evidence of routine playground maintenance practices. The playground owner cannot

effectively maintain and repair the playground without access to these records. Therefore, the annual

comprehensive inspection should be able to illustrate the playground owner’s diligence in meeting

emerging trends in usage while still meeting the minimum requirements for written documentation

and record keeping as specified in the applicable local standards and guidelines.

Irrespective of how effective the playground inspection and maintenance program are there will

likely be an incident that results in a serious injury to a playground user. How a playground accident

investigation is addressed can make a big difference in the overall liability exposure of the playground

owner or operator. An incident investigation should focus on cause or cascade of causes which can

lead to prevention of similar injuries. Sound investigation can aid in litigation defence. Good risk

management/loss control practices detail what to do in the event of an accident. The owner/operator

should make sure there is an accident/incident procedure in place. If not, one should be prepared with

the assistance of the owner’s appropriate legal adviser to provide incident management. The policy

or procedure should be approved by the appropriate authority and published as part of the standard

playground operating procedures. This procedure should include an accident/incident report form and

the appropriate staff should be trained on how to complete the form. This staff training should include

appropriate content of verbal or written statements taken from witnesses or ones that can be made to

the injured party, witnesses, and the media. The last thing the owner/operator needs is for an employee

to make a statement that can be perceived as an admission of liability.

By following this document, the playground owner can implement the necessary steps to assure their

playground inspectors and maintenance technicians have the necessary competencies required by

persons conducting the various levels of inspections and maintenance/repairs previously mentioned

and as documented in PD CEN/TR 17207:2018. It is recognized that different countries and jurisdictions

have cultural, technical, and legal differences that play an important role in the provision of inspections,

maintenance, repairs, replacement, and removal of recreation and play equipment and components.

Users of this document should familiarize themselves with the vocabulary commonly used in the

field of playground performance. Without an understanding of the vocabulary, the owners/operators,

inspectors, and maintenance technicians will find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to

reading, writing or communicating issues that can have serious consequences to the users of the

playspace.

Although the focus of this document is specific to the public playground and the space in which it is

situated, the information and principles can be generally applied to other aspects of public play and

recreation features such as waterplay (splashpads), skateboarding, outdoor fitness, etc. that are found

in public access settings.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
Playground and recreational areas — Framework for the
competence of playground inspectors and playground
maintenance technicians
1 Scope

This document gives guidance and requirements for the education, examination and evaluation of the

inspectors’ and maintenance technicians’ competence concerning public playground and recreational

areas. This document describes the knowledge and competence required for each specific task an

inspector or technician performs.

This document is intended primarily for public playgrounds, but the principles are applicable to other

recreational areas.
This document does not include benefit/risk assessment methods.

This document does not cover the competence of staff conducting product certification.

NOTE 1 The different types of inspections covered are: routine visual inspection; operational inspection;

annual main inspection; post-installation inspection; post-accident inspection; pre-installation consultation;

mid­installation surveillance.

NOTE 2 This document can be applicable to: roller-sport infrastructure; multi-sport arenas; outdoor exercise

equipment; bouldering walls; portable and permanent socketed goals; parkour facilities; adventure playgrounds;

ropes courses; inflatable play equipment.
2 Normative references

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content

constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For

undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

ISO/TR 20183, Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment — Injury and safety definitions and

thresholds — Guidelines for their inclusion in standards
3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/TR 20183 and the following

apply.

ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:

— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
inspector

competent person (3.3) qualified to undertake inspections of playground environments (3.12)

3.2
competence
ability to apply knowledge (3.15) and skills to achieve intended results
[SOURCE: ISO/IWA 26:2017, 3.9]
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
3.3
competent person

person who has acquired through training, qualifications or experience, or a combination of these, the

knowledge (3.15) and skills enabling that person to perform a specified task
[SOURCE: ISO 17842­1:2015, 3.6]
3.4
routine visual inspection

inspection intended to identify obvious hazards that can result from normal use, vandalism or weather

conditions

Note 1 to entry: Typical hazards can take the form of broken parts or broken bottles.

3.5
operational inspection

inspection, more detailed than routine visual inspection (3.4), to check the operation and stability of the

equipment

Note 1 to entry: Typical checks include an examination for wear, rotting and corrosion.

3.6
annual main inspection

inspection intended to establish the overall level of safety (3.18) of equipment, structural stability,

foundations and playing surfaces

Note 1 to entry: This inspection is to include the determination of conformity with the relevant local standards

and codes.

Note 2 to entry: Typical checks include the effects of weather, evidence of rotting or corrosion and any change in

the level of safety of the equipment as a result of repairs made, or of added or replaced components.

3.7
pre-installation consultation

meeting intended to assess the design and layout of the area prior to building works commencing

3.8
mid-installation surveillance

inspection undertaken to review work in progress during installation, especially features that cannot

be easily checked or corrected after completion of the project
3.9
post-installation inspection

inspection undertaken prior to the opening of a playground environment (3.12) for public use

3.10
post-accident inspection

inspection undertaken after a serious injury (3.24) on a playground to assess the safety (3.18) of the

area and to assist in determining if any immediate works are required, with the intent of providing

positive feedback on prevention of a similar occurrence
3.11
inspection report

document produced as a result of an inspection to a predetermined or agreed specification

3.12
playground environment

designated area, open to public access that can contain play equipment, ancillary items, landscaping

and/or natural features
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
3.13
playground equipment

equipment and structures, including components and constructional elements with, or on which,

children can play outdoors or indoors, either individually or in groups, according to their own rules or

own reasons for playing which can change at any time
[SOURCE: EN 1176­1:2017, 3.1]
3.14
adventure playground

fenced, secured playgrounds run and staffed in accordance with the widely accepted principles that

encourage children’s development and often use self-build equipment
3.15
knowledge
understanding of information achieved by experience and study
3.16
risk assessment

process including a combination of risk (3.19) analysis, risk evaluation and optional benefit-risk analysis

with the purpose of determining a quantitative or qualitative value related to circumstances resulting

from a hazard

Note 1 to entry: Regarding playground equipment (3.13), a risk assessment is the determination of quantitative

or qualitative value of risk related to a specific situation and an identified hazard. Quantitative risk assessment

requires calculations of three components of risk (R): The severity of the potential injury (S), the probability of

the incident occurring (P) and the exposure to the hazard (E) and opportunity to avoid the hazard (A).

RS= **PE*A
3.17
benefit-risk assessment

tool to aid risk (3.19) management that explicitly brings together consideration of the benefits as well as

the risks of play in a single judgement
3.18
safety
freedom from unacceptable risk (3.19), but not safe
Note 1 to entry: Safety is achieved by reducing risk to a tolerable level.

Note 2 to entry: There is no complete absence of risk. In turn, there is no product or system that is without some

risk whic
...

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