Great Yarmouth Borough Council has suffered in recent years from an increase in the number of claims and litigation, encourage by today’s compensation culture, and as such playground inspections, safety and record keeping are of paramount importance.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council currently carries out the following:
Routine Visual Inspection
These are carried out by the Environmental Rangers on either a weekly, fortnightly or three weekly basis depending on the assessed risk of each site. Inspection sheets are filled out with any required work being forwarded to Great Yarmouth Borough Services Ltd. A 6 monthly review is carried out of the inspection schedule. The Environmental Rangers will check for broken glass, litter, vandalism and broken equipment.
Operational Inspection
These inspections are carried out on a quarterly basis by Great Yarmouth Borough Services Ltd. This concentrates on the structural and engineering aspect of the play equipment.
Annual Inspection
This inspection is required by the Council insurers. It is carried out by an external independent inspector. This is an a comprehensive main inspection to check long term levels of safety and systems.
Of perhaps greater importance in determining the safety of outdoor playgrounds is an assessment of risk, as this will ascertain the likelihood and severity of any possible accidents from using a piece of play equipment. A risk assessment of all items within any play ground managed by Great Yarmouth Borough Council is carried annually with the external inspections.
Help US to help YOU by letting us know when things are not working
To report any damage or vandalism on children’s playgrounds or youth facilities:
Telephone: 01493 846846
Out of Hours: 01493 330369
Further Information:
Officer: Environmental Strategy Officer
Telephone: 01493 846442
Fax: 01493 846365
E-mail: eld@great-yarmouth.gov.uk