IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING
It is your legal responsibility as the owner / operator to carry out and record regular inspection and routine maintenance including tightening of fixings, as part of your Health and Safety policy and your safe systems of work. This After Care Manual explains how to inspect and maintain playground equipment and surfacing. This After Care Manual must be passed to the person responsible for Health and Safety and the maintenance of the playground equipment and surfacing and must be kept with all other Health and Safety documentation for future reference
Warranties
All our equipment is manufactured and installed in accordance with BS EN 1176 with all main timber posts carrying a fifteen year warranty against rot and infestation. Main timber posts are slow grown from managed, sustainable sources and pressure treated to exacting standards. We only use galvanised steel core ropes that are nylon coated with hydraulically pressed ends. All joints and connectors are made from heavy-duty metal or moulded plastic. Ropes are a consumable item subject to wear and tear and come with a one year warranty. All metal components are either made from stainless steel or steel that has been put through pre-treatment processes to provide non-toxic, weatherproof and extreme atmospheric resistance properties. Chains and fixings are covered under warranty for the duration of the equipment except for misuse or vandalism. Roof units and coloured panels are made from 12mm, co-extruded high-density polyethylene, which benefits from being vandal resistant, chemical resistant, UV stable and provide excellent wipe clean surfaces. Please be aware that normal wear and tear, acts of vandalism and accidental damage are excluded from all warranties.
AFTER CARE – PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT:- EQUIPMENT MUST BE LEFT FOR 48 HOURS AFTER INSTALLATION TO ALLOW CONCRETE TO SET
General
Your equipment should be inspected and maintained in accordance with the British Standards Institution’s recommendations as detailed in BS EN 1176 part 7: Guidance on installation, inspection, maintenance and operation for Playground Equipment. Little Village Group offers annual maintenance and operational safety checks carried out by a Register of Play Inspectors International qualified inspector. Navigate to our RPII Safety Check Packages section.
Important Note
The frequency of inspection will vary with the type of equipment or materials used and other factors, e.g. heavy use, levels of vandalism, coastal location, air pollution, age of equipment. If any part of the equipment is discovered to be unsafe during an inspection and that part cannot be repaired or replaced immediately the equipment unit or the part/s concerned should be secured against use, this may involve immobilisation or removal from site.
Routine Visual Inspection
A routine visual inspection enables the identification of obvious hazards that can result from vandalism, use or weather conditions, e.g. broken parts. A daily routine visual inspection is recommended especially for playground equipment that has heavy use and/or is subject to vandalism and should include the inspection of the following as a minimum:-
a) General equipment and surfacing cleanliness
b) Equipment ground clearances are maintained
c) Foundations not exposed, loose in the ground or cracked
d) Parts not missing or damaged
e) Surface finishes not damaged, rusting or deteriorating
f) Safer surfacing (if applicable) not compacted, damaged, paddling, with no sharp objects or contaminates
g) All parts secure with no excessive movement between them that could lead to an entrapment
h) Consumable items not missing, damaged, loose or with excessive wear
Running In Period (for new installations)
When new playground equipment is first put into use the novelty of the new equipment may lead to initial above average use. It is considered essential that DAILY VISUAL INSPECTIONS be made during the initial “Running In” period. This inspection should be as detailed in the Routine Visual Inspection (as per previous page).
Operational Inspection
The operational inspection is a more detailed inspection to check the operation and stability of the equipment, especially for wear. This should be carried out every 1 to 3 months and should be recorded using the checklist below. Please note that some of the items below may not be applicable to any or all of the units being inspected, please copy and use this checklist or draw up your own check list/s based on the relevant sections for each piece of equipment.
General/Structure Checklist
CHECK
1) Play equipment and play area clear of rubbish, foreign objects and clean.
2) That the correct ground/surface clearances are being maintained, possibly due to erosion.
3) The foundations are not exposed, loose in the ground or cracked.
4) That all fixings are tightened and have no protruding sharp edges.
5) Surface finishes have no sharp edges, damage, splinters, rust or other deterioration.
Note: timber will expand and contract due to atmospheric conditions, this may lead to air cracking of the timber which is quite normal.
6) Ensure all welds show no sign of visible cracks or corrosion.
7) All components are secure and that there is no excessive movement between them, which could lead to finger traps.
8) Surfacing (if applicable) not compacted, damaged, puddling, with no sharp objects or contaminates.
9) That all components are in place.
Rope Components
a) Eyebolts
b) Shackles and Links
c) Ropes themselves
10) Ensure that all ropes are not frayed, vandalised and have no protruding wire.
11) Check that all the fixings are tight, in plane and have no protruding sharp edges.
Annual Main Inspection
The annual main inspection should be carried out at intervals not exceeding 12 months. This inspection is intended to establish the overall level of safety of the equipment, foundations and surfaces.
In ADDITION to the standard checks carried out in the Operational Inspection the following typical checks should include:- The effects of the weather, evidence of rotting or corrosion (excavation may be required) and any change in the level of safety of the equipment as a result of repairs made, or of added or replaced components.
COMPLIANCE (Play equipment supplied by Little Village Group only)
Please contact us for a price on other play equipment
INFORMATION AND PRICING:
Option 1 – 1 x 6 monthly operational inspection and 1 x annual inspection
(1 x 6 month and 1 annual inspection which include a full report on each) Each inspection Includes:
1 A single safety inspection by a RPII (Register of Play Inspectors International) qualified inspector
2 The safety inspection will include a detailed report on all the equipment with reference to current BS EN 1176 standards
3 Should the report contain recommended repair work not covered by warranty, a full quotation will be provided
Option 2 – 1 x annual inspection
Each inspection Includes:
1 A single safety inspection by a RPII (Register of Play Inspectors International) qualified inspector
2 The safety inspection will include a detailed report on all the equipment with reference to current BS EN 1176 standards
3 Should the report contain recommended repair work not covered by warranty, a full quotation will be provided
Book an RPII Safety Check Package.
Maintenance Information and Procedures
Machine Round Timber
1) Most of the machine round timbers used in our equipment are first quality home-grown pine and softwood from sustainable sources which are dried under controlled conditions and then they are vacuum pressure treated with an ACQ treatment to BS EN 599 Part 1 and BS EN 335.
2) Our First Grade and Landscape Grade machine round timbers are treated for a desired life of 15 years against decay or insect attack 100mm above ground level.
As part of the normal inspection routine, any visual signs of decay or infestation should be reported to us immediately.
On receiving a report highlighting possible decay or infestation, a full inspection by one of our RPII Qualified Inspectors will be arranged.
The result of this inspection will confirm if decay or infestation has occurred and suitable action will be recommended, including monitoring regimes, repair and, if required, replacement timber components.
The inspection will also identify probable causes of decay and infestation. Please note, any signs of decay and infestation caused by altering, cutting, drilling and shaping of the timber retrospectively could expose the timber unnecessarily, thus voiding the warranty. Special attention should also be given to maintaining the grounds around the timber equipment. Your grounds maintenance personnel or responsible persons should be made aware that damage to the timber caused by strimming too close to the timbers, removing the outer layer of treatment and exposing the timber unnecessarily, will void the warranty. We would therefore advise not to use strimmers near the equipment as if this breaks the timber seal it can cause infestation.
3) The timbers will continue to adapt to atmospheric conditions. It is perfectly natural for air cracking to take place, this will not affect the strength or the life of the timber. Because we use first grade timber this should not be as prominent as with other grades offered by some other companies.
4) During hot dry weather air cracking is most likely to occur and this should recede during cooler damp weather.
5) Rough edges caused by weather or general use should be sanded down with medium grade abrasive paper.
6) Structurally damaged timbers should be replaced immediately. Minor damage should be re-treated with an approved preservative to maintain the life expectancy of the timber.
7) Preservative treatments or stains used will naturally fade and weather. The timbers can be re-stained as necessary using approved stains, preservatives or microporous coatings.
Galvanised Steel Surfaces
Surface damage through the galvanising into the steel underneath should be touched in with an approved zinc/aluminium enriched paint.
Painted Steel Surfaces
Damaged or scratched paintwork should be touched up using approved primers, undercoats and finishing paints that have been formulated to comply with the Toys (Safety) Regulations.
Any bare metal should be sanded suitably to remove loose scale or rust prior to painting. The manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed for the coatings chosen.
Ropes, Chains and Connectors
Damaged or badly worn ropes, chains and connectors such as D-Shackles and Quicklinks should be replaced as soon as possible.
Fixings
Check that all bolts are in place, tight and in good condition. Damaged or missing fixings should be replaced immediately while damaged or missing plastic caps can be replaced as soon as convenient.
Tightening
If any fixings require tightening, first remove the plastic cap carefully with a screwdriver, using a 19mm or 17mm (depending on fixing size) box spanner or long reach socket, tighten as necessary, then refit the plastic cap.
DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN ANY FIXINGS especially during hot dry conditions as during damp conditions the timber will expand again and over-tightening may result in damage to the timber or fixings.
Tyres
Check for splits and exposed wire caused by wear or vandalism. Periodically paint the tyres with approved tyre black paint. This will reduce black rubber marks on clothing. Damaged tyres must be replaced.
Traversing Wall Holds
Check all holds are firm and in good condition. Check holds for damage caused by wear or vandalism. Damaged holds should be replaced immediately.
Shade Sail Canopies
1) Never place a BBQ or similar heat source directly beneath the sail. The fabric is not heat resistant and could melt. Smoke laden fat can also build up in the fibres of the fabric and catch alight or discolour the material permanently.
2) Protect the product from sharp instruments or hot sparks from electrical tools. It is advisable to not permit tradesmen to work beneath or above the sail without first asking what they intend doing.
3) Do not allow the sail to come into contact with rust, petroleum based solvents, strong acids, alkalise or chlorine based products.
4) Do not drag the sail, or any part of it, over rough ground or concrete.
5) If your sail is over any part of a swimming pool do not allow it to come into direct contact with pool water. Be very careful when removing or fitting the sail. Wash thoroughly with clean water immediately if immersed in pool water.
6) Do not allow branches of trees or other foliage to come into contact with the sail. Always prune enough back so that in high winds these will not touch the sail.
7) Be sure to fasten all shackle connection pins tightly using an adjustable spanner or screwdriver to ensure they are not loose and regularly check this, especially following high winds.
8) Report any loose or frayed thread, fabric faults or connection difficulties as soon as they are noticed.
Snow Instructions
9) Your new Shade Sail has been engineered to take a snow load of 15kgs m²
10) It is impossible to say how deep the snow will be at the 15kgs m² but you must try to remove the snow from the structure so it does not reach this level.
Safer Surfacing
Loose Fill Pits
Check there is no evidence of broken glass or foreign objects in the bark or rubber mulch pit especially when raking.
Loose fill surfaces require regular forking over and raking to maintain an adequate depth.
We would recommend that this be carried out every 7 to 10 days. Periodical topping up is advised when the level has reached half the original amount. Topping up can be made with any approved playgrade bark or rubber mulch. Should surfaces not be maintained properly grass and weeds may grow through the surface.
Bonded Rubber Mulch
Maintenance procedures are designed to ensure the following:-
– The playing surface is kept clean and free from grass weed growth
– The playing surface gives consistent performance.
These objectives are achieved by:-
– Visual inspection of the play surface every 5 to 7 days
– Removing grass cuttings, weed spores and other detritus from the surface
– Brushing the surface to prevent any tendency to form an impervious skin on the surface that may impair drainage
– Ensuring the appropriate footwear is used on the surface (i.e. no high heeled shoes)
– Inspecting the surface for signs of damage and arranging remedial repairs promptly
Keeping the Surface Clean and Free from Weed and Grass Migration
Leaves, tree flowers, pine needles and other detritus should not be allowed to remain on the surface for any length of time. If this happens they rapidly rot down forming a drainage-inhibiting ‘skin’ within the surface, providing a growing medium for algae, moss, weeds and grass. Special attention should be made to the migration of grass cuttings. All grass cuttings should be immediately removed from loose fill pits and bonded rubber mulch pits/areas. Failure to do so will result in the grass cuttings germinating, so voiding all warranties. Please note, there may also be a small amount of migration of the Rubber Mulch from the top layer of the surface.
Keeping the Surface Clean and Free from Weed and Grass Migration
Leaves, tree flowers, pine needles and other detritus should not be allowed to remain on the surface for any length of time. If this happens they rapidly rot down forming a drainage-inhibiting ‘skin’ within the surface, providing a growing medium for algae, moss, weeds and grass. Special attention should be made to the migration of grass cuttings. All grass cuttings should be immediately removed from loose fill pits and bonded rubber mulch pits/areas. Failure to do so will result in the grass cuttings germinating, so voiding all warranties. Please note, there may also be a small amount of migration of the Rubber Mulch from the top layer of the surface.
Wetpour
Maintenance procedures are designed to ensure the following:-
1 The playing surface is kept clean
2 The playing surface gives consistent performance
These objectives are achieved by:-
1 Sweeping leaves and other detritus from the surface.
2 Brushing the surface, to prevent any tendency to form an impervious skin on the surface that may impair drainage.
3 Ensuring appropriate footwear is used on the surface (i.e. no high heeled shoes)
4 Inspecting the surface for signs of damage and arranging remedial repairs promptly.
Keeping the Surface Clean
Leaves, tree flowers, pine needles and other detritus should not be allowed to remain on the surface for any length of time. If this happens they rapidly rot down forming a drainage-inhibiting ‘skin’ within the surface, and providing a growing medium for algae, moss and weeds.
Weeds
No matter how much care is taken, weeds may occasionally appear on the surface usually as a result of wind blown seeds. Small numbers of weeds can be removed by hand without damaging the surface. Localised areas of self-set weeds can be treated with domestic weed killers without causing damage to the surface. Oil-based weed killers should not be used.
Snow and Ice
Snow and ice are not harmful and can be permitted to melt through. Brushes or rubber edged scrapers may be used to remove snow. Metal shovels or scrapers may damage the surface and should not be permitted. Chemical de-icing agents should not be used. If heavy rain falls immediately after a very cold spell, the surface may become flooded for a few hours. Do not worry, the ice will soon melt and the surface will then drain normally.
Maintenance Schedule
Weekly
Clear leaves, rubbish and debris from the surface. Deal with any new weeds, moss or algae. Inspect the whole surface for signs of damage, seek advice from manufacturer as required.
Twice Yearly
Check for moss and algae growth, food-stains, shoe-marks etc. and remedy as appropriate. Inspect the whole surface for signs of damage, seek advice from manufacturer as required.
Grass Tiles
Grass Tiles are subject to movement & subsidence if the existing grass/soil surface is soft, loose, suffers from poor drainage or is prone to flooding during periods of inclement weather.
Grass Tiles should be inspected routinely as per the schedule below:
1 Daily visual inspection
2 Weekly recordable visual inspection
3 Quarterly operational inspection
4 Annual inspection
Maintance
Where the Grass tiles show signs of subsidence or subside below the existing grass/soil surface, the following action is required:
1 Remove all retaining pins & ties from the tiles within the affected area.
2 Remove the Grass Tiles & stabilising membrane (if fitted)
3 Rotavate & compact the affected area & either replace turfs or reseed as required.
4 Re-install tiles ensuring all tiles are tied in & pinne
If the ground is compressed through use and the grass roots pull the tiles & stabilising membrane down but with no signs of subsidence, the retaining pins may remain in their original position & stand proud of the tiles. The following action will be required.
1 Using a rubber or wooden mallet all retaining pins standing proud should be driven back into place below the finished level of the tiles.
All Grass Tiles should be regularly visually inspected as per the routine inspection schedule and the retaining pins pushed back into place or removed if appropriate as part of routine maintenance.
Tightening Equipment Fixings
Countersunk Plastic Cap Type
Raised Do-Nut Cap Type
Please DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN during hot, dry conditions. During cooler damp weather the timber will expand again and over-tightening may result in damage to the timber or fixings.
Air Cracking in 1st Grade Machine Round Timber
Most of the machine round timber used in our equipment is 1st Grade Quality Pine and Softwood which is dried under controlled conditions and then vacuum pressure treated with an ACQ treatment which conforms to the required British European and International standards for use in hazard classes 1, 2, 3 and 4 including BS EN 599 Part 1 and BS EN 335.
The timbers will continue to adapt to atmospheric conditions. It is perfectly natural for air cracking to take place, this will not affect the strength or the life of the timber adversely. Because we use 1st Grade Timber air cracking should not be as prominent as with other grades of timber offered by some other companies. During hot and persistently dry weather air cracking is most likely to occur and this will recede during cooler and damp weather.
Air Cracking
1st Grade Timber should not crack more than 8mm in width, the length of the crack does not matter but the depth should not be more than half of the diameter of that log. 200mm diameter Step Up Logs and Log Walk Logs are supplied in Landscape Grade Timber, this timber is only used for the purpose of stepping and therefore have no structural requirements placed on them, and because it is Landscape Grade it may well open up more than 8mm under extreme conditions, this is still normal.
Splintering
It is possible that in the event of air cracking that the timber itself will generate splinters, these can be easily remedied with a quick rub with glass paper along the crack. We do make every effort to go around the installation before we leave site to check and sand down if necessary any splinters caused naturally or not.
A) The depth of the crack should be no more than half the diameter of the piece of timber.
B) The length of the crack does not matter.
C) The width of the crack should be no more than 8mm (1st Grade Timbers Only).