The Outdoor Annual Inspection is a comprehensive assessment that addresses various safety aspects of outdoor play areas. This inspection covers a wide range of concerns, including vandalism, wear and tear, structural integrity, compliance with standards, design practices, and risk assessments, among others.

It is crucial that Annual Inspections of playgrounds are conducted by specialists who have no affiliations with the playground operators or managers. This ensures the independence of the subsequent written report, providing an unbiased evaluation of the play area’s safety.

If you are interested in becoming an RPII Annual Inspector specialising in outdoor play safety, we provide an information pack that can be downloaded below. To be eligible for this role, you should already possess a solid working knowledge of playgrounds, multi-use games areas, outdoor fitness facilities, skate parks, and parkour inspections. Additionally, experience with annual inspections and regular operational inspections is essential.

Candidates for the Outdoor Annual Inspector role should also have copies of and be well-versed in the relevant standards such as BS EN 1176, BS EN 1177, BS EN 15312, BS EN 16630, BS EN 14974, BS EN 16899. Moreover, candidates should demonstrate a deep understanding of how children utilise play facilities and possess the necessary competence in using playground inspection probes.

Successful completion of the Annual Outdoor Play Inspection examination certifies the competence of individuals conducting Annual and Post Installation Inspections. For further information on the accreditation process, we invite you to explore the links provided below.

We appreciate your interest in becoming an RPII-certified Outdoor Annual Inspector and encourage you to access the resources available to gain a comprehensive understanding of this important role.

The Routine Visual Inspection qualification focuses on the inspection of various facility types, including playgrounds, multi-use games areas, outdoor fitness areas, skate parks, parkour areas, and ancillary items.

Routine visual inspection plays a vital role in identifying apparent hazards that may arise from factors such as vandalism, regular use, or weather conditions. This inspection helps to detect hazards like broken parts or broken bottles, ensuring prompt remediation to maintain a safe environment.

For playgrounds that experience heavy use or are susceptible to vandalism, conducting daily inspections of this nature may be necessary to ensure ongoing safety.

Examples of inspection points during routine visual inspections include assessing cleanliness, equipment ground clearances, ground surface finishes, exposed foundations, sharp edges, missing parts, excessive wear of moving parts, and overall structural integrity.

To become a certified Routine Inspector, we recommend reaching out to one of our authorised exam centres. They will provide you with the necessary information and guidance to pursue this qualification.

Becoming a Routine Inspector is an important step towards safeguarding the well-being of individuals utilising outdoor play facilities. We encourage you to connect with our exam centers and take advantage of the opportunities available to contribute to the maintenance of safe and enjoyable play environments.

The Operational Inspector qualification focuses on the inspection of various facility types, including playgrounds, multi-use games areas, outdoor fitness areas, skate parks, parkour areas, and ancillary items.

The Operational Inspection is a detailed assessment that goes beyond the routine visual inspection. It involves checking the operation and stability of the equipment, with particular emphasis on identifying any signs of wear. This inspection should be conducted every 1 to 3 months, or as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions.

During the Operational Inspection, special attention should be given to parts that are designated as “sealed-for-life.”

Examples of inspection points include cleanliness, equipment ground clearances, ground surface finishes, exposed foundations, sharp edges, missing parts, excessive wear of moving parts, and structural integrity.

To become an Operational Inspector, individuals must demonstrate their proficiency through both a written and practical examination. Registration for this qualification is valid for a three-year period, after which re-assessment is required to maintain certification.

If you are interested in receiving training and/or taking the examination to become an Operational Inspector, we recommend contacting one of our authorised exam centres. They will provide you with the necessary guidance and support to pursue this qualification.

Becoming an Operational Inspector is an important step in ensuring the ongoing safety and functionality of play facilities. We encourage you to explore the opportunities available and take the necessary steps to contribute to the maintenance of high standards in outdoor play environments.

The Schools Qualification is specifically designed for non-commercial routine and operational inspections of school play areas. It equips individuals within schools with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage inspections for their own outdoor playgrounds.

This qualification covers a comprehensive range of subjects essential to ensuring the safety and maintenance of school play areas. These include risk assessment, reporting procedures, inspection procedures, legal aspects, immobilisation of equipment, and specific considerations for different materials such as timber, steel, plastics, rope, chains, connections, tyres, surfacing types, cleanliness, and vegetation.

Ideal candidates for this qualification include school site managers, PTA members, head teachers, and nursery teachers who are responsible for managing, inspecting, and maintaining school play areas.

The equipment covered under this qualification encompasses various play elements found in school playgrounds, such as activity trails, ball shoots, play panels, climbing frames, multi plays, multi-use games areas, outdoor classrooms, ancillary equipment (benches, bins, gates, fences), and any other static equipment. However, equipment with dynamic movement, including swings, rocking equipment, rotating equipment, and wheeled sports, are not covered by this qualification.

The Schools Qualification is a 3-year RPII accredited program that includes an image-based written assessment. To pursue this qualification, interested individuals can contact one of our authorised exam centres. They will guide you through the assessment process and provide the necessary support to obtain this valuable qualification.

By obtaining the Schools Qualification, individuals within school settings will enhance their ability to ensure the safety and functionality of play areas, creating an enjoyable and secure environment for students.