What to expect from a Low Frequency Inspection [LFI]

CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CONTRACTS IN 2023

INSPECTION SERVICES

PINE offers 3rd party inspection services. We do not repair, install, or sell playground equipment, parts, or surfacing. To quote the Certified Playground Safety Inspector Code of Professional Conduct, "as CPSI's - we hold the safety of playground users paramount in all our professional services."

We can help you decide what service will best suit your needs. We are fully insured for the services we provide.

Playground Safety Audits

A playground safety audit is a detailed, comprehensive evaluation of a playground. Audits are usually performed after a new installation, when considering a major renovation to a playground, or if a playground is under consideration for removal or replacement. PINE's Audit includes the following:

General inventory of play components and site amenities.
Use zone evaluation.
Citing of environmental conditions.
Citing of maintenance conditions.
Inspection in detail including surfacing, perimeter edging, site amenities.
A 5-level safety concern priority rating is used when identifying hazards.
Recommendations given, if applicable, for bringing the playground into compliance.
PINE Audits the playground following the guidelines of CPSC and ASTM safety standards.
A report is prepared in electronic and paper copy with accompanying photographs.

Low Frequency Playground Inspections

LFI's should be conducted on a regular basis by a 3rd party CPSI. We recommend that these inspections be done annually. High Frequency Inspections should be done on a regular basis and can be done by maintenance staff, school custodian, park staff, etc.
PINE's low frequency inspections include the following:

Inventory: each playground item is checked for compliance, which includes surfacing, edging, fencing, play equipment & site amenities.
Inspection: Identification of hazards w/photographs and comments. The range of observations include the review of hardware, entanglements, entrapments, projections, protrusions, loose components or footers and overall wear. Loose fill surfacing is checked for proper depth and attenuation. Proper signage and labeling are also noted.
Accessibility: the space is evaluated to ensure users of all abilities can access and play on the playground. Accessible route of travel to the play area, safety surfacing and proper use zone are evaluated.
Report: a full report in electronic and paper form is provided. Recommendations for maintenance and repairs for the hazards cited are provided. Potential future hazards are also cited.
A 4-level safety concern priority rating is used when identifying hazards.
PINE has proprietary inspection software and inspects the playground following the guidelines of CPSC and ASTM safety standards.

Playground Assessments

PINE developed a 'Playground Assessment' to address the needs of cities and towns when there are several sites to be inspected. The assessment report is often used as a tool to prepare for a 5 year [or longer] Capital Plan, or as a daily tool to manage maintenance and over site of several locations. The assessment is neither an inspection or audit, but is based on the overall guidelines of CPSC and ASTM. Playground Assessments include the following:

Overall site conditions and approach to playground.
Age appropriateness.
Visual surfacing review.
Review of component and free standing equipment.
Site amenities review (trash receptacles, picnic tables & benches, etc.) including signage and fencing..
A Summary Report is provided which categorizes each site using a 3-level safety concern priority rating. Photographs are provided.
PINE recommends a process for repair and/or replacement and identifies maintenance priorities.
PINE identifies short term retrofit options.
The report does not include inventory.

PARK AND PLAYGROUND CONSULTANCY