Outdoor Inspector

Outdoor Annual

Covering a wide range of outdoor play safety issues, this inspection looks at vandalism, minor and major wear, long-term structural problems, changes in Standards compliance, design practices, risk assessments etc.

Annual playground inspections should be carried out by a specialist who has no affiliation with the playground operator or manager, ensuring that the subsequent written report is entirely independent.

If you are interested in becoming a RPII Annual Inspector for outdoor play safety, you can download our information pack below. To be eligible, you should already have a good working knowledge of playground, multi-use games areas, outdoor fitness, skate park and parkour inspections, with experience of what annual inspections entail and carrying out regular operational inspections.

Candidates should also own copies and have a good working knowledge of BS EN 1176, BS EN 1177, BS EN 15312, BS EN 16630, BS EN 14974, BS EN 16899 and should be able to demonstrate an understanding of how children use play facilities.  Candidates are also required to own and demonstrate competent use of playground inspection probes.

The Annual Outdoor Play Inspection examination certifies the competence of individuals carrying out Annual and Post Installation Inspections. For more information regarding the accreditation process, please feel free to browse the links below.

Operational Inspector

This qualification covers inspection of the following facility types:

• Playgrounds
• Multi-Use Games Areas
• Outdoor Fitness Areas
• Skate Parks
• Parkour Areas
• Ancillary Items

The Operational Inspection is a more detailed inspection (than the Routine visual) to check the operation and stability of the equipment, especially for any wear. This inspection should be every 1 to 3 months, or as indicated by the manufacturer’s instructions.

Special attention should be given to ‘sealed-for-life’ parts.

Examples of visual and operational inspection points are cleanliness, equipment ground clearances, ground surface finishes, exposed foundations, sharp edges, missing parts, excessive wear (of moving parts) and structural integrity

An Operational Inspector needs to prove his/her ability via a written and practical examination and registrations are valid for a three year period, after such time re-assessment is required.

To receive training and/or take an examination to become an Operational Inspector please contact one of our exam centres.

Routine Visual Inspection

This qualification covers inspection of the following facility types:

• Playgrounds
• Multi-Use Games Areas
• Outdoor Fitness Areas
• Skate Parks
• Parkour Areas
• Ancillary Items

Routine visual inspection enables the identification of obvious hazards that can result from vandalism, use or weather conditions, e.g. hazards such as broken parts or broken bottles.

For playgrounds subject to heavy use or vandalism, daily inspection of this type can be necessary.

Examples of visual and operational inspection points are cleanliness, equipment ground clearances, ground surface finishes, exposed foundations, sharp edges, missing parts, excessive wear (of moving parts) and structural integrity

To become a Routine inspector please contact one of our exam centres.