ISO/TS 24665:2023

ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
ISO/TC 83/SC /WG 8
Secretariat: DIN
Date: 2023-03-0905-02
Playground and recreational areas - — Framework for the
competence of playground inspectors and playground
maintenance technicians

DTSFDIS stage

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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)
© ISO 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this
publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can
be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
EmailE-mail: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.orgwww.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
© ISO #### 2023 – All rights reserved iii

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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)
Contents
Foreword . vi
Introduction .vi i
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Inspection . 4
4.1 General . 4
4.2 Other inspection activities . 5
4.2.1 General . 5
4.2.2 Post-incident/accident inspection . 5
4.2.3 Pre-installation consultation . 5
4.2.4 Mid-installation surveillance . 5
4.3 Inspection report . 5
4.3.1 Scope of work between the inspector and the purchaser of the inspection service . 5
4.3.2 General information . 6
4.3.3 Inspection outcome . 6
4.3.4 Quality of inspection report . 7
4.4 Inspector competence . 7
4.5 Levels of competence for inspection and maintenance . 8
4.6 Learning goals for level 3 inspectors . 10
4.6.1 General . 10
4.6.2 Standards / technical reports . 11
4.6.3 Risk analysis / benefit-risk analysis . 11
4.6.4 Technical production . 11
4.6.5 Child development . 12
4.6.6 Environmental issues / layout design . 12
4.6.7 Knowledge of legal requirements . 12
4.7 Cooperation with other parties . 12
4.7.1 General . 12
4.7.2 Code of conduct and ethics . 13
5 Maintenance and repair . 15
5.1 General . 15
5.2 The importance of maintenance in relation to injury prevention . 15
5.3 Types of maintenance . 16
5.3.1 General . 16
5.3.2 Routine maintenance . 16
5.3.3 Corrective maintenance . 16
5.4 Maintenance schedule . 17
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)
5.5 Record keeping . 17
5.6 Regional and/or cultural differences regarding maintenance . 17
6 Conclusion . 18
Annex A (informative) Introduction to children's play and development . 19
Annex B (informative) Risk assessment . 20
B.1 Risk assessment . 20
B.2 Advantages of risk assessment . 21
B.3 Benefit-risk assessment . 22
Bibliography . 24

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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO
collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documentsdocument should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance
with the editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawnISO draws attention to the possibility that some of the elementsimplementation of this
document may beinvolve the subjectuse of (a) patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence,
validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of
this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this
document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent the latest information,
which may be obtained from the patent database available at www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held
responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent rights identified during the
development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of patent declarations
received (see ).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World
Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 83, Sports and other recreational facilities
and equipment.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
vi © ISO 2022 2023 – All rights reserved

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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)
Introduction
AfterBased on a review of many international playground and recreation area standards, it becameis
clear that there is a broad spectrum of competence in inspectors of playground environments that goes
beyond just the black and white application of the various performance requirements found in current
playground standards. Many maintenance and repair tasks can be easily identified and corrected with
some very basic knowledge, experience, and skillskills. However, with the many elements involved in the
playground environment, such as equipment, environment, children, etc., an inspection of a play
spaceplayspace is not solely a “technical” inspection but also requires knowledge of how and why
children of all abilities play. Inspectors should understand the way children play, interact, evolve, and
develop to be able to make informed, balanced decisions about the safety of the playground environment.
There is international consensus among experts to describe the needed competences of playground
inspectors and technicians in the public playground environment. For maintenance technicians  This, this
document intends to harmonize the intent of the different levels of inspections commonly being
performed around the world.
As stated in EN 1176--1: “Risk taking is an essential feature of play provision and of all environments in
which children legitimately spend time playing. Play provision should aim to offer children the chance to
encounter acceptable risks as a part of a stimulating, challenging and controlled learning environment.
Play provision should aim at managing the balance between the need to offer risk and the need to keep
children safe from serious harm.” The aim should be to provide as much play value as possible and as
little safety as necessary. In this vision on the safety of playground environments it is essential that the
inspector and maintenance technicians do not only know the technical content of the related standards,
but at a certain level of expertise also understandsunderstand why and how to make risk assessments
and/or a benefit-risk analysis.
The way in which children play and the public perception of children’s play variesvary from country to
country and; with this in mind, it is vital that the inspector and technician arebe aware of the cultural
differences that exist. They need toshould be familiar with what is an acceptable level of risk or challenge
for the country in which they are employed or contracted. Cultural and socioeconomic differences cannot
and can never be an argument to withhold children from a beneficial risk/challenge while playing in a
reasonably safe environment.
This document accepts that there maycan be variations in working practices in different countries.
Irrespective of established systems, inspectors need toshould have necessary competence to undertake
the tasks.
The lack of safety knowledge by some product and layout designers cannot be compensated for by the
expertise of inspectors or maintenance technicians. Owner/OperatorsOwners/operators of one or more
playgrounds have the responsibility for all operational aspects of the playspace and will need toshould
have or acquire competency and knowledge. Installers will have toshould have correct detailed technical
documents to work with as well as a basic level of knowledge about safety couldwhich can help to solve
problems arising during installation. Manufacturers should have a high level of knowledge. In general,
safety relates to everything from the inception of a playground project to the end of its lifecycle.
Staff training is vital to the success of a comprehensive program of playground management. The users
of this document are encouraged to take this information and share it with everyone involved in the
management and day-to-day operation of a public playground. The contents provide a road map for
success in achieving well managed public playground environments,; but, like any map, one needs
toshould learn how to read it and understand the various keys and symbols found on the map.
Inspection and maintenance/repair are equally important; when implemented together they create a
safer, clean, and functioning playground environment free of hidden dangers and known hazards that
only a trained playground safety inspector and playground maintenance technician can identify and one
that children deserve.
Timely and thorough inspections coupled with the application of proper routine and preventive
maintenance practices should be considered standard operating procedures. This action requires trained
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)
persons with knowledge and experience in not just how to do something but also why it is required and
when it is to be done to meet the manufacture/designer requirements for correct functionality and injury
prevention. While knowledge is most important it also requires a certain amount of skill which comes
with experience and additional training.
Regardless of the quantity or quality of these routine visual and operational playground inspections some
playground owners maycan have licensing or legislated inspection requirements for specific types of play
areas. Some types of playground inspections maycan require specific inspector education or certification
in order to conduct these inspections. As an example, in Ontario Canada it is a commercial childcare
center’s licensing requirement to conduct an annual playground inspection including the testing of the
impact attenuating surfacing. This type of annual inspection is becoming more common whenever the
owner has been determined to have a higher duty of care. As a result, the owner requires a higher level
of inspector competency and experience. An annual comprehensive inspection includes a thorough
review of the entire playground environment, the playground equipment, the performance of the impact
attenuating surfacing, and a discussion with the owner as to the playground’s ability to meet the original
intended goals and objectives of the owner’s initial playground plan. As part of the annual comprehensive
inspection report, the inspector should be looking for visual evidence that the owner has been conducting
routine safety inspections and has performed regular custodial and preventive maintenance throughout
the year. Playground owners are required to retain written records related to the installation,
maintenance, repair, and inspections of each playground. To facilitate the record keeping, many
equipment and surface system manufacturers provide forms and checklists. The inspector should review
the owner’s written inspection and maintenance records looking for visual and written evidence of
routine playground maintenance practices. The playground owner cannot effectively maintain and repair
the playground without access to these records. Therefore, the annual comprehensive inspection should
be able to illustrate the playground owner’s diligence in meeting emerging trends in usage while still
meeting the minimum requirements for written documentation and record keeping as specified in the
applicable local standards and guidelines.
Irrespective of how effective the playground inspection and maintenance program are there will likely
be an incident that results in a serious injury to a playground user. How a playground accident
investigation is addressed can make a big difference in the overall liability exposure of the playground
owner or operator. An incident investigation should focus on cause or cascade of causes which can lead
to prevention of similar injuries. Sound investigation can aid in litigation defence. Good risk
management/loss control practices detail what to do in the event of an accident. The owner/operator
should make sure there is an accident/incident procedure in place. If not, one should be prepared with
the assistance of the owner’s appropriate legal adviser to provide incident management. The policy or
procedure should be approved by the appropriate authority and published as part of the standard
playground operating procedures. This procedure should include an accident/incident report form and
the appropriate staff should be trained on how to complete the form. This staff training should include
appropriate content of verbal or written statements taken from witnesses or ones that maycan be made
to the injured party, witnesses, and the media. The last thing the owner/operator needs is for an
employee to make a statement that maycan be perceived as an admission of liability.
By following this document, the playground owner can implement the necessary steps to assure their
playground inspectors and maintenance technicians have the necessary competencies required by
persons conducting the various levels of inspections and maintenance/repairs previously mentioned and
as documented in PD CEN/TR 17207:2018. It is recognized that different countries and jurisdictions will
have cultural, technical, and legal differences that play an important role in the provision of inspections,
maintenance, repairs, replacement, and removal of recreation and play equipment and components.
Users of this document should familiarize themselves with the vocabulary commonly used in the field of
playground performance. Without an understanding of the vocabulary, the ownerowners/operators,
inspectors, and maintenance technicians will find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to reading,
writing or communicating issues that couldcan have serious consequences to the users of the playspace.
Although the focus of this document is specific to the public playground and the space in which it is
situated, the information and principles can be generally applied to other aspects of public play and
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(:(E)
recreation features such as waterplay (splashpads), skateboarding, outdoor fitness, etc. that are found in
public access settings.
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ISO/DTS 24665:(E)
Playground and recreational areas — Framework for the
competence of playground inspectors and playground
maintenance technicians
1 Scope
This document gives guidance and requirements for the education, examination and evaluation of the
inspectors’ and maintenance technicians’ competence concerning public playground and recreational
areas. This document describes the knowledge and competence required for each specific task an
inspector or technician performs.
This document is intended primarily for public playgrounds, but the principles are applicable to other
recreational areas.
This document does not include benefit/risk assessment methods.
This document does not cover the competence of staff conducting product certification.
NOTE 1 The different types of inspections covered are: routine visual inspection; operational inspection; annual
main inspection; post-installation inspection; post-accident inspection; pre-installation consultation; mid-
installation surveillance.
NOTE 2 This document can be applicable to: Rollerroller-sport infrastructure; Multimulti-sport arenas;
Outdooroutdoor exercise equipment; Boulderingbouldering walls (; Portable; portable and permanent socketed
goals; Parkourparkour facilities; Adventureadventure playgrounds; Ropesropes courses; Inflatableinflatable play
equipment.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/TR 20183, Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment –— Injury and safety definitions and
thresholds –— Guidelines for their inclusion in standards
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/TR 20183 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminologicalterminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.21
inspector
competent person (3.3) qualified to undertake inspections of playground environments (3.12)
3.32
competence
ability to apply knowledge (3.15) and skills to achieve intended results
[SOURCE: ISO/IWA 26:2017, 3.9]
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ISO/DTS 24665:(E)
3.43
competent person
person who has acquired through training, qualifications or experience, or a combination of these, the
knowledge (3.15) and skills enabling that person to perform a specified task
[SOURCE: ISO 17842--1:2015, 3.6]
3.4
routine visual inspection
inspection intended to identify obvious hazards that can result from normal use, vandalism or weather
conditions
NOTENote 1 to entry: Typical hazards can take the form of broken parts or broken bottles.
3.5
operational inspection
inspection, more detailed than routine visual inspection (3.4,), to check the operation and stability of the
equipment
NOTENote 1 to entry: Typical checks include an examination for wear, rotting and corrosion.
3.6
annual main inspection
inspection intended to establish the overall level of safety (3.18) of equipment, structural stability,
foundations and playing surfaces
NOTENote 1 to entry: This inspection is to include the determination of complianceconformity with the relevant
local standards and codes.
NOTENote 2 to entry: Typical checks include the effects of weather, evidence of rotting or corrosion and any change
in the level of safety of the equipment as a result of repairs made, or of added or replaced components.
3.7
pre-installation Consultationconsultation
meeting intended to assess the design and layout of the area prior to building works commencing
3.8
mid-installation Surveillancesurveillance
inspection undertaken to review work in progress during installation, especially features that cannot be
easily checked or corrected after completion of the project
3.9
post-installation inspection
inspection undertaken prior to the opening of a playground environment (3.12) for public use
3.10
post-accident inspection
inspection undertaken after a serious injury (3.24) on a playground to assess the safety (3.18) of the area
and to help assist in determining if any immediate works are required, with the intent of providing
positive feedback on prevention of a similar occurrence
3.11
inspection report
document produced as a result of an inspection to a predetermined or agreed specification
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ISO/DTS 24665:(E)
3.12
playground environment
designated area, open to public access that can contain play equipment, ancillary items, landscaping
and/or natural features.
3.13
playground equipment
equipment and structures, including components and constructional elements with, or on which, children
can play outdoors or indoors, either individually or in groups, according to their own rules or own
reasons for playing which can change at any time
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.1]
3.14
adventure playground
fenced, secured playgrounds run and staffed in accordance with the widely accepted principles that
encourage children’s development and often use self-build equipment
3.15
knowledge
understanding of information achieved by experience and study
3.16
risk assessment
process including a combination of risk (3.19) analysis, risk evaluation and optional benefit-risk analysis
with the purpose of determining a quantitative or qualitative value related to circumstances resulting
from a hazard
NOTENote 1 to entry: Regarding playground equipment (3.13), a risk assessment is the determination of
quantitative or qualitative value of risk related to a specific situation and an identified hazard. Quantitative risk
assessment requires calculations of three components of risk (R): The severity of the potential injury (S), the
probability of the incident occurring (P) and the exposure to the hazard (E) and opportunity to avoid the hazard
(A).
* A
𝑅𝑅=𝑆𝑆∗𝑃𝑃∗𝐸𝐸∗ A
3.17
benefit-risk Assessmentassessment
tool to aid risk (3.19) management that explicitly brings together consideration of the benefits as well as
the risks of play in a single judgement
3.18
safety
freedom from unacceptable risk (3.19,), but not safe
NOTENote 1 to entry: Safety is achieved by reducing risk to a tolerable level.
NOTENote 2 to entry: There is no complete absence of risk. In turn, there is no product or system that is withou
...

FINAL
TECHNICAL ISO/DTS
DRAFT
SPECIFICATION 24665
ISO/TC 83
Playground and recreational areas —
Secretariat: DIN
Framework for the competence of
Voting begins on:
2023-05-17 playground inspectors and playground
maintenance technicians
Voting terminates on:
2023-07-12
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN-
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2023

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
FINAL
TECHNICAL ISO/DTS
DRAFT
SPECIFICATION 24665
ISO/TC 83
Playground and recreational areas —
Secretariat: DIN
Framework for the competence of
Voting begins on:
playground inspectors and playground
maintenance technicians
Voting terminates on:
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
ISO copyright office
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
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THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
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DOCUMENTATION.
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
Email: copyright@iso.org
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
Website: www.iso.org
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
Published in Switzerland
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN­
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
ii
  © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2023

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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Inspection . 4
4.1 General . 4
4.2 Other inspection activities . 4
4.2.1 General . 4
4.2.2 Post­incident/accident inspection . 5
4.2.3 Pre­installation consultation . 5
4.2.4 Mid­installation surveillance . 5
4.3 Inspection report . 5
4.3.1 Scope of work between the inspector and the purchaser of the inspection
service . 5
4.3.2 General information . 5
4.3.3 Inspection outcome . 6
4.3.4 Quality of inspection report . 7
4.4 Inspector competence . 7
4.5 Levels of competence for inspection and maintenance . 7
4.6 Learning goals for level 3 inspectors . 10
4.6.1 General . 10
4.6.2 Standards / technical reports . 10
4.6.3 Risk analysis / benefit-risk analysis . 11
4.6.4 Technical production . 11
4.6.5 Child development . 11
4.6.6 Environmental issues / layout design . 11
4.6.7 Knowledge of legal requirements .12
4.7 Cooperation with other parties .12
4.7.1 General .12
4.7.2 Code of conduct and ethics .12
5 Maintenance and repair .14
5.1 General . 14
5.2 The importance of maintenance in relation to injury prevention .15
5.3 Types of maintenance .15
5.3.1 General .15
5.3.2 Routine maintenance .15
5.3.3 Corrective maintenance . 16
5.4 Maintenance schedule . 16
5.5 Record keeping . 16
5.6 Regional and/or cultural differences regarding maintenance . 17
6 Conclusion .17
Annex A (informative) Introduction to children's play and development .18
Annex B (informative) Risk assessment .19
Bibliography .22
iii
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non­governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use
of (a) patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed
patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received
notice of (a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are
cautioned that this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent
database available at www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all
such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 83, Sports and other recreational facilities
and equipment.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
  © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
Introduction
Based on a review of many international playground and recreation area standards, it is clear that there
is a broad spectrum of competence in inspectors of playground environments that goes beyond just
the black and white application of the various performance requirements found in current playground
standards. Many maintenance and repair tasks can be easily identified and corrected with some very
basic knowledge, experience, and skills. However, with the many elements involved in the playground
environment, such as equipment, environment, children, an inspection of a playspace is not solely a
“technical” inspection but also requires knowledge of how and why children of all abilities play.
Inspectors should understand the way children play, interact, evolve, and develop to be able to make
informed, balanced decisions about the safety of the playground environment. There is international
consensus among experts to describe the needed competences of playground inspectors and
technicians in the public playground environment. For maintenance technicians, this document intends
to harmonize the intent of the different levels of inspections commonly being performed around the
world.
As stated in EN 1176-1: “Risk taking is an essential feature of play provision and of all environments in
which children legitimately spend time playing. Play provision should aim to offer children the chance to
encounter acceptable risks as a part of a stimulating, challenging and controlled learning environment.
Play provision should aim at managing the balance between the need to offer risk and the need to keep
children safe from serious harm.” The aim should be to provide as much play value as possible and as
little safety as necessary. In this vision on the safety of playground environments it is essential that the
inspector and maintenance technicians not only know the technical content of the related standards,
but at a certain level of expertise also understand why and how to make risk assessments and/or a
benefit-risk analysis.
The way in which children play and the public perception of children’s play vary from country to country;
with this in mind, it is vital that the inspector and technician be aware of the cultural differences that
exist. They should be familiar with what is an acceptable level of risk or challenge for the country in
which they are employed or contracted. Cultural and socioeconomic differences cannot and can never
be an argument to withhold children from a beneficial risk/challenge while playing in a reasonably safe
environment.
This document accepts that there can be variations in working practices in different countries.
Irrespective of established systems, inspectors should have necessary competence to undertake the
tasks.
The lack of safety knowledge by some product and layout designers cannot be compensated for by the
expertise of inspectors or maintenance technicians. Owners/operators of one or more playgrounds have
the responsibility for all operational aspects of the playspace and should have or acquire competency
and knowledge. Installers should have correct detailed technical documents to work with as well as
a basic level of knowledge about safety which can help to solve problems arising during installation.
Manufacturers should have a high level of knowledge. In general, safety relates to everything from the
inception of a playground project to the end of its lifecycle.
Staff training is vital to the success of a comprehensive program of playground management. The users
of this document are encouraged to take this information and share it with everyone involved in the
management and day-to-day operation of a public playground. The contents provide a road map for
success in achieving well managed public playground environments; but, like any map, one should learn
how to read it and understand the various keys and symbols found on the map.
Inspection and maintenance/repair are equally important; when implemented together they create a
safer, clean, and functioning playground environment free of hidden dangers and known hazards that
only a trained playground safety inspector and playground maintenance technician can identify and
one that children deserve.
Timely and thorough inspections coupled with the application of proper routine and preventive
maintenance practices should be considered standard operating procedures. This action requires
trained persons with knowledge and experience in not just how to do something but also why it
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
is required and when it is to be done to meet the manufacture/designer requirements for correct
functionality and injury prevention. While knowledge is most important it also requires a certain
amount of skill which comes with experience and additional training.
Regardless of the quantity or quality of these routine visual and operational playground inspections
some playground owners can have licensing or legislated inspection requirements for specific types
of play areas. Some types of playground inspections can require specific inspector education or
certification in order to conduct these inspections. As an example, in Ontario Canada it is a commercial
childcare center’s licensing requirement to conduct an annual playground inspection including the
testing of the impact attenuating surfacing. This type of annual inspection is becoming more common
whenever the owner has been determined to have a higher duty of care. As a result, the owner requires
a higher level of inspector competency and experience. An annual comprehensive inspection includes a
thorough review of the entire playground environment, the playground equipment, the performance of
the impact attenuating surfacing, and a discussion with the owner as to the playground’s ability to meet
the original intended goals and objectives of the owner’s initial playground plan. As part of the annual
comprehensive inspection report, the inspector should be looking for visual evidence that the owner
has been conducting routine safety inspections and has performed regular custodial and preventive
maintenance throughout the year. Playground owners are required to retain written records related
to the installation, maintenance, repair, and inspections of each playground. To facilitate the record
keeping, many equipment and surface system manufacturers provide forms and checklists. The
inspector should review the owner’s written inspection and maintenance records looking for visual
and written evidence of routine playground maintenance practices. The playground owner cannot
effectively maintain and repair the playground without access to these records. Therefore, the annual
comprehensive inspection should be able to illustrate the playground owner’s diligence in meeting
emerging trends in usage while still meeting the minimum requirements for written documentation
and record keeping as specified in the applicable local standards and guidelines.
Irrespective of how effective the playground inspection and maintenance program are there will
likely be an incident that results in a serious injury to a playground user. How a playground accident
investigation is addressed can make a big difference in the overall liability exposure of the playground
owner or operator. An incident investigation should focus on cause or cascade of causes which can
lead to prevention of similar injuries. Sound investigation can aid in litigation defence. Good risk
management/loss control practices detail what to do in the event of an accident. The owner/operator
should make sure there is an accident/incident procedure in place. If not, one should be prepared with
the assistance of the owner’s appropriate legal adviser to provide incident management. The policy
or procedure should be approved by the appropriate authority and published as part of the standard
playground operating procedures. This procedure should include an accident/incident report form and
the appropriate staff should be trained on how to complete the form. This staff training should include
appropriate content of verbal or written statements taken from witnesses or ones that can be made to
the injured party, witnesses, and the media. The last thing the owner/operator needs is for an employee
to make a statement that can be perceived as an admission of liability.
By following this document, the playground owner can implement the necessary steps to assure their
playground inspectors and maintenance technicians have the necessary competencies required by
persons conducting the various levels of inspections and maintenance/repairs previously mentioned
and as documented in PD CEN/TR 17207:2018. It is recognized that different countries and jurisdictions
have cultural, technical, and legal differences that play an important role in the provision of inspections,
maintenance, repairs, replacement, and removal of recreation and play equipment and components.
Users of this document should familiarize themselves with the vocabulary commonly used in the
field of playground performance. Without an understanding of the vocabulary, the owners/operators,
inspectors, and maintenance technicians will find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to
reading, writing or communicating issues that can have serious consequences to the users of the
playspace.
Although the focus of this document is specific to the public playground and the space in which it is
situated, the information and principles can be generally applied to other aspects of public play and
recreation features such as waterplay (splashpads), skateboarding, outdoor fitness, etc. that are found
in public access settings.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
Playground and recreational areas — Framework for the
competence of playground inspectors and playground
maintenance technicians
1 Scope
This document gives guidance and requirements for the education, examination and evaluation of the
inspectors’ and maintenance technicians’ competence concerning public playground and recreational
areas. This document describes the knowledge and competence required for each specific task an
inspector or technician performs.
This document is intended primarily for public playgrounds, but the principles are applicable to other
recreational areas.
This document does not include benefit/risk assessment methods.
This document does not cover the competence of staff conducting product certification.
NOTE 1 The different types of inspections covered are: routine visual inspection; operational inspection;
annual main inspection; post-installation inspection; post-accident inspection; pre-installation consultation;
mid­installation surveillance.
NOTE 2 This document can be applicable to: roller-sport infrastructure; multi-sport arenas; outdoor exercise
equipment; bouldering walls; portable and permanent socketed goals; parkour facilities; adventure playgrounds;
ropes courses; inflatable play equipment.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/TR 20183, Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment — Injury and safety definitions and
thresholds — Guidelines for their inclusion in standards
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/TR 20183 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
inspector
competent person (3.3) qualified to undertake inspections of playground environments (3.12)
3.2
competence
ability to apply knowledge (3.15) and skills to achieve intended results
[SOURCE: ISO/IWA 26:2017, 3.9]
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
3.3
competent person
person who has acquired through training, qualifications or experience, or a combination of these, the
knowledge (3.15) and skills enabling that person to perform a specified task
[SOURCE: ISO 17842­1:2015, 3.6]
3.4
routine visual inspection
inspection intended to identify obvious hazards that can result from normal use, vandalism or weather
conditions
Note 1 to entry: Typical hazards can take the form of broken parts or broken bottles.
3.5
operational inspection
inspection, more detailed than routine visual inspection (3.4), to check the operation and stability of the
equipment
Note 1 to entry: Typical checks include an examination for wear, rotting and corrosion.
3.6
annual main inspection
inspection intended to establish the overall level of safety (3.18) of equipment, structural stability,
foundations and playing surfaces
Note 1 to entry: This inspection is to include the determination of conformity with the relevant local standards
and codes.
Note 2 to entry: Typical checks include the effects of weather, evidence of rotting or corrosion and any change in
the level of safety of the equipment as a result of repairs made, or of added or replaced components.
3.7
pre-installation consultation
meeting intended to assess the design and layout of the area prior to building works commencing
3.8
mid-installation surveillance
inspection undertaken to review work in progress during installation, especially features that cannot
be easily checked or corrected after completion of the project
3.9
post-installation inspection
inspection undertaken prior to the opening of a playground environment (3.12) for public use
3.10
post-accident inspection
inspection undertaken after a serious injury (3.24) on a playground to assess the safety (3.18) of the
area and to assist in determining if any immediate works are required, with the intent of providing
positive feedback on prevention of a similar occurrence
3.11
inspection report
document produced as a result of an inspection to a predetermined or agreed specification
3.12
playground environment
designated area, open to public access that can contain play equipment, ancillary items, landscaping
and/or natural features
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ISO/DTS 24665:2023(E)
3.13
playground equipment
equipment and structures, including components and constructional elements with, or on which,
children can play outdoors or indoors, either individually or in groups, according to their own rules or
own reasons for playing which can change at any time
[SOURCE: EN 1176­1:2017, 3.1]
3.14
adventure playground
fenced, secured playgrounds run and staffed in accordance with the widely accepted principles that
encourage children’s development and often use self-build equipment
3.15
knowledge
understanding of information achieved by experience and study
3.16
risk assessment
process including a combination of risk (3.19) analysis, risk evaluation and optional benefit-risk analysis
with the purpose of determining a quantitative or qualitative value related to circumstances resulting
from a hazard
Note 1 to entry: Regarding playground equipment (3.13), a risk assessment is the determination of quantitative
or qualitative value of risk related to a specific situation and an identified hazard. Quantitative risk assessment
requires calculations of three components of risk (R): The severity of the potential injury (S), the probability of
the incident occurring (P) and the exposure to the hazard (E) and opportunity to avoid the hazard (A).
RS= **PE*A
3.17
benefit-risk assessment
tool to aid risk (3.19) management that explicitly brings together consideration of the benefits as well as
the risks of play in a single judgement
3.18
safety
freedom from unacceptable risk (3.19), but not safe
Note 1 to entry: Safety is achieved by reducing risk to a tolerable level.
Note 2 to entry: There is no complete absence of risk. In turn, there is no product or system that is without some
risk whic
...