Playground Safety

The introduction in January of 1999 of the BSEN 1176 and 1177 standards and the consequent phasing out of BS 5696 naturally lead to some anxiety and confusion on the part of clients. There has in any case been, over recent years, an increasing public concern relating to the safety of children's playgrounds and such concern is entirely understandable and fully justified.

It is clear that a number of local authorities, the main providers of public playgrounds, take their duties and responsibilities seriously, and the setting of Audit Commission Performance Indicators has reinforced the very real interest and concern that they have shown over the years. We are however left in some cases with a residue of neglect and bad practice in former years largely evident in some poorly designed, badly maintained and sometimes dangerous play environments.

John Hicks & Associates.
A wholly owned subsidiary of JOHN HICKS LTD.
Registered in England & Wales. Company Registration No. 4160958
41a Upland Road, Selly Park, Birmingham. B29 7JS. UK.
Tel: 0121 472 1276. Fax: 0121 471 4839. Mobile: 07762 232646
email: johhicks@lineone.net

John Hicks Associates: fieldwork, inspections, contracting. Playground inspection services, including outdoor playgrounds and indoor play areas. Parish and district council play facilities, and play areas in pubs, pick-your-own fruit farms, caravan and camping sites, village halls, schools, churchyards and commercial crèches. Playground safety.