Sections 6.1.4 and 3.28 of the European Playground standard EN 1176-1:2018 and section 6.1 of EN 1176-7:2020, refer to the need of an annual main inspection to check the level of safety of the foundations on playing equipment. The aim is to ensure there is no corrosion or rotting on the equipment posts that could generate an stability problem. This is specially important when stability relies on one post.
This creates a challenge when using continuous flooring as the rubber wetpour. In this case to do the foundations inspection the wetpour must be cut, removed and when inspection has finished area has to be cleaned, new rubber material mixed, primed and re-installed to get the surfacing at the appropriate thickness. Probably a different colour will have to be used what in some way will modify the original design.
A while ago Melos introduced – InspecS, which is a removable inspection cover for installed play equipment.
According to Melos the ready-to-install inserts for safety floorings offer many advantages for the maintenance of foundation points requiring regular inspection in accordance with the European-wide standard DIN EN 1176-1:2017. Foundation points can be easily opened temporarily. This allows an unconditional inspection of the foundations underneath. There are no annually recurring construction costs and the area does not have to be closed for the inspection of the points.
We have been reaching some Playground equipment manufacturers to gauge their interest and I’d like to also have your feedback about this solution, so don’t hesitate to add your comments about this.
Take care
Rubberman Blog 