Developing a maintenance program for recreation facilities
By Alan Kavanaugh
Inspection requirements for recreation facilities can be fairly extensive. Whether it’s inspecting playgrounds, fire extinguishers, filter changes, fire alarms, trash cans, etc., there is a lot to consider. And this doesn’t even take into account inspections of mechanical systems, geothermal systems, boilers, HVAC, electrical systems, etc.
Codes and Standards
Several (code and standard) examples come to mind as areas that are discussed on a regular basis. The fire code requires that all owners of buildings shall be responsible for following all of its provisions regardless of local fire-inspector or other authority-having jurisdiction (AHJ) inspections. Meanwhile, various CPSC and ASTM standards and recommended practices for Children’s Playspaces and Equipment discuss the minimum recommended practices for inspections, audits, and maintenance.
Preventive Maintenance
Whenever there are cutbacks, preventive maintenance usually takes a hit. The need to provide a regular documented preventive-inspection program cannot be overstated. How does one know how long the equipment will operate? What condition is it in? What maintenance and testing should be provided if there is not a documented inspection program?