Preschool Playground Safety Checklist – Free PDF

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Preschool playground safety checklist template

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Use this template with Lumiform

The Lumiform application helps frontline teams uphold internal standards effortlessly.

Customize this template or build your own
Fill out templates via mobile app
Assign and track corrective actions
Get reports and analyse your data

Prices start from ░░░ per month

Book a demo

Learn more

This preschool playground safety checklist helps you maintain a secure outdoor play environment specifically designed for children ages 2-5. Nationwide Children’s Hospital reports that over 213,000 kids end up in emergency rooms each year because of playground injuries, with the majority of those injured being between 2 and 9 years old.

You can use this checklist to conduct regular inspections, identify potential hazards before they cause injuries, and document your compliance with CPSC and ASTM safety standards. The format allows you to quickly assess critical safety elements while creating a thorough record that demonstrates your commitment to playground safety and regulatory compliance.

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Preview of the template

Page 1

General Playground Condition

Playground equipment is in good repair without any broken or missing parts

Playground equipment is free from rust, sharp edges or other hazards

Playground surface is free from holes, cracks or tripping hazards

Playground Surfacing

Playground surface is made of approved impact-absorbing material (e.g. rubber, wood chips, pea gravel)

Surfacing materials are maintained at the proper depth

Surfacing area extends at least 6 feet in all directions from equipment

Supervision and Signage

Playground is supervised by staff during use

Appropriate signage is posted (e.g. age guidelines, rules of use)

Fall Zones and Equipment

Swings have a minimum 6-foot clearance on all sides

Slides have a minimum 6-foot exit zone

Equipment is spaced at least 9 feet apart

Inspection and Maintenance

Playground is inspected regularly for safety and maintenance

Maintenance issues are addressed promptly

Records of inspections and maintenance are kept

Frequently asked questions

What specific playground equipment modifications are needed for preschoolers versus older children?

Preschool equipment (for ages 2-5) should have lower platforms, smaller steps, and more accessible handrails than school-age equipment. Slides should have slower speeds and gentler slopes. Avoid equipment requiring advanced upper body strength, and make sure all equipment has appropriate guardrails for the developmental abilities of younger children.

How can I use this checklist to demonstrate compliance during licensing inspections?

Complete the checklist regularly and note when issues were identified and resolved. Take photos to document both problems and corrections. This creates a comprehensive safety record showing your proactive approach to playground maintenance. It helps you meet regulatory requirements when licensing inspectors visit your facility.

What should I do when I find an item that fails the safety check?

Immediately restrict access to any unsafe equipment by using safety cones, caution tape, or removing the equipment if possible. Document the issue with photos and notes on your checklist. Next, create an action plan with clear responsibilities and timelines for repairs. Follow up to verify that repairs meet safety standards before allowing children to use the equipment again.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.