Inspect More, Reduce Risk
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.
© Can Stock Photo / photography33
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?
What Applies In Recreation Facilities
Safety inspections. Emergency exiting of buildings, fire-protection equipment, fire-alarm systems, storage concerns, fire planning, fire drills, fire-code requirements, etc.
Preventive-maintenance inspections. Filter changes, trash can inspections, mechanical inspections, boilers, HVAC, geo-thermal, electrical systems, roofs, building-envelope inspections, etc.
Interior safety. Hallways, steps and stairs, storage, hazardous occupancies (swimming pools, ice arenas), etc.
Exterior safety. Playgrounds, sports fields, sidewalks, steps and stairs, parking lots, dumpsters, etc.
© Can Stock Photo / photomatic
Your Responsibilities
You are required to inspect buildings.
You are required to maintain a record of inspection for any AHJ’s review.
You are required to inspect air-movement systems, filters, boilers, electrical equipment, HVAC systems, etc.
You are required to inspect all fire-protection equipment (fire extinguishers, fire-suppression systems, fire-alarm systems, sprinkler systems, standpipes, etc.).
Inspection requirements should encompass:
A regular (monthly) inspection program should be developed, which covers the following areas as a minimum:
All rooms, hallways, means of egress, exterior exit stairs, pathways and fire exits.
All mechanical systems, heating, electrical, plumbing.
Fire-safety systems, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, fire-suppression systems, etc.
Hazardous processes and operations specific to building, storage issues, chemicals in storage, compressed gases, etc.
All exterior areas, including playgrounds, sports fields, parking lots, sidewalks, steps, stairs, and walkways.
It is your responsibility to keep your building/facility operational and safe. To accomplish this:
Identify all areas to be inspected. This makes it easier to determine specific ways of developing an inspection program that will meet your requirements.
Develop a monthly inspection program. Monitor progress and make changes if needed.
Stay informed.
Talk to risk-management professionals, people in the industry, staff members, and various other organizations.
Alan Kavanaugh, CRM, CCPI (Member NFPA), provided Loss Control Services to municipalities, school districts, industry, and government operations for over 34 years. He has developed a set of training programs (workshops) and audits (safety-related) to help all organizations accumulate and prioritize information and develop short- and long-term compliance plans. He is based out of Prince George, BC but provides services throughout Western Canada and the United States. Reach him at akavanaugh@noratek.com. For more information, visit www.noratek.com.