Inspections identify playground hazards

Broken swings and protruding bolts are among the hazards that have been identified in the first 10 playground inspections aimed at ensuring the areas are safe.

The inspections started last month in Birkirkara, Attard, Kirkop, Balzan and Cospicua, a Local Councils Parliamentary Secretariat spokes­man said.

These were the first of more than 150 playgrounds managed by local councils that will be inspected, at least once a year, by the Malta Standards Authority. During such visits, feedback is also taken from parents or guardians.

A detailed report on each playground is then sent to the council concerned and the Department for Local Government.

The report will highlight elements that need to be fixed.

The spokesman said issues indicated after the first inspections included “protruding bolts, which could be safety hazards, the positioning of benches too close to play equipment and broken playground equipment”.

The playgrounds’ safety criteria are included in a national standards document that lists requirements such as fencing, safe benches and wiring to be run underground.