GUIDELINES FOR HAZARD ABATEMENT

The abatement of hazards related to unsafe conditions in connection with playground or related park equipment is a logical progression of the inspection program, since the intent of the inspection program is to identify safety hazards in order to effect the necessary repair, refurbishment or replacement. Irrespective of whatever means hazards are identified, abatement should follow; this responsibility rests upon the shoulders of the Safety and Inspections Officer (Parks Foreman) with subordinate personnel assuming responsibility for specifically instructed tasks (assignments) toward assigned abatement duties.

The basic guidelines by which abatement should take place include the following:

  1. Logical sequence (order) of abatement assignments; this will be based upon:
    • Levels of risk to the public;
    • Degree of severity of the most likely accidental injuries;
    • Potential for liability; and
    • Requirements related to abatement (repair, refurbishment or replacement).
  2. Maintenance assignments should be scheduled in accordance with determinations as to the above factors, as well as the availability of needed resources (materials, supplies, fiscal).
  3. In all cases, abatement may consist of simply taking the item (equipment, apparatus, etc.) out of service until such time that needed repairs, refurbishment and/or replacement can be made.
  4. Where hazard abatement can be accomplished "on-site", it should be accomplished without interruptions (break in service) which might leave the equipment "on-site and broken" once service has been initiated. In such a case, should a member of the public be injured after repairs have been started, but prior to being completed; yet the equipment was left unattended; the potential for liability is beyond measure.
  5. When equipment must be taken "out-of-service", it should be removed from its location and returned to the Parks Department for necessary service. This of course may not always be a possibility due to the size of the equipment, nature of the equipment (or its installation characteristics), or a limited number of other factors. In these cases, a standardized sign which specifies "Equipment Out of Service" under the order of the "Parks Safety Officer" should be placed on the apparatus. In addition, the sign may be attached by rope or chain in such a manner to preclude any entry to/upon the equipment, or to insure that the equipment is not available for public use.

NON-EQUIPMENT RELATED HAZARDS

While not discussed in detail herein, not all hazards which might occur within the parks system may be associated with playground or other equipment. In some instances, certain natural conditions may represent a "hazard" to the public, and these also are important items to consider. Flooding, high water, heavy smoke, fire and many other natural conditions may all represent potential hazards to the public using park facilities. In addition, "natural areas" which are relatively undeveloped may also pose the potential for creating a limited number of hazards to the public.

While it is not possible to identify all of the potential natural conditions that might represent a hazard within the park system nevertheless, these hazards fall within the responsibilities outlined herein for the Safety and Inspections Officer (Park Foreman). Clearly, every attempt should be made to identify these natural hazards, or the potential of such natural hazards, and to attempt to abate such hazards once identified,

Clearly such responsibilities are a part of the park's overall responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of the public and are of course the basis for the various "police powers" which are granted. Under conditions where such natural hazards pose a reasonable threat to the public's health, safety and welfare, park personnel, including the Safety and Inspections Officer shall have the authority to close and/or limit use of areas within the hazard zone. Under these condition, the following shall apply:

  1. Marker signs indicating "Park Area Closed to Use" under the order of the "Parks Safety Officer" shall be placed at all entrances into the restricted area.
  2. If gates are available for the control of traffic and/or pedestrian flow into the area, such gates shall be closed and locked
  3. If no gates are available for the control of traffic and/or pedestrian flow into the area, barricades shall be erected in such a manner to prevent (discourage) traffic and/or pedestrian flow into the area. Barricades may be combined with safety ropes, marker flags, cable or other necessary limiting materials in an attempt to limit traffic and/or pedestrian flow into the area.
  4. A report of the natural hazard, and subsequent abatement procedures shall be made using a form as outlined herein (example).

 

REPORT OF NATURAL HAZARD

PARKS DEPARTMENT

Date Time

Park

Exact Location

Nature of Natural Hazard (Describe in full)

Was Natural Hazard Immediately Abated: Yes No

Was Park Area (Hazard Zone) Closed: Yes No

If yes: Area Closed:

Was area Cleared of Public prior to Closure: Yes No 

Was "Area Closed" Sign Erected: Yes No

Were Barricades Erected: Yes No

Was Closed Area Subsequent Reinspected for Occupants: Yes No

Date Natural Hazard Abated: Time:

Date "Hazard Zone" Opened to Public: Time:

Describe any other problems noted at time area reopened:

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