RPII Adds Indoor Inspectors to its Exam Portfolio
A new exam to certify the competence of indoor play inspectors
is now launched by the
Register of Play Inspectors International (RPII). It aims to meet
demand boosted by rapid
growth in indoor play or family entertainment centre (FEC) numbers
- set to double in the
next few years. Branded chains run some FECs, most are independent,
new-business
start-ups. All need annual safety inspections carried out by a
‘suitable competent’ and
independent third-party safety inspector. Once certificated as
competent, inspectors are
listed on the RPII website: www.playinspectors.com
Inspector competence is examined by the RPII which sets the
syllabus and lists trainers.
Costs are £240 for taking the exam. An annual membership
listing is £80. The RPII syllabus and exams are based on the
currently guideline ‘Soft Indoor Play Areas – A Code of
Practice’ (BS 8409:2002). It will be replaced by a new Part
10, to the European play safety standard, EN 1176 currently being
drawn up and expected for early 2008.
At the Association of Play Industries (API), Lesley Knight,
chair of the API Indoor Play
section, welcomed the RPII announcement as timely for a sector set
to double in size in
the next few years. She said, “Child, customer and staff
safety are most important. They
are a critical part of best practice. As the manufacturers, we want
to see indoor play
providers operating safely, securely and successfully.”
While inspection and reporting is not compulsory, all play
providers have many reasons
to ensure they comply with and beyond the standards and guidelines.
These include
ensuring children’s play areas are safe and minimising the
risk of serious injury.
For further information please contact Katie Stubbs, T: 024 7641
4999 ext 206,
E: rpii@playinspectors.com or
visit www.playinspectors.com