Sample Safety Checklist – Outdoor Facilities
Schools must develop a procedure for regular inspection of outdoor physical activity facilities with appropriate follow-up. This sample checklist could be used as a guide for schools.
Site name:
Inspection date:
Time:
Inspected by:
Basketball Backstops
- Backboards in good condition
- Rims secure and straight
- Pole anchors stable, in good condition and covered
- Poles corrosion-free
Yes
No
Follow Up/Action/Next Steps:
Basketball Playing Surface
- Asphalt level and free of holes and broken asphalt
- Level playing surface, good drainage
- Free of ruts, trash and animal feces
Yes
No
Follow Up/Action/Next Steps:
Bee Nests
- Area is free of nests
Yes
No
Follow Up/Action/Next Steps:
Benches/Bleachers
- Free of protruding nails, splinters, cracked or rotted wood
- Anchors to ground safely covered
Yes
No
Follow Up/Action/Next Steps:
Goalposts (soccer, football)
- Wooden posts free of rot, cracks and splinters
- Posts free of corrosion
- Posts secure
Yes
No
Follow Up/Action/Next Steps:
Jumping Pits and Runways
- Runway level free of holes, ruts, trash and animal feces
- Sand at appropriate level and free of rocks, glass, etc.
- Boards free of rot and splinters
- Provides safe traction
Yes
No
Follow Up/Action/Next Steps:
Metal Fencing
- Clips and attachments safely secure
- Fencing tight and secure to frame
- No holes in fence or at ground level
- Anchors to ground stable, in good condition and safely covered
- posts corrosion-free
Yes
No
Follow Up/Action/Next Steps:
Potential Outdoor Hazards (for example, trees, exposed roots, posts, streams)
- Hazards identified to all supervisors and participants
- Warning signs and barriers are displayed
Yes
No
Follow Up/Action/Next Steps:
Softball Backstop
- Fencing, clips and attachments safely secure
- Fencing tight and secure to frame
- No holes in fence or at ground level
- Anchors to ground stable and safely covered
- Posts corrosion-free
Yes
No
Follow Up/Action/Next Steps:
Softball Playing Surface
- Level ground with good drainage
- Free of holes, ruts, trash and animal feces
Yes
No
Follow Up/Action/Next Steps:
Stairs
- Clear of obstacles
- Treads in good condition
- Railings secure
- Wooden sections free of protruding nails, cracks or splinters
Yes
No
Follow Up/Action/Next Steps:
Track
- Provides safe footing
Yes
No
Follow Up/Action/Next Steps:
Walking and Playing Surface
- Asphalt areas level and free of holes and broken asphalt
- Grass and dirt areas free of holes and ruts
- Clear of broken glass, cans, rocks, animal feces, etc.
- Free of drainage problems
- Clear of trip hazards (for example, exposed footings, roots or other environmental obstacles)
Yes
No
Follow Up/Action/Next Steps:
