Consumer protection authority checks the operating conditions of playground equipment to ensure the safety of children

The National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection (NATCP) is committed to ensuring that playgrounds continue to provide a safe environment for children. The aim of the inspection is to check that the operating conditions of playground equipment are in line with legal requirements. If the inspections reveal shortcomings, the use of the equipment will be temporarily banned. The inspections are also justified by the experience of previous years, as last year alone the consumer protection authority imposed fines of more than HUF 22 million in the course of these inspections.

There are various dangers and risks involved in using playground equipment. The aim of the investigation carried out by the government agencies under the professional guidance of the NATCP is to prevent children from suffering permanent injuries or damage while playing and to prevent accidents in playgrounds. The equipment inspected includes, for example, swings, slides, spinning and tipping equipment, which can pose increased risks if they are not properly designed, made of the right materials or maintained in accordance with the law.

Since 2011, the consumer protection authority has regularly checked the operating conditions of playground equipment already installed in playgrounds to ensure that they comply with the relevant legislation. In order to ensure the safety of children, the Authority also places great emphasis on the inspection of playground equipment in nurseries, kindergartens and schools. The main inspection criteria are the existence of the required records and the documents certifying the measures recorded therein, compliance with the periodic inspection obligation, and the existence of clearly visible content markings on a separate board. The justification for the audit is confirmed by the experience of previous years.

Dr. Lilla Német-Weingartner, President of the NATCP, said that "last year, the government agencies inspected a total of 3,538 playground equipment in 483 playgrounds. Infringements were found in 29% of the playgrounds and 24% of the equipment. In the case of infringements, the government agencies took the necessary steps to correct them. In justified cases, they have taken measures to prohibit the use of playground equipment until the operator has taken the necessary steps to rectify the defects. A fine of HUF 22,050,000 was imposed in the year 2024".

The NATCP and the government agencies will continue to carry out inspections in the future, as our aim is not only

to identify shortcomings, but also to encourage compliant operation to strengthen the safe operation and to maintain the low complaint rate.