The consumer protection authority inspected nearly two thousand playground equipment items and imposed fines totaling 5.7 million forints

Government offices under the professional supervision of the National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection (NATCP) regularly inspect playgrounds for compliance with legal requirements in order to protect children. This year, government offices inspected a total of 1,907 items at 281 playgrounds. This year, government offices inspected a total of 1,907 pieces of equipment at 281 playgrounds. Violations of the law were found at 37% of playgrounds and 23% of equipment, resulting in fines totaling 5,750,000 forints to date.

In addition to public and institutional (nursery, kindergarten, school) playgrounds, the inspections also cover locations in the so-called "gray zone," such as hotels, restaurants, and apartment building courtyards.

It is important to emphasize that the operator must guarantee the conditions for the safe use of swings, slides, climbing frames, and other playground equipment. One of the most important aspects of this is to have a designated organization carry out an inspection of newly installed playground equipment before it is placed in use, and periodic inspections of equipment already in use every three years. If the designated organization finds a fault or the playground equipment becomes dangerous, the operator must repair or dismantle the equipment, with documented evidence, and prevent its use until this has been done. The operator must keep records and include any significant events related to the playground equipment (installation, relocation, inspection by the designated organization, repair, dismantling, etc.). The records and documents certifying the measures taken must be kept for at least 10 years.

The NATCP checks compliance with all of the above obligations and, in the event of deficiencies, takes measures to ensure that the equipment complies with legal requirements. The inspections take place during the inspection period from early spring to late autumn.

So far this year, government offices have inspected a total of 1,907 pieces of equipment at 281 playgrounds. Violations of legal requirements were found at 37% of playgrounds and 23% of equipment. This ratio is roughly the same as the 2024 inspection results. In order to remedy the deficiencies identified, the authority may, if necessary, order a temporary ban on the use of playground equipment until the operator has ensured that the defects have been repaired. During the thematic inspection, the authority has imposed fines totaling 5,750,000 forints to date.

The aim of the authority's continuous presence is to ensure that all playgrounds in Hungary operate with the highest level of safety. Inspections will continue in the second half of the year, with particular attention being paid to institutional playgrounds after the kindergarten and school holidays.

At the same time, as parents, we can also look out for several signs that may indicate the safety or lack of it of a playground. We should always check whether the mandatory information board is displayed at the entrance and whether it includes the name and contact details of the operator. It is also worth checking that the toys are not broken or damaged and that there are no sharp or pointed parts on them. In such cases, we should immediately report the problem to the operator. Furthermore, if the rubber surface is damaged or incomplete, we should also report this to the operator.

In addition to the presence of authorities, consumer awareness can also do a lot to ensure the safety of our children.