PLAYING is part of the job for two council workers.
For the Fylde Council employees, swinging and sliding on children’s play areas is a very serious business.
Lee McCarthy and Steve Livesey work for the culture and leisure department and it is their job to ensure all children’s play equipment in th
e borough is safe to use.
They test each and every piece of equipment in council-owned play areas every week to ensure it is up to scratch and to minimise the risk of accidents involving young people.
The duo have recently sat a tough set of practical and written examinations to demonstrate their ability to spot defects before they become a safety problem. The pair are now accredited by the Register of Play Inspectors International.
Mr McCarthy said: “We often meet people when we are out doing our job who are pleasantly surprised to learn that we test the equipment each and every week.
“There are nationally set requirements for us to test the equipment and ensure the safety of young people.
“The equipment is not really designed for adults but we are ideal to test it due to the additional weight and strain – I do sometimes wish they made the cradle seats a bit bigger though.”
Coun Simon Renwick, cabinet member for culture and tourism, said: “The safety of children in the borough is very important to the council and we are well recognised in the North West for having a vigorous inspection routine.
“We are extremely pleased that the thorough and professional work of our inspectors has now been recognised by this international qualification.”
