One of the B16 indicators for playground safety states: "A playground safety audit is conducted once a year in addition to routine inspections."  Many ask, "How do you conduct a playground audit?" and others ask, "Is that like a financial audit?"
A playground audit can be created and conducted by the program. The form used should be signed, dated and kept on file. The annual audit is an indepth assessment of various components and maintenance needs of your playground spaces. National resources include the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Program for Playground Safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov, has numerous publications available to assist you in identifying safety issues on the playground, including the "Handbook for Public Playground Safety".  The National Program for Playground Safety, www.playgroundsafety.org, offers multiple resources on playground safety, including training and consulting services.
For more information on Playground Safety click here for a related NAC for Excellence article.