At Sunshine Gym, our commitment to your outdoor gym equipment extends far beyond the initial installation. We understand that maintaining your outdoor gym equipment is crucial to ensuring its longevity and functionality, allowing you to reap the benefits of outdoor exercise for years to come. That's why we offer a comprehensive outdoor gym maintenance service that ensures your equipment remains in top condition.
Below, we have shared some valuable tips and processes to ensure your outdoor gym remains safe and suitable for use.
Visual Inspections
Regular checks on the equipment can help to identify potential issues, including worn or damaged components, loose bolts and screws, or other potential hazards. By regularly checking the state of the equipment, you can allow for prompt maintenance or repairs. Here are some things to look for when carrying out a visual inspection:
- Moving parts – regularly inspect all moving parts of your outdoor gym equipment, such as hinges and joints to ensure they operate smoothly and without abnormal resistance. They may need to be cleaned or lubricated.
- Signs of rusting – assess the condition of the equipment and check for any signs of rusting, fading, or corrosion due to being exposed to the sun. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of the equipment.
- Stability – regularly check to see that the equipment is stable and sturdily fixed to the surface and does not move when in use, as this could develop into a much more serious matter.
Check Equipment Functionalities
Constantly checking the functionality of the equipment contributes to a more positive user experience and will ensure the outdoor gym lasts until its expected lifespan.
- Grips & Handles – Check for any signs of damage or loss of grip on the handles. Any signs of wear or damage may affect the user’s comfort when using the equipment.
- Foot Pedals – Make sure that the rubber cover on the foot pedal is secure and doesn’t come off easily to prevent injury. Also, check that they’re able to handle the weight of the user(s).
- User Instruction – Ensure that any user instructions are visible and within range of the equipment. This is to prevent misuse and potential injuries.
Repair or Replace Damaged Equipment and Surfacing
In most cases, repairing a damaged piece of equipment is the most cost-effective solution. Whether it is replacing foot pedals, loose bolts, or dealing with paint scratches, regular inspections will allow you to identify these minor damages early on and find a solution before the problem escalates into a hazard.
In more extreme cases, the equipment may have suffered greater damage where repairs may not be enough, and it is better to replace either the broken part or in some instances the equipment entirely. Replacing the defected piece will erase any user safety concerns and will be more economical in the long run.
Quarterly and annual inspections should also be carried out by an Rpii annual inspector - a service which can be provided by Sunshine Gym. See our Operation & Maintenance Manual for more details.
Safety Standards
At Sunshine Gym, we believe that everyone should have access to quality outdoor fitness equipment that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle. That's why we are committed to designing and manufacturing outdoor gym equipment that meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and accessibility.
This commitment is reflected in the fact that all our outdoor gym equipment is manufactured in adherence to ISO9001 Quality and Management Standards, along with ISO14001 Environmental Standards.
Our equipment comes with a 25-year structural guarantee as standard, with all relevant products tested to the BS EN 16630 standards.
Standards that have been considered during the manufacturing and installation processes are:
- EN16630 – Permanently installed outdoor fitness equipment – safety requirements and test methods;
- EN1176 – Playground equipment and surfacing;
- EN ISO1461 - Hot dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles. Specification and test methods;
- EN ISO13290 – Welding. General tolerances for welded constructions. Dimensions for lengths and angles. Shape and position.
Keep your Outdoor Gym Safe
We have recently obtained our ISO certification, reflecting our commitment, quality, and safety in all we do. At Sunshine Gym we follow good practices in the design, supply, and installation of our gyms. We have a team of Register of Play Inspectors International (rpii) qualified staff who can offer help and support to owners to maximise the life expectancy of their outdoor fitness equipment.
Both our adult range and KS3 & KS4 range of outdoor fitness equipment meet the BS EN 16330 safety requirements for permanently installed outdoor gym equipment, see Buyer’s Guide to BS EN 16330 for more information on this area.
On top of this, we have other relevant resources available to guide you on your outdoor gym journey.
Our advisers are happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about investing in an outdoor gym. We take the time to work together with clients to help encourage healthier lifestyles and improve wellbeing in our communities. Give us a call today.
The freedom to enjoy an effective workout in the great outdoors – there’s nothing better.
An outdoor gym from Sunshine Gym, once installed, opens up the possibility of unlimited free-to-access fitness sessions for communities.
The high quality, durable equipment we install is built to offer years of functionality as well as fun.
We care deeply about creating outdoor gyms for users of all ages, abilities and levels.
And because we believe so strongly in the power of outdoor gyms to energise and revitalise, we go above and beyond to ensure premium standards of safety for the ultimate user experience.
Setting the bar
At Sunshine Gym, both our adult range and KS3 and KS4 range of outdoor fitness equipment meet the BS EN 16630 safety requirements for permanently installed outdoor fitness equipment.
Every item in every order is individually inspected and given a water-resistant coating before it is packed and delivered to site.
We take pride in our offering and give careful consideration not just to checking off a basic list, but to putting in place the right grade of finish to encourage regular use and maximise the value of outside gyms.
Rubber hand grips are soft and comfortable, our moulded seats bring stability and control surface water runoff, our foot pads and pedals ensure a secure grip.
The higher the usability level, the better return there will be on an outdoor gym investment.
Part of the beauty of outdoor gym equipment is its year-round availability, and with just these few thoughtful additions a Sunshine Gym is already prepared for seasonal changes in temperature.
This level of detailing is a constant feature in our equipment. Our safety stops don’t rely on a metal-on-metal system to prevent easy wear. And we use stainless steel to help prevent rust.
Every item we supply is for independent operation only – meaning there are no moving parts on any piece of equipment that is not in use, and everyone works out to their own level and ability.
Our robust high standards also apply to the installation processes we use and the surfacing we install around the equipment.
Shared responsibility
Fitness equipment in the outdoors presents different assessment and management considerations than traditional indoor gyms.
Once installed, all outdoor fitness equipment should be subject to regular inspections and maintenance works by its owners.
General wear and tear from use, accidental or deliberate damage is almost inevitable.
Inspection and maintenance is the only way to preserve the continued, correct operation of the equipment and the safety of those using it. Detailed inspection and maintenance records should be kept. In the case of a warranty claim, or a personal injury claim by an end-user, these records will be required.
At Sunshine Gym we follow good practice in the design, supply and installation of our gyms. This is something that can be continued by owners through user supervision if applicable, as well as routine care and risk assessment. Gym users can also contribute by following the correct operational instructions and ensuring the swift reporting of issues.
Ongoing customer care
Clearly visible stainless-steel labels are fitted to all our outdoor fitness equipment, giving clear concise instructions for use, together with a pictorial explanation.
The labels also feature colour coded ability levels, with recommended usage, and advice to help reduce the risk of injury during use.
At Sunshine Gym we have a team of Register of Play Inspectors International (rpii) qualified staff who can offer help and support to owners to maximise the life expectancy of their outdoor fitness equipment.
We provide log books to establish authenticity and provenance and check sheets to assist with record-keeping.
We recommend daily or weekly routine visual inspections to record any damage and keep the gym area free of hazards such as litter, debris and graffiti. A regular clean down of equipment using a soft sponge or cloth and mild detergent in warm water is also advocated.
Operational inspections, usually on a monthly basis, are an effective way of ensuring continuity of high standards, checking issues such as stability and lubrication.
Quarterly and annual inspections should also be carried out by an rpii annual inspector - a service which can be provided by Sunshine Gym. See our Operation & Maintenance Manual for more details.
Our advisers are happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about investing in an outdoor gym. We take the time to work together with clients to help encourage healthier lifestyles and improve wellbeing in our communities. Give us a call today.