Public recreation departments and school districts have a responsibility to protect students and spectators against defects in bleachers and indoor sports equipment. Conducting routine safety inspections of these fixtures can help public entities prevent injuries from faulty equipment, bleacher collapse, trip and fall hazards, and other equipment-related exposures.

This bulletin outlines the primary industry sources and standards for inspecting this equipment and provides guidance for in-house inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM).

Bleachers and Grandstands

Based on information from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Code Council (ICC), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and local and state jurisdictions, the following best practices should be followed when inspecting bleachers and grandstands.

• Follow all manufacturer guidelines on proper and intended use of equipment.
• Follow and document all inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) requirements from the manufacturer.
• Follow and document all ITM requirements from local and state jurisdictions, such as Departments of Labor and Education, as well as local municipal code requirements.
• Annually, or more frequently based on the manufacturer, code, and jurisdictional requirements, perform documented ITM to ensure proper and safe operation and condition as designed.
• Every 2 years, have ITM performed by an engineer or architect familiar with the design and operation of the equipment, a person qualified or certified by the manufacturer to do the ITM, or a company that is qualified or certified to do the required ITM.

Sports Equipment

• Follow all manufacturer guidelines on proper and intended use of equipment.
• Follow and document all inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) requirements from the manufacturer.
• Follow and document all ITM requirements from local and state jurisdictions such as Departments of Labor and Education as well as local municipal code requirements.
• Annually, or more frequently based on the manufacturer, code, and jurisdictional requirements, perform documented ITM to ensure proper and safe operation and condition as designed.

It’s important to ensure all manufacturer ITM’s are incorporated into the district’s ITM routine as well as any State Department of Education or local codes or ordinances beyond the applicable national standards. Consult with the district’s preferred attorney or legal resource in case there have been additional rules established by the district as well as any state regulations or local ordinances enacted or applicable.

Additional Resources

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/330.pdf 
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=102 
International Code Council (ICC)
https://shop.iccsafe.org/icc-300-2017-standard-for-bleachers-folding-and-telescopic-seating-and-grandstands-1.html

DISCLAIMER: This is a sample guideline furnished to you by Glatfelter Public Entities. Your organization should review it and make the necessary modifications to meet the needs of your organization. The intent of this guideline is to assist you in reducing risk exposure to the public, personnel and property. For additional information on this topic, you may contact your Glatfelter Public Entities Representative at 888.855.4782

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