QCC Unveils Certification Scheme for Playground Equipment Manufacturers, Suppliers and Contractors

HAAD Statistics Report Lists 1,295 Playground Related Injuries in Children from 0 -14 Years in 2013

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 23 September, 2014 - In its ongoing efforts to improve the quality infrastructure in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) has unveiled a certification scheme for manufacturers, contractors and suppliers of equipment to playgrounds and recreational spaces. 

The move aims to ensure the quality of playgrounds in Abu Dhabi and minimize injuries that occur on playgrounds and related recreational facilities. Developed in collaboration with the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City and the Abu Dhabi Education Council, and in consultation with regulators and industry players, the scheme outlines the safety and conformity standards stipulated by the UAE’s regulations in child safety. 

Abdulla Hassan Al Muaini, the Executive Director for Conformity Scheme Services at QCC, said: “Playground-related injury is a significant health concern for QCC. Although such injuries cannot be completely avoided, we are confident the new scheme will put in place an effective mechanism to reduce hazards associated with accidents on playgrounds. The scheme will also boost the confidence levels of parents by ensuring that all playgrounds in Abu Dhabi are of the highest quality and use appropriate equipment that has been properly installed. We also seek to help manufacturers and suppliers to produce or modify playground equipment to meet local and global quality standards.” 

The scheme will complement QCC’s previously launched child safety conformity schemes such as the Children's Toys Certification Scheme, Children's Indoor and Outdoor Play Equipment Certification Scheme and Window Safety Fixtures Certification Scheme. 

According to statistics from the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) for 2013, 1,295 playground-related injuries were reported among children in the 0 to 14 years age group. Of these, 869 were reported at nurseries, schools and kindergartens, while 219 occurred in other public places such as malls, beaches and hotels. 

A report from the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (2013) also indicates that 10 of the common playground injuries included cuts, broken bones, blisters, splinters, split lips, bloody noses, black eyes, sprains, friction burns, knocked out teeth, and head injuries. Through implementing the new playground conformity scheme, the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council aims to minimize the risk associated with playgrounds. 

The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council was established in 2009 to raise the quality of Abu Dhabi’s exports and products traded locally. QCC sets guidelines and benchmarks to identify and verify that products manufactured and traded in the emirate conform to the highest quality standards. In addition to protecting the interests of Abu Dhabi’s consumers, QCC is mandated to support its competitive economy and integration into the global marketplace. This is achieved through enabling regulators to establish and implement product safety, legal metrology and conformity schemes.