What is IPEMA?
In October of 1995, the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) was formed by a group of twelve playground equipment manufacturers. They saw the need for a trade organization that would provide third-party physical validation of compliance to the safety standards as outlined in the ASTM International (ASTM) F1487. Though these manufacturers were already working together under the auspices of the National School Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA), that organization chose not to allow the new certification program due to liability concerns. As a not-for-profit trade organization, IPEMA contracted with Detroit Testing Laboratory (DTL) for certification of public-use playground equipment in the United States. The DTL is a privately owned company that is accredited and approved by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), the National Recognized Testing Laboratory, and the Federal Aviation Association. With their experience and the guidance of the ASTM E 19061 guidelines, an internationally recognized third-party certification program was established that has been raising the standards for play equipment.
Benefits of IPEMA Certification
Certification Discounts
Quarterly Sales Reports
Public Relations
Business-to-Business Networking Opportunities
Committee Involvement
Partnership With JLE Consultants
Check out the Who can be certified IPEMA Certification Video
Who can be certified IPEMA Certification?
Playground Surfacing
Tunnel Slide
Slide
Chinning bar
Single Bay Double Swing
Playground Mulch
Document required for IPEMA Certification
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of IPEMA Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Day 1
GAP Analysis, Certification Body, Selection, Cost Estimates
• Finding the GAP between existing system related to IPEMA requirements
• Selecting the appropriate certification Body
• Based on the scope of your business & certification Body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
• Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
• Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
• IPEMA Awareness training for the top management and staff
• Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
• Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to IPEMA requirements
• Management Review Meetings
• Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Certification Body
Audit
N-C Closing
• Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
• Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification body
Week 12
Certification Body
• IPEMA certificates issued for 1 years
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
• Support of Yearly documentation for audit
In October of 1995, the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) was formed by a group of twelve playground equipment manufacturers.
IPEMA provides a product certification program which validates a participant’s product(s) for conformance to certain ASTM standards. Certification seals are made available to participants in the certification program.