ACCT-Accredited Facility Inspections: Cost vs. Value
ACCT-accredited facility inspections are essential for zip lines, aerial adventure parks, climbing towers, and challenge courses. While the standards for design and operation are clearly defined by the ACCT standards, inspection execution varies widely. Some reports offer deep insight and planning support, while others barely meet the minimum requirement. Understanding this difference helps you get more value from your inspection—and avoid costly surprises.
What Do ACCT‑Accredited Facility Inspections Require?
The ANSI/ACCT 03-2019 Standards mandate that all aerial adventure facilities undergo an annual third-party inspection. These inspections must be conducted by a qualified individual with competence in the systems being evaluated. They must assess structural elements, equipment, and operational practices. However, the standards do not require a specific report format, detail level, or delivery timeline—leaving room for major differences in quality and usefulness.
Not All Facility Inspections Offer Equal Value
Example A: The Basic Compliance Checklist
- Simple pass/fail results with limited explanation
- No supporting photos or documentation
- Findings may be vague and lack urgency or guidance
- Hard to use for planning or justifying repairs
Example B: The Strategic Safety Report
- Detailed findings aligned with ACCT standards
- Clear recommendations with photo documentation
- Highlights both immediate concerns and emerging risks
- Useful for planning budgets, prioritizing repairs, and supporting defensibility
While both technically meet the inspection requirement, only the second type helps you proactively manage risk, reduce downtime, and prepare your team for the future.
Why High-Quality Facility Inspections Matter
A well-executed inspection provides more than compliance—it helps you protect guests, extend equipment life, and avoid costly failures. It also gives your team better clarity around upcoming maintenance needs. A poor inspection, on the other hand, could leave you vulnerable to liability or operational delays.
Checklist: What to Expect from a Top-Tier ACCT-Accredited Facility Inspection
- ✅ Qualified inspector with relevant experience
- ✅ Detailed findings supported by photographs
- ✅ References to applicable ACCT standards
- ✅ Actionable, categorized recommendations
- ✅ Inventory of inspected elements
- ✅ Reliable and timely report delivery
Know What You’re Paying For
Before hiring an inspection provider, ask yourself:
- Do I need a basic inspection or a partner in risk management?
- Will this inspection report support insurance, budgeting, or training needs?
- What’s the cost of unclear or incomplete findings?
There’s no one-size-fits-all price, but in general, higher-value inspections offer more transparency, actionable insight, and long-term savings. If a quote seems too good to be true—it likely is.
The Bottom Line
If your inspection only confirms basic compliance, it’s not doing enough. ACCT-accredited facility inspections should help you understand your systems, reduce risk, and plan for the future with confidence.
Learn more about our inspection services and how Challenge Towers can help you get the most out of your annual inspection.