It has been a busy year! The Kidsafe Playground Advisory Unit (PAU):

• visited 4 regions across NSW;
• launched accredited playground inspection training;
• presented at conferences and seminars; and
• assisted over 1000 callers with playground enquiries!

Watch this space for the official launch of:

• 2018 Kidsafe National Playspace Design Awards; and
• Safe Play Nature Play Workshop

On behalf of Kidsafe NSW, I wish you all a happy holiday season and a great New Year’s celebration. Stay safe! Kay Lockhart, Manager, PAU.

A summary of the main changes can be downloaded from the website. Refer to: Main Changes AS 4422 and AS 4685.0.  

All information sheets have been revised and updated with the changes to the Standard.

Things to consider:

• The age groups of the intended users.
• Incorporating elements which cater for a broad range of users including users with different abilities.
• Visit websites which provide images of playgrounds to gathering ideas about the types of play you plan to cater for. Landscape architects, playground equipment suppliers, play and safety associations, and local council websites may all provide ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
• Visit public playgrounds, schools and preschools to see how the equipment is used, how it has worn and how well the surfacing has lasted.
• Create a “scrapbook” of ideas for your playground which you can use in discussion with your community

A valuable tool to use during the research stage is a community consultation including  local families  with children.  They can assist in determining the type of playground appropriate to needs and available resources of the community. Playgrounds that children have had some say in are more likely to be well used and respected as children appreciate that their input was valued.  It may be worthwhile approaching the local school to assist in co-ordinating this or engage a landscape architect/designer who can organise this process on your behalf. Alternatively, you may use a community noticeboard that is accessible to create a ‘mud map’ whereby potential users develop a wish list of desired playground items for your consideration.

Choose playground equipment and items that comply to the relevant Australian Standards. Request certificates of compliance from manufacturers as part of your playground safety management system.

In addition:

• Contact Kidsafe NSW for design information and advice. Once you have a concept plan, Kidsafe offers  a review of plans service which helps  to ensure you are complying with the AS 4685 and providing the safest outdoor space possible.
• Prepare a realistic budget considering the cost of initial installation and ongoing maintenance.
• Prioritise work in stages according to the budget and extent of the project.
• Engaging a landscape architect/designer who has experience in designing playgrounds for children to achieve special and unique outcomes.
• Ensure you provide inclusive play activities.
• Think about the natural environment and elements which support the playground.
• Request written evidence from suppliers indicating compliance with the Australian Standards. Ask for three references from previous customers to ascertain if they were satisfied with the supplier.
• Conduct and document a risk assessment to ensure you meet the requirements of the WHS Act 2011.

During the installation phase, ensure you have nominated an on-site supervisor who has been briefed on all aspects of the playground installation or upgrade. The supervisor is required to provide regular advice and updates on progress. Once the playground has been installed or upgraded, a comprehensive post installation inspection is required. This will verify the safety of the playground to Australian Standards and identify issues with manufacturing and installation. If issues are identified, these can be addressed with the supplier/manufacturer in a prompt manner prior to the playground being opened for use. Visit the website for information on Kidsafe inspection services.

Continued evaluation and monitoring of the playground once in use will assist the owner/operator in ensuring it remains a well maintained, safe and exciting playground. As a playground provider you can ascertain which items are unpopular and plan replacement  whilst maintaining and well used, popular items.