21 Nov 2013
Drop Testing – Is your playground surfacing up to standard ?
Kidsafe NSW regularly receives enquiries from playground owners regarding playground surfacing and how to determine if their surfacing is compliant with the Australian Standard. Often these enquiries have resulted because the playground owner has been asked to produce test results, certificates of compliance, has purchased new equipment, or has taken over ownership/management of an existing playground.
What is Playground Surfacing?
Playground surfacing is a soft impact attenuating material surrounding playground equipment where falls are possible within the fall zone. The provision of adequate playground surfacing will minimise the incidence and severity of head injury.
Types of Playground Surfacing
Loose fill includes products such as bark mulch, wood chips, wood fibre, rubber mulch, grape seed and sand. The cushioning effect of loose fill is achieved by the trapping of air between particles.
Solid material includes products such as synthetic grass, rubber tiles and wet pour rubber. The qualities of solid materials vary according to the thickness of the layer and the composition of the material.
The Drop Test
Evidence of adequate playground surfacing may be required for the licensing processes of Education and Care Services. Additionally, local councils, schools and commercial playgrounds also benefit from monitoring the performance of the playground surfacing. A drop test will determine if the playground surfacing is continuing to cushion the impact of a fall from the equipment provided in the playground.
A drop test is usually conducted for solid playground surfaces. Loose fill surfaces installed in playgrounds need to be maintained to appropriate minimum depth to ensure ongoing compliance with the Australian Standard (check the test results of the loose fill product for the minimum depths). A drop test may be recommended following installation of the solid playground surfacing to confirm that the installation meets the critical fall height rating in accordance with the Australian Standard.
Select a drop testing company that calibrates their rigs to Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4422 and can provide documentation as evidence of calibration to the Australian Standard.
Further Points to Consider
- It is important to understand what the test results mean and how they will support you in the event of an accident.
- Be present at the time of playground surfacing installation so you can monitor what is being laid. A post installation drop test can put your mind at rest.
- It is good practice to have a drop test conducted every 3-5 years to monitor the performance of your solid playground surfacing and ensure that your surface is performing over its lifespan.
Contact Kidsafe NSW Playground Advisory Unit on 02 9845 0893 for drop testing companies available in NSW.
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Safe Plants for Playspaces
Playspaces are often one of few places where children have access to the natural environment. It is important for designers and playspace providers to include natural elements, such as a rich variety of plantings and play features. When choosing plants seek expert advice to ensure that children’s access to the natural environment and gardening is safe, engaging and supports their development.
When planning spaces for children, risk management must be approached with an understanding of how children explore, manipulate and learn about their environments. Children’s exploration will involve the five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. Don’t you remember making, admiring, smelling and tasting your first mud pies?
In order to be sensible about planting in children’s environments a practical method of plant selection should be conducted which may include the following:
- Do your research - Investigate and research the plants that are planned for the playspace. Seek information on features such as potential toxicity, spiky foliage, thorns/burrs, berries/capsules, known associated allergies, and causes of asthma.
- Understand toxicity- If a plant is toxic, gain an understanding of the toxic parts of the plants (leaves, flowers, etc), and potential symptoms (fatal, vomiting, pain in stomach, or dermatitis).
- Consider bees – It is a fact that where there are flowers, there will be bees. Bee stings may cause anaphylactic reactions for some children which is alarming for all involved. However, it is important to remember that very few children have died in this situation. Most teachers and children’s services staff are prepared and trained for such situations.
- Understand the needs of the children - Seek to understand the population of the children using the space, such as age and abilities. Generally older children are beyond the mouthing stage of development and less likely to ingest plants. However some children with additional needs may demonstrate these behaviours.
- Place feature plants appropriately - A plant that is spiky or causes dermal reactions, yet beautiful, could be positioned away or bordered with a garden bed to prevent access, to be observed and admired. This may require additional supervision or management practices, however, may offer many benefits if rewarded with spectacular seasonal flowering and wildlife visitors;
- Be prepared– Ensure that the supervising adult carer/s have a current First Aid Certificate to deal with emergency situations.
Very few plants, if ingested, will be fatal. However, some toxic plants can make children very ill, some may cause severe asthma, and others evoke skin allergy reactions. There are a number of resources to assist with your research and plant selection:
- Your local nursery - Nursery professionals are well informed to assist you when purchasing suitable plants. Take note of the labelling and ask questions;
- Asthma Resources - The Asthma Foundation NSW asthmansw.org.au has a useful resource titled Asthma and Allergy Friendly Gardens that provides plant recommendations and those to avoid;
- Poisons Information - The NSW Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) provides 24/7 telephone advice regarding the toxicity of plants and treatment of suspected poisoning from a variety of plants.
There are so many plants to choose from and there is no need to feel limited by the concern over toxic plants. The key to providing a safe yet stimulating natural environment for children is to utilise the knowledge resources at hand and apply sensible risk management practices. Gardening and the natural environment should be enjoyable and rewarding for adults and children alike.
Kidsafe NSW recognises the importance of gardening with children to build life skills, inspire creativity, grow and harvest food, role model safe practices and a respect for nature.
‘grow me safely’ was developed to provide information for educators, parents and carers to engage children in gardening activities. The information provided is supported by injury data and statistics. Click here to go to the website.
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| Banksia spinulosa Coastal Candles—low level plant grows to 1m high. Interesting flowers with spikes of colour variations of gold |
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| Hebe x franciscana ‘Blue Gem’—low level shrub; violet blue flowers from summer to winter. Good for low level hedges. |
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| Westringia fruticosa Coastal Rosemary—excellent screen/hedge with white flowers throughout the year. Native. |
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Trampoline safety it's flippin' important
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has teamed up with Olympian trampolinist Blake Gaudry, Kidsafe and state consumer affairs agencies to help keep kids safe on trampolines.
Trampolines can put children at risk of serious injury, particularly when used inappropriately. At least eight children per day are injured on trampolines in Australia. The ACCC is urging parents and carers to follow a safety checklist so this activity can be enjoyed injury-free.
A survey conducted in March by Kidsafe Western Australia on behalf of the ACCC identified a range of unsafe practices that could be putting children at risk, including reports of up to five or more children being on a trampoline at once. Also of concern was that less than a quarter of parents and carers said they always supervise their children on trampolines.
The ACCC has released a new video Trampoline safety – It’s flippin’ important featuring Blake Gaudry, Click here to view the video.
Click here to download the Kidsafe NSW information sheet titled Trampolines.
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Playspace Pick- Blacktown Showground Precinct
Blacktown Showground Precinct (Francis Park)
No longer a boring space, the renovated site at Francis Park hosts an amazing variety of features sure to entice visitors of all ages and from neighbouring districts. With plenty of picnic and barbecue areas and a café, this playspace is one of the few that accommodates all and is suitable for a quick visit or to spend the whole day!
The water play area includes an array of ground sprays, splash blasters, team blasters, and other fun items which will ensure you get soaked! The playgrounds are designed to cater to and provide challenge for all ages and abilities. There are a variety of swings, slides, balance items, flying fox and more! Something for the young and young at heart to enjoy!
No longer a boring space, the renovated site at Francis Park hosts an amazing variety of features sure to entice visitors of all ages and from neighbouring districts. With plenty of picnic and barbecue areas and a café, this playspace is one of the few that accommodates all and is suitable for a quick visit or to spend the whole day!
The water play area includes an array of ground sprays, splash blasters, team blasters, and other fun items which will ensure you get soaked! The playgrounds are designed to cater to and provide challenge for all ages and abilities. There are a variety of swings, slides, balance items, flying fox and more! Something for the young and young at heart to enjoy!
Click here for more information about Blacktown Showground Precinct
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Important Information
/Australian Standards
- Playground Equipment - A new Playground Equipment Standard in Australia is expected to be published in early 2014. The draft document is now closed for public comment and the committee is currently reviewing each comment. Visit Standards Australia website for updates on publication dates.
- Trampolines – The committee is currently reviewing public comments. The Standard is expected to be published mid 2014.
Workshop and Regional Visits Calendar 2014
Click here to view the 2014 calendar. If you would like Kidsafe NSW to visit your region, please contact the office 02 9845 0893 or complete the online Expression of Interest form.
Playground Inspection Services
Playground inspections are an important part of playspace maintenance. The Kidsafe NSW Playground Advisory Unit (PAU) inspection services are conducted by experienced Level 3 Playground Inspectors.
Benefits of a regular and thorough Playground Inspection Program may be:
- Reduction in potential playground injuries
- Effective resource utilisation
- Efficient planning and budgeting
- Improved public image and community relations
Call the Playground Advisory Unit to book your inspection before the December rush! Phone 02 9845 0893 or complete the online Expression of Interest form.
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