Thank you to my predecessor  Kate Fraser, who after 8 years at Kidsafe NSW, has taken on an exciting new role at Standards Australia. Kate’s dedication and drive played an integral part in growing the PAU to what it is today. She leaves behind her a capable and confident team. I wish Kate every success for her future.

The PAU team (Angela, Bev and myself) are busy developing new and exciting workshops, presentations and resources to assist anyone involved in the design, development, construction, supply, maintenance and/or operation of a playground. The PAU remains a valuable source for information and resources.

2014 is an exciting year! Highlighted events include:

• Up-to-date presentations, workshops and webinars focussed on the publication of the Australian Standard for playground equipment
• Publication of the Kidsafe Mobile Equipment Handbook
• Kidsafe 2014 National Playspace Design Awards
• National Kidsafe Day (with a focus on play)

Full descriptions of our services, resources and suite of information sheets are available on the website: kidsafensw.org.

I invite you to contact me to introduce yourself, reconnect, discuss services and opportunities, present products, ask questions or just to say hello. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Kay :)

Kay Lockhart | Manager | Kidsafe NSW Playground Advisory Unit
t: (02) 9845 0893 | f: (02) 9845 0895 | e: t%CD%CF%E9%A4%B9%E8%C9%AD%98%B6%D3%BB%B9%CB%B5%CB%CE%E5%9D%88%C4%A4%CB%5E%BA%DE%E7%7F%D0%A5%96

And it's all GOOD NEWS! 

Key changes to the “NEW” Australian Standard for playground equipment

• Increased fall height 
• Raised height of platforms  
• Reduced impact areas (fall zones) 
• Changes to upper body equipment 
• Includes mobile equipment 
• New definitions 
• Change to terminology

In anticipation of the publication of the "new" standard, Kidsafe NSW has developed a one day workshop "Is Your Playground Up To Standard?" to include updated information regarding the standard. We are also planning a series of webinars to inform of key changes to the standard for manufacturers, suppliers, local government, education and care services, designers and anyone involved in the playground industry.

WATCH THIS SPACE!!

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kay, Bev or Angela at  the office 02 9845 0893.

For our workshop schedule click here.

Look Out and Listen

When in the playground, do a visual check of the surrounding trees and monitor for any changes, particularly when it is windy. Listen for the sound of splitting timber or falling branches that may alert you to danger and give time to evacuate the area.

Checking for Tree Hazards

When checking trees consider these questions:

• Are there large dead branches in the tree?
• Are there detached branches hanging in the tree?
• Does the tree have cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or in major branches?
• Are mushrooms present at the base of the tree?
• Are there cracks or splits in the trunk or where branches are attached?
• Have any branches fallen from the tree?
• Have adjacent trees fallen over or died?
• Has the trunk developed a strong lean?
• Do many of the major branches arise from one point on the trunk?
• Have the roots been broken off, injured, or damaged by lowering the soil level, installing pavement, repairing sidewalks, or digging trenches?
• Has the site recently been changed by construction, raising the soil level, or installing lawns?
• Have the leaves prematurely developed an unusual colour or size?
• Have trees in adjacent wooded areas been removed?
• Has the tree been topped or otherwise heavily pruned?

Managing Tree Hazards

An arborist can help you manage the trees on your property and can provide treatments that may help make your tree safer, reducing the risk associated with hazardous trees. An arborist familiar with hazard tree evaluation may suggest one or more of the following:

• Remove items. While a building or structure cannot be moved, it is possible to move picnic tables, landscape features, or other possible items to prevent them from being hit by a falling tree.
• Prune the tree. Remove the defective branches of the tree. Because inappropriate pruning may weaken a tree, pruning work is best done by an arborist.
• Provide routine care. Mature trees need routine care in the form of water, fertilizer (in some cases), mulch, and pruning as dictated by the season and their structure.
• Remove the tree. Some hazardous trees are best removed. If possible, plant a new tree in an appropriate place as a replacement.

Recognising and reducing tree hazards not only increases the safety of the property and play environment, but also improves the tree’s health and may increase its longevity!

Adapted from: http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/hazards.aspx

Mulch for Children’s Gardens

Garden mulch usually consists of large, assorted, timber pieces often combined with products such as wetting agents and green waste. The mulch may consist of pieces which vary in size from 15mm to 40mm. There are non-timber varieties of garden mulch such as lucerne, pea straw, tea tree and sugarcane. The variety you choose for your garden will depend on the plants you are growing, the time you have available and the weather conditions in your area.

When purchasing garden mulch, talk with the horticulturist at your local nursery to see what is right for you. In gardens accessible to children, consider the size, shape and texture of the garden mulch. Garden mulch can be sharp, rough and spikey and may be a choking hazard to young children.

If the garden is used by children 0-3 years, it is best to use mulch such as sugarcane which is soft and unlikely to be a choking hazard as this age group often put things in their mouths. In a gardening area for older children, you may use a variety of garden mulches such as pea straw or sugarcane. It is preferable that children wear gardening gloves.

Mulch for Playgrounds

Mulch used as a playground surfacing is different to garden mulch and not usually available from your local nursery or hardware store. There are a variety of playground surfacing mulches which can be placed in the impact area (fall zones) around equipment. They should be installed at a minimum depth of 300mm. Playground surfacing mulch is usually fine and the pieces measure approximately 10mm.

Mulch requires maintenance including tasks such as regular raking, topping up and rotary hoeing at least once a year. It is important to include maintenance costs in your annual budget and to request a certificate of compliance stating that the playground mulch is certified to AS/NZS 4422 Playground Surfacing.

There are a number of companies throughout Australia who sell mulch products, so some research via the internet may assist in finding a local supplier.  

Contact Kidsafe NSW for details of companies who provide playground mulch.  

For further information, please click on the following links:

• Kidsafe NSW Playground Advisory Unit Information Sheets
• Moduplay Soft Fall Surfacing Information