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WATCH THIS SPACE! 

As soon as the Standards are released Kidsafe NSW will provide a range of opportunities to ensure that stakeholders have accurate and up-to-date information.

For more information or to request a visit to your region, contact  Kidsafe NSW on 02 9845 0893 or email j%8B%95%95%C5a%B8%BF%87%94%97%97%86%A8%DE%DC%D1%CE%CA%9C%9B%E7%E1%E6%7C%D1%BF%CE%9F%A3%99%98.

To complete an Expression of Interest for a comprehensive playground inspection, click here.

For some creative, safe ideas on using low-level equipment, Kidsafe NSW has published Moveable Play Equipment - A guide for playground owners and educators.  Not only is the information in line with the Australian Standards but it describes sound work health and safety practices. 

To preview or purchase a copy go to: http://www.kidsafensw.org/playground-safety/.

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. Playground surfacing is a soft impact attenuating material surrounding playground equipment where falls are possible within the falling space/impact area. The provision of adequate playground surfacing will minimise the incidence and severity of head injury. For more information, download the information sheet titled Playground Surfacing.

• Loose fill which includes bark mulch, wood chips, wood fibre, rubber mulch, grape seed and sand. The impact attenuation or cushioning effect of loose fill is achieved by the trapping of air between particles.

• Solid material which includes 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 impact attenuation or cushioning effect is provided by a synthetic mulch or underlay installed beneath the wear layer.

For more information, download the information sheet titled Playground Surfacing.

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 minimum depth). 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 AS/NZS 4422 and can provide documentation as evidence of calibration to the Australian Standard.

 Important Points

• It is important to understand what the test results mean. Ask the tester to explain the results to you.

• Be present at the time of playground surfacing installation so you can monitor what is being laid. A post installation drop test will confirm the surfacing is adequate for the critical fall height of your equipment.

• 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 adequately

For further information contact the Kidsafe NSW Playground Advisory Unit on 02 9845 0893.

• the child’s torso to pass through a space feet first whilst trapping their head; or
• when a child can access a point on the equipment where their head and neck become stuck and their feet are left dangling.
Both of these can pose a potential strangulation risk to the child. This applies to spaces that are either 600mm or more from ground level or the surface below, and where the child may not be able to support their body weight.

AS4685: 2014 includes reference to head and neck entrapment indicating that manufacturers should eliminate gaps which measure 89mm-230mm.

In order to test for potential head and neck entrapment, we use a set of calibrated inspection tools specifically designed for this purpose.  As a playground owner or operator you can measure gaps using a tape measure however, it is preferable to engage a qualified playground inspector to undertake a comprehensive playground safety inspection to determine if any hazards are present.   

Kidsafe NSW offers comprehensive playground inspections which include checking for potential head and neck entrapment hazards. Inspections can offer you piece of mind. For more information visit the website at kidsafensw.org or contact the Kidsafe NSW Playground Advisory Unit on 02 9845 0893.

A spatial network is comprised of a network of rope cables that create a web of 3 dimensional cells and geometrical shapes. There are a wide variety of spatial networks available in different shapes and sizes. Most spatial networks range from 3 to 12 metres in height.

How is it that spatial networks can be so high?

The fall height of a spatial network is determined by identifying the highest point at which a direct fall to the playing surface could occur. When climbing a spatial network the climber engages all limbs to support the climb, and adopts a forward leaning position. In most cases, the climber maintains 3 points of contact during the climb.  In the case of a slip and fall, these factors make it probable that the climber will fall directly downward, rather than fall away from the equipment.

Spatial networks comprise of various layers that overlap and no more than 1m vertically above each other. This network type is designed to capture falls occurring at any level of the spatial network. Therefore, a direct fall to playing surface from a 10m height is highly unlikely and the user would be captured by the network.

Although there have been few reported injuries associated with the use of spatial networks, the following are some of the risks:

• Rope burns

• Inadequate surfacing

• Poor maintenance

• Age appropriateness

Inspection of a spatial network requires the inspector to assess the following features:

• Determine the highest direct fall to the ground (as discussed above);

• Measure falling space/impact area of the surfacing;

• Check cables are in good condition and there are no potential bound and unbound head and neck entrapment hazards;

• Ensure long vertical tunnels have not been created allow direct falls to the surface below or within the spaces created by the cables; and

• Assess correct dimensions of the cells within the networks.

AS 4685:2014 Part 11 Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for spatial networks presents all the design requirements and specifications for spatial networks and is available for purchase from SAI Global.

However, it is strongly recommended that customers request certificates of compliance to AS4685 from the spatial network suppliers/manufacturers.

 A risk assessment can assist you to make a decision as to which spatial network to purchase. The supplier of the item can provide you with information to inform your assessment such as compliance with Australian standards, installation, maintenance requirements etc.

Kidsafe NSW recommends a post installation inspection once the spatial network is installed. For more information visit the website at kidsafensw.org or contact the Kidsafe NSW Playground Advisory Unit on 02 9845 0893.