Kidsafe Queensland

IDENTIFY THE MOST COMMON HAZARDS

The most common hazards found in playgrounds are easily identified. The following hazards are a brief overview of what to look for in your play area.

MORE DETAILED INFORMATION for playground owners and operators is included in the KIDSAFE PLAYSPACE RESOURCE KIT available from Kidsafe Qld.
Does your equipment meet Australian Standards?
Listed below are only some of the general safety hazards outlined in the Australian Standards.  If you find any of these hazards in your equipment, seek professional assistance to obtain a detailed safety inspection and to modify your equipment.  Australian Standards provide safety information.  Contact www.saiglobal.com or phone 13 12 42 for further information.  See Info sheet 4: Australian Standards.

Free height of fall or all height

• The free height of fall is the distance a child could fall from the equipment to the ground.  The maximum free height of fall for any play equipment should be 1500mm for early childhood settings and 2500mm for all other settings.  For further information consult Australian Standards AS4685: 2004.

Hard surfaces under equipment

• All equipment with a fall height greater than 500mm must have a tested undersurfacing material under and around it to cushion the impact of fall
• Loose fill material should be maintained at a minimum depth of 300mm (or as specified)
• Under heavy traffic areas (eg. base of slides) the soft fall is 20% deeper
• Compacted undersurfacing needs to be loosened routinely
• Loose fill is clean, drained, and evenly distributed
• For further information refer to Info Sheet 5 Safe Play Surfaces, Playspace Resource Kit

Inadequate safe fall zone

• Impact absorbing material should extend to the distance specified for the height or type of equipment as specified.  For further information consult with appropriate Australian Standards

Platforms with no guardrails or barriers

• Guardrail barriers should have vertical rails or are solid with no footholds or entrapments
• Guardrails and barriers need to be installed to minimise falls from elevated platforms or landings at heights over 500mm.  For further information consult with appropriate Australian Standards.

Entrapment

• There are no gaps which could trap the head or chest if a child were to slip through
• Eliminate gaps which could trap limbs, hands or fingers.  For further information consult with appropriate Australian Standards 

Age appropriate activities

• Equipment is appropriate for the age groups and abilities of users
• Different age groups are separated and actively supervised

Overcrowded play areas

• Avoid collisions - there is an appropriate between each piece of equipment and any other obstacles (trees, shade structures, fences)
• There are separate areas for quiet creative play, running and ball games

Pinch points and sharp edges

• There are no sharp edges
• Moving parts will not crush or pinch (bridges, track rides, see saws and swings, and chains)
• Timber equipment is not split or splintered

Trip hazards

• No uneven surfaces, tree roots, stumps, rocks or hard objects
• Playground edging does not present a trip hazard
• Concrete footings are below ground level and are covered with a soft fall surface

Things that protrude or tangle

• There are no bolts, nails, screws or other elements that can cut, pierce or bruise; or act as a hook to entangle children's clothing
• Ropes are secured top and bottom so they cannot form a loop or noose

Lack of Shade

• There is adequate shade at the times children play on the equipment

Lack of supervision

• There is seating in the shade, and a clear view for supervision. Active supervision is essential to support responsible play

Lack of maintenance

• Regular written inspections are done for broken, worn, loose or missing components and repairs are carried out quickly
• There are no sharp items - splinters, glass, metal shavings, syringes, nails etc.

Equipment that is not recommended and other hazards

• Plank swings and boat swings, roundabouts (except those with speed limiting devices) maypoles, climbing rockets and old machinery such as tractors should all be considered for removal

Note: Monkey bars are popular and frequently used by children. Research has identified this equipment as commonly producing fracture injuries. Ensure your equipment is an appropriate height for the age groups using it, and that it has appropriate surfacing underneath it. Current surfacing standards are devised to prevent head injury not long bone fractures.

MORE INFO:

More details can be found in Australian Standards AS 4685. Pts 1-6: 2004, (superseding AS 1924.1&2 1981), AS/NZ 4422: 1996, AS/NZ 4486.1 1997:

For information regarding licensed Child Care Services contact Dept of Communities on (07) 3224 4225 or 1800 637 711

For further information on any of the above topics consult with appropriate Australian Standards see Info Sheet 4.

This information is provided in more detail in the Playspace Resource Kit available from Kidsafe Qld.