By Grant Humphreys, IPWEA representative on the CS-005 Playground Committee 

Standards Australia has recently published two new standards in relation to playgrounds. The standards are AS 4685.0:2017, Playground equipment and surfacing – Part 0: Development, installation, inspection, maintenance and operation and AS/NZ 4422:2016 Playground surfacing – Specifications, requirements and test method.

AS4422 specifies test methods by which the performance of impact attenuating surfaces can be determined in the laboratory and on-site, such as playgrounds and sports surfaces.

For purchasers, specifiers, council owners and occupiers of land or premises with playgrounds, the Standard requires impact testing at the commissioning of new surfaces. This includes tile, factory pad, bark/much, engineered wood systems, wet pour rubber and artificial grass systems, which are pre-certified and quality controlled. These surfaces need to be certified in the laboratory before use, and every three years in the field.

These two standards start from the date of publication, with no changeover period. This is possible as most people in the industry have already tested their products and just need them updated every three years.  

Newly commissioned playgrounds will need the impact test and playground inspection to prove the CFH is greater than the height of the equipment (FHOF) 

The thickness of the surface is also required to show it is consistent over several positions stated in the standard.

The release of AS4685.0:2017 replaces AS4486.1:1997 Playground equipment and surfacing, Development, installation, inspection, maintenance and operation. 

Documentation requirements for playgrounds and maintenance is the main requirement for this standard. Safety management systems, including risk management, record keeping, accidents procedure, inspection and maintenance documentation are all required.

Several additions that were not in the original AS4486.1 include sun/shade protection, playground safety checklist, risk assessment, examples of organic impact-attenuating surfacing sharps and dust requirements for bark/mulch and engineered wood. 

AS 4685.0 introduces a risk benefit analysis technique that allows operators and owners of playgrounds to quantify their exposure to hazards using techniques that are simple to apply. Operators can then make evidence-based decisions with regard to the maintenance, repairs and the timely replacement of their assets.

Playgrounds still require a routine, operational and comprehensive post-installation inspection.

By Grant Humphreys 
Director, Acousto-Scan Pty Ltd, Playtest Pty Ltd
admin@acoustoscan.com.au