Relevant Standards for Playgrounds
Introduction
Are Australian Playground Standards Legally Required?
The Australian Standards for Playground Equipment and Surfacing:
✔ Are advisory guidelines, not regulations on their own.
✔ Are not legally required for public or private playgrounds unless referenced in legislation.
✔ May be required for school and childcare centre playgrounds under State/Territory Education Department policies.
✔ Can be used in legal proceedings as a benchmark of acceptability if an injury occurs.
✔ Cover design, installation, inspection, and maintenance requirements for playground equipment and surfacing.
"There is no requirement for the public to comply with the Standards. However, State and Commonwealth Governments often refer to Australian Standards (AS) or joint Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS) in their legislation. When this happens, these Standards can become mandatory. In addition, AS are sometimes incorporated into legal documents and considered as a ‘benchmark of acceptability’."
Playground owners must uphold a duty of care by following a reasonable standard of safety, even if compliance with Australian Standards is not legally required.
Key Australian Playground Safety Standards
The following Australian Standards outline safety, installation, maintenance, and testing requirements for playground equipment and surfacing. These can be purchased from SAI Global.
| Standard | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AS 4685.0 | 2017 | Playground Equipment & Surfacing – Development, installation, inspection, maintenance, and operation. |
| AS 4685.1 | 2021 | General safety requirements and test methods for playground equipment. |
| AS 4685.2 | 2021 | Additional safety requirements and test methods for swings. |
| AS 4685.3 | 2021 | Additional safety requirements and test methods for slides. |
| AS 4685.4 | 2021 | Additional safety requirements and test methods for cableways (flying foxes). |
| AS 4685.5 | 2021 | Additional safety requirements and test methods for carousels. |
| AS 4685.6 | 2021 | Additional safety requirements and test methods for rocking equipment (spring rockers). |
| AS 4685.11 | 2014 | Additional safety requirements and test methods for spatial network play equipment. |
| AS 4422 | 2022 | Playground surfacing specifications, requirements, and test methods (impact attenuation). |
| AS 16630 | 2021 | Safety requirements and test methods for permanently installed outdoor fitness equipment. |
| AS EN 14974 | 2021 | Safety requirements and test methods for skateparks. |
| AS EN 16899 | 2020 | Safety requirements and test methods for parkour equipment. |
Why Are These Standards Important?
🔹 Ensuring Safety – Reduces the risk of playground-related injuries.
🔹 Legal Protection – While not mandatory, standards can be used in legal proceedings.
🔹 Compliance with Education Policies – Schools and childcare centres must follow their State/Territory regulations.
🔹 Best Practice for Maintenance & Inspection – Helps extend equipment lifespan and maintain compliance.
"Play Safe Institute conducts its operations in accordance with the Australian Standard, best practice, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act."
Keeping Playground Safety Standards Up to Date
Australian Standards are periodically reviewed, and new editions or amendments are released over time. It is essential to ensure that you are referring to the most current version of the standards, as outdated references may no longer comply with best practices. Subscribe to our newsletter in the footer for updates. StandardsWatch is another easy way to keep Standards up-to-date, a subscription offered by Sai Global.
💡 Tip: Always check for the latest updates and amendments when assessing playground safety.
Need Professional Training & Certification in Playground Safety?
Play Safe Institute Pty Ltd provides certification courses aligned with Australian Standards to help inspectors, councils, schools, and childcare centres ensure compliance and best practice in playground safety.
📞 Contact us today to learn more about CPSIA certification and training courses!
