Introduction
The day a new public playground opens is the safest it will ever be—until daily use, weather conditions, and natural wear and tear begin to take effect. From that first day forward, playground owners and operators must implement a routine inspection and maintenance program to ensure continued compliance with Australian safety standards (AS 4685 & AS 4422).
Playground inspections fall into three levels:
- Routine Visual Inspections (Level 1)
- Operational Inspections (Level 2)
- Comprehensive Inspections (Level 3)
Each level serves a specific purpose, and all are essential for long-term playground safety.
1. Routine Visual Inspection (Playground Inspector Level 1)
Routine visual inspections are frequent checks designed to quickly identify hazards that could result from vandalism, weather conditions, or daily wear and tear.
Defined by Australian Standards
"Defined by AS 4685.0:2017 clause no. 8.5.3, this inspection is to be conducted on a regular basis and identifies any obvious hazards that could result from wear and tear, vandalism and/or weather conditions."
Key Inspection Points:
✔ Checking for hazardous debris in the playground (e.g., glass, needles, sharp objects)
✔ Inspecting soft-fall surfacing levels
✔ Checking for dead or damaged tree branches that may fall onto the playground
✔ Ensuring no immediate safety risks are present
Routine inspections should be conducted daily or weekly, depending on the usage and location of the playground.
2. Operational Inspection (Playground Inspector Level 2)
Operational inspections are more detailed than routine inspections and should be conducted monthly or quarterly to check equipment stability, wear, and functionality.
Defined by Australian Standards
"Defined by AS 4685.0:2017 clause no. 8.5.4, this inspection is to be conducted on a regular, monthly or quarterly basis unless there are compelling reasons. This inspection is more detailed than routine visual – during the inspection, the equipment’s stability, operation, and examination for wear is inspected on top of routine visual inspection checks."
Key Inspection Points:
✔ All checks from Routine Visual Inspection (AS 4685.0:2017 clause no. 8.5.3)
✔ Checking excessive wear on moving parts
✔ Ensuring bolts and fasteners are secure
✔ Conducting structural integrity tests (e.g., push-pull tests)
✔ Examining foundations for exposed concrete, rot, and corrosion
Operational inspections help identify minor issues before they become major safety hazards.
3. Comprehensive Inspection (Playground Inspector Level 3)
Comprehensive inspections are the most detailed and technical assessments, ensuring that playgrounds meet full compliance with AS 4685 and related standards. There are two types:
A. Comprehensive Post-Installation Inspection
Performed before a playground opens, this inspection verifies compliance with the AS 4685 series and impact-attenuating surfacing standards (AS 4422).
"Defined by Australian Standards (AS) 4685.0:2017 clause no. 8.5.2, this inspection is conducted by a competent person to verify conformance and identify any tasks to be conducted to achieve conformance to the AS 4685 series and impact-attenuating surfacing test in AS 4422 prior to a playground opening."
This inspection includes a risk/benefit analysis for any identified non-conformances.
B. Comprehensive Annual Safety Inspection
Conducted once per year, this in-depth inspection assesses structural integrity, compliance, and long-term safety.
"Defined by AS 4685.0:2017 clause no. 8.5.5, this inspection is to be conducted on an annual basis and, like the comprehensive post-installation inspection, determines conformance with the AS 4685 series and establishes the overall level of safety of the equipment and surfacing."
Key Inspection Points:
✔ Verifying compliance with AS 4685 & AS 4422
✔ Assessing overall structural integrity
✔ Identifying hazards with risk levels categorized by severity
✔ Generating a report to prioritize corrective actions
The comprehensive inspection ensures the playground is safe for long-term use and helps determine when renovations or replacements are needed.
Why Are These Inspections Important?
🛑 Reduce Risks – Inspections prevent injuries by identifying hazards early.
📜 Ensure Compliance – Compliance with AS 4685 & AS 4422 protects owners from liability.
🛠 Extend Equipment Lifespan – Regular checks allow for timely maintenance and repairs.
✅ Protect the Community – Safe playgrounds benefit children, schools, councils, and public spaces.
Every playground should be inspected at all three levels to maintain safety, compliance, and long-term functionality.
