Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Standards Australia adopts amendments to AS 4685 Playground equipment and surfacing

Standards Australia adopts amendments to AS 4685 Playground equipment and surfacing
February 8, 2021

Supporting the operation of safer playgrounds, Standards Australia has advised of the adoption of standards to the series of AS 4685, Playground equipment and surfacing, Parts 1-6, with modifications made to reflect industry and community needs.

Aligning with international standards to create safer environments for children’s free play, the updated AS 4685, Playground equipment and surfacing, series has been adjusted to provide clarification around height and free fall requirements with the objective to assist in reducing the risk of child playground related injuries.

Commenting on the changes, Roland Terry-Lloyd, Head of Standards Development at Standards Australia, noted “playgrounds are the pillar of many Australian communities. This series is a great example of how Standards Australia are supporting our communities by providing the tools to build quality outdoor playgrounds for our children to enjoy.”

In a 2017 review, research showed 8.3% of child hospital visits were injuries related to falling from playground equipment.

Professor David Eager, Chair of the committee responsible for the standards, noted “these standards are an important tool in how we develop our children’s exposure to managed risk by eliminating deaths and serious injuries, while allowing the design of playgrounds that are fun, exciting and developmental.”

With falls being the most common cause of injury related to playgrounds, the changes across the series of standards aim to support safe practice in supervised early childhood settings by guiding manufactures, suppliers and designers. Further changes include consideration of the safety of playground equipment materials under Australian weather conditions.

Professor Eager added “many Australian parents probably aren’t aware there are a range of recommended standards incorporated within the design of playgrounds that protect their children during playtime.

“These design elements assist in minimising risk, helping to keep children safe while supporting their ability to learn and explore.”

Concluding, Terry-Lloyd stated “Standards Australia are proud to provide guidance that encourages children to use free play as a way to learn and discover while in a safe environment.”

Standards aim to guide manufacturers, suppliers and designers around the requirements for playground equipment, with intent of minimising injury due to height and free falling.

Standards Australia acknowledge that play is an essential part of children’s development with outdoor playgrounds providing a place for children to learn about risk, social behaviour and independence.

For further information go to the following links.

www.kidsafewa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Playground-Research-Report.pdf

www.paediatricinjuryoutcomes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Australian-child-injury-report_FINAL-070617.pdf

www.kidsafewa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Playground-Research-Report.pdf

Image credit Standards Australia.

Related Articles

20th January 2021 - Shoalhaven Community invited to comment on playground upgrades

17th January 2021 - Wagga Wagga’s new adventure playground popular with visitors

28th December 2020 - Penrith rolls out playground shade sails in time for Summer

16th December 2020 - Event highlights the importance of developing Nature Play across NSW

15th December 2020 - John Wearn Reserve upgrades include safari themed playground

7th December 2020 - New playground and outdoor fitness station unveiled in Shoalhaven

2nd December 2020 - Penrith Council upgrades Ironbark Reserve Playspace 

30th October 2020 - Latest Sport Australia AusPlay survey results focus on early impact of COVID-19 on sport and activity

27th October 2020 - Armidale’s Curtis Park playground to drive creeklands revival

21st September 2020 - Moduplay Trampolines installed at Curtis Park playground

22nd June 2020 - Nature play at the heart of new South Australian National Park

24th April 2020 - Play Australia highlights children’s health matters to World Health Organization

25th March 2020 - Play Australia advises that while playgrounds close outdoor play is fine

28th February 2020 - ACT Government opens applications for the 2020 Nature Play Grants program

7th November 2019 - Australia’s biggest Outdoor Classroom Day led by Nature Play WA

14th December 2018 - Darwin’s Waterfront Park wins at Kidsafe National Playsafe Design Awards

19th November 2018 - New Australian standard to help reduce risks at trampoline parks

30th October 2018 - Standards Australia releases new international guidance on risk management

16th February 2018 - Standards Australia highlights its role in trampoline park safety

26th November 2017 - New Nature Play space opens in Cairns

30th August 2017 - New Australian Standard for playground and recreation safety

25th October 2016 - Kidsafe National Playspace Design Awards recognise safe and creative playspaces

3rd August 2016 - Kompan moves for Australian Standard for outdoor fitness equipment

7th July 2016 - Kidsafe Queensland highlights safety risks at trampoline arenas

22nd October 2014 - Melbourne Zoo Growing Wild area wins Kidsafe design award

21st October 2014 - Kidsafe urges parents to let children take risks

24th April 2013 - New Australian Standard for contained play facilities

6th July 2012 - Standards Australia invites public comment on contained play safety standard


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Anti Wave Global

Anti Wave Global is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave Global is proud of its long and tested…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Sport

 
 

Abel Sports

INTRODUCTION Abel Sports is Australia’s leading manufacturer and suppliers of Goal Posts, sports ground safety netting systems and coaches boxes for Stadiums ,Sports Clubs, Councils and…

read more

Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

@leisure Planners

@leisure is a team of experienced leisure, aquatic and sports facility managers and planners, with market modelling, sports management, recreation planning, business and GIS qualifications. We have…

read more

Consultants

 
 

Ticketworx Pty Ltd

Ticketworx (formerly House of Tickets) is Australia and New Zealand’s foremost ticket specialist servicing some 2,700 clients and producing in excess of 30 million per tickets per annum.…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

AIS Water

AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology

 
 

The Pool Enclosure Company

Now TPEC Pool Enclosures - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/tpec-pool-enclosures

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 

Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976, and has since grown into a leading company in the waterparks industry. Today Polin is one of the world leaders in the design, production, and installation of…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Waterparks

 
 

Quayclean

Quayclean are a national cleaning and waste services partner with proven results in the understanding and delivery of cleaning needs and challenges faced by facilities including; major venues and…

read more

Aquatics / Hospitality / Surfaces / Venues

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business