What Are the Compliance Requirements for Childcare Playgrounds?

Australian Standards for Playground Equipment

AS 4685: Playground Equipment and Surfacing

AS 4685 is the primary standard governing playground equipment safety in Australia. It consists of multiple parts covering:

Key AS 4685 Concepts

Fall Height

The maximum height from which a child could fall from equipment. This determines the surfacing requirements and is a critical safety factor. Different equipment types have different acceptable fall heights for different age groups.

Fall Zones

The area around equipment where a child could fall and where impact-attenuating surfacing must be installed. Fall zones must be kept clear of other equipment and hard surfaces.

Entrapment

Gaps and openings must be sized to prevent entrapment of heads, necks, torsos, fingers, and clothing. Specific dimension ranges are defined as "no-go zones" for openings.

AS 4422: Impact Attenuating Surfaces

AS 4422 specifies requirements for playground surfacing to reduce injury from falls. Key requirements include:

• Critical fall height: Surfacing must protect against falls from the equipment's free height
• Head Injury Criteria (HIC): Impact testing must demonstrate acceptable deceleration values
• Coverage: Surfacing must extend throughout the entire fall zone
• Maintenance: Surfacing performance must be maintained over time

National Quality Framework (NQF) Requirements

The NQF applies to childcare services across Australia and includes specific requirements for outdoor environments.

Quality Area 3: Physical Environment

Quality Area 3 of the National Quality Standard (NQS) addresses the physical environment, including outdoor spaces. Key elements include:

What This Means in Practice

• Diverse experiences: Outdoor areas should support various types of play and learning
• Natural elements: Connection with nature is valued and expected
• Inclusion: Spaces should engage all children, including those with disabilities
• Age-appropriateness: Equipment and spaces should suit the ages of children attending
• Sufficient resources: Enough equipment and space for the number of children

Local Council Requirements

Depending on the scope of work, playground projects may require development approval from local council. Requirements vary by jurisdiction but typically include:

• Development application: For new playgrounds or significant modifications
• Building approval: For structures over certain sizes
• Certification: Compliance certificates for completed work
• Accessibility: Requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act
• Drainage and stormwater: Site-specific requirements

Documentation and Ongoing Compliance

Compliance isn't a one-time event. Ongoing requirements include:

Common Compliance Issues

Issues we frequently see in childcare playgrounds include:

• Surfacing gaps: Areas where softfall has worn away or wasn't installed
• Overlapping fall zones: Equipment placed too close together
• Modified equipment: Additions or changes that compromise safety
• Age-inappropriate equipment: Equipment designed for older children in under-5 settings
• Missing documentation: No compliance certificates or maintenance records
• Deterioration: Rot, rust, or wear that hasn't been addressed

Working with Compliance

The best approach treats compliance as a foundation, not a ceiling:

• Design for compliance from the start: Don't retrofit safety features
• Work with specialists: Use designers and installers who understand the standards
• Document everything: Good records protect you and demonstrate due diligence
• Regular inspections: Catch issues before they become problems
• Train staff: Ensure educators understand inspection requirements
• Budget for maintenance: Compliance is ongoing, not one-time