Direct Answer
A robust playground risk assessment is both a compliance exercise and a relational practice. It blends Australian Standards, the Early Years Learning Framework, and active, child-centred observation. It's about honouring the benefits of risk while removing hazards that have no place in children's lives.
Risk-benefit thinking elevates practice beyond checkbox compliance to intentional, values-aligned decision-making. Children deserve environments that challenge and delight, free from unacceptable hazards.
The Two-Lens Approach
Effective risk assessment requires viewing your playground through two complementary lenses:
Environmental Compliance Lens
Focused on standards, hazards, and physical safety requirements.
What to Check:
- Hazards: Sharp edges, entrapment gaps, unstable structures, toxic exposure
- Fall zones: Any element above 600mm requires clear fall zone with compliant surfacing
- Surfacing: Impact attenuation depth and condition
- Biohazards: Possum or bird droppings, spider infestations
- Obstructions: Loose equipment or trestles in fall zones
Child-Centred Practice Lens
Aligned with Early Years Learning Framework and developmental needs.
Key Principles:
- Define benefit first: Why does this play matter?
- Consider the child: Age, competence, developmental milestones
- Assess challenge level: Too hard, too easy, or appropriately challenging?
- Observe play patterns: Overlapping flows, bottlenecks, intensity
- Adapt supervision: Based on crowding and activity type
Risk vs Hazard: A Critical Distinction
Risk (Developmental)
A climbing wall supports gross motor development, vestibular and proprioceptive input, cross-body coordination, challenge, thrill, and emotional regulation. The risk of falling is manageable through appropriate surfacing and supervision.
Manage through supervision and designHazard (Unacceptable)
Sharp protruding bolts, entrapment gaps, unstable structures, degraded surfacing that no longer absorbs impact, toxic materials, or obscured supervision sightlines.
Eliminate or isolate immediatelyNaming benefits anchors decisions and prevents unnecessary risk removal. Without this step, well-meaning adults often strip playgrounds of the very challenges children need for development.
The Practical Process
Step 1: Look, Listen, Feel
Engage with the equipment and environment—don't assume. Check for:
- Deterioration, looseness, wear
- Environmental contamination
- Changes since last assessment
- How children actually use the space (vs how it was designed)
Step 2: Record Three Categories
Benefits
Why this play matters. What developmental outcomes does it support? Document physical, social, emotional, and cognitive benefits.
Risks
Manageable challenges that are child-specific and situational. Consider whether supervision can adequately support the risk.
Hazards
Inherently dangerous elements that must be removed or remedied immediately. No benefit justifies an unacceptable hazard.
Step 3: Define Control Actions
For hazards: Eliminate or isolate
- Repair, remove, clean, or replace
- Fence off area until resolved
- Document action taken and date
For manageable risks: Control through practice
- Supervision strategies (proximity, positioning)
- Phased access for developing skills
- Skill-building activities that prepare children
- Environmental tweaks (clearer routes, improved sightlines)
Certification and Maintenance
- Independent certification: Be confident in compliance through qualified playground certifiers
- Routine visual checks: Daily in early childhood settings
- Periodic operational inspections: Monthly to quarterly
- Annual comprehensive assessments: By qualified inspector
- Update risk assessments: As children's competencies evolve and as equipment or surfacing changes
Documentation Requirements
Regulators want to see risk assessments actively updated. Your documentation should include:
- Use patterns and typical play behaviours
- Identified hazards and control actions taken
- Age-appropriateness considerations
- Seasonal and weather variables (e.g., heat on surfaces)
- Supervision plans linked to risk levels
- Equipment manuals and installation records
- Inspection and compliance logs
Everyone on staff should read, understand, and sign off on playground risk assessments—creating an agreed practice culture.
Key Takeaways
- Risk assessment is a living document, not a paper exercise
- Use two lenses: compliance and child-centred practice
- Define benefits first—this prevents unnecessary risk removal
- Risk is developmental; hazards are unacceptable
- Document benefits, risks, and hazards separately
- Update as children's competencies evolve and equipment changes
- All staff should read, understand, and sign off on assessments
Need Help with Risk Assessment?
Risk assessment can feel complex, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Book a free discovery call to discuss your playground and how we can help you balance compliance with child-centred practice.
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