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HiSUN Uniaxe – II Equipment
Using a calibrated Uni-axial accelerometer [the latest technology], a surface impact test or drop test is conducted on the playground surface [be it sand, bark; synthetic grass or rubber] to determine its critical fall height rating. This critical fall height must be equal to or greater than the free height of fall of the equipment.
SOFT FALL IMPACT TESTING
Playground surface testing is executed in accordance with the testing processes detailed in Australian Standards – AS/NZS4422 2016 and specified by Department of Education and Communities requirements.
Common impact attenuation surfaces include wet pour rubber, synthetic grass, bark chip, sand and even well maintained natural turf. The unitary surfaces of rubber and synthetic grass should be tested from their installation date and then on a three [3] yearly basis to ensure the surface is maintaining its impact performance [as recommended by the Australian Standards].
Loose-fill [such as mulch or sand] playground surfaces do not require regular testing if the material and its volume is known to generally meet the requirements of the Australian Standards and you maintain it to a depth of at least 200 mm.
By the Australian Standards, play equipment with a fall height greater than 600mm must have a certified impact attenuation surface installed to help prevent head and neck injuries when a playground user falls from play equipment onto the surface below. The one exception is for forced movement equipment, such as a rocker, seesaw or carousel where impact attenuation is required.
Common impact attenuation surfaces include wet pour rubber, synthetic grass, bark chip, sand and even well maintained natural turf. The unitary surfaces of rubber and synthetic grass should be tested from their installation date and then on a three [3] yearly basis to ensure the surface is maintaining its impact performance [as recommended by the Australian Standards].
Loose-fill [such as mulch or sand] playground surfaces do not require regular testing if the material and its volume is known to generally meet the requirements of the Australian Standards and you maintain it to a depth of at least 200 mm.
By the Australian Standards, play equipment with a fall height greater than 600mm must have a certified impact attenuation surface installed to help prevent head and neck injuries when a playground user falls from play equipment onto the surface below. The one exception is for forced movement equipment, such as a rocker, seesaw or carousel where impact attenuation is required.
Internal Parachute drop zones – wet pour rubber
External Site or Field Testing – Synthetic grass
With the experience we have in the playground industry, it is not uncommon for a playground surfacing company to certify their own installation. For a 1.5m critical fall height, one supplier may install a soft fall thickness of 60mm, whereas another company using identical materials and methods will install a 45mm thickness to achieve the same result. So how can you, as the owner of the playground, be confident that the surface is not underrated? The only sure way is to conduct a drop test on a new installation. This test also provides the data evidence that is not only required for licensing in the Education and Care Services, but also of benefit to schools and councils for determining if a playground surface is performing to the required specification.
With more than 10 years’ experience in the playground industry, we can offer a truly independent service with no affiliation with playground equipment suppliers nor surface installers. As opposed to some other “INDEPENDENT” inspectors, we will NOT quote for the repairs or replacement of equipment and safety surface as we consider this business engagement as a conflict of interest.
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PLAYGROUND INSPECTIONS
Playground equipment is a valuable asset, both from a monetary and experience points of view, be it situated in a park, school or child care centre.Playground Inspections are an important part of maintaining your play areas.Safety Inspections are designed to bring to your attention items that are or are most likely to develop into unsafe or unhealthy conditions because of stress, wear, impact, vibration, heat, corrosion or misuse. Playground safety inspections need to be on-going as well as periodic, with effective maintenance corrective action.
You can benefit from a structured Playground Inspection Program in that it can help you to:
You can benefit from a structured Playground Inspection Program in that it can help you to:
- Comply with your duty of care obligations
- Reduce potential playground injuries
- More efficiently budget maintenance
ROUTINE INSPECTIONS [Visual]
This is a visual inspection and should be conducted weekly, monthly or as required to detect hazards. This can be conducted by Staff who have been trained in the identification of hazards.
It identifies obvious hazards that may be due to adverse weather, vandalism, misuse or wear and tear.Using tools developed in house, we offer a routine inspection service, tailored to your needs.
OPERATIONAL INSPECTIONS [Maintenance& Safety]
This inspection is a periodic and is additional to a routine inspection. Operational safety inspections should be conducted on a quarterly basisand must include all aspects of a children’s playground.It involves the identification of risks and hazards, starting from the path leading into the playground to the shade that covers the play equipment. It deals with the assessment of the play equipment functionality as well as the playground surfaces.
We inspect each component in a methodical manner, identifying and recording issues. These include but are not limited to wear and tear, vandalism or damage.A written report is part of the process. From this report, the operator / owner of the playground will be able to determine the issues that require urgent attention through to those which are categorised as minor and can be handled at a later date. The Risk ratings are based on the International Standard ISO3100.Owners and their staff may undertake their own regular inspectors. However, it is of benefit to have an independent experienced inspector look over your playground in case something is overlooked.
COMPREHENSIVE INSPECTIONS [Safety & Compliance]
This is an annual inspection where the playground is assessed against the relevant Australian Standards to determine compliance. It is a requirement for all new installations.