New Australian Standard for contained play facilities

Standards Australia has published a new standard for contained play facilities.

Introducing the long awaited guidance, Standards Australia Chief Executive Colin Blair stated "this Australian Standard is designed to protect children in their play environments. Their safety and security is the primary purpose of this standard."

The standard sets out the minimum safety requirements for the design, development, installation, inspection, maintenance, supervision levels and operation of contained play facilities.

For the purposes of this standard, contained play facilities are defined as areas designed for children's play, including the site and any equipment.

The new Australian Standard, AS 3533.4.22013 Amusement rides and devices - Part 4.2: Specific requirements-Contained play facilities, was developed by Technical Committee ME-051 which includes the following members:

• Australian Amusement Association
• Australian Amusement Leisure and Recreation Association
• Consumers Federation of Australia
• Department of Commerce, Worksafe Division, WA
• Department of Justice and Attorney General, Qld
• Department of the Premier and Cabinet, SA
• Engineers Australia
• Kidsafe
• Safety Institute of Australia
• University of Technology Sydney
• WorkCover New South Wales
• WorkSafe Victoria

Blair added "the Standard's existence alone will not necessarily prevent injuries.

"However, developing and maintaining contained play facilities in accordance with this Standard will help minimise the risk of injury occurring and the severity of any injury that may occur."

The Standard is available through SAI Global at www.saiglobal.com/shop

Image courtesy of International Play Co.

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