Playground Equipment Inspection Checklist (AS 4685)

Routine, operational and annual comprehensive inspection per AS 4685

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WEEKLY / MONTHLY / ANNUAL

Weekly: ~15 min • Monthly: ~30 min • Annual: ~2 - 4 hours

Site and Equipment Details

# Inspection Item Method P / F / NA Notes
Section A - Weekly Routine Inspection (Visual, No Tools)
1. General Safety
1No sharp edges, protrusions or entrapment hazards visibleINSPECT
2No broken or missing componentsINSPECT
3No vandalised or graffitied equipment affecting safetyINSPECT
4Ground surface free of glass, needles, animal wasteINSPECT
5Equipment dry and not slippery (check after rain)CHECK
2. Structural Quick Check
6No obvious cracks or breaks in main structureINSPECT
7Posts/uprights not leaningINSPECT
8All bolts/fixings appear secure (no rattle)CHECK
9No rust-through or significant corrosionINSPECT
Section B - Monthly Operational Inspection (Hands-on, Basic Tools)
3. Swings
10Chain/rope wear (reject at 2mm diameter reduction)MEASURE
11Seat condition and fixingINSPECT
12Bearing/bush wear (lateral movement)TEST
13Clearance zones maintained (no encroachment)MEASURE
4. Slides
14Slide surface condition (no cracks, raised edges)INSPECT
15Handrails secure at top platformTEST
16Transition area (sit-down section) intactINSPECT
17Run-off zone clearINSPECT
5. Climbing Equipment
18All rungs/handholds secure and not rotatingTEST
19Rope/net tension adequateTEST
20Platform surfaces non-slipINSPECT
21Guardrails at height (>600mm for under-5s, >1000mm for all ages)MEASURE
6. Rotating Equipment
22Bearing condition (smooth rotation, no grinding)TEST
23Speed governor functional (if fitted)TEST
24Finger/limb entrapment gaps checkedMEASURE
7. Impact Surfaces
25Depth of loose-fill surface (min 200mm bark, 300mm sand)MEASURE
26Rubber surface - no tears, lifting, or compactionINSPECT
27Drainage functioning (no ponding)INSPECT
28Fall zone coverage complete (1500mm+ from equipment edge)MEASURE
Section C - Annual Comprehensive Inspection (Specialist, per AS 4685.0 Appendix A)
8. Structural Assessment
29Below-ground post condition (probe if timber)INSPECT
30Weld integrity on steel structuresINSPECT
31Timber - rot, split, insect damage assessmentINSPECT
32Concrete footings - cracking, spalling, exposureINSPECT
33Overall structural capacity assessment (design load)VERIFY
9. Compliance Verification
34Equipment complies with current AS 4685VERIFY
35Head/neck entrapment test (probe test per AS 4685.1)TEST
36Finger entrapment testTEST
37Fall height within limits for age group (equipment label check)VERIFY
10. Documentation
38Maintenance records reviewedREVIEW
39Modification records (if any)REVIEW
40Manufacturer recall notices checkedREVIEW

Inspection Outcome

Defects, Recommendations and Corrective Actions

Inspector

Council / Centre Manager