Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for Playground Installation is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for the installation, maintenance, and removal of playground and sport-play equipment. It is a comprehensive document that supports WHS compliance across multiple aspects of playground construction, inspection, and ongoing safety management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Installation of aquatic play equipment, including water features, splash pads, and associated services
• Construction of treehouses and elevated play structures, including platforms, ladders, and access ways
• Dismantling and removal of existing play equipment, including safe handling, isolation, and disposal
• Ensuring playground safety through hazard identification, risk assessment, and implementation of control measures
• Evaluation of children’s play areas for compliance with relevant Australian Standards and local council requirements
• Routine and reactive maintenance of playground equipment, including tightening, repairs, and component replacement
• Play area maintenance, including cleaning, vegetation control, and management of slip, trip, and fall hazards
• Scheduled safety checks and inspections of playground equipment, fixings, and impact-attenuating surfaces
• Soft fall installation, including preparation of sub-base, placement of loose-fill or rubber surfacing, and compaction
• Installation and adjustment of sport-playground equipment such as swings, slides, climbing frames, and fitness stations
• Use of hand and power tools, plant, and equipment associated with playground installation and maintenance
• Traffic and pedestrian management around active work areas in public parks, schools, and community spaces
• Manual handling and lifting of structural components, soft fall materials, and prefabricated play modules

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for playground installers, landscape contractors, builders, maintenance crews, local councils, schools, and site supervisors responsible for the construction and upkeep of children’s play areas and sport-play facilities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance on preventing falls during construction of elevated play structures and treehouses
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Safe use of tools, machinery, and equipment during installation and maintenance
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for lifting, carrying, and handling playground components and soft fall materials
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe public work areas, amenities, and site access
• AS 4685 (Playground Equipment and Surfacing series): Design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and operation of playground equipment
• AS/NZS 4422 Playground surfacing – Specifications, requirements and test method: Impact-attenuating surfacing requirements for soft fall areas
• AS 1170 Structural design actions (relevant parts): Structural integrity and load considerations for fixed play structures
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017