Sport-Playground Equipment Installation Safe Work Method Statement

Playground equipment installation requires multiple competencies depending on work tasks involved. All installers working on construction sites must hold general construction induction (White Card) certifying basic site safety awareness. Crane or lifting equipment operators must hold current High Risk Work Licences specific to equipment type being used (mobile crane, vehicle loading crane, slewing mobile crane). Doggers attaching loads to cranes require dogging High Risk Work Licence. Workers accessing heights above 2 metres using fall arrest systems should complete working at heights training though not currently requiring licensing in most jurisdictions. Excavator or skid steer operators for footing excavation require operator competency verification though not necessarily formal licensing for construction site work. Playground installers should complete manufacturer-specific training for equipment systems they install understanding assembly sequences, torque specifications, and quality verification procedures. Some manufacturers require certified installers completing their training programmes before warranty coverage applies. Installation supervisors should have thorough understanding of AS 4685 playground safety requirements, structural engineering principles for play equipment, and inspection procedures verifying compliant installations. For specialised equipment including rope-based play systems or climbing walls, additional specialist training and certification may be required by manufacturers or facility operators particularly for indoor climbing facilities or high ropes courses. Maintain current licensing and training records as evidence of competency for compliance purposes and insurance requirements.

Concrete footing design for playground equipment is engineering-specific considering equipment type, soil conditions, equipment height, expected loading including dynamic loads from swinging and climbing activities, and local climate factors including frost depth. Engineers specify footing dimensions including depth, width, shape, reinforcement requirements, concrete strength, and fixing methods. Typical footing depths range from 600mm for small standalone equipment to 1200mm+ for tall structures or unstable soil conditions. Footings must extend below frost line preventing frost heave damage. Post-to-footing connections use various methods including direct burial where treated timber posts are embedded in concrete, fixing plates with anchor bolts cast into concrete during pouring, or chemical anchors drilled and installed after concrete cures. Connection design must resist pull-out forces from equipment overturning moments during use. Footing verification includes checking excavation dimensions before concrete placement ensuring adequate depth and width, verifying fixing plate or anchor bolt positioning before concrete sets using templates or measurement, checking concrete strength typically 20-32 MPa specified for structural applications, ensuring adequate curing period minimum 7 days before equipment loads applied, and inspecting completed footings for cracks or defects. For critical installations or questionable soil conditions, engineers may specify load testing applying pull-out forces to verify footing capacity before equipment installation proceeds. Document footing installation including photos before concrete placement showing excavation depth and reinforcement, during concrete placement showing fixing plate positioning, and after concrete finishing showing footing dimensions and surface finish. This documentation provides evidence of compliance if future issues arise and assists troubleshooting if installation problems occur.

AS 4685 establishes comprehensive safety requirements for installed playground equipment covering structural integrity, entrapment prevention, fall height management, impact zone dimensions, and equipment layout. Structural requirements mandate equipment must withstand specified loads including static loads from maximum user numbers and dynamic loads from swinging, bouncing, and impact activities. All structural connections must achieve adequate strength typically verified through torque specifications or connection testing. Entrapment prevention requirements specify that openings in equipment must either exceed 230mm (preventing head entrapment) or be less than 8mm (preventing finger entrapment) with critical measurements at head entrapment zones, neck entrapment locations, and body entrapment spaces. Fall height requirements link maximum fall height to soft-fall surfacing impact attenuation performance. Equipment designers specify maximum fall heights which surfacing must accommodate through adequate material depth or specification. Impact zones extend around equipment based on fall height with minimum dimensions specified for different equipment types. For swings, impact zones extend significantly in front and behind equipment accounting for swing trajectory. Equipment layout requirements specify minimum spacing between equipment preventing interference, adequate circulation space for users, and separation between equipment types serving different age groups. Age-appropriate equipment designation requires clear separation between toddler equipment (6 months-3 years), early childhood equipment (3-6 years), and school-age equipment (6-12 years) preventing developmental mismatch where younger children access equipment beyond their capabilities. Signage requirements specify maximum user age or weight limits must be clearly posted where equipment has restrictions. Regular inspection requirements mandate routine inspections by facility operators checking for wear and damage, comprehensive annual inspections by qualified inspectors verifying continued compliance, and major refurbishment or replacement when equipment reaches end of service life. Installers must thoroughly understand these requirements ensuring installations meet all aspects rather than assuming manufacturer design alone ensures compliance.

Weather significantly impacts installation safety and quality requiring careful monitoring and work modifications. Wind speed is the primary concern particularly for crane operations and work at heights. Cease crane lifting operations when wind speeds exceed 30km/h as wind loads on suspended components cause load instability and control difficulties. Work at heights on ladders, scaffolds, or partially completed structures becomes hazardous above 30km/h wind speed due to balance difficulties and wind gusts causing instability. Rain affects multiple installation aspects including concrete footing pours where rain dilutes concrete reducing strength, metal component handling as wet surfaces become slippery increasing drop risk, and electrical tool use requiring additional protection or cessation if heavy rain present. Cold temperatures below 5°C compromise concrete curing requiring longer cure periods before equipment loads applied or heated curing methods in extreme cold climates. Hot temperatures above 32°C increase heat stress risk particularly during physical manual handling work requiring increased rest breaks, additional hydration, and possible work hour modifications starting earlier in day avoiding peak afternoon heat. Lightning and electrical storms require immediate work cessation particularly for crane operations as boom contact with lightning causes electrocution, and work at heights where workers become lightning attractors on exposed metal structures. Monitor Bureau of Meteorology forecasts during planning phase scheduling critical activities including crane lifts during predicted favorable weather windows. Maintain on-site weather monitoring using weather apps or local observations checking forecasts morning and midday to identify deteriorating conditions. Develop contingency plans for weather delays including temporary work suspension procedures, equipment protection methods covering partially completed structures, and site security preventing public access to unsafe partially completed installations. Communication with clients regarding weather delay possibilities manages expectations and prevents schedule pressure compromising safety decisions. Factor adequate weather contingency into project schedules particularly during winter months or tropical wet season when weather delays are more frequent and prolonged.

Emergency procedures must address multiple scenarios including fallen workers requiring rescue from height, crush injuries from equipment collapse or crane incidents, struck-by injuries from dropped components or falling equipment, and medical emergencies including heat stress or cardiac events during physical work. For workers using fall arrest systems at heights, develop specific rescue plan enabling retrieval of suspended worker within 20 minutes preventing suspension trauma where prolonged hanging in harness causes circulatory collapse. Rescue methods include self-rescue using descent devices if worker is conscious and capable, assisted rescue using additional fall arrest equipment by trained rescuers, or emergency services rescue using aerial appliance if time permits and services are available. Maintain rescue equipment including spare harnesses, lanyards, and descent devices readily accessible not locked in vehicles or storage. Train minimum two workers per crew in rescue procedures conducting regular rescue drills practicing retrieval methods before relying on procedures in actual emergency. For crane incidents including load drops or crane overturn, establish immediate evacuation procedures clearing all personnel from crane operation zones. Prevent re-entry until structural engineers assess damage and verify safety. For crush injuries, maintain communication equipment enabling rapid emergency services notification providing accurate location information particularly important in large park sites or school campuses with multiple access points. Maintain first aid equipment including trauma supplies appropriate for construction injuries not just basic first aid. Ensure minimum one worker per crew holds current first aid certification providing immediate trauma care before ambulance arrival. For heat stress events, establish shaded rest areas with cooling facilities, maintain emergency contact numbers, and brief workers on recognizing heat stroke symptoms requiring immediate medical evacuation. Conduct pre-start toolbox meetings reviewing emergency procedures, verifying communication equipment functionality, confirming first aid equipment accessibility, and identifying nearest emergency facility locations and estimated ambulance response times. Document emergency contact numbers including site address, emergency services, client contacts, and company management prominently displayed at work areas and in vehicles.