Frequently Asked Questions
How often should playground audits be done?
Routine inspections should be carried out regularly based on use, with operational audits every 3 months and comprehensive inspections annually, per Australian Standards.
Can you remind us when our inspections are due?
To make life easier, Play Safe Group offers automatic scheduling. We’ll track your inspection dates and contact you when it's time for your next audit - no chasing, no surprises. It’s like a subscription without the lock-in.
Why are regular audits important for insurance?
Regular playground audits are a key part of risk management and show insurers that you're taking safety seriously. By keeping your site compliant with the Australian Standards and maintaining a record of inspections, you’re not only protecting users—you’re also helping to strengthen your position in the event of an incident, claim, or policy renewal.
What’s included in a comprehensive playground inspection?
Our annual comprehensive inspections include a detailed check of all structural, mechanical, and safety elements of your playground. We assess compliance with AS 4685, examine wear and tear, measure surfacing depths, identify hazards, and provide a full report with photos and recommendations.
Can you test surfacing?
Yes, we offer surfacing impact testing for both unitary surfaces and loose-fill systems (e.g. mulch, sand).
Do you test impact attenuation (soft fall performance)?
Yes, we provide certified surfacing impact tests for both unitary and loose-fill materials, ensuring your playground meets critical fall height requirements as per AS 4422(Int.):2022.
What standards do you follow?
We inspect to AS 4685:2021 Parts 1-6, AS 4685.0:2017, AS 4685.11:2014 and AS 4422 (int.):2022.
What software do you use?
We use the only inspection software in Australia built specifically to align with AS 4685 and AS 4422. It enables real-time reporting, photo capture, risk scoring, and lifecycle tracking for all your playground assets.
Do you provide reports we can give to council or school boards?
Yes. Our reports are designed to be professional, concise, and easy to share with key stakeholders—whether that’s internal teams, school boards, council officers, or insurers.
Do you provide documentation for insurance or legal purposes?
Yes, all of our reports are formatted to assist with compliance, risk management, and insurance claims. We provide clear documentation with evidence, grading of risk levels, and recommendations aligned with Australian Standards.
Can you inspect older or non-compliant playgrounds?
Absolutely. We routinely inspect older equipment and provide guidance on how to manage or upgrade non-compliant assets in a practical and staged manner. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions, even with legacy structures.
What happens if my playground fails the audit?
We’ll provide a full report outlining what didn’t meet compliance, why, and what actions are recommended. Our role is to guide you toward rectification, not penalise. You can use our report to plan upgrades, maintenance, or apply for funding if needed.
Do you offer follow-up inspections after repairs?
Yes, we can revisit the site to re-inspect any repairs or upgrades and issue a compliance confirmation. This is particularly useful for insurance documentation and risk management reporting.
Can you track multiple playgrounds across our sites?
Definitely. We work with schools, councils, and developers who manage multiple playgrounds. Our reporting tools allow you to track compliance, defects, and inspections across your full asset portfolio.
What regions do you cover?
We are based in the Northern Territory but operate across Northern Australia, servicing metro and regional areas. Whether you're a small rural school or a city council, we can deliver the same level of professional service and reporting.
Are you insured?
Yes, we are fully insured and operate under professional liability and public indemnity cover.
How quickly can we get an inspection booked?
We aim to be flexible and responsive. In most cases, we can schedule your inspection within 7–14 days, depending on location and the type of audit needed. Urgent bookings can often be accommodated sooner.
Ready to Book Your Playground Audit?
Give us a call to schedule an inspection or ask a question. We’re happy to talk through your needs and help you stay compliant with confidence.