Xyst recently completed comprehensive Level 3 playground safety inspections for Gore District Council, providing an audit of Council’s internal maintenance work across their communities, including Gore, Mataura, Waikaka, Pukerau, Mandeville, and Dolamore Park.
These checks, against NZS 5828:2015, provide Council with independent recommendations to improve public safety and the performance of their play spaces.
A key component of our inspections included the use of a HIC (Head Injury Criterion) tester to conduct surface impact testing. This rigorously checked the compliance of various soft fall materials, including pea gravel, certified wood chip, certified bark, rubber pour, grass, and scuff mats, ensuring their performance met the requirements of EN 1177:2018, and providing adequate protection.
Our inspections successfully identified safety issues and maintenance faults. Council was then provided with detailed inspection reports, impact testing certificates, a comprehensive asset list for all playgrounds, and actionable recommendations to rectify identified risks.
This process not only provided Council with documented proof of due diligence but also allows for informed decision-making for future asset maintenance and renewals so as to ensure public safety.
