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Safety First: AS 4422 (Int):2022 Playground Surfacing and Its Interim Release
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Playgrounds that Embrace All Abilities: AS 1428.1:2021 and Its Impact on Inclusive Design
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AS 16630 (2021): A Game-Changer in Outdoor Fitness Equipment Standards
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The Latest Standard for Skateparks: AS EN 14974 (2021)
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What Are the Latest Trends in Playground Design in Australia?
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Ensuring Safety and Fun: Australian Standards for Playground Equipment and Surfacing
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Enhancing Safety and Fun: AS 4685 Part 1-6 (2021) Update for Playground Equipment and Surfacing
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Why Is Compliance with Playground Standards Essential?
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Understanding the Four Types of Playground Inspections in Australia
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Pricing Playground Inspections: A Guide for New Companies and Sole Traders in Australia
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Choosing Age-Appropriate Playground Equipment: Guidelines for Selecting Equipment Suitable for Different Age Groups
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News

Ecore converts end-of-life gym flooring into playground surfacing.jpg
Ecore converts end-of-life gym flooring into playground surfacing
Jumping castle only pegged down by half its anchor points when six children killed, Tasmanian court told
Jumping castle only pegged down by half its anchor points when six children killed, Tasmanian court told
Playground named after 7-year-old killed at school by falling gate
Playground named in memory of 7-year-old killed at school by falling gate
Traumatising Big message left burned into grass at children’s playground
‘Traumatising’: Big message left burned into grass at children’s playground
Pigeon culler slammed for firing rifle metres away from playground in broad daylight
Pigeon culler slammed for firing rifle metres away from playground in broad daylight
Playground closures during pandemic
‘Lost childhoods’: Government urged to apologise for playground closures during pandemic
Student suffers critical injuries after tree falls on 5 children playing on playground
Student suffers critical injuries after tree falls on 5 children playing on playground
Aussies in awe of incredible nostalgic playground photo
Aussies in awe of incredible nostalgic playground photo: 'Wouldn't be allowed these days'
New accessible playground in Vernon made of recycled tires
New accessible playground in Vernon made of recycled tires
Police reopen investigation into playground crash that killed 2 schoolgirls
Police reopen investigation into playground crash that killed 2 schoolgirls
Serious hazard Playground equipment under scrutiny after spate of injuries
‘Serious hazard’: Playground equipment under scrutiny after spate of injuries
Horrified mother finds maintenance worker spraying herbicide over playground
Horrified mother finds maintenance worker spraying herbicide over playground
Playground fall leaves Aussie Boy with painful and incurable disease
Playground fall leaves Aussie Boy with painful and incurable disease
School fails to notify mother after autistic child injured on playground .PNG
School fails to notify mother after autistic boy kicked by child on playground swing
5-year-old slices fingers on carousel at playground
5-year-old slices fingers on carousel at playground
Crew demolish playground equipment, shocking some homeless.jpg
Crew demolish playground that had become ‘a haven for drug users and unhoused people’
Daycare centres are exposing children to risky play, and there are unexpected results
Daycare centres are exposing children to risky play, and there are unexpected results
Officials blamed for playground gate collapse that killed 10-year-old boy.jpg
Officials blamed for playground gate collapse that killed 10-year-old boy
image
skater works to protect others after near-death injury
'Dangerous' playground equipment removed from Lower Burrell Park
'Dangerous' playground equipment removed from Lower Burrell Park
How adult playgrounds are revolutionising fitness in more ways than one.jpg
How adult playgrounds are revolutionising fitness in more ways than one
Council under fire over 'depressing' worn out playgrounds .png
Council under fire over 'depressing' worn out playgrounds
WA mum calls for urgent action after finding 60 needles on streets, playgrounds
WA mum calls for urgent action after finding 60 needles on streets and playgrounds
Are playgrounds too safe? Why anthropologists say kids need to monkey around
Are playgrounds too safe? Why anthropologists say kids need to monkey around
Charity's playground air pollution warning
Charity's playground air pollution warning
8-year-old Aussie girl pricked by needle in Primary School playground
8-year-old Aussie girl pricked by needle in Primary School playground
image
Parents face fines if children violate skate park policy
Masked man accused of trying to steal playground equipment in Evansville .jpg
Masked man accused of trying to steal playground equipment in Evansville
4-year-old poked by hypodermic needle found on school playground
4-year-old poked by hypodermic needle found on school playground: ‘Complete panic’
Children find box full of drugs and candy on school playground, cops say
Children find box full of drugs and candy on school playground, cops say
Faecal find on playground beach leads to cleanup and conversation
Faecal find on playground beach leads to cleanup and conversation
Requests to Restrict access to school grounds and playgrounds, likely not possible
Requests to Restrict access to school grounds and playgrounds, likely not possible
Probe into multiple zip wire and swing accidents at playground
Probe into multiple zip wire and swing accidents at playground
Nightmare playgrounds of the past which would give health and safety a headache .jpg
Nightmare playgrounds of the past which would give health and safety a headache
Parents protest as council remove children’s DIY bike jump
Parents protest as council remove children’s DIY bike jump
Beachgoers welcome plans for adventure playground made with ocean waste
Beachgoers welcome plans for adventure playground made with ocean waste
Recycling PPE for playground surfaces
Recycling PPE for playground surfaces
Proper greening of schoolyards fosters inclusion, creative learning and children's health
Proper greening of schoolyards fosters inclusion, creative learning and children's health
Case closed Community helps Jacksonville school for children with autism replace stolen playground
Case closed: Community helps Jacksonville school for children with autism replace stolen playground
Police arrest suspects for hate speech, graffiti and vandalism of three different playgrounds and parks
Police arrest suspects for hate speech, graffiti and vandalism of three different playgrounds and parks

Safety First: AS 4422 (Int):2022 Playground Surfacing and Its Interim Release

Playgrounds are spaces filled with laughter, imagination, and endless adventures for children. But beneath the joy, safety is paramount. Playground surfacing plays a crucial role in ensuring that children can play freely without unnecessary risks. AS 4422 (Int):2022 is the latest release that addresses playground surfacing, and it’s worth exploring. In this blog, we’ll delve into the significance of AS 4422 (Int):2022, including what “interim” means in this context and why it’s essential.

Poured-in-Place Rubberized Surfacing | Northern California Recreation

AS 4422 (Int):2022: A New Standard for Playground Surfacing

AS 4422 (Int):2022 is a vital Australian Standard that focuses specifically on playground surfacing. It provides comprehensive guidelines for the specifications, requirements, and testing methods of surfacing materials used in playgrounds. This standard is designed to ensure that playground surfacing is not only functional but, more importantly, safe for children.

 

Key Elements of AS 4422 (Int):2022

1. Critical Fall Height (CFH): This standard defines the CFH, which is the maximum height from which a child can fall without sustaining a severe head injury. Different types of surfacing materials must meet specific CFH requirements to minimize injury risks.

2. Impact Attenuation: AS 4422 (Int):2022 sets limits on the G-max value, a measure of shock absorption capacity. Lower G-max values indicate better impact attenuation, reducing the risk of injury during falls.

3. Durability and Performance: The standard addresses the durability and performance of surfacing materials, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of outdoor play and changing weather conditions.

 

Understanding “Interim” in AS 4422 (Int):2022

The term “interim” in AS 4422 (Int):2022 indicates that this is a provisional release of the standard. It’s an important concept in standards development and signifies that while the standard is valuable and provides essential guidelines, it may be subject to further refinements or updates in the future.

In the case of AS 4422 (Int):2022, the interim release acknowledges the urgency of providing guidelines for playground surfacing to improve safety as quickly as possible. Playground safety cannot wait, and this interim release allows stakeholders in the industry to start implementing safer surfacing practices while further research and refinement continue.

 

The Importance of Interim Releases

Interim releases of standards, like AS 4422 (Int):2022, are essential because they fill gaps in safety and industry requirements promptly. Playground safety is a pressing concern, and this interim release ensures that stakeholders have guidelines to follow immediately. It reflects a commitment to continuous improvement in safety standards while acknowledging the need for immediate action.

 

Conclusion

AS 4422 (Int):2022 represents a significant step forward in enhancing the safety of playground surfacing in Australia. Its interim release signifies a commitment to safeguarding children’s well-being during play, and it provides valuable guidelines for selecting and installing playground surfacing materials. As further research and refinement occur, the standard will continue to evolve, ensuring that playgrounds across the country remain safe and enjoyable for generations of children to come. In the world of playground safety, “interim” doesn’t mean a compromise on quality—it signifies an unwavering dedication to protecting our children as they explore the world of play.

 

This information is correct at time of publication, please click here for current Standards. Standards can be purchased directly from SAI Global.

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