Level 1 Routine Visual
CPSIA Training & Certification Course
This training course incorporates Routine Visual inspection of playgrounds. This course will allow you to develop with greater competence and enable you with the knowledge and skills required to conduct routine visual inspection of playgrounds and identify obvious hazards that could result from wear and tear, vandalism or weather conditions. You can be confident that you have been provided with the skills, knowledge, and ability to carry out your duties in the best possible manner with this training.
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Course description
This training course incorporates Routine Visual inspection of playgrounds. This course will allow you to develop with greater competence and enable you with the knowledge and skills required to conduct routine visual inspection of playgrounds and identify visible hazards that could result from wear and tear, vandalism or weather conditions and existing/potential risks. You can be confident that you have been provided with the skills, knowledge, and ability to carry out your duties in the best possible manner with this training.
Pre-requisites
Nil.
Requirement
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this training course at the time of publication.
Hosting opportunity
In-house private training is available for this course. Please click here to learn more about hosting, discounts, and minimum requirements.
Registration requirements
To register for our training you must:
- Be a resident of Australia
- Have sufficient literacy and numeracy skills: can follow training and assessment instructions and legal requirements
- Have reasonable physical agility: able to climb on, and thoroughly inspect play equipment, anchorage points and fit attachments
- Have sufficient vision: able to observe signs, wear and tear and a typical fitting situation
- Have sufficient aptitude to be able to utilise hand tools and make adjustments
- Be able to use basic computer programs such as MS word, excel and PDF
Accredited
Training and assessments delivered by Playground Safety Inspectors Australia is not delivered on behalf of an RTO. If you have previously obtained the applicable inspection of park facilities units of competency from our previous company PlayRight Australia or other, you are not required to renew these units as they are ongoing (unless there are changes made to the units).
Who should attend?
This course is great for playground operators, supervisory, technical and maintenance personnel, risk assessor, design and safety officers, independent auditors, equipment manufacturers, landscape architects and designers, property developers, equipment installers, managers and owners of playground in public and private parks, schools, and early childhood and other recreation and leisure facilities. The delivery of this course is split into theory component, practical skills sessions and assessment at a training venue and identified park playgrounds nearby.
Course duration and delivery
Face to face training component is 1 day, usually, run on a Monday* (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM*), and is separate to our joined comprehensive and operational playground inspector course. One assessment is completed on the day of training and the other assessment is supplied and to be completed and submitted within 3 weeks of training completion.
The delivery of the course is split into theory, practical skills sessions and assessment at both the training venue and identified park facilities nearby.
Theory
Training will consist of a slide show presentation from the trainer with a detailed overview and guide of several key areas in the playground standards and best practices relating to the design, layout, management, risk control, inspections, and installation of playgrounds.
Practical skills
After your assessment completion you are to attend three playgrounds, two nominated by the trainer and one self-selected to conduct inspections for your take-home assessment.
Assessment
After your condensed theory training, will be your assessment exam at the training venue.
Theory
Day 1 consists of a slide-show presentation from the trainer providing a detailed overview and guide of several key areas in the playground equipment and surfacing standards and best practices relating to the design, layout, management, risk control, inspections and installations of playgrounds. Prior to training commencement, you will receive a training package which will include our two-sided and fully coloured manual developed by our trainer with continuous review since 2000. This resource covers all lecture content presented by the trainer and topics such as (but not limited to) playground history and introduction, injury and statistics, surfacing, guide to Standards, risk management, manufacturer instructions, operator instructions, playground safety audit, signage, shade/sun protection, outdoor fitness/gym/exercise equipment, hazard identification, and information required to complete your assessments and future playground operations. This resource is included for all registered training participants.
Practical skills
The training session also includes an on-site practical at a playground in close proximity to the training venue accompanied by the trainer where you will conduct a detailed routine visual inspection.
We now also provide a webpage for optional student review and specifically for our online attendees who are unable to attend our face-to-face training practical session.
Training duration and schedule
Training Day 1
8:30am – 8:45am Registration tea and coffee
8:45am – 10:30am Training session 1
10:30am – 10:45am Break*
10:45am – 12:00am Training session 2
12:00pm – 12:40pm Lunch*
12:40pm – 3:00pm Training session 3
3:00pm – 3:15pm Break*
3:15 – 4:30pm Training session 4
Assessment
Note the following is only a small description of the assessment details. Full instructions will be provided in the assessment coversheets. You will be assessed on the basis of:
Assessment 1 - open book exam
Provided as a hard copy on day 3 of training, you are to independently complete a written open book assessment consisting of multiple choice and short answers covering Routine Visual inspector level within ~2 hours at the venue. You are permitted to consult references (e.g. manual, current Australian Standards for playground equipment and surfacing) to answer questions. This assessment calls for organisation, analysis and judgement during completion rather than memorisation. In this assessment you are expected to obtain a score of 100% to demonstrate competency – if any questions are incorrect, the trainer will indicate for your review and reattempt. Assessment 1 results will be provided prior to your departure from the training venue on day 3.
Assessment 2 - independent inspections and reports on 3 playgrounds at routine visual level
Provided to you as a hardcopy in your training package and electronically after training completion, you are to independently complete set tasks such as asset registers, inspection checklists and risk ratings in your inspections and associated reporting for three playgrounds within 3 weeks of training completion.
- Playground 1 – routine visual inspection with a provided checklist on a playground nominated by the trainer in close proximity to the training venue
- Playground 2 – routine visual inspection with a provided checklist on a playground nominated by the trainer in close proximity to the training venue
- Playground 3 – routine visual inspection with a provided checklist on a playground nominated by the trainer in close proximity to the training venue.
Course completion outcomes
We are confident that after successful completion of our training and assessments you will develop with greater competence and can be confident you have been provided with the knowledge and ability to carry out your duties in the best possible manner. In addition, when you successfully complete all training and assessments you will be deemed competent to the applicable CPSIA levels with Playground Safety Inspectors Australia.
Learning outcomes
The one day of training and two assessments will equip participants with the following areas of knowledge and skills:
- Playground terminology, history and development
- Playground injuries and issues relating to litigation
- Working knowledge of the Australian Playground Standards AS 4685.0:2017, AS 4685 Parts 1-6 & 11:2014, 4422:2016 Playground Surfacing, including amendments and comparison of superseded standards.
- Development of checklists, guidelines, reporting, procedures and records
- Recognition of hazards – specific and general, with examples
- Interpreting manufacturer’s instructions and compliance to Standards
- Interpreting owner’s and maintainer’s responsibilities
- Knowledge of issues relating to litigation
- Implementing systems and steps to improved maintenance and inspection
- Recognition of non-conformity and entrapment testing requirements
- Risk and asset management plans and inventory reports/systems
CPISA Certification
Upon successful completion you will be issued our Certified Playground Safety Inspector Australia certificate demonstrating competency to the applicable CPSIA levels with Playground Safety Inspector Australia. This certification demonstrates your dedication to your profession and provides verification that you are deemed competent and trained to effectively use the tools and skills required in the industry. There is no occupational licensing, legislative or requirement for you to have certification with Playground Safety Inspectors Australia… it can be considered good practice, a nation-wide joint effort and accepted as an industry-standard benchmark and demonstrates your competency to our CPSIA Levels.
CPISA Register
Your inspector registration number, full name and associated organisation or company (if applicable) will be placed on Playground Safety Inspectors Australia register. Your inclusion on this register and issue of our CPSIA certification requires you to abide by the PSIA Code of Ethics and be personally responsible for the quality of your work.
CPISA Recertification
To support the industry-standard benchmark and yourself up to date with superseded or new Australian Standards released as we have in the past 20 years of our business recommend you return to refresh your training and certification with Playground Safety Inspectors Australia. If you are a returning student or new client to PSIA, upon registration if you provide proof of previous training with us or any other training company or organisation (e.g. certification, inspector register no., units of competency or equivalent) at registration to enroll as recertification and receive our discount.
Join our community
Private Facebook forum
You will be invited to join our private forum after training completion with our trainer and past students to start open discussions and ask questions about current industry issues, practices and possible parks and playgrounds situations and discussion about how to best manage them.
Business directory
If you complete a course on behalf of a registered company or sole-trader, you have the opportunity to upload a listing on our trusted directory and share your products and/or services to our newsletter and webpage visitors.
E-News Community
Our team monitor daily news for all parks and playgrounds articles or reports both Australia and Worldwide, we condense the most important articles each month into one newsletter for your review, contributing to a pro-active community. You will also be updated on any updates or changes to the Australian Standards for Playground Equipment and Surfacing, and our activity such as completed training, new CPSIA inspectors, and upcoming training.
Any further questions about playground safety, Australian Standards, training and certification?
Our team would love to hear from you! Contact us here.
Please click the tabs above for more details
This training course incorporates conduct routine visual inspection of playgrounds. This course has been designed to provide the skills and knowledge required to carry out routine visual inspections of park and recreational facilities to identify visible hazards and existing/potential risks.
Routine visual inspectors are intended to identify obvious hazards that can result from wear and tear, vandalism or weather conditions. This inspection is carried out regularly and some playgrounds that are subject to heavy use or prone to vandalism may require daily inspections. Learn more about level 1 routine visual inspectors.
PRE-REQUISITES
Nil.
NATIONALLY RECOGNISED
All training and assessment delivered is currently not delivered on behalf of an RTO.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES (OPTIONAL)
- Australian playground safety inspectors checklists, read more
This course applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
This course is designed for individuals who
Please note if you are interested in hosting this course, each registration will have up to 15% discount. See our host information here.
Standard
$990 GST incl.
Recertification (e.g. have attended a CPSIA course with PlayRight or PSIA within the past three years)
$880 GST incl.
Recertification UPGRADE (e.g. have attended a CPSIA course with PlayRight or PSIA within the past three years but would like to enroll in a higher level)
Upgrade to level 1-2 operational:
$2,035 GST incl.
Upgrade to level 1-3 comprehensive:
$2,420 GST incl.
Face to face training component is 1 business day, usually, run on a Monday* (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM*), and is separate to our joined comprehensive and operational playground inspector course. One assessment is completed on the day of training and the other assessment is supplied and to be completed after the training course.
The one-day course will equip participants with the following areas of knowledge and skills:
- Playground terminology, history and development
- Playground injuries and issues relating to litigation
- Working knowledge of the Australian Playground Standards AS 4685.0:2017, AS 4685 Parts 1-6 & 11:2014, 4422:2016 Playground Surfacing, including amendments and comparison of superseded standards.
- Development of checklists, guidelines, reporting, procedures and records
- Recognition of hazards – specific and general, with examples
- Interpreting manufacturer’s instructions and compliance to Standards
- Interpreting owner’s and maintainer’s responsibilities
- Knowledge of issues relating to litigation
- Implementing systems and steps to improved maintenance and inspection
- Recognition of non-conformity and entrapment testing requirements
- Risk and asset management plans and inventory reports/systems
The delivery of the course is split into comprehensive theory, practical skills sessions and assessment at both the training venue and identified park facilities nearby.
Theory
Training will consist of a slide show presentation from the trainer with a detailed overview and guide of several key areas in the playground standards and best practices relating to the design, layout, management, risk control, inspections, and installation of playgrounds.
Practical skills
After your assessment completion you are to attend three playgrounds, two nominated by the trainer and one self-selected to conduct inspections for your take-home assignment.
Assessment
After your condensed theory training, will be your assessment exam at the training venue.
*A detailed schedule with content coverage and assessment time will be provided in your confirmation letter, emailed to you before course commencement.
COURSE DELIVERY IN RESPONSE TO STUDENT FEEDBACK
To ensure this course maintains a high standard and continuous improvement feedback is gathered from students, the trainer, and the assessor. If there are aspects of this course you feel could be modified to improve your learning experience. Or could be covered in greater detail, please inform the unit coordinator or leave comments on our student feedback.
When you successfully complete a CPSIA course, you will leave with greater competence and can be confident you have been provided with the knowledge and ability to carry out your required duties in and around playgrounds in the best possible manner.
Learning outcomes
- Introduction to playground safety – purpose of playground standards, playground safety and management and the importance of play
- History of playgrounds
- Child development
- Playground injuries – most frequent, how they occur, key factors, class one hazards, and statistics
- Impact area (fall zone) factors, testing requirements of playground surfacing
- Guide to Australian Standards – current Standards for playground equipment and surfacing, general safety requirements and test methods including additional requirements for AS 4685.1-6:2014, and finish of equipment
- Risk management – purpose, how to design a playground risk control program
- Manufacturers instructions
- Operator instructions – safety management system, WHS
- Hazard identification
- Conduct full routine visual inspection of playground equipment and surrounding park facilities (inspection of everything from signs, trees, fences, playground equipment and surfacing and non-play items such as benches, litter bins etc.) and develop associated reports
CPSIA Certification
When you successfully complete the requirements for the training and assessments set by PSIA you are deemed competent in routine visual inspection of playgrounds and will be issued:
Routine Playground Safety Inspector CPSIA certificate
- Demonstrating competency to CPSIA Level 1 Routine Playground Safety Inspector
This certificate will be valid with PSIA for 3 years after training completion date and provide a discount on your next registration if you return to refresh your training with us within that time frame.
Read more about our certification here.
Not only will your valid CPSIA certificate provide you a discount in future training, but our discussion forum and PSIA membership are also made exclusive to you and other students where you can advertise your services or have open discussions with fellow peers or free consultancy from our office.
Please note all the above is independent of our WA partner RTO.
Assessment for this course is conducted in accordance with the assessment policy.
You will be assessed on the basis of:
Written open book assessment
You are to complete a 2 hour written test in the training venue on the third day of the course. You are permitted to consult references (such as CPSIA manual) to answer questions calling for organisation, analysis, or judgement during the assessment rather than memorisation.
After submitting your assessment in class, the trainer will immediately mark your paper and provide feedback on any incorrect answers, you are permitted a second attempt to revise any incorrect answers. You are expected a minimum score of 100% to achieve competency.
Assessment 2
Students must individually complete in-field inspections on three nominated park facilities (in close proximity to the training venue) and submit completed forms and images in a report format within two weeks of undertaking training.
Assignments will be returned if competency has not yet been achieved and you are allocated a second attempt with notes from the trainer on what is required for you to achieve competency.
PRE-REQUISITES
Nil.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Requirements to enroll and attend a CPSIA course, students must:
- Be a resident of Australia
- Have sufficient literacy and numeracy skills: can follow training and assessment instructions and legal requirements
- Have reasonable physical agility: able to climb on, and thoroughly inspect play equipment, anchorage points and fit attachments
- Have sufficient vision: able to observe signs, wear and tear and a typical fitting situation
- Have sufficient aptitude to be able to utilise hand tools and make adjustments
- Be able to use basic computer programs such as MS word, excel and PDF
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
Attendance to the training and assessment is mandatory to be issued a CPSIA certificate.
To undertake this course, you will need:
CPSIA TRAINING MANUAL
Provided prior to course commencement.
PRE-STUDY (RECOMMENDED)
- Read CPSIA training manual prior to attending the course (highly advised)
DRESS CODE AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
CPSIA course dress code is casual – training venue room temperatures can vary widely, it is recommended you bring a light jacket.
Students are required to have the following PPE on the day due to the practical aspects:
- Foot protection: closed footwear
- Eye protection: sunglasses
- Skin protection: hat, sunblock, long pants, sleeves
- High visible clothing: vest / shirt / jacket
- Wet weather protection (if required): raincoat
Students attending a hosted course will be notified of any additional protocols and PPE requirements of the company or organisation in their confirmation letter.
