Outdoor Learning Areas for DETE Children's Services Centres and Schools (Replaces GP22 dated January 1990)

D7

Published by: The Government of South Australia, January 2002

Produced by: Site Property Services Department of Education, Training and Employment

For information contact: DETE Site Property Services Asset Policy and Planning Phone (08) 8226 1253

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines Preface and Guidelines documents.

Page 2

This document is a part of the DETE Facilities Design Standards It has been produced by the Department of Education, Training and Employment in consultation with Children’s Services staff for the following purposes:− To provide design guidelines for the planning of new centres. − To provide a reference for site managers when making changes and/or additions. − To assist in the assessment of manufactured equipment for suitability in Children’s Services Centres and Schools. This guide is located within the Standards and Guidelines document as follows. P PLANNING GUIDELINES P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 General Children’s Services Centre Primary/Junior Primary School Secondary School Area School Special Education TAFE Landscape and Planting Relocatable Buildings Environmental Design Disability Access Shade Structures Heating, Cooling & Ventilation Outdoor Learning Areas
(Children’s Services Centres and Schools)

D

DESIGN GUIDELINES

S

STANDARDS

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8

Introduction Buildings Fixtures, Fittings and Furniture Acoustics Heating, Cooling & Ventilation Exhaust Ventilation Fire Protection Hydraulics Electrical Services Structural Civil Siteworks References Standard Detail Drawings Building Details New Schools-Heating/Cooling Options Existing Schools – Heating/Cooling Upgrades Alternative Technologies –Heating/Cooling/ Ventilation Options Exhaust Systems Underground Oil Tanks Buildings Treated With Termiticides

R

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7 Outdoor Learning Areas
7.1. Introduction 7.1.1. Purpose 7.1.2. Australian Standards 7.1.3. Responsibility 7.1.4. Document Status 7.2. General Design Principles 7.2.1. Reference Publications 7.2.2. Safety 7.2.3. Spaces 7.3. Open Areas 7.3.1. Lawn 7.3.2. Mound 7.3.3. Paths/Paving 7.3.4. Bridges 7.3.5. Fencing 7.3.6. Shade Cover 7.3.7. Storage Shed 7.4. Quiet Areas 7.4.1. Sanded Areas 7.4.2. Vegetation 7.4.3. Garden/Vegetable Patch 7.4.4. Amphitheatre/Seats 7.4.5. Discovery/Sensory Trails and Informal Paths 7.5. Active Area (Including Fixed Equipment) 7.5.1. Swing Frame 7.5.2. Digging Patch 7.5.3. Tumble Bars 7.5.4. Water Course/Creek 7.5.5. Bike Track 7.5.6. Platform 7.5.7. Slide 7.6. Equipment No Longer Recommended List 7.7. Installation Building Code Certification 7.8. Maintenance Australian Standard AS4486 7.9. References

Page 3 CONTENTS

These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7
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Outdoor Learning Areas
Introduction 7.1.1. Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide design guidelines for the provision of outdoor facilities in DETE Children’s Services Centres and Schools. Throughout this document the term Outdoor Learning Area has been used rather than Playground to emphasise that in Children’s Services Centres the outdoor environment is a teaching/learning area that requires as much significant thought and design as might be considered for any building. The layout, design and construction of this area considers the needs and development of children below the age of 6 years and these design guidelines have been produced to take the guess work out of the provision of a safe happy place of learning. This document has been developed for managers of sites; Governing Councils; management committees; volunteer workers, and professional architects, landscape designers and contractors. 7.1.2. Standards

Design dimensions and standards for preschool play structures and equipment are set out in the following Australian Standards. In some cases DETE insists on higher standards because of an awareness of the needs of children under 6 years of age. In these areas DETE requirement take precedence over the standards. It is considered unnecessary to reproduce the Australian Standards and the guidelines contained in this publication should be read in conjunction with those Standards as well as the Playground Manual 1998. • Australian Standards AS1924(Pt1) - "Playground Equipment for Parks, Schools and Domestic Use" General Requirements. 1981 AS1924(Pt2) - "Playground Equipment for Parks, Schools and Domestic Use" Design and Construction, Safety Aspects. 1981 AS4422 - Playground surfacing - Specifications, requirements and test method. 1996 AS4486 - Playgrounds and play equipment - Development, installation, inspection, maintenance and operation. 1997 (Replaces AS2155. 1985) 7.1.3. Responsibility

Site managers, ie principals of schools and directors of preschools or kindergartens are responsible for providing information to the governing council regarding the provision and maintenance of Outdoor Learning Areas to ensure compliance with legislation and DETE standards and policies. 7.1.4. Document Status

This document contains guidelines based on legislative standards and DETE experience. The information contained therein in no way binds DETE to provide facilities to match these guidelines but is provided to encourage Children's Services Centre communities to work towards the provision of educationally satisfying Outdoor Learning Areas.
These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7
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Outdoor Learning Areas
General Design Principles 7.2.1 Reference Publications

There are a number of excellent publications available that provide guidelines for the design of Outdoor Learning Environments in Children’s Services Centres. These are referred to in the References Section 7.10. It would appear to be unnecessary to restate these guidelines and ideas and those contemplating either new designs or modifications to existing are encouraged to consult them for detailed analysis of design concepts. The following summary of DETE minimum guidelines has been based on these references but they still should be consulted for further detail. 7.2.2 Safety

Injury amongst children can never be acceptable. Not only is an injury a physiological issue but it also marks non success at "play" and this may well have long term implications for a child’s confidence and character. Site managers also have a legal “duty of care” to both staff and children and Outdoor Learning Area design and construction should minimise risks for all users. 7.2.3 Spaces

Outdoor Learning Area design must consider the provision and location of the following interrelated spaces: • • Open Area. Generally lawn, mounds, paths and shed. Quiet Areas. These are generally areas of low vegetation, trees, landscaping, vegetable garden, informal paths, sanded area, cubbies, seats, and amphitheatre. Active Area. Swings, digging patch, water course/creek, bike tracks and platform.

•

These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

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Outdoor Learning Areas
Open Area 7.3.1. Lawn

Lawn is an ideal surface for children's activities and an area of at least 1/3 of the Outdoor Learning Area should be provided if local soil and weather conditions permit. Instant turf is suitable when time is not available for preparation and seeding. There is however a significant cost penalty for this convenience. Kikuyu instant turf has been used with success in metropolitan Adelaide sites but consideration must be given to local conditions. An automatic underground irrigation system is recommended to enable watering when children and staff are not present. 7.3.2. Mound

Mounds are generally only acceptable if sufficient space is available to ensure the mound is not the dominant feature in the lawn area. Generally the lower mound the better: 800mm to 1300mm is 0 adequate with a slope of less than 10 . Lawn does not grow well on steep slopes and they tend to become dirt features. A mound can be used to provide the fall for a water feature over rocks for a waterfall and creek. A slide can be used on one side of a mound particularly if low steps are available for access as well as the grass. Building rubble is not acceptable for a mound as rocks and other rubbish will end up on the surface. Good quality topsoil of uniform consistency and free of clay will ensure that the lawn will grow. 7.3.3. Paths/Paving

Paths to entrance doorways, to the shed and around the perimeter of building should be provided. Adequate clearances from obstructions should be ensured to provide disabled access. Solid pathways between shed, verandah and selected areas in the Outdoor Learning Area (sanded area, water play area, grassed areas) should be provided to allow for easy movement of large equipment on wheels. REFER: D4-Disability Access Ease of access for children and parents (including prams and wheelchairs) should be provided from the car park to point of access to building. A solid path adjacent to the sanded area on one side will facilitate other play options for children in this area. Sawdust, slate, or pavers can be used for other informal paths leading to areas of discovery in and around vegetation and trees. Paths can cross the water course/creek via a timber bridge. Concrete paving and driveways should be given an "anti slip" or "broomed" finish. Sharp edges to borders or paths should be smoothed. Pavers with minimum bevel are preferred over flat or large bevel pavers as easier access is provided for small wheels and wheelchairs.

Also note compliance with Australian Standard AS1428 (Pt 3) is desirable but not legislated.

These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines
7.3.4 Bridges

Page 7

A low level timber bridge over the watercourse is a useful facility to enable children to watch objects float past etc. Maximum height of decking to be 300mm with guard rails 700mm. Wheelchair access from a path is to be provided. Other bridges can be provided on paths leading to quiet places. 7.3.5 REFER: Regulation 63 Children's Services Act 1998 Fencing

Regulation 63 indicates fences shall be a minimum of 1.2m high. If the centre is adjacent to a hazard (water or main road) the fence is to be a minimum of 1.5m or 1.2m pool type fence standard. DETE preference is for all fences to Outdoor Learning Areas to be a minimum of 1.2m high, pool-type fencing. Pedestrian gates shall have self closing and locking latches to ensure they are not operable by children up to 5 years of age. Provide double gates with padlocks in the fence to allow delivery vehicles access to all sand and soft-fall areas. 7.3.6. Shade Cover

Apart from a solid covered verandah at least 2.5m wide other shade shall be provided over the sanded area. Preference is for a solid structure along with gutters and stormwater disposal. Commercial carport type structures are acceptable but attention must be taken to the placement of the upright supports to limit hazards for children entering or leaving the sanded area. Note that any solid structure must be designed, constructed and certified to meet the requirements of the Australian Building Code. Natural shade from mature deciduous trees is preferred but other shade structures may be required while trees grow. (Deciduous trees give the desired shade in summer and let the light and warmth through during the winter months.) Structures using shade cloth are not recommended due to the high long-term maintenance costs, susceptibility to vandalism, and other risks. Ensure the design allows for the shade to fall over most of the sanded area during operating hours. Computer generated sun plots at design stage are advisable. 7.3.7. REFER: P2-Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines for DETE Children's Services Centres 2.4.16 Shed Storage Shed
2

A galvanised iron shed not less than 20m is required to be located in the Outdoor Learning Area. A second small shed could be considered if catering for under 2 year olds in a separately fenced area. Ensure the location does not block supervision of the Outdoor Learning Area and create a hiding space for children. Access via solid pathways is required from the shed to the main building verandah, to the lawn, to the creek/water course, to the sanded area. Further details are included in the indicated reference document and at http://www.dete.sa.gov.au/siteserv/files/links/P2-EarlyChildhoodServices.pdf

These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7
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Outdoor Learning Areas
Quiet Areas 7.4.1.

Sanded Areas (Previously referred to as Sand Pits)

Size: A sanded area needs to be as large as possible between 2 2 20m and 35m depending on enrolment numbers. Consider two separate areas for centres with more than 10 children 2 under 2 years old. The smaller should not be less than 9m . Location: Readily accessible by a car/trailer from the double gates for ease of sand replenishment. Water: Access to water is essential, as wet sand is a much better consistency for play. Daily wetting of sand is important in hot weather. Design: Irregular shaped sanded areas create a more interesting play space and are conducive to providing "pocket areas" for children to either play alone or with a small group. Boulders can also be used to divide the area into sections. Depth to be 400mm at edges and 800mm in the centre. To be filled with washed white beach sand. Sanded areas specifically for under 2 year old children need only be 500mm deep at the centre. Base to comprise loose laid paving slabs on an aggregate bed, laid to falls to the centre to an agricultural drain. Covers are a means of retaining clean sand and restricting animal contamination at night. Low shrubs planted to restrict prevailing winds are also useful to limit children running into the sanded area and to provide texture to the child's environment. Edges: A variety of edges can be provided to create spaces that foster creativity and imagination. Bull-nosed brick on edge with the rounded edge adjacent to the sand. Top edge to be flush with surrounding ground surface (no upstand). "Moss Rocks" and boulders of a variety of sizes not only contain the sand but also provide for sitting, climbing, discovery, and balancing. Smaller rocks as infill between boulders would need to be cemented in place.

These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

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Outdoor Learning Areas
Quiet Areas (cont.) 7.4.1 Sanded Areas (cont.)

Sleepers and treated pine logs need to be secured to the ground and maintained regularly to remove potential splinters. Tree trunks or treated tree rounds need to be secured firmly to restrict movement when walked or climbed on. A cement path, slate, or cement stepping stones can border one section to facilitate the children's use of wheeled toys, and to provide a surface to experiment with water painting, chalk drawing etc. 7.4.2 Vegetation

Refer to DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines, D1-Landscape and Planting for advice on suitable plants and those prohibited in DETE sites. Weeping style foliage is useful for creating cubby type places facilitating children to play in pairs and small groups. 7.4.3 Size: Garden/Vegetable Patch Large enough for small groups to work in together.

Location: A sunny part of the site with accessible water. Design: This area will generally be designed by the staff and parents but an area needs to provided in any Outdoor Learning Area concept design. Garden plots can be raised to allow children with additional needs to gain access. Stepping stones throughout the plots will help children to avoid walking on the plants. A good quality soft loam is required to enable easy digging. 7.4.4 Amphitheatre/seats

Size: Large enough for a group of 10 - 15 children to occupy for stories or quiet discussions. Location: Needs to be shade during the warmer months of the year. Access by way of paths or adjacent to the grassed play area. Design: A non-splintering timber should be used for construction. Old railway sleepers have been used in the past but because of the varying quality it may be preferable to consider new timber. The floor can be paved, sanded or grassed but the design should enable ease of mowing. An amphitheatre has the potential to utilise a large proportion of the available site and thought should be given to its usefulness. 7.4.5 Discovery/Sensory Trails and Informal Paths

Trails can be used to connect play areas. Can contain sensory plants such as lavender or rosemary. Surfaces can vary but should be non-trip and non-slip. They may be as simple as pieces of slate set between low bushes. Plants along the edges can create secret spaces and discovery possibilities where the path around the corner is not visible.

These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7
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Outdoor Learning Areas
Active Areas (Including fixed equipment) 7.5.1 Swing Frame

The primary purpose of this item is NOT as a swing and the selection and installation must facilitate the easy fitting and removal of attachments on a daily basis. The DETE standards reflect this requirement and take precedence over those for fixed swings. Most commercially manufactured swings must comply with the Australian Standard AS1924 (Part 2) but prior to individual item selection and installation the following additional points should be considered: • • The maximum height of the top of the frame shall be 2.1m from the anticipated compressed soft-fall level. "Pig tail" hooks to be provided for ease of attachment of equipment. Heavy gauge stainless steel hooks attached to the top beam in a manner that permits replacement are preferred. (fixed hooks have been known to wear out and break off in use) A centre pig tail can be fitted to accommodate a horizontal "tyre" swing if required. In use it essential that the other two swings ensembles are removed. Swing assemblies must comply with AS1924 (Part 2) 3.3. Clearance from other equipment and area of soft-fall shall comply with AS4422 (Part 2) Appendix B2.1 Clearance in direction of swing is length of swing plus 1.9m. Clearance off the side is 1.9m as per AS4422. NOTE: The Playground Manual 1998 refers to a clearance of swing length plus 2.5m, but AS4422 specifically indicates swing length plus 1.9m for supervised early childhood settings. Location: Locate this frame in an area overlooking the main activity yard. Children often use the swing to observe other children at play and choose places to play and children with whom to play.
400-600mm 600mm 400mm 2.1m

•

•

Approx. 36

Soft-Fall Material

1.9m

These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7
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Outdoor Learning Areas
Active Areas (cont.) 7.5.2 Digging Patch

This area is used by children to dig for buried treasure, for investigation into dirt and mud and the natural environment. Children tend to use metal spades and wheelbarrows and use a lot of energy experimenting, designing, constructing and demolishing. (Just like the adult world!) This area is a vital component of the Outdoor Learning Area. Size: A digging patch needs to be between 10m and 15m depending on enrolment numbers.
2 2

Location: This is a messy area and would be best located in a corner of the site. However supervision from the main activity centre, lawn and sanded area is still necessary. The use of a common tap for the water course/creek with water running either into the sand or into the digging patch would also suggest a location adjacent to these other areas. Design: Largely unstructured with natural boundaries of vegetation or boulders. An irregular shape promotes imagination and frequent use rather than a rigid geometric design. Good quality sandy loam is preferable but existing top soil might have to be sufficient in some locations. (Brown sandy loam would not be a natural element in a red sandy soil environment.) Water: A water source is required within easy reach of the digging patch. The tap (with vandal proof head) should be located at the top of the fall so that a short creek can be constructed by the children with waterfalls and dams. The quantity of water is usually low and the water would usually be absorbed into the soil. However new designs should provide for a sump to drain excess water into the stormwater system. 7.5.3 Tumble Bars

Galvanised steel bars to be 30mm to 40mm in diameter. Two heights for upper body development of 4 year old children.
650mm 1160mm 1500mm

650mm 1160mm -

stomach level. above head height for 4 year olds.

These two heights can be provided as either one unit or as two separate bars.

These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7
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Outdoor Learning Areas
Active Areas (cont.) 7.5.4 Water Course/Creek

Size: A water course or creek can be anything from a simple tap with water running over a boulder into the sanded area to a full featured cement based creek with rocks, waterfall and pond. Educational experience has shown that the more simple and flexible a feature the more it will be used compared with a fixed design feature. Preference is for a meandering creek bed through which water can be run over a variety of natural surfaces. Location: The use of a common tap for the water course/creek with water running either into the sanded area or into the digging patch would also suggest a location adjacent to these other areas. Design: A fixed water source is preferred to a tap with a hose. A sub-surface bubbler fed from a dual tap riser shared with that for the digging patch could be appropriate. All external taps to have Consolidated Brass 20mm key-locked screw – nosed bibtaps fitted to 20mm copper end standpipe. The requirements for backflow prevention device to comply with legislation must be considered. The use of a recirculating pump for a continuous waterfall feature etc. is not recommended, as maintenance is too high. Unrestricted access by children to both sides of the creek is required although the placement of natural border materials such as boulders and vegetation can be used to manage access. Drainage: Water from this area is usually directed into the sanded area from where the integral sump would take water into the stormwater system. If water enters the sanded area through a pipe then the diameter should be large enough to prevent silt blockages. 25mm is suggested as a minimum. Safety: All water features must not pond water so that water can be eliminated at the end of the session. The maximum depth of any pond feature is to be 150mm. If river stones are used to line the creek, they should be embedded into concrete at least 50%. Loose stones should generally not be left lying around, and after being used to facilitate play should be stored indoors. (Stones are a temptation to vandalism) Bridge: A low level timber bridge is a useful facility to enable children to watch objects float past etc. Maximum height of decking to be 300mm with guard rails 700mm. Wheelchair access complying with AS1428 from a path is desirable. A complex design is not required as even a portable plank or a sleeper set into the ground across the creek can be just as effective although not appropriate for wheelchair access. 7.5.5 Bike Track

While the design and construction of solid pathways is required for ease of equipment access to sections of the Outdoor Learning Area, specific paths for bikes might well be considered unnecessary if space is limited. The area required may be better used for teaching skills not able to be accommodated in the home environment.
These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7 Outdoor Learning Areas
7.5.6 REFER: REFER: Playground Manual 1998 Australian Standards AS1924 AS1428 Platform

Page 13 D7.5

There is often conflict between the use of platforms for dramatic play and use for promoting physical development. eg. Children using the platform to jump off or to access the slide can interrupt children using a platform for role-play and make believe. It may be preferable to have one platform to promote physical activity while another can be used specifically for dramatic play. Simple designs are the most effective in that a variety of props can be used by staff to encourage children's imagination. Any fixed form is often limiting. Design dimensions and standards for preschool play structures and equipment are set out in the Australian Standards AS1924 (Part 2). In some cases DETE insists on higher standards and in these areas DETE requirement take precedence over the above standards. The following requirements should be read in conjunction with the Playground Manual 1998 and Australian Standards AS1924. Height: A single level platform of 300mm high would appear to be ideal as no guard rail is required nor is the 1.9m wide soft-fall needed around the structure. If multilevel platforms are required then each level is to be between 300mm and 500mm high with 300mm preferred. Note the requirement for step access between levels outlined in the Standards. The lowest level should be accessible by wheelchair via a ramp. The maximum height of any platform should not exceed 1.5m above surrounding ground area. Size: Refer to the Playground Manual 1998. Location: The climbing platform should be located away from high traffic areas to permit sustained play without interruption from children passing through. However children do need to be able to view the outdoor area from the platforms. Platforms 500mm and over should have a clearance from a fence of at least 1.5m. Platforms that are against a fence require a correspondingly higher safety fence above the platform to maintain compliance with Children's Services Act Regulation 63.

REFER:

D4-Disability Access

Also note compliance with Australian Standard AS1428 (Pt 3) is desirable but not legislated.

Access: There should be several entry and exit points to the platforms to prevent conflict with children using the facility. These can include ramps, steps, ladders, slides and nets. Access for wheelchair users could be provided by a ramp but consideration then must be made to the safety of an unrestrained wheelchair on the platform. A guard rail would then be required. Refer to the following note regarding guard rails. A ramp can also give access for prams and equipment trolleys onto the platform.

20o 100mm riser 280mm tread Ramp 1:14 These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7 Outdoor Learning Areas
7.5.6 Platform (cont.)

Page 14 D7.5

Soft-Fall: Soft-fall material is only required where the platform height from which a child could fall exceeds 500mm. Hence if the lowest levels are less than 500mm and the next levels are entirely surrounded by guard railing then soft-fall material would not be required. Lawn, mulch or sand would be sufficient to comply with the Standards. A slide or net etc. as an exit would then require soft-fall around this opening. Fall heights of 500mm or more require the provision of a soft-fall zone extending 1.9m from the platform edge. Infill: Fixed platforms of 1200mm or less from ground level require the gap between the ground and the platform to be closed off.
125 mm 700mm - 900mm rail to surface 700mm - 900mm rail to rail

Platforms with underfloor height of 1200mm will be used by children as "cubby houses" and access must not conflict with other users of the platform. At 1200mm adult access is possible for supervision. Guard Rail: Refer to Australian Standard AS1924 (Part 2) Section 2.4 for details noting the particular requirements for pre-schools. Guard rails on access ramps must also comply with AS1428 paying particular attention to the size and position of the bottom rails.

Simple single-level platform.

Complex multi-level platform with ramp access
These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7
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Outdoor Learning Areas
Active Areas (cont.) 7.5.7 Slide

REFER: REFER:

Playground Manual 1998 Australian Standards AS1924 (Part 2)

Most commercially manufactured slides comply with the Australian Standard AS1924 but prior to individual item selection the following additional points should be considered: NOTE: These pre-school specific standards are contained in the Australian Standards AS1924 (Part 2) Section 3.2.3.2(b) but not referred to in the Playground Manual. • • • • • The maximum height of the slide surface above the surrounding ground level should be 1.5m. The width of the slide surface shall be not less than 250mm. The sides of the slide bed should be not less than 19mm. The angle of the slide should not exceed 40 . The run off should be near to flat (but not as to hold water) to allow children to stop, without losing control, either by bringing themselves to a standstill or to a speed that allows the child to stand up at the bottom. Tunnel slides and Roller slides should not be used.
0

•

The slide should be fitted into a climbing mound. "U" shaped slides are preferred. An appropriate soft-fall zone is required surrounding the slide. Fibreglass slides require annual waxing. Indoor slides of height 1m or over require landing mats.

These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7
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Outdoor Learning Areas
Equipment No Longer Recommended Cable Reels •

Potential for nails or metal fixings to protrude. Hole in the middle used for rubbish. Poor quality timber. Fall hazards Considered too heavy for staff to carry. Potential for inappropriate use by unwelcomed guests and also entry presents possible head hazard. Fall hazards Fall hazards Entrapment hazards Not appropriate use of a tree as damage can be sustained. Entrapment hazards Potential for unseen corrosion and inability of user to control motion is a hazard. Fall and other hazards Fall hazards The use of chains that have fixing bolts passing directly through the chain links is not advisable because high stress is placed on the bolted link, which can fail.

Arched Frames • • • Jouncing Board Cement Pipes

Monkey Bars • • • • • • Fireman Poles Rocking Horses Tree Swings Rocker/Plank/Boat/Cradle Swings Any fixed rotating equipment

See Saws • • • Log Bridges Clatter Bridges

These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7
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Outdoor Learning Areas
Installation Building Code Certification

Any permanent structure, including shade cover, is required to comply with the Building Code of Australia and plans must be certified by a licensed certifier prior to construction. This process can be expedited by the Facility Contracts Manager if involved in the planning process at a early stage. REFER: Australian Standards AS4486 Before proceeding to the installation phase, the recommendations set out in Australian Standard AS4486 should be followed. The following hints are offered to complement the standard: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Check that DETE approval and local Council approval (if applicable) have been obtained. Choose competent persons with correct tools and protective clothing. Ensure all required materials are on site. Check location of underground services (water, power, gas, telephone and storm water drains) before excavating. Place anchor pads/concrete below ground surface and cover. Bevel or cap all sharp edges/protrusions. Close off all open pipe ends. Don't use nails as they work loose and protrude. Recess all screws, bolts and nuts into timber surface. Paint all surfaces likely to be affected by weather conditions. Do not use steel radial tyres. Keep the safety of users uppermost throughout the installation cycle. As a method of disposal do not burn treated pine off-cuts (CCA – treated timber) as arsenic compounds are present. All split chain links must be welded shut. Split links should only be used in acceptable locations and with the link split facing down "S" hooks, modified "D" shackles or karabiners are suitable alternatives.

These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7
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Outdoor Learning Areas
Maintenance

The Australian Standard AS4486 sets out recommendations relating to the maintenance of an outdoor learning area. DETE specific information is contained in the Playground Equipment Safety Bulletin -2001 available from Site Property Services via the District Property Officer or via the following web link: http://www.dete.sa.gov.au/siteserv/files/links/PLAYBULL2001Ver1.doc Routine maintenance can be arranged through the Facilities Contracts Manager for DETE sites as outlined in the following document: http://www.dete.sa.gov.au/siteserv/files/links/maint%20news%201.pdf In addition, the following points are emphasised: • • • • • • • • • • Secure faulty equipment from use until repairs are made. Carry out 4 inspections a year of the outdoor area, with special emphasis on safety. Act on the repair of faulty equipment immediately. Always inspect metal sections that are below ground and treat against corrosion if necessary. Inspect timber structures for termite infestation. Repair worn ground, grass and paved surfaces. Rake sanded area regularly. Inspect ropes for fraying or vandalism. Maintain impact absorbent soft-fall material as recommended. Check for wear on swing frame pig-tails each time they are used.

These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.

DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines D7
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Outdoor Learning Areas
References

The following reference material will provide additional information. • Louise Henderson, Outdoor Learning Environments children 08, Department of Education, Training and Employment, SA, December 2001. http://www.childcare.sa.gov.au/cel_home.asp • Pauline Berry, Playgrounds that Work: Creating Outdoor Play Environments for Children Birth to Eight years, Pademelon Press, NSW, February 2001. ISBN 1 876138 10 6 • Prue Walsh, Early Childhood Playgrounds, NSW Department of Community Services, Martin Educational with Robert Anderson & Associates, Victoria, 1988, ISBN 0 949133 23X • Prue Walsh, Best Practice Guidelines in Early Childhood Physical Environments, NSW Department of Community Services, October 1996, ISBN 0 7310 4243 3 • Preschool and Child Care Branch, Primary Care Division, Health & Community Services, Victoria. Design Brief for Children's Services Centres, December 1993. 91/1655 • Australian Standards, www.standards.com.au AS1924 (Part 1) - Playground Equipment for Parks, Schools and Domestic Use - General Requirements. 1981 AS1924 (Part 2) - Playground Equipment for Parks, Schools and Domestic Use - Design and Construction, Safety Aspects. 1981 AS4422 - Playground surfacing - Specifications, requirements and test method. 1996 AS4486 - Playgrounds and Play Equipment - Development, installation, inspection, maintenance and operation. 1997 • South Australian Department of Recreation and Sport, Playground Manual, March 1998. http://www.recsport.sa.gov.au/ 27 Valetta Road, Kidman Park SA 5025, 08-8416 6631 • Children's Services Regulations Children's Services (Child Care Centre) Regulations under the Children's Services Act 1985, amended 1998. • Department of Education, Training and Employment, P2-Facilities Design Guidelines for DETE Children's Services Centres, Adelaide, 2001. http://www.dete.sa.gov.au/siteserv/files/links/P2EarlyChildhoodServices.pdf

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Department of Education, Training and Employment, DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines, Adelaide, January 2000. http://www.dete.sa.gov.au/siteserv/files/links/S1%20%2012%20standards.pdf These guidelines are DETE specific Compliance with BCA and Australian Standards is assumed.