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Play Safely.
Playground Safety Inspection
Safety & Compliance Inspection to NZS5828
Why certified inspection?
In the unfortunate event of a serious playground injury, being able to demonstrate compliance with NZS5828:2015 is often essential.
Playground owners and operators have a duty of care to prioritise safety. A certified inspection provides documented proof that reasonable steps were taken to identify and mitigate potential hazards. Failure to meet the NZS5828 standard could not only compromise user safety but also expose your organisation to legal liability in the event of an incident.
Comprehensive Playground Inspection
Certified, Trusted, and Thorough
Ensure your playground meets the highest safety standards with Playsafe’s Certified Play Area Audit, designed in accordance with NZS5828:2015 / EN 1176.
Our Level 3 RPII Certified Inspectors conduct in-depth, impartial inspections that identify hazards, assess compliance, and deliver practical, solution-focused recommendations. From maintenance needs to upgrade planning, we support owners, operators, and Boards of Trustees every step of the way.
What’s Included in Our 10-Point Audit:
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Full compliance check to NZS5828:2015
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Structural stability and material integrity assessment
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Entrapment and gauge testing
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Hazard identification
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Wear, tear & maintenance check
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Fall zones, falling spaces & height evaluations
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Surface and impact absorption testing (if applicable)
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And much more
Our Deliverables Include:
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Thorough on-site inspection by a qualified RPII Level 3 Play Auditor
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Comprehensive digital report with detailed risk ratings and actionable recommendations
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Surface Impact Test report (if applicable)
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Certificate of Inspection confirming compliance with NZS5828:2015
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Audit-compliant label affixed to your playground, showcasing verified safety status
Trusted by the Ministry of Education and the Education Review Office, our inspections are confidential, fully insured, and carried out by vetted professionals who prioritise safety and integrity.
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What is a Certified Level 3 Playground Inspection?A Level 3 inspection is the most comprehensive audit available, conducted by an RPII-certified inspector. It assesses compliance with NZS5828:2015/EN1176, identifies safety risks, and provides actionable recommendations.
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Who needs a Level 3 inspection?Schools, early childhood centres, councils, and anyone responsible for playground safety should schedule regular Level 3 audits to ensure legal and ethical responsibilities are met.
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How often should I get a Level 3 inspection?The NZS5828 standard recommends an annual Level 3 inspection to maintain compliance and identify issues such as wear and tear, environmental changes, or structural concerns. In practice, we advise Schools and Councils to schedule comprehensive inspections annually, while Early Childhood Education (ECE) centres may consider a 2-yearly inspection cycle.
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What does the inspection cover?Our 10-point audit includes structural integrity, entrapment risks, fall zones, surfacing, maintenance issues, material condition, and full compliance with NZS5828:2015.
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What qualifications do your inspectors have?All inspections are carried out by RPII Level 3 Certified Playground Inspectors — the highest internationally recognised certification for play safety auditing.
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What do I receive after the inspection?You’ll get a digital report with risk ratings, recommendations, compliance details, photos, a Certificate of Inspection, and an audit label for your site.
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Is this service recognised by the Ministry of Education or ERO?Yes. Our inspection service is recommended by both the Ministry of Education and the Education Review Office (ERO), and is widely used across New Zealand by Local Govt, Early Childhood and Indoor Commercial entities.
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Is the inspection impartial?Absolutely. Playsafe provides unbiased, third-party evaluations. We are independent of all suppliers and manufacturers and do not sell equipment, so our advice is always in your best interest.
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How long does an inspection take?Most inspections take 1–2 hours on site, depending on the size and complexity of the playground. The final report is typically delivered within 5 working days.
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What if my playground doesn’t pass the inspection?Don’t worry — our reports include practical guidance to bring your playground up to standard, whether that’s through repairs, replacements, or surface improvements.
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Are your inspectors vetted and insured?Yes. All Playsafe inspectors are police-vetted, professionally trained, and covered by public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
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Can you inspect multiple sites or centres?Yes, we offer inspections for multi-site providers, trusts, and councils. Group discounts and consolidated reporting are available.
