Explore Freely,
Play Safely.
Timber Condition Test
Protect Your Playground with Expert Timber Integrity Assessments
Timber components in playground equipment can degrade over time—especially when exposed to moisture and buried in bark or wood chips. Hidden decay poses a serious risk, particularly in single-post reliant structures like flying fox posts, log swings, and older timber forts. Regular visual inspections often miss internal deterioration, putting users at risk.
That’s where Playsafe’s Timber Condition Test comes in.
Non-Invasive Testing for Safer Playgrounds
Our Timber Condition Test (also known as a Wood Condition Test) is a non-destructive, precision assessment designed to detect internal decay, cavities, and cracks in wooden playground structures—without compromising their integrity. Suitable for all wood types and components up to 300mm in diameter, this test provides critical insights into the structural health of your equipment.
This service is particularly valuable for equipment where structural support relies heavily on a single timber post, such as:
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Flying Fox posts
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Log Swings
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Old-style Timber Forts
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Balance Beams
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Vertical climbing features
These types of structures are especially vulnerable to internal timber failure, and a breakdown in one post can compromise the entire play unit.
How It Works
Using a fine 1mm steel needle with a chisel-cutting tip, our specialists drill a small, nearly invisible hole into the timber. This allows us to assess the internal condition of the wood and locate any signs of weakness or damage. The test is minimally invasive and can often prevent the unnecessary replacement of sound timber, saving time and money.
What's Included
Every Timber Condition Test includes:
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A full compliance inspection to NZS5828:2015 standards
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A detailed report with high-quality photos, condition assessments, and clear recommendations
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Identification of decay zones, cavities, cracks, and other structural weaknesses
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A practical evaluation of wood quality, integrity, and remaining lifespan
Why It Matters
Early detection of timber decay can mean the difference between a simple fix and a costly replacement—or worse, a safety incident. Playsafe’s Timber Condition Test provides peace of mind by ensuring your playground is structurally sound and safe for children to enjoy.
Key Benefits at a Glance
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✅ Cost-effective preliminary investigation
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✅ Extends equipment lifespan by preventing premature replacement
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✅ Detects hidden issues before they become hazards
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✅ Standards-compliant with NZS5828:2015
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✅ Essential for single-post reliant equipment
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✅ Thorough reporting with actionable insights
Book a Timber Condition Test Today
Ensure your playground stands the test of time—and safety. Get in touch with Playsafe to schedule your Timber Condition Test and take the first step toward a safer, longer-lasting play environment.
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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.