When assessing whether you comply with PF303

Questions we are likely to ask

Usually, we will only ask questions if we have concerns about the safety or suitability of any indoor and outdoor items, surfaces, furniture, equipment or materials to confirm they are safe for use with children.

We are likely to look at, measure or count 

• Indoor and outdoor items and surfaces, furniture, equipment and materials to see they are safe and suitable for their intended use.
• Any playground structures and impact attenuation surfaces.

We are likely to request

If we have concerns about the safety or suitability of any indoor and outdoor items, surfaces, furniture, equipment or materials, we will need to confirm they are safe for use with children. The following documents might be requested after a visit:

• a certificate of compliance for newly installed playground equipment or safety surfacing showing it was installed according to the manufacturer's instructions
• inspection records confirming the structure or equipment is safe to use. 

The tools below are here to support you, but you do not have to use them. You can use other tools or methods that work better for your service.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has a range of safety standards. You can access a copy on the Standards New Zealand website.

Get Standards - Standards New Zealand

Support to check toy is suitable using the “Six S” guide.

Toy safety – Product Safety New Zealand

Playground safety

The New Zealand Standard for playground equipment and surfacing is NZS 5828:2015 Playground equipment and surfacing.

Playground equipment and surfacing - Standards New Zealand

Commerce commission

The commerce commission provides information about toy safety including prevention of chocking using a small cylinder to test items.  

Product safety standards for children's toys – Commerce Commission

Making sure all items, surfaces, furniture, equipment, and materials are safe and suitable helps keep children safe as they explore, play and learn.

Doing more than the minimum helps make things better for children and easier for staff. Below are some ideas you can consider.

Take all reasonable steps to ensure equipment is kept in good repair and maintained regularly. A regular inspection programme to ensure equipment and surfacing are properly maintained will help make sure any necessary repairs and maintenance can be completed promptly.