The Essential NZS 5828 Glossary: 25 Terms Every Playground Owner Should Know

Understanding playground safety terminology doesn't require being an expert—but it does help you make safer, more informed decisions.

Whether you are a school principal, ECE owner, council asset manager, landscape architect, or playground supplier, understanding the terminology used in NZS 5828:2015 can make specification, maintenance, and compliance much easier.

This glossary explains 25 of the most commonly used playground safety terms in plain English, with real-world examples from New Zealand playgrounds.

1. NZS 5828:2015

Definition: New Zealand's standard for playground equipment and surfacing.

NZS 5828 provides requirements for design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and surfacing intended to reduce the risk of serious injury.

Real-world example: Licensed ECE services, Schools and Councils in New Zealand are expected to comply with NZS 5828 as part of their compliance, risk management and licensing requirements.

Related reading: Why Should Playgrounds Comply with NZS 5828

2. Free Height of Fall (FHF)

Definition: The greatest vertical distance a child can fall from a play element to the impact surface below.

The free height of fall determines what surfacing is required.

Real-world example: A platform 1.8 m above the ground typically has a free height of fall of 1.8 m.

3. Critical Fall Height (CFH)

Definition: The maximum height from which a surface can protect against serious head injury.

A surfacing system's CFH must be equal to or greater than the equipment's FHF.

Real-world example:

• Equipment FHF = 1.5 m

• Surfacing CFH = 1.2 m

Result: Non-compliant.

Related reading: Understanding Playground Impact Testing (HIC & g-max)

4. Impact Attenuating Surfacing (IAS)

Definition: Surfacing designed to absorb impact energy and reduce injury severity.

Examples include:

• Wetpour rubber

• Artificial turf with shockpad

• Loosefill bark

• Rubber tiles

Real-world example: A swing over concrete is unlikely to comply. The same swing over certified wetpour may comply.

5. HIC (Head Injury Criterion)

Definition: A measure of the likelihood of serious head injury during a fall.

Under NZS 5828:

• HIC must generally be ≤1000

Lower scores indicate better performance.

Real-world example: A surface testing at HIC 1200 would fail certification.

6. g-max

Definition: Peak deceleration experienced during impact.

NZS 5828 generally requires:

• g-max ≤200 g

High g-max values indicate harder surfaces.

7. Falling Space

Definition: The area into which a user may fall from equipment.

This area must remain free from obstacles.

Real-world example: A bench seat installed inside a falling space may create a non-compliance.

Diagram suggestion: Plan view showing shaded falling space around a climber.

8. Free Space

Definition: The three-dimensional space required for safe movement during play.

Unlike falling space, free space considers movement through the air.

Real-world example: Swings require significant free space both in front and behind the seat.

9. Impact Area

Definition: The surfacing area requiring impact attenuation beneath and around equipment.

Impact areas often extend beyond the equipment footprint.

10. Forced Movement Equipment

Definition: Equipment that moves users through a predetermined path.

Examples include:

• Swings

• Flying foxes

• Rockers

• Carousels

These often require surfacing regardless of height.

11. Entrapment

Definition: A situation where part of the body becomes trapped.

Entrapment hazards include:

• Head entrapment

• Finger entrapment

• Neck entrapment

• Clothing entanglement

Real-world example: An opening may allow entry but trap the head during exit.

Related reading: Finger Pinch, Crush and Shear Hazards

12. Head Entrapment

Definition: An opening large enough for the body to enter but small enough to trap the head.

This is one of the most serious hazards identified during inspections.

13. Finger Entrapment

Definition: Openings between approximately 8–25 mm that can trap fingers.

Often found in chains, hinges, and moving parts.

14. Crush and Shear Hazards

Definition: Locations where body parts may be crushed or pinched during movement.

Common around:

• Gates

• Rockers

• Rotating equipment

15. Suspension Bridge

Definition: A moving bridge connecting platforms.

These require assessment of:

• Gaps

• Entrapment

• Fall protection

16. Guardrail

Definition: A barrier designed to prevent accidental falls while maintaining visibility and challenge.

Typically used on lower platforms.

17. Barrier

Definition: A full-height protective element designed to prevent deliberate or accidental falls.

Often used on platforms.

18. Accessible Route

Definition: A pathway allowing users with mobility impairments to access play opportunities.

Examples include:

• Ramps

• Firm pathways

• Accessible surfacing

19. Inclusive Play

Definition: Designing play environments that can be used by children of all abilities.

Inclusive play considers:

• Physical access

• Sensory experiences

• Social interaction

• Cognitive engagement

20. Post-Installation Inspection

Definition: An independent inspection undertaken after construction to verify compliance.

Importantly:

Products may be certified. Playgrounds are certified after installation.

Real-world example: A playground with certified equipment may still fail if clearances or surfacing are installed incorrectly.

Related reading:Why Post-Installation Certification Matters

21. Operational Inspection

Definition: Routine inspections undertaken to identify wear, vandalism, or obvious hazards.

Examples:

• Loose bolts

• Damaged surfacing

• Missing caps

22. Annual Main Inspection

Definition: A comprehensive inspection undertaken by a competent playground inspector.

Often referred to as a Level 3 Inspection.

Annual inspections assess:

• Structural integrity

• Compliance issues

• Asset condition

• Long-term risks

23. Certificate of Compliance

Definition: Documentation confirming that a playground or surface has been independently assessed against applicable standards.

This provides valuable evidence for:

• Schools

• ECE providers

• Councils

• Insurers

24. Evidence of Conformity

Definition: Documentation demonstrating that equipment or surfacing has been designed and tested to relevant standards.

Examples include:

• Test reports

• Certificates

• Engineering drawings

• Laboratory reports

Obtaining evidence before purchase is considered best practice.

25. Competent Person

Definition: An individual with suitable training, knowledge, and experience to undertake playground inspections or assessments.

Competence may include:

• Formal qualifications

• Standards knowledge

• Inspection experience

• Continuing professional development

Why Understanding Playground Terminology Matters

Playground standards can appear complex, but understanding key terms allows owners to:

• Make informed purchasing decisions

• Better manage risks

• Specify compliant equipment

• Understand inspection reports

• Improve long-term asset management

Many playground issues arise not from poor intentions, but simply from misunderstandings about terminology and standards.

A shared understanding of these terms helps create safer and more enjoyable play environments for children.

Need Help Interpreting NZS 5828?

Playsafe provides independent playground inspections, impact attenuation testing, design reviews, post-installation certification, and compliance advice throughout New Zealand.

Whether you're planning a new playground or managing an existing asset, our team can help you navigate NZS 5828 with confidence.