Play Area Signage

The Role of Signage in Safe Play

Playground signage is more than decoration — it’s an essential communication tool that helps protect children and inform caregivers. Under NZS 5828 and EN 1176, signage is required as part of the General Safety Measures – Part 7, ensuring users receive vital safety and emergency information.

Proper signage helps to:

• Inform adults about supervision and safe play.

• Warn users of potential hazards or misuse.

• Educate communities about local rules and emergency contacts.

  
  

📍 Placement and Visibility

To be effective, signs must be:

• Installed at main entrances or key access points.

• Clearly visible and easy to read for adults.

• Durable, weather-resistant, and tamper-proof.

In bilingual or multilingual areas, multi-language signage ensures accessibility for all users.

If a sign is damaged or vandalised, it is the operator’s responsibility to replace it immediately.

⚙️ Types of Playground Signs

1. Informative Signs

Provide general usage information such as:

• Recommended age group for play.

• Manufacturer or installer details.

• Supervision guidelines.

  
  

Following age guidance is critical — inappropriate age use remains a leading cause of playground injuries.

2. Warning Signs

Highlight risks and promote safe play:

• Remove loose clothing, cords, or helmets that can cause entanglement.

• Beware of hot surfaces during warm weather.

• Exercise caution around hard surfaces such as concrete and asphalt.

  
  

3. Educational Signs

Share practical information for users:

• Operating hours and local rules.

• Pet policy (e.g., dogs on leads).

• Contact details and emergency numbers.

  
  

These are particularly important in public parks or unattended play areas.

📘 EN 1176-7 (2020) – General Safety Measures

According to section 8.2.3 of EN 1176-7, every playground must have a clearly visible sign or pictogram displaying:

a) General emergency telephone number

b) Contact information for maintenance (phone / email / website)

c) Playground name

d) Address or GPS coordinates

e) Any other relevant local information

All entry, exit, and emergency paths must remain accessible and free of obstacles.

Note 1: Local regulations may impose additional signage requirements.

Note 2: A risk assessment helps determine the number and placement of signs (e.g. fenced kindergartens may require fewer).

NZS 5828 – Playsafe & RPII Recommendations

Playsafe Ltd and RPII recommend the following essential signage content for all play areas in New Zealand:

Essential Content

• Playground name

• Playground address

• General emergency telephone number

• Contact details for maintenance / damage reports

  
  

Recommended Content

• Supervision note

• Intended age group(s)

• Rules of play

• “No Helmets” advisory

• Infographics instead of text-heavy rules

• Equipment age range details

• Any additional relevant information

  
  

🚫 The “No Helmets” Advisory Explained

Helmets are great for bikes and scooters — but not for playgrounds. The NZS 5828 entrapment dimensions do not account for children wearing helmets or those with enlarged head sizes (e.g. hydrocephalus or Down Syndrome).Helmets can become trapped between openings, posing strangulation risks. Play signage should therefore encourage helmet removal before play.

🧭 Best Practice for Tone and Design

• Use positive language and infographics rather than “DO NOT” statements.

• Avoid legal disclaimers such as “The owner accepts no liability for injuries” — these do not protect against claims related to defective or non-compliant equipment.

• Focus on promoting safety, not shifting liability.

• Ensure all graphics are clear, inclusive, and accessible for diverse users.

  
  

✅ Summary

Well-designed signage is a vital safety feature, not just a compliance requirement. By aligning with NZS 5828 / EN 1176, using clear visuals, and keeping signs maintained and current, playground operators can create safer, more engaging environments for every child.