Reduce burn risk by checking the surface temperature of outdoor play areas

As temperatures increase, services should regularly assess the temperature of outdoor play surfaces and equipment before children access them. 

Playground equipment and surfacing can become hot enough to cause burns even on relatively mild days, particularly where equipment or surfaces are inadequately shaded. Metal equipment, slides, swings, dark-coloured plastics, rubber surfacing, artificial turf, asphalt and concrete can all retain significant heat and pose a risk of contact burns to children. 

Young children are particularly vulnerable to burn injuries because their skin is thinner and more delicate, and they may not immediately recognise a burn or move away from a hot surface. The severity of a burn can depend on the temperature of the surface, the material involved and the length of contact. In some cases, serious burns can occur after only brief contact with heated surfaces. 

Services are encouraged to:

• check the temperature of outdoor equipment and surfacing before children enter the play area
• use an infrared thermometer to assess surface temperatures where possible
• review the effectiveness of shade over equipment and ground surfaces
• consider measures to reduce heat retention, such as wetting down artificial turf or rubber surfacing where appropriate
• ensure children wear suitable clothing and footwear during hot weather. 

The Kidsafe SA Surface Temperature resource provides practical guidance on identifying and managing surface temperature risks in outdoor play environments. 

Additional play safety resources are available on the Kidsafe SA website.