When it comes to outdoor play equipment, safety should always be the top priority for Australian families. Cubby houses provide wonderful opportunities for imaginative play and physical activity, but without proper precautions, they can also present risks. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure your cubby house is a safe haven for your children.
Understanding Australian Safety Standards
In Australia, outdoor play equipment is governed by the Australian Standard AS 4685, which sets out safety requirements for playground equipment and surfacing. While this standard primarily applies to public playgrounds, the principles are equally valuable for home installations. Look for cubby houses that reference compliance with these standards, as it indicates the manufacturer has considered important safety factors during design.
⚠️ Key Safety Standards to Know
AS 4685.1 covers general safety requirements, AS 4685.2 addresses swing requirements, and AS 4685.6 covers installation and inspection guidelines. Reputable Australian cubby house manufacturers design their products with these standards in mind.
Proper Installation is Critical
The foundation of cubby house safety begins with proper installation. A poorly assembled or unstable cubby house is an accident waiting to happen. Here are the essential installation considerations:
Level Ground and Anchoring
Always install your cubby house on level ground. Uneven surfaces can cause the structure to become unstable over time and increase the risk of tipping. For elevated cubby houses or those with slides and climbing features, proper ground anchoring is essential. Most quality cubby houses come with anchor kits or specific instructions for securing the structure to the ground.
In Australian conditions, where we experience everything from intense summer storms to occasional cyclones in northern regions, anchoring becomes even more critical. Use concrete footings or heavy-duty ground anchors appropriate for your soil type, whether it's sandy coastal soil or heavy clay.
Fall Zones and Impact-Absorbing Surfaces
One of the most important safety considerations is the fall zone around your cubby house. The fall zone is the area where a child could potentially land if they fell from the structure. For cubby houses with elevated platforms, slides, or climbing features, this zone should extend at least 1.9 metres from all sides of the equipment.
Within this fall zone, you should install an impact-absorbing surface. Acceptable options include:
- Rubber mulch: Excellent shock absorption and long-lasting
- Wood chips or bark: Natural appearance, needs regular topping up
- Sand: Good cushioning but can attract animals
- Synthetic turf with underlay: Low maintenance option
- Rubber safety tiles: Consistent protection, easy to clean
Grass alone is generally not considered adequate fall protection, especially during dry Australian summers when it becomes hard and compacted.
✓ Quick Safety Checklist for Installation
- Ground is level and free of debris
- Structure is properly anchored
- All bolts and screws are tightened
- Fall zone has appropriate surfacing
- No sharp edges or protruding hardware
- Assembly instructions have been followed exactly
Ongoing Safety Maintenance
Installation is just the beginning. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your cubby house remains safe throughout its lifespan. We recommend conducting a thorough safety inspection at least once a month, with a more comprehensive check at the start of each season.
Monthly Inspection Points
During your monthly inspections, pay attention to the following areas:
Structural Integrity: Check for any signs of movement, wobbling, or instability. Push gently on the structure from different angles to test its stability. Look for cracks in timber, warping, or separation at joints.
Hardware Check: Examine all bolts, screws, and fasteners. Tighten any that have loosened and replace any that show signs of rust or corrosion. Check that safety caps on bolt ends are still in place.
Surface Condition: For wooden cubbies, look for splinters, rough patches, or areas where the protective coating has worn away. Sand any rough spots and reapply protective finish as needed. For plastic cubbies, check for cracks, brittleness, or UV damage.
Moving Parts: If your cubby has doors, shutters, or other moving parts, ensure they operate smoothly and don't pose pinch points for little fingers.
Age-Appropriate Supervision
No amount of safety engineering can replace appropriate adult supervision. The level of supervision required depends on your child's age, developmental stage, and the specific features of your cubby house.
For toddlers (1-3 years), constant close supervision is essential. Children this age are still developing their coordination and judgment, and they need an adult within arm's reach when playing on any elevated structure.
Preschoolers (3-5 years) can play with slightly less intensive supervision but should still have an adult nearby who is actively watching. Children in this age group often overestimate their abilities and underestimate risks.
School-age children (6+ years) can generally play more independently, but you should still be within earshot and conduct periodic check-ins. Make sure they understand the safety rules and the importance of following them.
Teaching Children Safe Play Habits
An often-overlooked aspect of cubby house safety is teaching children how to play safely. Take time to establish clear rules and explain the reasoning behind them. Children are more likely to follow rules when they understand why they exist.
💡 Essential Safety Rules to Teach Your Children
- One child on the ladder or slide at a time
- Always face forward when climbing down
- No pushing or rough play on elevated platforms
- Keep the cubby house floor clear of toys and obstacles
- Tell an adult immediately if something seems broken
- No climbing on the roof or railings
Weather Considerations for Australian Conditions
Australia's climate presents unique safety challenges. During extreme heat days, plastic and metal components can become hot enough to cause burns. Check surfaces before allowing play on hot days, and consider providing shade if your cubby is in full sun.
After storms, always inspect your cubby house before allowing children to play. Look for water damage, loosened anchors, or debris that may have fallen onto or into the structure. In areas prone to severe weather, consider having a plan to secure or disassemble lightweight structures before major storms.
Final Thoughts
A cubby house should be a source of joy and developmental benefit for your children, not a source of worry for you as a parent. By following proper installation procedures, conducting regular maintenance, providing appropriate supervision, and teaching safe play habits, you can minimise risks while maximising the wonderful benefits of outdoor play.
Remember, the goal isn't to eliminate all risk—that would eliminate the play value as well. Instead, aim to manage risks appropriately so children can explore, challenge themselves, and grow in a reasonably safe environment. With the right precautions in place, your cubby house will provide years of safe, imaginative play for your family.