Hazards to consider when delivering a play experience
During the course of play experiences, activities and spaces can become unsafe; for example water play activities may create slip hazards from water spilling onto the ground. The below outlines some helpful information should your play experience find some activities with hazards. You can also access the Safe and Secure checklist here to help manage you play experience safety.
Plants
If you are unsure about plants and gardens in your play space, you may want to check them against the Poison Plant Illustrations - Australian Plant Information. Gardens are a wonderful opportunity to grow flowers and food, but some leaves and fruits may be harmful to children if ingested. Plants and mushrooms | Queensland Poisons Information Centre also has illustrations available if you are not sure about the plants that are accessible in your play space.
Syringes/Needles (Sharps)
Some play experiences take place in public spaces, such as parks. Occasionally, a discarded needle or syringe may be found. Information is available from your local government on how best to manage discarded sharps. Alternatively, you may wish to contact your public health unit for further information.
Safety initiatives | Brisbane City Council
Public health units | Queensland Health
If you happen to come across a discarded syringe/needle in your play area, you may need to section off the area to ensure people do not come into contact with the sharp. Until such time a professional can safely dispose of the item. If you are comfortable doing so, you can put the syringe into a hard plastic container if there is not a sharps container available (such as a soft drink bottle). Do not attempt to recap the syringe, or to use a dustpan to sweep the syringe. This factsheet has further information on the safe handling and disposal of needles and syringes.
Chemicals
Common household items (such as detergents, soaps and cleaners) can harm children if they are ingested or cause irritation if they come into contact with skin and eyes. Storing these items out of reach or in lockable areas is key to ensuring that children are not able to touch these items. Ideally, chemicals should be in clearly labelled and original packaging and should be ‘child proof’. For more information, see Poisoning Information Sheet or call the poisons hotline on 13 11 26.