AHCPGD311 Conduct Operational Inspection of Park Facilities

"This Course offers an operational level of experience and understanding of park inspection, and is suited for those undertaking a monthly to quarterly check of park facilities, as part of their normal duties, for example, team leader of a parks area."

About the Course

This Nationally Recognised training course will provide participants with the skills and knowledge to conduct an operational inspection of park or recreation facilities to identify hazards, existing and potential risks, and non-conformities with Australian Standards and work health and safety requirements.

Who Should Attend?

This course is aimed at those responsible for conducting operational inspections of park or recreation facilities. These individuals take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures. This may include playground operators, those in a supervisory or maintenance role, such as Council staff and educational maintenance staff.

OUTCOME:

Statement of Attainment for AHCPGD311 Conduct operational inspection of Park Facilities and AHCPGD212 Conduct visual inspection of Park Facilities.

DETAILED COURSE INFORMATION

Attendees will gain knowledge and skills about playground safety and operational playground inspections through a combination of theory and practical training followed by a knowledge and skills assessment, both written and practical. This will ensure they are well prepared for their workplace requirements.

This unit is derived from the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package and is accepted as an industry standard qualification.

The attendee will gain knowledge on identifying and reporting on Playground and Park Facilities including:

• All issues included in a Routine Inspection
• Checking for damage on high use/wear areas or exposed footings
• Material deterioration of of surfacing or sub-surface failure
• Ensuring no water penetration into structure or fittings or bulging
• Foundations and structures are free of movement, rot or corrosion
• Ensure handrails, guard rails, barriers, decks, platforms and bolts are secure
• Missing End caps, grommets on bolts, screws, sharp edges, splintering or cracks 
• Loose items brought into playground - ropes, logs or rocks
• Slip potential of moss, mould, unhygienic matter
• Ensure ropes, chains, cable, nets cabins and tyres have wear no greater than 40% 
• Ensure no modifications or cuts to play equipment
• Ensure no frayed, broken cable strands needing repair
• Checking seat and pivot connections tight and s-hooks for closure
• Ensure seat clearance from round min or 350 mm, tyre swing 400mm
• Ensure sand pits have no ponding or drainage issues, foreign objects raked
• Does park have good visibility for supervision

In Depth Syllabus:

• Child development & the importance of play

• Accidents: type, frequency, severity, and risk

• Legislation: appropriate Acts of Parliament and how they may affect the operator and the inspector

• Provision recommendations for playgrounds, play value, disability assessment

• AS4685:2021, AS4685.0:2017, AS4422:2021, AS3533.4.2:2013

• Documentation, reporting and the importance of record keeping

• The incorporation of information resulting from Routine and Annual Inspections

• A logical and systemic approach to inspection including risk assessment and risk- benefit

• Operational inspection approaches to playgrounds, including signs, traffic, road barriers, surfaces

• Operational inspection of the immediate playground surroundings such as the vegetation, fences, and gates

• Operational inspection of the active playground area within the fenced surround, i.e., seats, litter bins and other non-play items

• Operational inspection of specific play equipment or play features including surfacing

• Operational inspection of natural play elements

• Common faults on popular items

• Checking of maintenance and other playground actions are taken

COURSE MODE AND FEE

FACE TO FACE DELIVERY(2 days training)

The course will be delivered through a combination of face-to-face delivery in a classroom setting and practical exercises within the students’ workplace. This course comprises a combination of theory and practical training followed by a knowledge and skills assessment. The following schedule is customised to suit learners who are existing workers within local councils or private organisations. Participants may hold positions in various organisations and industries and should be seeking to ensure safety and functionality of equipment and facilities in parks and playgrounds. A pre-course questionnaire will be completed prior to the face to face delivery to assess each participants existing knowledge of working within the horticulture industry.

ONLINE DELIVERY

The course will be delivered through our online Learning Management System. The course is self-paced and students will have 6 weeks to complete the course from the start date. The following schedule is customised to suit learners who are existing workers within local councils or private organisations. Participants may hold positions in various organisations and industries and should be seeking to ensure safety and functionality of equipment and facilities in parks and playgrounds. A pre-course questionnaire must be completed prior to undertaking the course modules to assess each participants existing knowledge of working within the horticulture industry.

Requirements:

This course has no prerequisites; however, participants are required to be over 18 years of age, be in good health and physically fit; and be responsible for their health and safety during the course. Participants arerequired to wear appropriate PPE.

Attendees who wish to refresh their competency must already hold the Nationally Recognised statement of attainment for AHCPGD212 Conduct Visual Inspection of Park Facilities and AHCPGD311 Conduct Operational Inspection of Park Facilities (or equivalent course code).

EQUIPMENTS

• Personal protective equipments (PPE)

• Notebook and writing materials

• Smartphone with camera and internet access

• Site plans and workplace procedure documents

• 300mm screwdriver

• Tape measure

• For online delivery: Computer with Chrome browser and reliable internet connection

Career Opportunities and Pathways

Possible job roles after successful completions of the course may include:

• Park supervisor

• Park maintenance personnel

• Park inspector
   

The following qualifications are suggested study pathways to further broaden skills and knowledge:

• AHC31021 - Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

• AHC31421 - Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

• AHC30722 - Certificate III in Horticulture