Mount Wellington outside gates BWOF audit

     

Recently Mt Wellington Playcentre had the council visit their centre to carry out a BWOF audit, which they not only passed but the council auditor was so impressed with the outdoor gates they took photographs to show other buildings a great, secure set-up that will comply with BWOF regulations. The council liked the fact the centre has access control from the outside with a code, but from the inside there are no special measures to get out – just a handle. The centre then also have tighter netting on the gate & fence to prevent reach around from the outside (i.e. break-ins), with the centre also having the same on their back gate.

This project was a labour of love for the centre members, but the council feedback definitely made the project worthwhile!

Tredsafe Bridge Correct Set Up

 

Tredsafe bridges, if higher than 600mm from the ground, MUST be installed on soft fall, although many of the Tredsafe bridges are required to ONLY be used below 600mm high from the ground.

The Tredsafe website has a PDF of important information regarding the setup of bridges. Click the below link and select Important Information.

https://playequipment.co.nz/important-info/

Helping to Prevent Winter Mould

Winter is the perfect season for mould growth due to the increased moisture levels combined with the reduced ventilation in centres. Mould can pose many serious health risks, such as respiratory issues, allergies, and skin irritation. Additionally, mould can cause significant damage to your centre if left unchecked.

To prevent and manage mould growth during the winter months, below are a few tips:

  • Control Indoor Humidity

Ideally, indoor humidity should be 30% to 50%. Use dehumidifiers, if needed, in areas prone to high humidity, such as basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Additionally, using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and opening windows periodically to allow fresh air to circulate will ensure proper ventilation.

  • Fix Leaks and Water Damage Promptly

Water leaks & damage can create ideal conditions for mould growth therefore it is important to inspect your centre regularly for signs of leaks, such as water stains, damp spots, or peeling paint. Pay particular attention to areas around plumbing fixtures, windows, doors and roofs.

If you find any leaks or water damage, please address them promptly by contacting the property admin team by phone or email.

  • Improve Ventilation

Ventilation is crucial for preventing mould growth, especially in areas that are prone to moisture buildup. Please ensure that your centre has adequate ventilation by using exhaust fans and opening windows periodically.

  • Keep Your Home Clean and Dry

Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent mould growth by removing potential food sources and reducing moisture levels.

Clean and dry surfaces promptly after any spills or water exposure and use mould-resistant cleaning products in areas prone to mould, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Obviously, these products may contain harmful chemicals and need to be stored out of children’s reach.

Regularly clean and vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery to remove dust and dirt that can contribute to mould growth.

Heating a Playcentre

Are you struggling to get your Playcentre heated to 18 degrees, as per licencing requirements? If so, please contact askproperty: [email protected].

Building Check

If you notice any recent damage to the exterior of your building, in the first instance please notify

[email protected]. Please include images and details of the damage.

Property FAQ

FAQ are available on the website,  Property FAQ’s | Playcentre/. These are updated as new questions are asked.

If you have had situations at your centre that you think other centres may appreciate knowing, please let us know at [email protected] and we can arrange for them to be added to the FAQ page of the Playcentre website.

Property Maintenance Records

Ensure that you keep a property folder with records of all maintenance you have completed at your Centre and who completed it. This should include bark and sand top ups with a record of the amount required, total cost, and the contractor who supplied/completed it. Property and playground checklists should also be kept in this folder. This will help members with future maintenance.

Property Projects

Playcentre Aotearoa ask that all centres email the admin team: [email protected] at the very start of a project when you are initially thinking about undertaking any project. This information will then be distributed to the appropriate property team member who may be in touch to discuss any potential support or issues, guidance and advice that may be identified by the team. This is for both playcentre funding assisted projects and non-playcentre funded projects. This includes building and playground projects. This could prevent costly mistakes!

Who are the Property Team Members?

The Property Team have recently welcomed a few temporary staff to help with the workload. KK Lim is our Contracts Lead, Alex Potts Tyro, Kim Forrester, Gayathri Saibaba and Skyler Chen are part of the Property Admin team, with Alex also assisting Mark Young with admin while he temporarily manages two job roles.

 Please click the link below to view the property team members contact details.

https://www.playcentre.org.nz/learnwithus/property/property-contacts/