Common questions about Flexitec Pavers for Play
Areas
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Do
Flexitec Fallsafe pavers conform to Australian Standards? |
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Yes.
Fallsafe pavers have been tested for Safe Fall Height in
accordance with the test method specified in AS4685:2004.
In general, the Safe Fall Height rating of a playground surface
should be no less than the maximum height of that part of
the equipment to which the child has reasonable access. Flexitec
rubber pavers can provide Safe Fall Heights up to 3.1 metres,
depending on the product. |
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How is "Safe
Fall Height" measured to this Standard? |
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The
surface to be tested is placed on a concrete base in the
laboratory and then a standard metal "headform" is
dropped onto the surface and the forces on the headform are
measured by computers. The Safe Fall Height is the greatest
height from which the headform can be dropped without the
forces exceeding the specification in the Standard and depends
on the overall thickness and composition of the surface.
Flexitec pavers are made using computer-controlled equipment unique
in Australia so that every paver meets the specifications quoted. |
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Will the
Safe Fall Height rating of a surface improve if tested on
a sand base? |
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Yes.
Tests performed on a soft base such as sand will achieve
artificially higher Safe Fall Heights than tests over a solid
base such as concrete.
The Test Method specified in AS4685:2004 states that "specimens
shall be tested over a rigid base of adequate mass and thickness
that will not increase the drop height. A concrete slab is recommended."
All Safe Fall Heights quoted by Flexitec Pacific are tested over
a concrete base.
When comparing Safe Fall Height ratings of different materials, Playground
Supervisors must know the base on which the product was tested as
the Safe Fall Height of any surface falls significantly over time
if installed over sand. |
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Can Flexitec
pavers be laid over sand? |
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Yes......but
we don't recommend it. The impact absorption ability of pavers
installed over a soft base such as sand will become lower
over time as the sand moves and packs down. Subsidence of
the base in high-traffic areas at the bottom of slides, under
swings and around roundabouts etc. will cause puddles to
remain after rain. |
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How are these
pavers installed? |
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Fallsafe
pavers can be installed by professional contractors or by
voluntary labour over any solid sub-base, including concrete,
asphalt, bricks or crushed rock. No special tools or skills
are needed. |
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How long
will they last? |
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All
Flexitec pavers carry a five year warranty subject to correct
installation and fair wear and tear, although their serviceable
life could be ten years or more. Flexitec pavers are moulded
using high temperatures and pressures in a closely controlled
process so that every Flexitec paver has the same high density
and hard-wearing properties. Combined with a new technology
adhesive, Flexitec pavers give a surface with unequalled
performance when subjected to the wear and tear of play areas. |
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Are Fallsafe
pavers expensive? |
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The
cost of Flexitec Fallsafe Pavers will equate to around $15
per square metre for each year of the warranty period. |
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Are Fallsafe
pavers appropriate for people with mobility restrictions? |
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Fallsafe
pavers are one of the few playground surfaces suitable for
wheelchair traffic. |
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