The child, from Kadina, accompanied by his mother, was in the specially designed toddler playground adjacent to the Clare Skate Park when he put his hands on a square metal platform, leading from one piece of equipment to another.

The platform is one of two linking the equipment, and the only items, apart from swing chains, not covered in, or made out of heavy duty plastic.

Clare and Gilbert Valleys council chief executive officer Roy Blight said he was appalled by the incident, which has widespread implications for newly installed equipment throughout the district.

“From our (council’s) point of view this is a very distressing incident, and something we are very sorry about,” Mr Blight said.

“We have spent a lot of money to provide playgrounds and ensure they are safe for children.

“We have taken this issue up with the manufacturers to see what can be done.”

Warning signs have been placed at the playground advising of hot surfaces on high temperature days, while the council waits for a response from the equipment’s manufacturer.

The council is also considering installing shade sails above the playground.

The council’s risk manager Pat Flood said she had spoken to the manufacturer yesterday morning and asked them for an immediate solution to the problem, and has suggested covering the metal platforms with synthetic grass carpet as an interim measure.

A spokeswoman for the manufacturer declined to comment on the situation, denying the council had contacted them, and that they were unaware of any problems associated with their equipment.