Safety of playground equipment and surface

KOMAG Laboratory of Material Engineering and Environment offers  accredited tests of playground equipment and surface, according to the requirements of the following standards:

PN-EN 1176-1 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 1. General safety requirements and test methods,

PN-EN 1176-2 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 2. Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for swings,

PN-EN 1176-3 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 3. Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for slides,

PN-EN 1176-5 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 5. Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for merry-go-rounds,

PN-EN 1176-6 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 6. Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for rocking equipment,

PN-EN 1176-10 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 10. Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for fully enclosed play equipment ,

PN-EN 1176-11 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 11 Additional requirements and test methods for spatial network,

PN-EN 1177 Impact attenuating playground surfacing. Determination of critical fall height.

 

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The range of tests includes components of playground equipment, e.g.:

  • swings in the scope of:
    • vertical clearance of seats,
    • the smallest distance between seats as well as stability of swing seats, which have more than one point of suspension,
    • way and condition of seats' suspensions ,
    • design and division of swings into sections,
    • dimension of falling area,
    • type and condition of protections against jumping,
  • slides in the scope of:
    • access to the slide,
    • condition and dimensions of starting section, sliding section, exit section, protecting barriers and profile,
    • falling area,
  • merry-go rounds in the scope of:
    • rotational speed,
    • condition and dimensions,
    • minimal required space and height of free fall,
  • rocking equipment in the scope of:
    • braking method,
    • dimensions of components,
    • size of falling area,
  • fully enclosed equipment in the scope of:
    • emergency exits and visibility,
    • protection against fall,
    • size of fall zone and free zone as well as collision area,
    • condition of joints and ropes,
  • spatial network in the scope of:
    • protection against falling and injuries,
    • dimension of load bearing components.

The scope of tests includes assessment of general safety conditions of playground equipment, including among others:

  • condition of metal components and of equipment finish,
  • accessibility for adults who assist while playing,
  • protection against fall and body trapping,
  • sizes of safety zones,
  • condition and dimensions of access equipment, including: ladders, stairs and ramps,
  • condition of joints, wearable components and movable components,
  • condition and dimensions of ropes and chains,
  • completeness of marking.

The offer of accredited tests also includes a determination of critical fall height (head injury criteria – HIC) for playground surfacing absorbing impacts.

Moreover the Laboratory offers: periodical inspections of playground technical condition and trainings, for their supervisors.