What conditions should a public playground meet? All about regulations and standards.

The European standards for playgrounds are EN 1176 and EN 1177, and their Polish equivalents are PN-EN 1176 and PN-EN 1177. They were first published in 1998 and are largely based on the British and German standards. PN-EN 1176 consists of nine parts. It applies to all playgrounds and the equipment on those playgrounds, as well as other elements that are not used for play.  

In contrast, EN 1177 applies to all fall-absorbing surfaces for playground play.  

The premise of the standards is a safe playground and the safety of the children using it. Below we will zoom in on the exact requirements for playgrounds contained in the standards and the guidelines governing the condition of playground surfaces. In our opinion, the construction of playgrounds for public use should begin with familiarization with these regulations. This will benefit both playground users and playground administrators and builders

Playground design - what do EN 1176 and EN 1177 standards cover?

The full scope of EN 1176 includes the following parts:

• EN 1176-1:2017-12 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods.
• EN 1176-2+AC:2020-01 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 2: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for swings.
• EN 1176-3:2017-12 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 3: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for slides.
• EN 1176-4+AC:2019-03 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 4: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for roller coasters.
• EN 1176-5:2020-03 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 5: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for merry-go-rounds.
• EN 1176-6+AC:2019-03 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 6: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for rocking equipment.
• EN 1176-7:2020-09 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 7: Guidelines for installation, inspection, maintenance and operation.
• EN 1176-10:2009 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 10: Additional safety requirements and test methods for fully enclosed playground equipment.
• EN 1176-11:2014-11 Playground equipment and surfacing. Part 11: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for spatial network.

However, when it comes to the method of testing pavements, all issues in this area are defined in PN-EN 1177+AC:2019-04 "Fall-absorbing playground surfaces. Methods for determining impact absorption".

Detailed recommendations governing the requirements and safety rules in accordance with EN 1176 

The following general guidelines for safety requirements apply to all equipment for a public playground. However, it should be noted that this list is not exhaustive, and for a more complete picture it is recommended to read the full content of the standard. In addition, it is worth noting that for individual playground equipment (e.g., swings, slides, merry-go-rounds) there are - in addition to those listed below - additional, more specific requirements governing playground safety, which are defined by specific sections of the standard.

General safety requirements and standards

• Multi-functional devices (e.g. swings and merry-go-rounds) should be checked for safety considering all the functions offered. 
• The size of the equipment and the difficulty of play should be adapted to the age of the children who will use it. 
• Risks associated with equipment should always be obvious and easy to spot. 
• Water (rain) should not accumulate on the equipment, unless the design of the equipment provides for such a condition.
• The equipment must be accessible to adults.
• Closed equipment, such as tunnels longer than 2 meters, should have at least two entrances to allow evacuation.
• The playground must have an information board with the details of the person responsible for maintaining the area. It is also advisable to post the address of the playground and telephone numbers for emergency services. There should be a phone booth near the playground to make it easier to call for help.
• Equipment built into the pavement must be marked by the manufacturer with a visible base level marking, which facilitates the control of the stability of the equipment and proper maintenance of the pavement.
• Each device should be labeled with the manufacturer's name and address, serial number, and the date and number of the standard that determines its compliance with the requirements.

Protection against jamming and impacts

• When selecting materials and equipment, it is necessary to take into account the possibility that they may change in size, shape or position during use.
• V-shaped openings facing downward at an angle of less than 60° should be avoided. 
• The tunnels must meet the requirements of Section 4.2.7.4 of EN 1176-1 to prevent the child from getting stuck. 
• Openings that are more than 600 mm above the ground (including playground fences) and are easily accessible to children cannot pass the tests specified in the standard.
• V-shaped openings in the free area or just in front of it (e.g., when swinging) should be designed to prevent hair or clothing from being caught.
• The protruding parts of the equipment must be designed so as not to cause hair or clothing to become jammed.
• Slides, firefighter slides and canopies accessible to users must pass clothing jamming tests in accordance with EN 1176-1.
• On the surface where children walk or run, there must be no gaps larger than 30 mm that could jam the foot (except for surfaces inclined at an angle greater than 45°). 
• Holes that may change their shape or size during play must have a minimum diameter of 12 mm, which will prevent fingers from getting stuck.
• Gaps within the free space or openings, the lower limit of which is more than 1 m above the ground, should have a diameter of less than 9 mm or more than 23 mm.
• Ropes attached at one end must not form loops that could catch the user.
• Ropes attached at both ends must not form loops that will not pass the appropriate tests with test probes.
• Ropes that are connected to other equipment must not pose a jamming hazard. 
• - Keep adequate distances between moving parts of equipment or between fixed parts and moving parts to prevent crushing of fingers or limbs.
• Devices that increase the force of a fall (e.g., swings, slides, merry-go-rounds) must meet additional safety requirements.
• Items weighing more than 25 kg that hang over users must be suspended at least 40 cm above the surface and at least 23 cm from other equipment (except swings).
• Spaces in bridges between rigidly attached and moving parts should never be less than 23 cm, even when pivoting.

Protection from falls during playground operations

• Where possible, equipment should be equipped with railings and handholds
• Railings on platforms and ramps should start from the lowest point.
• Up to a height of 60 cm above the ground, no barriers or guards are required.
• Equipment above 60 cm should have railings and playground surfaces that cushion falls.
• With a fall height of less than 1 m, guardrails are not required, but a suitable surface is necessary. 
• For fall heights of 1 to 2 meters, guardrails and a safe surface are required.
• For equipment where the fall height exceeds 2 meters, barriers and a shock-absorbing surface are required.
• Handrails must be installed at a height of 60-85 cm, and their diameter should not exceed 60 mm.
• Shields should surround the platform, except for the entrance area, and the width of the entrances should not exceed 50 cm.
• Barriers on equipment accessible to children should be at least 70 cm above the surface, surrounding the entire platform, except for the entrance area.
• Do not use horizontal slats that can serve as climbing steps.
• Elements for grasping should have a diameter of 16 mm to 45 mm, and those not intended to support the body not more than 60 mm.
• Climber and steps should be stable, with equal distances between them and level. 
• Stairs at a height of up to 1 m can have guards instead of barriers, and the space under the guard should be less than 60 cm.
• Stairs at a height of more than 2 meters should have an intermediate platform for safe passage.
• Slopes should have a constant slope of up to 38° and be equipped with railings, handrails or guards.
• Ropes attached at one end should be 25-45 mm in diameter, and those attached at both ends should be 16-45 mm.
• Loose pavements should be replenished, paying attention to depressions in areas of heavy use.
• Damaged synthetic surfaces should be repaired immediately.   

Collision protection - passive safety in playgrounds

• The free area (the space a child occupies while playing) should not overlap with other zones or the fall area.
• In the free area, there must be no obstacles that the child can hit, but items that lift the user are allowed.
• Paths must not run through a vacant area.
• Suspension ropes 1-2 m must be 600 mm from other equipment, 900 mm from swaying equipment (including other ropes). Ropes 2-4 m should be at least 1 m away from other equipment.
• The free fall height must not exceed 3 meters.
• There must be no obstacles in the fall area (except for certain exceptions).
• Platforms over 1 m must have a safe surface in the fall area.
• Hard surfaces can only be used for falls of up to 600 mm, for higher equipment a shock-absorbing surface is required.
• Grass surface is allowed in playgrounds for fall heights of up to 1m.
• Equivalents (over 25 kg) must be placed at a height of at least 400 mm, with a movement restriction of 100 mm and a minimum of 230 mm away from the supporting elements.

Protection against inadequate finishing or defects in construction. 

• The materials used in the construction must comply with standards and be weatherproof.
• Equipment surfaces must not release toxins.
• Reflective materials should not be used on pavements.
• It is necessary to comply with building regulations.
• Wooden parts should be protected from rotting. Only wood that does not break or crumble is acceptable.
• Metal components must be protected from corrosion with non-toxic anti-corrosion coatings.
• Laminated plastics in slides should be properly tempered to prevent contact with fiberglass after use.
• Hazardous substances such as asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, lubricants, tar, carbolineum and polybiphenyl chloride are not allowed.
• All materials in the equipment must not peel or chip.
• Protruding nails, rivets, screws, nuts, sharp ends of wires or ropes are not allowed. Rough surfaces must not be hazardous.
• Corners and edges must be rounded with a minimum radius of 3 mm.
• Connections must be protected from disconnection and loosening, such as by drying out wooden parts.
• Components that wear out quickly should be easy to replace and protected from self-removal.
• Wire ropes must not be stretched and must be protected from corrosion.
• Chains must meet the requirements of ISO 1834, with a maximum hole size of 8.6 mm, with the exception of connectors, where holes can range from 8.6 mm to 12 mm.
• Foundations must meet the requirements of EN 1176-1, including the appropriate height of pedestals (from 200 mm to 400 mm below the playing surface).

Thus, the standard specifies requirements to protect children from hazards they cannot foresee when using playground equipment in a manner consistent with its intended use or in a manner that can be reasonably foreseen.

Responsibility of owner, administrator, contractor of playground for non-compliance with standards

The key idea is that the standards are a tool for playground administrators to define rules for safe play for children, and should not be treated as a list of prohibitions on what children are not allowed to do. The use of a standard, however, does not relieve the playground manager of ongoing concern for safety and minimizing the risks associated with playground use.

Failure to comply with EN 1176 carries serious legal consequences, which can include both civil and criminal liability. Here are the main legal consequences that may affect playground owners and companies involved in the manufacture, installation or maintenance of equipment.

Civil liability

Compensation for accidents: in the event of an accident occurring on a device that does not comply with EN 1176, the injured person (such as a child) or his guardians may claim compensation. If an injury occurs as a result of improper manufacture of the device or incorrect installation of the device, the company responsible for installation or maintenance may be required to pay for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and compensation for suffering.

Claims and civil claims: playground owners who fail to comply with safety standards may face civil claims from injured parties, including parents of children who are injured while playing on the equipment. This can lead to the need to pay compensation.

Criminal liability

Negligence of safety duties: failure to comply with safety standards can result in criminal liability, especially if an accident occurs due to improper installation, use or maintenance of playgrounds. If a serious accident occurs on a playground as a result of negligence, the perpetrators may be fined, and in cases of particularly serious negligence (e.g., fatal accidents) may face imprisonment.

Violation of the law - according to health and life protection laws, if a device is substandard, the person responsible for its installation or maintenance can be fined, and in cases of specific serious negligence (e.g., fatal accidents) - punished with imprisonment.

Administrative responsibility

Administrative penalties and fines - local authorities or other bodies responsible for supervising playgrounds may impose administrative penalties, including fines, on playground owners or companies responsible for installing equipment. This applies if the equipment does not comply with standards and poses a danger to users.

Stopping the use of equipment: in extreme cases, the authorities can order the closure of a playground until the defect is corrected and the equipment is brought into compliance with EN 1176. Such decisions cause serious financial and reputational damage.

Withholding a public grant or subsidy

Loss of public funds: where a public playground is financed with public funds (e.g., grants or EU funds), failure to comply with applicable standards may lead to the loss of such funds. Playground owners may be required to repay what they have received or withhold further subsidy payments if equipment does not meet safety requirements.

Loss of reputation and public trust

Increased legal risk and loss of customers: companies that fail to comply with safety standards can lose the trust of customers, both private investors and public institutions. Public information about an accident or negligence results in a serious loss of reputation, with consequent negative impact on the company's business.

To avoid the aforementioned consequences, it is the responsibility of playground administrators to periodically inspect playground equipment and the playground area. Any minor damages and defects must be urgently repaired before they develop into serious threats to the safety of playground users.

Why bet on certified playground manufacturers?

The legal consequences of failing to comply with EN 1176 standards on playgrounds are serious and include both civil liability (damages) and criminal liability (fines or imprisonment). In addition, playground owners and companies involved in the manufacture and installation of equipment can face administrative fines, loss of public funds and insurance problems. Therefore, adherence to safety standards and regular inspection of playgrounds are key to ensuring safe conditions of use and avoiding legal consequences.

So instead of taking an untested manufacturer and then worrying about the requirements for playgrounds and the safety of the children using them, it is better to partner with an experienced company. How to find a company whose products meet safety standards? Why do I actually need such a manufacturer? Deciding on such a company, you can be sure that the playground equipment meets PN-EN 1176 standards and has the necessary certificates. It is worth going to the website of such a company, read reviews on the Internet, see their equipment on already completed investments. You can always call and ask about technical issues. Such a company will also recommend you fitters, experienced in implementing projects that comply with the standards. In this way you will create a safe playground where children can play carefree, and at the same time you will ensure a clear conscience and a calm head, because you will have guarantees that you have done everything in accordance with the regulations.

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