What Safety Standards Should Playground Equipment Meet?

Ensuring that your school's playground is both safe and conducive to children's development is a top priority.

At AMV Playgrounds, with over 30 years of experience in the industry, we understand how vital it is for playground equipment to meet stringent safety standards while also promoting physical and cognitive development.

Here we will guide you through the essential safety standards that playground furniture should meet in the UK to ensure your pupils' well-being.

BS EN 1176 - The Gold Standard for Playground Safety

The BS EN 1176 standard is the benchmark for playground equipment safety in the UK. This set of standards covers everything from the design and installation to the inspection and maintenance of equipment.

The parts are published as below:

Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods

Part 2: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for swings

Part 3: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for slides

Part 4: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for runways

Part 5: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for carousels

Part 6: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for rocking equipment

Part 7: Guidance for installation, inspection, maintenance and operation

Part 10: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for fully enclosed play equipment

Part 11: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for spatial networks.

They are not a legal requirement for playground furniture manufacturers or installers but represent best practice guidelines to follow and adhere to.

When you are evaluating new playground furniture ensuring it complies with BS EN 1176 means you are promoting a safe play environment.

Key areas this standard covers include:

Safe materials: Equipment must be built from materials that are non-toxic, durable, and free from harmful chemicals.

Design and construction: The design should minimize the risk of injury by eliminating sharp edges, potential entrapment points, or spaces where children can get stuck.

Structural integrity: Equipment must be robust enough to withstand heavy use and varying weather conditions (this is particularly relevant to the UK).

BS EN 1177 - Impact Attenuation of Surfacing

While choosing the right playground furniture is critical, so is ensuring that the surfacing beneath it meets safety standards. The BS EN 1177 standard focuses on impact-absorbing surfaces, essential for reducing the risk of injury from falls.

It applies to the impact test methods for determining the impact attenuation of surfacing.

For example, surfaces like rubber mulch, wet pour rubber, or synthetic grass can cushion falls from height, preventing serious injuries like broken bones or concussions. The surfacing material must be tested for critical fall height (the maximum height from which a child could fall without sustaining a head injury), ensuring the chosen material corresponds with the height of the equipment.

BS EN 1177 is based on the safety principles given in BS EN 1176 Part 1 for playground equipment and provides a method for the assessment of impact attenuation of surfaces intended for use in the impact area as defined in BS EN 1176 Part 1.

Equality Act 2010

Schools are required to make playgrounds accessible to all children - including those with disabilities.

Equipment designed with inclusivity in mind not only meets safety standards but also promotes equality in play; fostering social inclusion from a young age.

The Act defines disability as a ‘physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities.’

With this definition taken into consideration schools should take reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils, which extends to playground accessibility.

Final Thoughts

Ensuring playground equipment meets the correct safety standards is non-negotiable for protecting your students.

Here at AMV Playgrounds, we are here to support you every step of the way. From helping you navigate safety standards to designing a space that will inspire learning and growth, we provide expertise you can trust.

Contact our team today on telephone 01704 898 919, email sales@amvplaygrounds.co.uk