Reliably Assessing Safety on Playgrounds

Impact-absorbing surfaces play a crucial role in ensuring safety on playgrounds. To ensure they reliably fulfill their protective function, their shock-absorbing properties must meet applicable requirements. 

Whether they are made of plastic, sand, or wood chips, for example, we test fall protection surfaces professionally and in accordance with standards - both on-site at the playground and under defined conditions in the laboratory. In doing so, we determine, among other things, the critical fall height based on the HIC value (Head Injury Criterion) and evaluate the shock-absorbing properties of the fall protection system.

This provides manufacturers and operators with a solid basis for assessing the safety of their fall protection surfaces.

HIC Testing and Determination of the Critical Fall Height

In the event of a fall from playground equipment, the fall protection surface should reduce the resulting impact energy as effectively as possible. A key criterion for evaluating this property is the HIC value.

During the test, the impact behavior of the safety surfacing is examined. Based on the measurement results, it can be determined up to what fall height the tested surface provides sufficient shock-absorbing protection.

The determined critical fall height can then be compared with the free fall height of the respective playground equipment. This allows for an assessment of whether the existing fall protection is suitable for its intended use.

On-Site Testing of Fall Protection Surfaces

Safety surfacing changes over time as it is used. Weather, aging, wear and tear, contamination, or compaction of the material can affect its shock-absorbing properties.

An on-site inspection allows the actual condition of the fall protection surface to be assessed under real-world conditions. This is particularly relevant for operators of existing playgrounds who wish to have the effectiveness of their existing fall protection surfaces verified.

Our measurements provide verifiable results and help you professionally assess the condition of your fall protection areas and determine any necessary corrective actions.

Laboratory and Product Testing

In addition to tests at existing playgrounds, we also conduct laboratory and product testing on fall protection surfaces.

Under defined test conditions, the shock-absorbing properties of a fall protection system can be examined and the critical fall height determined. This enables a reproducible evaluation of different materials and fall protection systems.

Standard-Compliant Testing

The testing of fall protection surfaces is conducted in accordance with the normative requirements relevant to the respective area of application. We use appropriate measurement and testing methods to determine the shock-absorbing properties objectively and transparently.

This provides operators with a technically sound assessment of their fall protection surfaces and a reliable basis for the safe operation of their playground.

Have Your Fall Protection Surfacing Tested

Would you like to have the shock-absorbing properties of a fall protection surface tested or the critical fall height determined?

Contact us. We’ll advise you on the appropriate test and perform the necessary measurements in the lab or directly on-site.