Safety surfacing on playgrounds

Playgrounds require surfaces that not only cushion falls but also allow water to drain effectively—often with a gravel layer beneath. Additional fleece layers may be used to keep loose materials like sand, wood chips, or bark mulch from mixing with the base. Natural grass or soil can only protect children from very low fall heights, whereas synthetic options such as safety tiles, in-situ surfaces, or synthetic turf are designed for falls up to three meters. Each material offers unique advantages, from the eco-friendliness of wood chips to the versatility and longevity of synthetic solutions.

With professional testing by ISP GmbH, playground operators can ensure their chosen surface meets DIN EN 1177 requirements, guaranteeing safer play for all.

Ensuring children’s well-being on playgrounds begins with selecting surfaces that effectively cushion falls, as required by DIN EN 1176. The protective capacity of these surfaces is measured through the Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and the gmax acceleration value, both of which must remain within strict limits (HIC 1000 and gmax 200) to minimize the risk of serious head injuries. DIN EN 1177:2024 provides detailed methods for determining whether a surface meets these benchmarks, using both laboratory and on-site drop tests. In the lab, experts establish the critical fall height of each material, while on-site testing verifies the safety of already-installed surfacing under real conditions. Because playground standards are regularly updated, it is essential that test reports stay current and accurately reflect the material’s ongoing performance.

At ISP GmbH, our accredited team carries out these tests with care and expertise, providing a comprehensive, standards-compliant report that ensures children can play safely—and parents and operators can rest easy.

Ensuring the safety of playground surfaces goes beyond meeting basic impact-attenuation rules set by DIN EN 1176 and 1177. While these standards focus on preventing serious injuries, they overlook long-term durability—an issue that affects both sustainability and safety. Recognizing this gap, ISP GmbH has developed a unique test device that simulates real-life wear by repeatedly applying the load of a ten-year-old child onto synthetic surfaces.

The “stress test” measures not only visible changes but also checks vital properties like thickness and tensile strength. By highlighting potential deterioration early, ISP GmbH research aims to inform new standards that promote safer, more sustainable playgrounds, reducing the risk of secondary microplastics. Ultimately, their goal is to ensure that playground surfaces remain robust, cost-effective, and capable of protecting children over time.

In legal contexts, expert opinions play a decisive role in assessing playground safety. They help determine liability, uncover design flaws, and identify potential hazards in safety surfacing. Reports may be commissioned by insurance companies, private parties, courts, or multiple stakeholders. Types of opinions - insurance, party, court, decisive, or arbitration - serve distinct purposes based on who orders them.

Whether confirming compliance or establishing responsibility, expert assessments must be clear and comprehensible. ISP GmbH offers professional reports to help you resolve disputes and maintain optimal safety standards for playground surfacing.