Standards DIN EN 1176 and 1177 essentially specify the impact-attenuating properties required for safety surfacing in playgrounds. It is about maximum fall heights and impact energy and, ultimately, about preventing serious injuries in playgrounds. In contrast to other standards, for example DIN EN 14877 on surfaces for outdoor sports areas, there are no further requirements for playground surfaces other than the impact attenuating properties and basic specifications for materiality and installation. Particularly in view of the increasing importance of sustainability criteria, the question of the durability of playground safety surfacing also arises. In this context, abrasion resistance should be of particular interest. And not only for ecological or economic reasons. Furthermore, the safety of a ‘played and worn-out’ surface should also be addressed.

The question is, of course, primarily directed at permanently installed surfaces such as in-situ synthetic surfaces or impact protection tiles, and possibly also synthetic turf. Bulk materials such as sand, bark mulch or wood chips are not considered here, as they generally have to be checked for fill level and refilled if necessary. With permanently installed surface coverings, however, it is somewhat different. Here, it is even quite difficult to determine whether the condition of a surface that has been in use for some time still meets the requirements. For this purpose, an on-site test is necessary. However, it is equally difficult to determine when the time has come to do so.