BSEN1176
What Are BSEN1176 Standards
The British and European Standard for playground equipment and surfacing that safety measures and guidelines are set by.
The Standard
The Standard (EN 1176) is published in seven parts: 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.
The latest changes were made in 2017, with some more due later in 2019 or early 2020.
In the event of legal claims or disputes, reference should be made to the full Standards, copies of which are available from BSI Publications, 389 Chiswick Road, London, W4 4AL
Background
Playground standards are not retrospective or, currently, a legal requirement but represent good practice in the event of an accident claim. Their limitations should be recognised: mere compliance will not automatically create a safe playground. Like previous playground standards they are intended to be used intelligently.
Equipment installed before the current standards were published is likely to have met the previous standards, dating back through the years to the first applicable British Standard in 1959.
Assessing to the new standard
Old equipment may not meet the changing standards. This does not necessarily mean it is unsafe and our advice is to not panic, and ensure that it is inspected by an expert who understands the standards such as Playfix Services or The Play Inspector Ltd. We will be able to give an indication of what, if any, remedial work is needed to adjust items.
New equipment
New equipment should meet EN 1176.