How do you make the ground under a climbing frame safe?

Impact-absorbing surfacing is required where the free height of fall exceeds 60 cm. This is stipulated by BS EN 1176 for playground equipment within its scope. For climbing frames intended exclusively for domestic use, BS EN 71-8 applies instead.

Suitable options include playground safety mats made from rubber granulate, provided their critical fall height, determined in accordance with BS EN 1177, is at least equal to the climbing frame’s free height of fall. Loose-fill surfacing, such as bark mulch, woodchips, sand or gravel with a 2 to 8 mm grain size, may also be used. It must be installed in line with BS EN 1176 and regularly topped up to maintain the required depth.

The impact-absorbing surfacing must cover the entire impact area. For a free height of fall up to 150 cm, it must extend at least 150 cm beyond the vertical projection of the elevated parts of the equipment. Above this height, the minimum extension is two thirds of the free height of fall plus 50 cm.

The sub-base must be level and load-bearing before installation. Stones, glass, sharp edges and other hard objects must be removed.

Regular inspections should cover damage, loose connections and, for loose-fill surfacing, the depth of the layer. Individual safety tiles can be replaced where necessary.