Prüfung nach DIN EN 1176 für Spielplätze
According to the rules and regulations of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), playground operators must ensure that the safety of the playground equipment is guaranteed at all times. Thus, regular maintenance and inspection of playgrounds, play equipment and playground floors according to DIN EN 1176 is essential. The regular inspections should be executed by qualified personnel. Our experts carry out the initial inspection of playgrounds and playground equipment in schools, kindergartens and public facilities as well as performing the annual and quarterly inspections in accordance with DIN EN 1176.
Within the scope of inspections by TÜV NORD, any defects found are recorded in an inspection report by the respective playground inspector with corresponding photo documentation. The playground operator is responsible for rectifying the defectsr. This DIN EN 1176 inspection documentation serves as proof that the playground operator has fulfilled his duty to ensure safety - an important component in safety management and occupational health and safety.
What services are included in the annual main inspection?
What services are included in the quarterly inspection?
After a successful playground inspection, you will receive a certificate and a test mark in accordance with DIN EN 1176. You can use the test mark, for example, to mark the playground sign at the entrance to the playground. This makes it immediately visible that the playground equipment meets the safety requirements.
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Playground operators are required to determine the shock absorption of playground floors and the critical fall height at the playground with the help of DIN EN 1177. The term "critical fall height" refers to the maximum height up to which the playground floor still provides sufficient shock absorption if, for example, a child falls from the swing onto the ground. Depending on the floor material used, the maximum fall height is already 0.60m.
In order to check whether the shock absorption of playground floors is sufficient, various key figures must be taken into account. The same applies to the critical fall height and the selection of floor materials. Besides fall protection slabs, operators also use loose materials such as sand, gravel or wood or wood chips for fall protection of their playground. Here, other requirements apply to the test procedure
TÜV NORD supports you as a competent partner in testing of your playgrounds according to the DIN EN 1177 standard.
TÜV NORD is your reliable internationally recognized partner for testing and certification services. Our experts and auditors have in-depth knowledge and support you in the certification process with objective feedback. We guarantee independence and neutrality as well as continuity of support - worldwide: Thanks to our global network, we can offer you our testing and certification services across borders.
The care and maintenance of playground equipment is specified in DIN EN 1176, Part 7. The manufacturer specifies the corresponding inspection intervals for the playground equipment to the playground operator. The operator must ensure that the safety of the playground equipment is guaranteed at all times. At least once a week, a visual inspection should be carried out by the playground operator; however, shorter inspection intervals may be necessary in the case of very heavy use. Every three months, a so-called "operational inspection" must be carried out by qualified personnel. Once a year, the annual main inspection is due, e.g. by TÜV NORD, during which the condition of foundations and material is checked.
The annual main inspection and the quarterly inspection are carried out on site and include a list of all playground equipment found, the compilation of a list of defects, inspection of safety areas and boundaries to traffic areas, and photographic documentation of playground equipment (if necessary, of damage pictures). If serious defects are found on playground equipment, the playground operator is notified directly. The playground operator must then immediately block the playground equipment in question
The documentation of the playground inspection must be saved. It serves as proof, e.g. in the event of accidents, that the playground operator has fulfilled his duty to ensure road safety. On the other hand, the documentation ensures a check on whether the identified defects have actually been eliminated. In addition, the photo documentation made during the inspections provides valuable support in identifying the defects found and in their subsequent elimination. It is thus a highly simplifying instrument in the safety management of the playgrounds.
Inspection and verification by an independent, neutral inspection body
Fulfilment of the obligation to ensure road safety
Legally compliant documentation of playground inspection
Upon successful inspection: right to use the test mark "Annual playground inspection" in accordance with DIN EN 1176
The annual main inspection of playgrounds basically includes the determination of the general operationally safe condition of facilities, foundations and surfaces by an expert. It also serves as proof that the operator has fulfilled his obligation to ensure road safety. The operationally safe condition can be impaired, for example, by the effects of weather (rotting and corrosion), changes in safety of the installation (repairs carried out or additionally installed or replaced parts of the installation), but also by vandalism. Depending on the equipment, this may also make it necessary to excavate or expose certain parts of the playground equipment. Our scope of services includes the following inspections:
Construction
Stability
Dimensions
Connecting elements
Bearing
Free fall height
Safety distances
Handrails
Stairways
Balustrades
Degrees of wear
Fall protection
Roof surfaces
Crushing and shearing points
Catch points for the head, body of swinging masses
Ropes
Rope attachments
Handholds
Seats
Sliding surfaces
Seating areas
After a successful inspection, a certificate is issued stating that the inspection has been carried out in accordance with the current legal requirements. In addition, an inspection badge is awarded. This badge can be used to mark the regular inspection on the playground sign located at the entrance.
The quarterly inspections build on the test results of the previous annual main inspection. The test reports of the quarterly inspections thus also include the elimination of defects in playground equipment identified during the main inspection. If, for example, advanced rotting of wooden components of the equipment structure was detected during the previous inspection without the equipment having to be immediately blocked, the progress of the rotting is also checked during the quarterly inspections and, if necessary, information is provided on the immediate blocking of the play equipment.
The operator of a playground facility must do everything to avert potential dangers, as he or she is responsible for ensuring the safety of the entire playground facility. This also includes dangers that may arise, for example, from damage to the playground equipment. Regular inspection and maintenance, as provided by the manufacturers of the playground equipment, in coordination with the cycle of DIN EN 1176, reduces the liability risk for playground operators.