Safety Areas & Guidelines

Safety requirements on playgrounds

All play equipment installed in public areas must be inspected and maintained in accordance with the European standards guidance for installation, inspection, maintenance and operation: SS-EN 1176-7. Those who own or are responsible for operations, regardless of whether it is private or public ownership, have a great responsibility. The operator must ensure that routine operation and maintenance is carried out and that safety checks of the playground equipment are carried out on playgrounds and play environments. The people carrying out these checks should have a thorough understanding of the standard to be able to ensure that these are fully taken into account. For complete information, it is recommended that the current standard, SS-EN 1176, be used.

HAGS product guarantees only apply if inspections and maintenance are carried out according to the information in our Inspection & Maintanance guides. How often the inspections must be done varies depending on the type of equipment/material and other factors, e.g. use, risk of vandalism, climatic conditions, air pollution and the age of the equipment.

Safety requirements for outdoor gyms and fitness equipment

The new European standard has clarified safety issues and test methods for the outdoor equipment available on the market. It has also established a clear set of guidelines for the people working with specifications and procurement. Guidelines are also available so that all manufacturers understand recommendations relating to outdoor facilities. To further improve safety, simplify use and ensure that all fitness products pass the inspections, we have developed additional functions that complement the new standard SS-EN 16630. We do this by introducing effective marking with QR codes and internal stopping devices.

According to the SS-EN 16630 standard, all equipment must be labeled with information and instructions about exercises, the equipment's main functions and safety information. Our product range naturally meets the new standard. We go one step further by using QR codes for equipment use, for children, adolescents and adults over 1.4m tall. The QR codes also provide a pre-use medical safety assurance and a web link to training videos for new users.

We have also taken further steps to improve safety by fitting integrated stopping devices. The external stop devices on fitness equipment comply with SS-EN 16630, but the newly added integrated stop devices have reduced the risk of crushing hands and feet. The new integrated stop systems are now available for Air Skier, Air Walker and Lat Pull & Push equipment, for greater safety.

Safety area definitions

In this section, we explain the varying definitions of the generic term "Safety Area", as per the safety requirements stipulated by three prominent Standard entities: EN (European Norms), ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), and CSA (Canadian Standards Association). Understanding these differing reference points is important in ensure the required area is applied to your geographical requirements.

EN1176	ASTM F1487	CSA Z614
"Safety Area" for EN 1176 refers to the defined ‘Falling Space’/’Impact Area’ for all play products. When required by EN1176 it also includes an additional area to be free of obstacles, for some specific play products. (e.g. Swings, Overhead Carousels).	"Safety Area" for ASTM certified products refers to the ASTM F1487 ‘Use Zone’ for all play products. When required by F1487 it also includes a ‘Clearance Zone’, as an additional area to be free of obstacles, for some specific play products. (e.g. Slides, Swings, Carousels, Trolley Rides)	"Safety Area" for CSA-certified products refers to the CSA Z614 ‘Protective Surfacing Zone’ for all play products. When required by Z614 it also includes a ‘Clearance Zone’ and a ‘No-Encroachment Zone’, as additional areas to be free of obstacles, for some specific play products. (e.g. Slides, Swings, Cable Rides.