Play is a fundamental need for every healthy child. Through play, a child discovers the world, develops physical and social abilities, and learns to respect rules. It’s also a space of freedom where they experiment, make decisions, and grow. But to ensure these moments remain positive, playground safety must be a top priority for managers.

How to ensure this safety?

What are the legal obligations? What risks should be avoided? In this article, we guide you through best practices, current regulations, and measures to implement to ensure a safe play environment.

Legislative framework: what you need to know about playground safety

Indoor playgrounds that accommodate children up to 14 years old are governed by strict regulations in Europe. EN 1176 standards are mandatory in many countries, and these areas must be designed and maintained in such a way as to guarantee children’s safety. This legal framework is essential not only to protect children from accidents but also to ensure that managers strictly adhere to these standards.

Responsibility of manufacturers and operators

The safety of equipment is a shared responsibility between manufacturers and operators. Before installation, manufacturers must comply with EN 1176 norms, ensuring that the equipment placed on the market meets safety standards or is certified by accredited laboratories. After installation, maintenance and safety become the responsibility of operators. They must ensure that the equipment is in good condition and poses no danger to children.

Mandatory information on playground equipment

Every piece of playground equipment must be identifiable and comply with safety standards. Here are the key details to check on each equipment:

• “Compliant with safety requirements” mention.
• References to European standards or the compliance decree.
• Manufacturer’s or importer’s name and address.
• Model identification and year of manufacture.

There is no difference between indoor and outdoor play equipment, nor between public or private play areas—the regulations are the same for all.

Regulatory signage: a requirement for every playground

To ensure safe playground use, clear instructions must be posted. This allows users to understand the rules and precautions to avoid accidents. Signage can be general if the instructions are the same for all equipment, or individual if they differ (such as age range, for instance).

The following information must be included:

• Warning notices about risks.
• Operator’s name and contact details.
• Age range for each piece of equipment.

Practical tip: Use clear and understandable pictograms for both children and adults to ensure effective communication.

European standards: the essential guide to playground safety

30 European countries have committed to incorporating EN 1176 standards into their legislation, including Switzerland, Norway, the UK, and Iceland (but not Croatia). Most of these countries require manufacturers and operators to comply with these standards through specific legislation.

Here are some key standards to know:

• EN 1176-1: General safety requirements and testing methods.
• EN 1176-2 to EN 1176-11: Specific standards for each type of play equipment (swings, slides, climbing nets, etc.).

These standards ensure that equipment is rigorously tested and meets strict safety criteria. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure a compliant and safe installation.

Operator responsibility: how to ensure the safety of your playground?

Once the play equipment is installed, operators become the primary safety guarantors. Here are essential actions to minimize risks:

• Compliance check: Ensure all equipment meets safety standards. Whether manufactured in France or imported, they must all have a certificate or compliance attestation.
• Regular maintenance: Implement a maintenance plan to check the equipment’s condition and repair any damage. Damaged equipment can quickly become hazardous.
• Inspection and documentation: Perform regular inspections and keep reports in a safety file. This file should include playground plans, user manuals, compliance certificates, inspection reports, and maintenance interventions.

Tip: Consider using equipment management software to automate and easily document inspections and maintenance interventions.

Risks of non-compliance

Operators must be aware of the risks they face by not meeting safety requirements. Here are a few situations to avoid:

• Installation of non-compliant equipment: If you install play equipment that does not meet standards or decrees, you risk sanctions and the closure of your facility.
• Lack of maintenance: Poor maintenance can lead to serious accidents and jeopardize children’s safety.
• Poor playground design: Ensure the surroundings of the equipment are risk-free—furniture, plants, lighting, etc.

While administrative or criminal sanctions may apply, your brand image will also suffer from poorly maintained equipment or, worse, a serious accident.

Accident prevention: a collective effort

While equipment must be safe, accident prevention also relies on the vigilance of managers and parents.

• Adequate supervision: Even if the playground is compliant, the presence of adults to supervise children is essential.
• Educating children: Teach children to use play equipment correctly and to follow the rules. This helps reduce accident risks.
• Restricted access: If a piece of equipment is damaged or dangerous, access must be prohibited until repairs are made.

Secure your playgrounds to offer a safe play experience

At Play In Business, safety is our top priority. We design and build indoor playgrounds and trampoline parks that meet the strictest safety standards, ensuring a safe and enjoyable space for children. From design to installation and maintenance, we ensure that your facilities are not only compliant but also tailored to the needs of families and children.

👉 Planning to create a secure and innovative playground? Trust Play In Business, experts in indoor playground construction, for personalized support that places safety at the heart of every project. Contact us today to discuss your needs and discover our tailored solutions!