Surface tests playgrounds, outdoor fitness, sports facilities

Playgrounds are places where the little ones hang out. They are therefore subjects to very strict safety regulations. Each of equipment element must meet certain standards requirements. This make it possible to minimise the risk of accidents and, at the same time, the responsibility of the facility operator. One of the most important inspections that are carried out in such places is the testing of the playground surface. It is because the type of surface used must show certin parameters in terms of impact attenuation.

Surface test can be carried out:

• in the laboratory conditions,
• in the field.

It should be done with the use of specialized testing equipment and only by companies having appropriate knowledge and experience. The test is crucial to determine conformity of the surface attenuation properties with the polish and european standards. It also confirms that the surface was installed in accordance with the specification.

HIC - what it is? (playgrounds)

To verify, whether given surface provides adequate level of impact attenuation, the tests checking so-called HIC index are conducted. This acronym is developed as Head Injury Criterion. It is an index which allows to check if the fall on given surface can result in the brain concussion or skull fraction. At the same time, it is basic criterion used during playground surface testing.

HIC test is conducted with the use of specialized measurment equipment. Such equipment verifies the impact attenuating properties of the surface type used while dropping headform from different heights. Thus the Critical Fall Height, which does not result in head injuries, can be determined. It is deemed that HIC index above 1000 means higher risk of critical head injury.

Our offer covers playground surface tests with the determination of the HIC index. We conduct test in the laboratory and in the field. We verify also conformity of the outdoor gyms and other recreational or sport facilities surfaces with appropriate standards.