Technical Information

SAFETY

Educational Play technical information. As members of RoSPA we take playground safety seriously. However we also believe it is important for children to experience challenges and evaluate risk. We are encouraged by the movement toward risk benefit assessment and will take into account the principles of ensuring a balance when creating or developing a playground. All our equipment is designed and manufactured to meet (and often exceed) the requirements of European Safety Standard EN 1176. Where appropriate equipment is independently tested and carries TUV certification for compliance with EN 1176 and EN 1177.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Alongside our belief that every child has a right to play we are committed to doing our part to ensure the future of our planet. We only use timbers from sustainable managed sources and many products carry FSC or PEFC Chain of Custody Certification. Timber is an abundant renewable resource, recyclable, biodegradable and sustainable, and trees absorb CO2 during growth.

INSTALLATION

All of our engineers are Disclosure checked and have up to date training in the requirements of EN 1176 and installations are carried out in accordance with Association of Playground Industries guidelines. We will always leave the site clean and tidy and take into account safety of children in the area during the school day.

TIMBER

Our timbers are slow grown, pressure treated and waxed, and carry a Warranty* against rot or infestation of up to 7 years. This is based on the salts based pressure treatment used. To extend the life of the timber and reduce the possibility of rot we use metal ‘ feet’ to hold the timbers clear of the ground or apply heat sealed bitumen sleeves to the timbers before concreting in.

METAL

Either galvanised or powder coated stainless steel with 1 year Warranty*

ROPES AND NETS

We use steel cored multi strand nylon ropes designed specifically for the playground and leisure environment. Carries 1 year Warranty*

SAFETY SURFACING

To meet the requirements of BS EN1176 and BS EN1177 for public use play areas, impact absorbing surfaces should be laid beneath all play equipment with a free height of fall (designed usable height) over 0.6m to a minimum distance of 1.5m from the edge of the structure. Where low level (less than 0.6m) play equipment is installed on grass, no additional surface is required but you may wish to consider using grass mats to reduce ground erosion and muddy patches. If the existing surface is tarmac or concrete, safety surfacing should be installed beneath all external children’s play equipment regardless of the free height of fall.

At Caledonia Play we offer a range of playground safety surfacing, to suit your particular site, including grass mats, rubber wet pour, tiles, synthetic grass and various types of loosefill. We can advise which would offer the most cost effective and suitable option taking into account local factors; existing site, type of play equipment, cost, durability, aesthetic appearance, maintenance and local ground and climatic conditions.

* Warranty: normal wear and tear, acts of vandalism and accidental damage are excluded from our warranty