One of the most important aspects to bear in mind when designing a children’s playground site is the type of surface on which the games will be installed. In this respect, it is essential that the floor is even, unobstructed, without sharp variations in level, and above all, it must be impact-absorbing in the area of fall.

Accidents on playgrounds usually occur due to various reasons, but the most serious injuries are considered to be related with the head. In order to avoid this type of injuries, EN-1177 establishes a number of tests for different types of surfacing aimed at verifying their impact attenuating properties.

Findings based on those tests are defined in the enclosed Table.

The measurements made on synthetic materials (floor tiles, mats or other man-made floor coverings) are represented by the HIC (Head Injury Criterion) index.

Any material which does not have significant impact attenuating properties (bricks, concrete, stones, bituminous materials, macadam and wood) must not be used for safety surfacing purposes.