Impact absorbency testing

Accurate measurement of the impact attenuating properties of surfacing not only ensures that new surfacing meets the requirements of EN1176 but also provides protection in the event of litigation. On older surfacing, testing can indicate if the surfacing is still fit for purpose and may save unnecessary expense of surface replacement.

We have portable impact absorbency testers for children's playground surfaces. Uniaxe records the Head Injury Criteria (HIC) readings on safety surfaces as required in the EN 1176/7 standard.

RoSPA is able to offer impact absorbency testing of safety surfaces at an economic rate. The equipment is fully calibrated and an accurate reading of the HIC value of the surfacing is recorded. However due to the temperature requirements required to certify to EN1176 this cannot be considered a full test to EN1176 which must be carried out indoors by a test house.

How it works

The equipment comprises of three parts - the head form the frame, and the hand-held computer. The head form is held level with the required drop height - i.e. level with the platform and released. An accelerometer calculates the HIC readings which are displayed on the computer screen and stored for downloading, if necessary, to a computer. The equipment measures the actual drop height used to an accuracy of +/- 1mm

Testing

For new surfacing, RoSPA will undertake a series of random drops around and under each item of equipment, paying particular attention to areas where falls are common. In the event of a failure, up to ten drops will be taken to a pattern and the readings supplied. The results will be notified to the purchaser. This can be undertaken most cost effectively as part of a post-installation inspection.

As part of our annual inspection service, or as a separate inspection, up to five drops will be taken at random on each item of safety surfacing paying especially attention to areas where falls are common. In the event of a pass, a note will be included in the annual report. In the event of a failure, up to ten drops will be taken to a pattern and the readings supplied.

Costs

Scale of fees

Please contact us for an indication of fees

Test equipment

For more details, or to order Impact Absorbency Testing either contact us.