Safety Surfacing


Points to be considered when installing IAS:


* Overall play value needs of the site


* Installation methods and type of IAS


* Suitability for equipment type


* Maintenance requirements * Surface lifespan * Costs


Any playground equipment requiring an IAS should be checked and upgraded if necessary to meet current national safety standards such as EN1176 and EN1177 No new playground equipment should be installed without the appropriate IAS and only suppliers of material tested to EN1177 and certified as being suitable for falls up to the maximum fall height of the equipment concerned should be considered.


Things to remember about surfacing: * Choose the best surface for


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the activities planned not always the cheapest or easiest surface to maintain. A good choice of surfacing will add play value to a scheme.


* Loose-fill surfaces such as sand and grit are high in play value but not for wheeled play. Natural loose-fill surfaces can seem messy to parents and carers more


familiar with


rubber bound surfaces, so take plenty of time at the design development stage to explain the play value of natural materials to potential users.


* Bound rubber surfaces such as wet-pour can help introduce colour to a play space, and perhaps markings for games. Wet pour can also be used to form mounds.


* Grass can be considered for surfacing in some situations, though high levels of usage mean that it will be worn away, leaving bare soil, which may not be practical in all situations. In very busy play areas, where space is tight, it might be more appropriate to


Fear of litigation and a wider blame culture can leave providers feeling exposed


use sand or grit rather than trying to maintain grass.


* Industry standards on the safety aspects of surfacing are available in EN 1176 and EN1177 and further guidance on risk-benefit assessment can be found in the Managing Risk in Play Provision Implementation guide (DCSF & Play England, 2008).


Which surface for your scheme?


Bark?


Bark from different tree species have quite different characteristics in terms of texture, performance and durability. The two most common types of bark used in the UK are: Granularbark - predominantly pine species or Elastic or supple bark predominantly spruce species.


Granular Bark ?


Once laid the performance of granular particles contributes to the ability of the surface to be practically self-levelling when being played on. In areas of particularly high play activity weekly levelling with a rake is recommended. In practice,


the bottom 200mm of a 300mm layer of granular bark tends to naturally adhere together, to form a firm, yet yielding free drainage base. The top 50-100mm surface layer naturally remains loose and does not matt tightly. The upper surface “gives”easily under initial impact whilst the base layer tends to cushion the residual impact of any fall.


As the upper surface tends


to wear, bark pieces of the lower layer will naturally become dislodged, to renew and maintain the surface layer. The surface will gradually wear down depending on use. As LIAS have high impact absorbency resulting from the natural ability of the surface to“ move” it is important to have readily available additional bark available to top up to the original level to ensure that the desired critical fall height rating is maintained.


Sand? Sand


Many different types of sand are available. However,


unless the sand has been properly screened and washed, it is likely to stain children’s clothes. A suitable product should have rounded particle sizes between 0.2- 2.0mm. Sand is attractive to animals, particularly cats, so in built-up urban areas it must be inspected daily and cleaned with disinfectant if necessary. Budget for total


replacement or screening of all fines every 6 to 8 years plus increased wear on timber equipment, painted surfaces, moving joints and bearings will occur.


Resin bound or crushed crumb? There are three main types: Tiles


A shock absorbing


resilient rubber mat that provides long-term answers to safety, while offering DDA accessibility


Wet-pour


Generally efficient, long- lasting but can be expensive and difficult to lay.


Layered Generally efficient but


require some maintenance and can be subject to vandalism and wear problems. Requires expert laying.


Synthetic Turf A resilient and all-weather playing surface, more sanitary than sand, pea gravel, or wood chips. It protects against impact injuries and is DDA compliant It offers low maintenance care and cost ie no raking, repositioning, watering, mowing, fertilising or bare ground. 8 - 10 year industry standard warranty.


Assessing for surfacing Provision under old equipment Protective surfaces are expensive so before installing them for existing equipment consider:


Compliance with Standards, Play value, Site position, design and use, Age of equipment, Foot-print


Wet-pour


play &


activity today


CLICK HERE TO REQUEST LITERATURE


CLICK HERE TO REQUEST LITERATURE Enquire at: www.playat.co.uk/enquire


CLICK HERE TO REQUEST LITERATURE


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