Safety Requirements

Safety is the paramount consideration when laying an impact-absorbing surface under play equipment.  Within a distance of less than its own thickness, the protective surface must slow the head of a falling child down to zero without ever exceeding a critical peak rate of deceleration. The surface must deform progressively so that the child's head is brought to rest safely.

An independent test laboratory, the Centre for Sports Technology, has tested Playtop® to the new European and American Standards for impact-absorbing surfacing – awarding each standard thickness a Critical Fall Height rating. This represents the maximum approved height of fall from neighbouring play equipment.

Although brain injuries are the main concern, the cushioning effect of the resilient material also reduces risk of injuries to backs, shoulders, arms and legs.

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