What can you expect?
When you invest in a sports floor, trampoline park, boarding facility, or industrial solution, one question always takes center stage: what about safety? That makes sense. Ultimately, you want people to be able to exercise, play, or work safely using the solutions you provide. At the same time, as a business owner, you want to comply with regulations, standards, and inspections. Safety standards in leisure, sports, and industry play a major role in this. From European directives to periodic inspections: various factors determine how safe a facility is.
At Sidijk, safety therefore plays a key role in how projects are designed, manufactured, and implemented. This applies not only to product design, but also to installation, inspection, and maintenance. In this article, you’ll learn which standards and safety guidelines apply to:
Safety starts with design and material selection
Safety begins even before a product is manufactured. In many cases, it starts with the design and the choice of materials. When developing systems or products, the following factors are taken into account, among others:
- heavy use
- user safety
- maintenance and inspection
- applicable standards and regulations
In practice, this means, for example, that structures are designed with safe fall zones, rounded elements, or protective materials. Wear and tear is also taken into account to ensure that a solution can continue to function safely over the long term. This approach applies to all three segments in which we operate: Leisure, Sports, and Industry.
What safety standards apply in the leisure, sports, and industrial sectors?
Various sectors have specific standards and guidelines in place to ensure safety. For play areas and recreational facilities, European standards often serve as an important guide. These are assessed, for example, by playground equipment certification bodies.
In the Netherlands, however, the Commodities Act Decree on Amusement and Playground Equipment (WAS) applies. A designated inspection body (AKI) assesses whether a piece of equipment complies with these requirements. European standards are used as guidelines in this process, but are not always decisive. This means that in certain cases, a piece of playground equipment may deviate from the standard but still be approved.
In addition, requirements vary by country. For example, guidelines, certification, and inspection requirements may be applied differently in other countries than in the Netherlands.
In sports settings, guidelines from sports federations and international standards play a role. In the sport of speed skating, these guidelines are established by the ISU or through other national regulations. In industrial applications, various standards and guidelines may apply, depending on the sector and specific application. The requirements that apply vary depending on the situation and type of product.
In these applications, ensuring safety involves not only certification, but also how a product is developed, tested, and used. By focusing on functionality, material behavior, and real-world use, we are working to develop solutions that operate safely and reliably
Safety in the leisure industry
EN 1176 for playground equipment
Indoor play areas are often designed in accordance with the European standard EN 1176. This standard outlines safety requirements for playground equipment and play areas. Among other things, the standard covers:
- playground equipment design
- construction and materials used
- Installation and assembly
- maintenance and inspection
By following these guidelines, risks to users can be minimized and play areas can remain safe even with heavy use. For example, if a trampoline park also includes an indoor playground or soft play area, these play areas are often covered by this standard.
EN 14960 for inflatable playground equipment
Inflatable playground equipment is often subject to the European standard EN 14960. This standard sets out safety requirements for, among other things:
- stability of the device
- fastening and anchoring
- use of materials
- safety zones around the aircraft
These guidelines help prevent risks such as falls, damage, or unsafe situations.
Legislation and safety standards (UK & USA)
In international markets such as the United Kingdom and the United States, amusement and play equipment is governed by a combination of legislation, standard, and industry guidelines rather than a single overarching decree.
In the United Kingdom, safety is regulated under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, supported by standards such as EN 1176 playground equipment standard and EN 1177 impact absorbing surfacing standard. Operators are responsible for ensuring that installations are safe, properly maintained and regularly inspected.
In the United States, regulations are largely based on voluntary standards and state-level requirements. Key guidelines include those from ASTM International, such as ASTM F1487 for playground equipment, and recommendations from the Consumer Product Safety Comission (CPSC). As in the UK, operators carry responsibility for maintenance, inspection, and safe operation.
For trampoline parks, regulations can be more complex due to the combination of multiple types of installations and activities. Standars such as ASTM F2970 (specific to trampoline courts) play an important role, alongside general safety and operational guidelines.
Specific standards for trampoline parks
Trampoline parks are subject to yet another set of specific standards. Within Europe, the applicable standard is often EN-ISO 23659:2022, a standard that focuses on safety within trampoline parks. This standard covers various components of a park, such as:
These components must be inspected by a designated inspection body (AKI) before they can be used. When a playground combines different play concepts, multiple standards may apply simultaneously.
Fire Safety and Building Safety
In addition to the safety of the activities themselves, fire safety also plays an important role. When building a trampoline park or play structure, you often have to comply with requirements set by local authorities, such as the municipality or the fire department.
These include factors such as escape routes, emergency lighting, maximum visitor capacity, and the layout of the space. The exact requirements may vary by location and depend on the type of building and its intended use.
That is why it is important to consult with the relevant parties early on, so that it is clear what requirements your project must meet. Where necessary, materials and applications can be supported by available documentation.
Structural safety of a trampoline park
In addition to equipment and fire safety, the building itself must also be suitable for use. A trampoline park, for example, has requirements regarding:
- floor load
- structural safety
- clear height of the hall
For a main court, a minimum height of 5.1 meters or more is required, depending on the activities to be held there. Proper preparation and a technical analysis of the building help ensure safe use.
Inspections, Logbooks, and Maintenance
Safety doesn’t end once a park is installed. Operators also play a key role in ensuring the daily safety of a facility. It is therefore essential to work with:
- daily visual inspections
- routine maintenance
- incident reporting
These checks are often recorded in a logbook. This is part of the operators’ responsibilities and can be verified by regulatory authorities. Regular maintenance and inspections ensure that installations continue to operate safely.
Sidijk: pioneer in safety for trampoline parks and indoor playgrounds
The safety of the users of our products is always our main concern. It is for good reason that Sidijk is a member of various standards committees, set up to draw up international safety guidelines for trampoline parks and indoor playgrounds. For instance, Sidijk is a member of various NEN committees and the CEN committee.
In the Netherlands, the NEN is the knowledge network for the development and application of standards at national and international level. In 2018, a standards committee was set up, including our colleague Niels Nieuwland, to lay down safety requirements for trampoline parks in the Netherlands in a standard. In this way, Sidijk is always up to date with the latest safety requirements.
Werkwijze
Al onze leisureparken en attracties worden ontworpen en geproduceerd zodat ze voldoen aan de betreffende norm(en) van het Warenwetbesluit Attractie- en Speeltoestellen (WAS). Na de realisatie wordt ieder project gekeurd door een daarvoor aangewezen keuringsinstanties (AKI’s) voor het verkrijgen van de juiste certificaten.
Sidijk collaborates with various certification bodies. For example, Sidijk works with the Keurmerkinstituut and TÜV SÜD, among others.
Safety in sports
In sports settings, the safety of athletes, officials, and spectators is of paramount importance. Sports facilities must therefore comply with various standards and guidelines designed to reduce impact, prevent injuries, and ensure the safe use of the facility.
In addition to design and material selection, national and international guidelines, sports association rules, and independent inspections also play a role. Combining these factors creates a sports environment where safety and performance go hand in hand.
Boarding and impact protection
In various sports settings, protective systems are used to reduce the impact of collisions or falls. A well-known example of this is the boarding systems surrounding ice rinks.
These systems define the boundaries of the playing field and are designed to absorb impacts and reduce the risk of injury. Especially in sports such as short track or speed skating, it is important that athlete safety is guaranteed while also remaining operationally manageable for the technical staff or event organizers. Similar protective solutions are also used in sports such as baseball to protect players during moments of impact.
At international sports venues, such systems are often developed in accordance with guidelines from sports federations, such as the International Skating Union (ISU). Factors such as the safety of the boarding, ease of installation, and the product’s durability are taken into account. Thanks to these features, boarding can contribute to a safe sports environment without compromising the athletic experience.
Sports Flooring and Fall Protection
In addition to the equipment, the surface also plays an important role in sports safety. Sports flooring, such as dojo flooring, and protective materials are designed to reduce physical strain and prevent injuries.
The market applies various guidelines and requirements for sports flooring, mats, and fall protection to ensure safety and performance. These focus on characteristics such as shock absorption, stability, and traction, so that athletes can train and move safely.
Our dojo mats were developed in collaboration with elite athletes and are manufactured using the latest techniques and high-quality materials. They also meet the standards set by the Dutch Judo Federation (JBN), making them suitable for intensive use during training sessions and competitions.
By focusing on usage, stress, and real-world conditions during the development and implementation of sports solutions, we create a safe and reliable sports environment for both recreational and professional use.
Standards and Certification in Sports Facilities
In addition to product standards, general safety guidelines and inspections also play a role in sports facilities.
Within the sports sector, various guidelines and requirements are used to assess whether sports equipment is suitable for intensive use and provides adequate protection for athletes.
In many cases, sports facilities are tested or inspected by independent parties to ensure they comply with applicable guidelines. Regular inspections and maintenance remain essential to ensuring the long-term safety of sports facilities.
Safety in industrial applications
In industrial settings, safety is all about reliability in practice. Products are often used intensively and must continue to function under a variety of conditions. Consider applications in agriculture, logistics, or manufacturing, where materials are subjected to daily stress and a solution simply has to keep working.
In applications like these, safety isn’t just about standards or certifications; it’s about how a product is designed and how it performs in use. That’s why we focus on creating solutions that are practical and can withstand the conditions in which they’re used.
Protective materials and industrial applications
Many industrial solutions are used for protection or screening purposes. This can involve protecting equipment, partitioning spaces, or supporting hygienic processes.
The material plays a key role in this regard. A solution must not only be strong, but also flexible enough to be applied effectively. At the same time, it must be resistant to factors such as moisture, stress, or heavy use. It is precisely the combination of these properties that determines whether a product will continue to function safely and reliably over the long term.
Material Selection and Development
The choice of the right material determines how an application performs in practice. That is why, when developing industrial solutions, we actively explore alternatives and improvements.
One example of this is the use of PP material (polypropylene). This material is fully recyclable and offers opportunities to further develop applications without compromising on functionality. By continuing to evaluate material choices, we create opportunities to better align solutions with practical needs and future requirements.
Testing and trial welding in practice
To ensure that a solution works properly, extensive testing is conducted. This applies not only to new products but also to existing applications that are being further developed.
An important part of this process is fabric test welding. This involves joining materials together in advance to test the strength and reliability of the joint. By doing this at an early stage, we gain insight into how the material behaves in practice. Any issues are identified in a timely manner, allowing them to be resolved before the product is actually put into use.
This approach ensures that solutions are not only theoretically sound but also deliver the desired results in practice.
Inspection and long-term use
Safety remains a priority even after delivery. By continuing to evaluate products in use, we gain insight into wear and performance over the long term.
This allows for a timely response to changes in usage or load. As a result, a solution remains safe not only upon completion but also throughout its entire service life.
How Sidijk handles safety and standards
In projects, safety and standards play a key role in how solutions are developed and implemented.
Experience with international projects and various sectors provides insight into the safety guidelines that apply within these industries. In doing so, we work in accordance with the relevant standards and guidelines that apply to the project or installation.
In many cases, independent inspections also play a role. In addition, maintenance and periodic inspections remain important for keeping systems safe during long-term use.
