New Regulations for Playgrounds

 

Children's safety is a priority for every parent and caregiver. One of the places where our little ones spend a lot of time playing and developing is the playground. Therefore, it is crucial that these areas are properly designed, equipped, and maintained in accordance with current standards. Recently, new regulations regarding playgrounds have come into effect, aimed at increasing the safety of the youngest users. One of the fundamental changes is the introduction of a requirement for the certification of equipment according to the PN-EN 1176 standard. This means that all playground equipment, such as swings, slides, and climbing frames, must meet rigorous safety requirements. Manufacturers are required to conduct appropriate tests and obtain certificates confirming compliance with the standard.

 

New Safety and Accessibility Standards

In line with the new regulations, the construction of playgrounds has become a requirement for multi-family buildings containing more than 20 apartments or complexes where the number of apartments exceeds 20. At least 30% of the area of any newly constructed playground should be landscaped with vegetation, such as grass, shrubs, trees, or other plants that support natural ecological processes, including water retention, oxygen production, and biodiversity. Playgrounds must also be accessible to individuals with special needs, especially those with mobility difficulties. Wheelchair users should be able to access and use the playground without issues. An important aspect is also ensuring adequate sunlight—at least half of the playground's area should receive direct sunlight for a minimum of 2 hours a day between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. In urban areas, this limit can be reduced to 1 hour. Additionally, playgrounds, sports fields, and recreational areas must be located at least 10 meters away from street lines, roads, pedestrian walkways, residential windows, and waste collection areas. The new regulations also mandate that playgrounds be enclosed, with fences at least 1 meter high and equipped with a gate that is at least 1.2 meters wide.

 

Safety Zones and Surfaces

The new regulations emphasize the proper landscaping around play equipment. Safety zones, or areas around each piece of equipment, must be covered with an impact-absorbing surface, such as sand, gravel, or specialized mats. This approach aims to mitigate potential falls and minimize the risk of serious injuries. Sand and gravel are natural materials that work effectively in this role while also providing an aesthetically pleasing and durable appearance. Specialized impact-absorbing mats made from rubber or other materials offer additional benefits, such as ease of cleaning and resistance to weather conditions.

 

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Regular inspection and maintenance of playgrounds are also crucial. Managers of these areas are required to conduct systematic technical reviews to check the condition of the equipment and surfaces. Any defects or damages must be promptly repaired to ensure full safety for users. Parents and caregivers should actively participate in ensuring safety on playgrounds. They should supervise their children during play and ensure that they use the equipment according to its intended purpose and their abilities. Any irregularities or defects should be reported immediately to the playground manager.

 

Playground Usage Regulations

The new regulations also introduce a requirement to display the rules for using the playground equipment on-site. These rules should include clear guidelines regarding age and usage of each piece of equipment. This will help parents and caregivers understand which devices are appropriate for their children and how to use them safely. It is important to emphasize that the new playground regulations are not just a set of stringent requirements, but rather a reflection of care for the health and safety of the youngest users. Thanks to these regulations, we can be confident that our children will play in places designed and constructed with their needs and protection in mind.