Nursery School - Use of fall protection floors

Fall Protection Flooring: An Essential Safety Measure for Outdoor Areas in Nursery School, Daycare Centers, and Children's Homes

Fall protection flooring is a crucial element in the safety design of outdoor areas for nursery school, daycare centers, and children's homes. It minimizes the risk of injuries from falls and ensures a safe, child-friendly environment that meets both educational needs and legal safety standards. Below is a detailed description of where and how fall protection flooring can be used in such facilities, along with key considerations.

Applications of Fall Protection Flooring in Outdoor Areas

1. Beneath Play Equipment with Fall Heights

Fall protection flooring is particularly important under play equipment that poses a potential risk of falling. The choice of material and flooring thickness depends on the maximum fall height of the equipment. Key applications include:

  • Swings: The ground area beneath and around swings must be equipped with fall protection material to cushion falls during swinging motions.
  • Slides: Fall protection flooring is installed both at the entry point and the landing area of slides to prevent injuries from missteps or hard landings.
  • Climbing Frames and Towers: Popular play structures like climbing frames carry a higher risk of falls due to their height. The entire area beneath and around these structures should be secured with shock-absorbing material.
  • Seesaws and Spring Riders: These devices can cause falls due to uncoordinated use, making sufficient fall protection coverage essential.
  • Climbing Walls or Boulder Equipment: Reliable cushioning across the entire landing area is critical, especially for vertical or inclined climbing walls.

2. Movement and Play Areas Without Equipment

  • Running and Play Areas: Fall protection flooring can be installed on open spaces used for running and movement games, reducing the risk of scrapes and bruises from falls.
  • Ball Game Areas: Terraces or designated outdoor spaces for ball games benefit from additional safety provided by fall protection flooring.

3. Transitional and Access Areas

  • Stairs and Ramps: Slip-resistant fall protection materials are ideal for steps or inclined surfaces to prevent accidents.
  • Access Points to Play Equipment: Entry areas for equipment such as slides or climbing frames can be equipped with fall protection flooring to enhance safety and comfort.

4. Play Terraces

Terraces in nursery school or daycare centers, often used as play areas, are ideal locations for fall protection flooring. They provide a safe foundation for activities such as:

  • Free Play Areas: Soft, shock-absorbing surfaces ensure safety during creative play.
  • Movement Games: Fall protection flooring adds safety during active play like running, jumping, or dancing.
  • Water Play Areas: Slip-resistant fall protection flooring is particularly important here, as water increases the risk of slipping.

5. Under Outdoor Furniture or Mobile Play Equipment

  • Toddler Play Equipment: Portable slides or low play structures can be placed on fall protection flooring for safety during spontaneous playground setups.
  • Seating and Rest Areas: Fall protection flooring provides a comfortable and safe base for seating groups often used as gathering or rest zones.

Materials for Fall Protection Flooring

  1. Rubber Mats

    • Advantages: Non-slip, durable, easy to clean, and available in various colors and designs.
    • Applications: Commonly used under play equipment, on terraces, and in movement areas.

  2. Poured Surfaces (EPDM Flooring)

    • Advantages: Seamless and adaptable, allowing for creative designs and themes.
    • Applications: Ideal for play terraces and themed play areas.

  3. Sand and Gravel

    • Advantages: Natural appearance and good shock absorption with sufficient depth.
    • Applications: Common in digging areas or under climbing equipment.

  4. Bark Mulch and Wood Chips

    • Advantages: Eco-friendly and cost-effective.
    • Applications: Suitable for large areas or as transition material near play equipment.

  5. Artificial Turf with Protective Underlay

    • Advantages: Visually appealing, easy to maintain, and soft.
    • Applications: Often used on play terraces or open play areas.

Standards and Regulations

The installation of fall protection flooring in nursery schools, daycare centers, and children's homes must comply with the following standards:

  • DIN EN 1176: Specifies safety requirements for playground equipment and surroundings.
  • DIN EN 1177: Defines shock absorption and fall height requirements for protective materials.

The required area for fall protection flooring is calculated based on the maximum fall height of the play equipment and the specific needs of the facility.

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance of fall protection flooring is essential to ensure long-term safety:

  • Inspections: Check for damage such as cracks, wear, or loose materials.
  • Cleaning: Remove dirt, leaves, or debris, especially from rubber mats or poured surfaces.
  • Refilling: Materials like sand, gravel, or mulch need periodic replenishment to maintain cushioning properties.

Fall protection flooring is an integral part of safety planning for outdoor areas in nursery schools, daycare centers, and children's homes. It not only prevents injuries but also contributes to a welcoming, child-friendly environment. Careful selection, professional installation, and ongoing maintenance ensure that children can play safely and freely explore their surroundings.