EN 71-8:2011

Safety of toys - Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use

This European Standard specifies requirements and test methods for activity toys often attached to or incorporating a crossbeam, and similar toys intended for children under 14 years to play on or in and often intended to bear the mass of one or more children.
This European Standard also specifies requirements for:
-   separately sold accessories for, and components of activity toys;
-   separately sold swing elements that are ready for use on or in combination with an activity toy;
-   construction packages for activity toys including components used to build activity toys according to a scheduled building instruction.
The scope of this European Standard excludes:
-   playground equipment intended for public use dealt with in EN 1176;
-   bow-mounted rocking activity toys such as rocking horses and similar toys are covered by specific requirements in EN 71-1;
-   toy pools with maximum depth of water over 400 mm measured, between the overflow level and the deepest point within the pool;
-   toy trampolines.
NOTE 1   Requirements for toy trampolines and non-aquatic inflatable toys are being elaborated.
NOTE 2   There is an enhanced risk of drowning in toy pools where the depth of water is in excess of 400 mm.

Sicherheit von Spielzeug - Teil 8: Aktivitätsspielzeug für den häuslichen Gebrauch

Diese Europäische Norm legt Anforderungen an und Prüfverfahren für Aktivitätsspielzeug für den häuslichen
Gebrauch fest, das häufig an einem Querbalken angebracht ist oder diesen einschließt, und ähnliches Spielzeug für Kinder unter 14 Jahren, das zum Spielen darauf oder darin und häufig zum Tragen des Gewichtes eines oder mehrerer Kinder vorgesehen ist. Diese Europäische Norm legt außerdem Anforderungen fest für:
- einzeln verkaufte Zubehörteile für und Bauteile von Aktivitätsspielzeug;
- einzeln verkaufte Schaukelelemente, die gebrauchsfertig an oder in Kombination mit einem Aktivitätsspielzeug sind;
- Bausätze für Aktivitätsspielzeuge einschließlich Bauteile, die verwendet werden, um Aktivitätsspielzeuge nach einer vorgegebenen Konstruktionsanweisung zusammen zu bauen.
Vom Anwendungsbereich dieser Europäischen Norm ausgeschlossen sind:
- Spielplatzgeräte, die für den öffentlichen Gebrauch bestimmt sind und in EN 1176 behandelt werden;
- auf Wiegekufen befestigtes Aktivitätsspielzeug, wie Schaukelpferde und ähnliches Spielzeug, die durch
spezifische Anforderungen in EN 71-1 abgedeckt werden;
- Spielbecken mit einer Höchstwassertiefe von über 400 mm, vom Überlauf und dem tiefsten Punkt innerhalb des Beckens gemessen;
- Spielzeugtrampoline. ANMERKUNG 1 Anforderungen an Spielzeugtrampoline und an nicht zur Anwendung im Wasser geeignetes aufblasbares Spielzeug werden derzeit erarbeitet.
ANMERKUNG 2 Bei Spielbecken mit einer Wassertiefe größer als 400 mm besteht ein erhöhtes Risiko des Ertrinkens.

Sécurité des jouets - Partie 8: Jouets d'activité à usage familial

La présente Norme européenne spécifie les exigences et les méthodes d’essai relatives aux jouets d’activité à
usage familial souvent attachés à une barre transversale ou en comportant une, et aux jouets similaires, sur
lesquels ou dans lesquels les enfants jouent. Ces jouets sont destinés aux enfants âgés de moins de 14 ans
et sont fréquemment prévus pour supporter le poids d’un ou de plusieurs enfants.
La présente Norme européenne spécifie aussi les exigences pour :
¾ les accessoires de jouets d’activité vendus séparément et les composants de jouets d’activité ;
¾ les éléments de balançoire vendus séparément, prêts à être utilisés sur un jouet d’activité ou avec celuici
;
¾ les boîtes de construction pour jouets d’activité comprenant des composants utilisés pour construire des
jouets d’activité suivant une notice de montage par étapes.
Le domaine d’application de la présente Norme européenne exclut :
¾ les équipements d’aires de jeux destinés à un usage public traités dans l’EN 1176 ;
¾ les jouets d’activité à bascule tels que les chevaux à bascule et jouets similaires, couverts par des
exigences spécifiques de l’EN 71-1 ;
¾ les bassins de jeu avec une profondeur d’eau maximale supérieure à 400 mm, cette mesure étant
effectuée entre le niveau de débordement et le point le plus profond du bassin ;
¾ les trampolines jouets.
NOTE 1 Les exigences relatives aux trampolines jouets et aux jouets gonflables non aquatiques sont en cours
d’élaboration.
NOTE 2 Le risque de noyade dans les bassins de jeu augmente lorsque la profondeur d’eau dépasse 400 mm.

Varnost igrač - 8. del: Igrače za prostočasne aktivnosti za domačo uporabo

Ta del EN 71 opredeljuje zahteve in preskusne metode igrač za prostočasno uporabo za domačo uporabo, ki so pogosto pritrjene na ogrodje ali ga vključujejo, in podobne igrače, namenjene otrokom, mlajšim od 14 let, da se igrajo na ali v njih, in pogosto zasnovane, da nosijo maso enega ali več otrok.
Ta del IEC 71 tudi določa zahteve za:
- sestavne dele in pribor za igrače za prostočasne dejavnosti, ki se prodajajo ločeno;
- gugalne elemente, pripravljene za uporabo na igrači za prostočasne dejavnosti ali v kombinaciji z njo, ki se prodajajo ločeno;
- konstrukcijske pakete za igrače za prostočasne dejavnosti, vključno s sestavnimi deli za gradnjo igrač za prostočasne dejavnosti v skladu z navodili za gradnjo.
Obseg izključuje opremo za uporabo v šolah, vrtcih, javnih igriščih, restavracijah, nakupovalnih centrih in podobnih javnih mestih, obravnavano v EN 1176.

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 27-Sep-2011
• Withdrawal Date: 13-Apr-2025
• ICS: 97.200.50 - Toys
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 52 - Safety of toys
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 52/WG 10 - Activity toys
• Current Stage: 9960 - Withdrawal effective - Withdrawal
• Start Date: 10-Jan-2018
• Completion Date: 14-Apr-2025
• Directive: 2009/48/EC - DIRECTIVE 2009/48/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 18 June 2009 on the safety of toys
• Directive: 88/378/EEC - Safety of toys
• Mandate: M/445 - Standardisation mandate addressed to CEN and CENELEC within the framework of Directive 2009/48/EC revising Directive 88/378/EEC concerning the safety of Toys
• Ref Project: SIST EN 71-8:2011 - Safety of toys - Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use

Relations

• Replaces: EN 71-8:2003+A4:2009 - Safety of toys - Part 8: Swings, slides and similar activity toys for indoor and outdoor family domestic use
• Effective Date: 09-Jan-2010
• Replaced By: EN 71-8:2018 - Safety of toys - Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use
• Effective Date: 17-Jan-2018

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2011
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 71-8:2003+A4:2009
9DUQRVWLJUDþGHO,JUDþH]DSURVWRþDVQHDNWLYQRVWL]DGRPDþRXSRUDER
Safety of toys - Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use
Sicherheit von Spielzeug - Teil 8: Aktivitätsspielzeug für den häuslichen Gebrauch
Sécurité des jouets - Partie 8: Jouets d'activité à usage familial
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 71-8:2011
ICS:
97.200.50 ,JUDþH Toys
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 71-8
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2011
ICS 97.200.50 Supersedes EN 71-8:2003+A4:2009
English Version
Safety of toys - Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use
Sécurité des jouets - Partie 8: Jouets d'activité à usage Sicherheit von Spielzeug - Teil 8: Aktivitätsspielzeug für
familial den häuslichen Gebrauch
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 3 September 2011.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2011 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 71-8:2011: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword .4
1 Scope (see A.1) .6
2 Normative references .6
3 Terms and definitions .6
4 Requirements . 10
4.1 General (see A.2). 10
4.1.1 Assembly . 10
4.1.2 Static strength . 10
4.1.3 Maximum height (see A.3) . 10
4.1.4 Corners and edges (see A.4) . 10
4.1.5 Protruding parts . 10
4.1.6 Diameter of ropes and other means of suspension . 10
4.2 Barriers, handrails and ladders and similar means of access to activity toys . 11
4.2.1 Barriers and handrails preventing a child from falling down (see A.5) . 11
4.2.2 Ladders and similar means of access to activity toys (see A.6) . 11
4.3 Entrapment (see A.7) . 13
4.3.1 Head and neck entrapment . 13
4.3.2 Entrapment of clothing and hair . 13
4.3.3 Entrapment of feet . 14
4.3.4 Entrapment of fingers . 14
4.4 Stability of activity toys other than slides, swings and activity toys with crossbeams, and
see-saws . 15
4.4.1 General . 15
4.4.2 Stability of activity toys with a free height of fall of 600 mm or less . 15
4.4.3 Stability of activity toys with a free height of fall of more than 600 mm . 15
4.5 Slides (see A.8) . 15
4.5.1 Stability of slides . 15
4.5.2 Retaining sides for slides (see A.9) . 15
4.5.3 Starting, sliding and run-out sections on slides . 16
4.6 Swings (see A.10) . 18
4.6.1 Stability of swings and other activity toys with crossbeams . 18
4.6.2 Strength of crossbeams, swing devices and suspension connectors . 19
4.6.3 Swings intended for children under 36 months . 19
4.6.4 Minimum clearance between adjacent swing elements, and adjacent structures . 19
4.6.5 Lateral stability of swing elements . 20
4.6.6 Minimum clearance between swing elements and the ground (see A.11). 21
4.6.7 Suspension connectors and swing devices . 21
4.6.8 Impact, geometry and design of swing elements . 22
4.7 See-saws . 23
4.7.1 Stability of see-saws . 23
4.7.2 Seat/stand height . 23
4.7.3 Restraint of motion . 23
4.7.4 Pinching and crushing of fingers and toes . 23
4.7.5 Hand supports . 23
4.8 Carousels and rocking activity toys (see A.12) . 23
4.9 Paddling pools . 24
4.9.1 Static strength of paddling pools with non-inflatable walls . 24
4.9.2 Paddling pools with inflatable walls . 24
5 Warnings, markings, and instructions . 24
5.1 Warnings and markings . 24
5.1.1 General . 24
5.1.2 Paddling pools . 25
5.2 Assembly and installation instructions . 25
5.3 Maintenance . 26
6 Test methods . 27
6.1 General . 27
6.2 Stability . 27
6.2.1 Stability of activity toys with a free height of fall of 600 mm or less (see 4.4.2 and 4.8) . 27
6.2.2 Stability of activity toys with a free height of fall of more than 600 mm (see 4.4.3) . 29
6.2.3 Stability of slides (see 4.5.1). 29
6.2.4 Stability of swings and other activity toys with crossbeams (see 4.6.1) . 30
6.2.5 Stability of see-saws (see 4.7.1) . 31
6.3 Static strength . 32
6.3.1 Strength of activity toys other than swings and paddling pools (see 4.1.2 and 4.8) . 32
6.3.2 Strength of swings (see 4.6.2) . 34
6.4 Dynamic strength of barriers and handrails (see 4.2.1) . 35
6.4.1 Principle. 35
6.4.2 Apparatus . 35
6.4.3 Procedure . 36
6.5 Test for head and neck entrapment (see 4.3.1) . 36
6.5.1 Head and neck entrapment in accessible completely bound openings (see 4.3.1 a) and
4.3.1 c)) . 36
6.5.2 Head and neck entrapment in partially bound and V-shaped openings (see 4.3.1 d)) . 38
6.6 Toggle test (see 4.3.2) . 41
6.6.1 Principle. 41
6.6.2 Apparatus . 41
6.6.3 Procedure . 42
6.7 Measurements of sliding and run-out sections on slides (see 4.5.3) . 45
6.7.1 Measurement of inclination of the sliding section on slides (see 4.5.3 f)) . 45
6.7.2 Measurement of the minimum angle between the sliding section and the run-out section
on slides (see 4.5.3 g)) . 45
6.8 Diameter of ropes and other means of suspension (see 4.1.6) . 47
6.9 Determination of impact from swing elements (see 4.6.8.2) . 48
6.9.1 Principle. 48
6.9.2 Apparatus . 48
6.9.3 Preparations . 49
6.9.4 Testing . 50
6.10 Static load test for paddling pools with non-inflatable walls (see 4.9.1) . 51
Annex A (informative) Rationale . 52
A.1 Activity toys (see scope) . 52
A.2 General requirements (see 4.1) . 52
A.3 General requirements (maximum height) (see 4.1.3) . 52
A.4 Corners and edges (see 4.1.4) . 52
A.5 Barriers (see 4.2) . 53
A.6 Ladders and similar means of access to activity toys (see 4.2.2) . 53
A.7 Entrapment (see 4.3) . 53
A.8 Slides (see 4.5) . 53
A.9 Retaining sides for slides (see 4.5.2) . 53
A.10 Swings (see 4.6) . 54
A.11 Clearance between swing elements and the ground for crossbeams with a maximum
height of 1 200 mm (see 4.6.6) . 54
A.12 Rocking activity toys and similar toys (see 4.8) . 55
A.13 Stability of swings and other activity toys with crossbeams (see 6.2.4.1.1) . 55
Annex B (informative) Significant technical changes between this European Standard and the
previous version . 56
Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements or
other provisions of EU Directives . 58
Bibliography . 59
Foreword
This document (EN 71-8:2011) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 52 “Safety of toys”, the
secretariat of which is held by DS.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2012 and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by March 2012.
This document supersedes EN 71-8:2003+A4:2009.
Annex B provides details of significant technical changes between this European Standard and the previous
edition.
This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this European
Standard.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This European Standard constitutes the eight part of the European Standard on safety of toys. It should be
read in conjunction with Part 1.
This European Standard for safety of toys consists of the following parts:
 Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties
 Part 2: Flammability
 Part 3: Migration of certain elements
 Part 4: Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities
 Part 5: Chemical toys (sets) other than experimental sets
 Part 7: Finger paints — Requirements and test methods
 Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use
 Part 9: Organic chemical compounds — Requirements
 Part 10: Organic chemical compounds — Sample preparation and extraction
 Part 11: Organic chemical compounds — Methods of analysis
NOTE 1 In addition to the above parts of EN 71, the following guidance documents have been published: CEN Report,
CR 14379:2002, Classification of toys - Guidelines, CEN Technical Report CEN/TR 15071:2005, Safety of toys - National
translations of warnings and instructions for use in EN 71, and CEN Technical Report CEN/TR 15371:2009, Safety of toys
– Replies to requests for interpretation of EN 71-1, EN 71-2, and EN 71-8.
NOTE 2 Different legal requirements may exist in non-EU countries.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

1 Scope (see A.1)
This European Standard specifies requirements and test methods for activity toys for domestic use often
attached to or incorporating a crossbeam, and similar toys intended for children under 14 years to play on or
in and often intended to bear the mass of one or more children.
This European Standard also specifies requirements for:
 separately sold accessories for, and components of activity toys;
 separately sold swing elements that are ready for use on or in combination with an activity toy;
 construction packages for activity toys including components used to build activity toys according to a
scheduled building instruction.
The scope of this European Standard excludes:
 playground equipment intended for public use dealt with in EN 1176;
 bow-mounted rocking activity toys such as rocking horses and similar toys, which are covered by specific
requirements in EN 71-1;
 toy pools with maximum depth of water over 400 mm measured, between the overflow level and the
deepest point within the pool;
 toy trampolines.
NOTE 1 Requirements for toy trampolines and non-aquatic inflatable toys are being elaborated.
NOTE 2 There is an enhanced risk of drowning in toy pools where the depth of water is in excess of 400 mm.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 71-1, Safety of toys — Mechanical and physical properties
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
activity toy
toy for domestic use, in which the support structure remains stationary while the activity is taking place and
which is intended for the performance by a child of any of the following activities: climbing, jumping, swinging,
sliding, rocking, spinning, paddling, crawling and creeping, or any combination thereof
NOTE Examples of such toys are swings, slides, carousels, climbing frames, playhouses and tents, paddling pools,
non-aquatic inflatable toys. In contrast, ride-on vehicles are not considered as activity toys.
3.2
anchor
device used to fix an activity toy to the standing surface
3.3
barrier
device intended to prevent the user from falling and from passing beneath
3.4
crossbeam
bar or beam which forms a main load bearing part of certain activity toys (see Figure 2)
3.5
entrapment
hazard presented by a situation in which a body, part of a body, or clothing is entrapped
3.6
exposed edge
edge intended to be touched and/or gripped by a child during the use of an activity toy
NOTE Exposed edges are commonly found on doors, windows, shutters, ladders, steps, handrails, retaining sides for
slides and seats.
3.7
forced movement
movement where the direction and the extent of the child’s movement is determined by the operation of the
equipment, for example swinging, sliding, rocking and revolving
3.8
free height of fall
greatest vertical distance from the clearly intended body support to the impact area below
3.9
free space
space in, on or around the activity toy that can be occupied by a user undergoing a forced movement caused
by use of the equipment (e.g. swinging, sliding, rocking, revolving)
NOTE The definition of free space does not include the three-dimensional space in which a falling movement takes
place.
3.10
handrail
rail intended to assist the user to balance
3.11
platform
raised surface where one or more users can stand without the need of hand support
NOTE The classification of a platform will vary depending on its function. Surfaces where the user is only able to
stand with the aid of hand supports are not classified as platforms. Exclusion of surfaces from the definition can be
achieved by a number of means, e.g.:
 reducing the surface area to restrict free movement and encourage holding on;
 incline the surface to encourage holding on;
 introducing movement to the surface to encourage holding on.
3.12
slide
structure with inclined surface(s) on which the user slides in a defined track (see Figure 1)
NOTE 1 Inclined planes, designed primarily for other purposes, such as roofs, do not constitute slides.

Key
A starting section
B sliding section
C run-out section
D height of slide
B + C slide length
NOTE 2 The dimensions A, B, and C are taken at the centreline of the sliding surface. Each of these sizes represents
one of the zones of the sliding surface. Each zone of the sliding surface is determined by the intersection of the curve of
the sliding surface (taken at the bottom of the sliding surface) and the bisecting line of the angle formed by the zones of
the sliding surfaces between themselves.
Figure 1 — Diagrammatic representation of a slide
3.13
suspension connector
device which forms the direct contact between a crossbeam and the means of suspension (see Figure 2)
3.14
swing
structure incorporating a crossbeam, suspension connectors and a swing device with swing element,
suspension coupling and means of suspension
NOTE Examples of swings are shown in Figure 2.
a) Example of a flat seat b) Example of a gondola
Key
1 swing device
2 crossbeam
3 suspension connector
4 suspension coupling
5 means of suspension
6 swing element (e.g. seat, rings, bar, gondola)

NOTE A swing device can include one or more footrests. Footrests are considered as parts of the swing elements.
Figure 2 — Diagrammatic representation of examples of swings
3.15
paddling pool
toy pool with a maximum depth of water of 400 mm measured between the overflow level and the deepest
point within the pool
NOTE Examples of typical paddling pools can be found in the guidance document on the application of the directive
on the safety of toys (2009/48/EC).
4 Requirements
4.1 General (see A.2)
4.1.1 Assembly
Activity toys shall be assembled using self-locking mechanisms which, to avoid unintentional disassembling
due to dynamic forces during use, may include spring washers and/or self-locking nuts.
NOTE Self-taping screws or nails are considered as self-locking devices.
4.1.2 Static strength
Activity toys other than swings and paddling pools, when tested according to 6.3.1 (strength of activity toys
other than swings and paddling pools), shall not collapse such that they do not continue to comply with the
relevant requirements of EN 71-1.
NOTE Static strength requirements for swings are given in 4.6.2 and for paddling pools in 4.9.1.
4.1.3 Maximum height (see A.3)
When measured from the ground, there shall be no part of the activity toy where the child is able to climb, sit
or stand above a height of 2 500 mm.
4.1.4 Corners and edges (see A.4)
Exposed edges shall be rounded.
Corners and exposed edges on moving parts shall have a minimum radius of 3 mm. This requirement does
not apply to swing elements with a mass of 1 000 g or less, the corners and edges of which shall be rounded.
4.1.5 Protruding parts
Protruding parts such as bolt ends, threaded bolt ends and other protrusions shall be recessed or be
protected in such a way that they do not constitute a hazard to users of the equipment. This requirement is
applicable when protrusions are situated on accessible moving parts and in places where the user is running,
sliding, climbing, sitting or lying down.
4.1.6 Diameter of ropes and other means of suspension
When measured according to 6.8 (diameter of ropes and other means of suspension), ropes and other means
of suspension shall have the following diameters:
Ropes fixed at both ends diameter between 16 mm and 45 mm
Ropes used in climbing nets and ladders diameter between 10 mm and 45 mm
Free-hanging ropes fixed at upper end diameter between 25 mm and 45 mm
Means of suspension for swing elements minimum diameter/width 10 mm

Words in italics are defined in Clause 3 (terms and definitions). Additional information on the background and rationale
for various requirements is given in Annex A.
4.2 Barriers, handrails and ladders and similar means of access to activity toys
4.2.1 Barriers and handrails preventing a child from falling down (see A.5)
Any platform 1 000 mm or more from the ground shall be equipped with a barrier on all sides that face
outwards from the toy.
Openings in the barriers to give access to slides, climbing structures and ladders are allowed.
The minimum height of the barrier shall be 600 mm.
For barriers with an uneven top design, a ruler of (200 ± 5) mm shall be used for measuring minimum height.
Place the ruler horizontally on top of the barrier. Measure the vertical distance between the platform and the
bottom of the ruler. The distance shall in no place be less than 600 mm.
NOTE Special requirements apply to slides (see 4.5.2 and 4.5.3).
After testing according to 6.4 (dynamic strength of barriers and handrails), no part of the barrier or handrail
shall collapse so that the toy does not comply with the relevant requirements of EN 71-1.
4.2.2 Ladders and similar means of access to activity toys (see A.6)
The requirements in 4.2.2 do not apply to activity toys with a platform height of 600 mm or less.
Ladders and similar means of access to activity toys shall comply with the following requirements:
a) any opening shall comply with 4.3.1 (head and neck entrapment);
b) where a ladder or a stair is used, the lateral width of the tread or rung shall be 240 mm or more
(see Figure 3 a));
c) the distance between the upper surfaces of the treads or rungs shall not exceed 310 mm when measured
vertically as indicated in Figure 3 b). This requirement does not apply to the vertical distance between the
ground and the upper surface of the first step;
d) the surface of the tread shall not be slippery. This can be achieved by corrugation of the steps or by the
use of non slippery types of materials;
e) when ladders are provided with rungs, the cross-sectional dimension of the rungs shall be not less than
16 mm and not more than 45 mm;
f) the depth of treads on closed step ladders shall be 120 mm or more;
g) the inclination for ladders that are fixed to a toy shall be between 55° and 90° to the horizontal;
h) ladders any part of which reaches a height of 1 200 mm or more from the ground shall be provided with
handrails from a height of not more than 600 mm from the ground to the top of the platform (see Figure 3
a)). This requirement does not apply to ladders with rungs.
Dimensions in millimetres
a) Dimensions of ladders
b) Details of a step ladder
Figure 3 — Ladders
4.3 Entrapment (see A.7)
4.3.1 Head and neck entrapment
Activity toys shall be constructed so that no openings create head and neck entrapment hazards either by
head first or feet first passage.
NOTE Hazardous situations in which this type of entrapment can be encountered include the following:
 completely bound openings through which a user can slide head first or feet first;
 partially bound or V-shaped openings; and
 shearing and moving openings.
When choosing materials, the manufacturer shall take into account the entrapment hazards that can occur
due to distortion of material during use.
a) All accessible completely bound openings with a lower edge of 600 mm or more above the ground, or
above any other surface which is of such a size that it will support a child, shall, if they allow passage of
probe C (see Figure 17), also allow passage of probe D (see Figure 18), when tested according to 6.5.1
(head and neck entrapment in accessible completely bound openings).
b) Accessible rigid circular openings with a lower edge of 600 mm or more above the ground, or above any
other surface which is of such a size that it will support a child, shall not have an internal diameter
between 130 mm and 230 mm.
c) Accessible completely bound openings, that allow the free passage of probe C, when tested according to
6.5.1, shall have no parts that converge in the downward direction at an angle of less than 60° if the lower
edge is 600 mm or more above the ground (V-shaped opening).
d) Partially bound and V-shaped openings with a lower edge of 600 mm or more above the ground, or above
any other surface which is of such a size that it will support a child, shall be constructed so that either:
1) the opening is not accessible as defined in Figure 20, when tested according to 6.5.2.3 a) (head and
neck entrapment in partially bound and V-shaped openings); or
2) the tip of template E (see Figure 19) contacts the base of the opening, when tested according to
6.5.2.3 b) (head and neck entrapment in partially bound and V-shaped openings).
e) Non-rigid members (for example ropes) shall not overlap if by doing so they create openings that do not
comply with the requirements in 4.3.1 a).
f) Openings between flexible parts of suspended bridges and any rigid side members shall not be less than
230 mm in diameter under the most onerous condition of loading. Both loaded and unloaded situations
shall be considered.
4.3.2 Entrapment of clothing and hair
a) Slides, fireman’s poles and roofs shall be constructed so that hazardous situations in which clothing or
hair can be entrapped are not created. Such situations may be created by:
1) gaps or V-shaped openings in which parts of clothing can become entrapped while, or immediately
before, the user is undergoing a forced movement;
2) protrusions; and
3) spindles/rotating parts.
When tested according to 6.6 (toggle test), entrapment of the toggle or chain shall not occur.
Application of the toggle test, as described in 6.6, is restricted to the free space, as practical experience has
shown that natural material and connections between different parts can vary over time.
NOTE 1 When using elements of circular cross-section, special consideration should be given to avoid clothing and
hair entanglement. This can be achieved by using spacers or similar devices.
b) Slides and fireman’s poles shall be constructed so that openings located within the free space do not
entrap the toggle or chain when tested according to 6.6 (toggle test).
c) Roofs shall be constructed so that they do not entrap the toggle or chain when tested according to 6.6
(toggle test).
d) Spindles and rotating parts shall have means of preventing entanglement of clothing or hair.
NOTE 2 Prevention of entanglement can be achieved by use of suitable covering or shields.
4.3.3 Entrapment of feet
The requirement in 4.3.3 does not apply to nets for climbing or walking, or net bridges.
Surfaces intended for standing, running or walking shall not contain any gaps likely to cause foot or leg
entrapment. There shall be no gaps greater than 30 mm measured in one direction (see Figure 4).
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 4 — Measurement of surface gap on running and walking levels
4.3.4 Entrapment of fingers
The requirements in 4.3.4 do not apply to weather-induced dry cracks in solid wood.
Activity toys shall be constructed so that hazardous situations in which entrapment can occur are not created.
Holes, slots and gaps in any rigid material that are within the reach of a child during use of the toy, when the
body of the child is in a forced movement, shall not allow a 7 mm diameter rod to be inserted to a depth of 10
mm or more, unless a 12 mm diameter rod can also be inserted. If an activity toy is intended for children under
36 months, the accessible holes, slots or gaps in any rigid material that are within the reach of a child during
use of the toy, when the body of the child is in a forced movement, shall not allow a 5 mm diameter rod to be
inserted to a depth of 10 mm or more unless a 12 mm diameter rod can also be inserted. Specific
requirements for chains are given in 4.6.7 (suspension connectors and swing devices).
4.4 Stability of activity toys other than slides, swings and activity toys with crossbeams,
and see-saws
4.4.1 General
NOTE Stability requirements for slides are given in 4.5.1; for swings and other activity toys with crossbeams in
4.6.1; and for see-saws in 4.7.1.
Activity toys supplied with anchors which, according to the manufacturer's instructions, are intended to be
permanently fixed (e.g. in concrete) when in use, shall not be subjected to stability tests.
Activity toys supplied with removable ground anchors shall be tested with anchors fixed to the standing
surface according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Activity toys not supplied with anchors shall be subjected to stability tests.
4.4.2 Stability of activity toys with a free height of fall of 600 mm or less
Activity toys with a free height of fall of 600 mm or less shall not tip over when tested according to 6.2.1
(stability of activity toys with a free height of fall of 600 mm or less).
4.4.3 Stability of activity toys with a free height of fall of more than 600 mm
Activity toys with a free height of fall of more than 600 mm shall not tip over when tested according to 6.2.2
(stability of activity toys with a free height of fall of more than 600 mm).
4.5 Slides (see A.8)
4.5.1 Stability of slides
Slides supplied with anchors and intended to be permanently fixed (e.g. in concrete) when in use according to
the manufacturer’s instructions, shall not be subjected to stability tests.
Slides supplied with removable ground anchors shall be tested with anchors fixed to the standing surface
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Slides not supplied with anchors shall be subjected to stability tests.
Slides shall not tip over when tested according to 6.2.3 (stability of slides).
4.5.2 Retaining sides for slides (see A.9)
Retaining sides for slides shall comply with the following requirements (see Figure 5):
a) for slides with a starting section height of more than 1 000 mm measured from the ground, the height (h)
of the retaining sides shall be 100 mm or more;
b) for slides with a starting section height of 1 000 mm or less measured from the ground, the height (h) of
the retaining sides shall be 50 mm or more.
Retaining sides are not required for the run-out section of slides.

Key
h height of the retaining sides
w width of the slide
Figure 5 — Height of retaining sides
4.5.3 Starting, sliding and run-out sections on slides
NOTE For attachment slides, a platform may be regarded as the starting section.
The starting, sliding and run-out sections of slides shall comply with the following requirements (see Figure 6):
a) the starting section for slides with a starting section height of less than 1 000 mm measured from the
ground shall have at least the same width as the sliding section; a length of 150 mm or more; and an
inclination of between 0° and 10° to the horizontal. The width is measured as indicated in Figure 5;
b) the starting section for slides with a starting section height of 1 000 mm or more measured from the
ground shall have at least the same width as the sliding section; a length of 250 mm or more; and an
inclination of between 0° and 10° to the horizontal. The width is measured as indicated in Figure 5;
c) the starting section shall be provided with handrails in order to provide assistance to the child coming
from the stair/ladder into the sitting position:
 for slides with a starting section height less than 600 mm, the height of the handrail shall be 100 mm
or more;
 for slides with a starting section height of 600 mm or more but less than 1 000 mm, the height of the
handrail shall be 150 mm or more;
 for slides with a starting section height of 1 000 mm or more but less than 1 800 mm, the height of
the handrail shall be 350 mm or more;
 for slides with a starting section height of 1 800 mm or more, the height of the handrail shall be
500 mm or more;
d) the run-out section of the slide shall have a length of 150 mm or more. The inclination of the run-out
section shall be between 0° and 10° to the horizontal, and the height of the end of the run-out section
shall be 300 mm or less from the ground;
e) the finishing end of the run-out section shall have a minimum radius of 25 mm. This requirement does not
apply to slides where the run-out section ends 50 mm or less from the ground;
f) the sliding section of the slide shall not exceed an angle of inclination of 60° to the horizontal at any point
when measured according to 6.7.1 (measurement of inclination of the sliding section on slides);
g) the minimum angle (α) between the sliding section and the run-out section shall not be less than the
values given in Table 1, when measured according to 6.7.2 (measurement of the angle between the
sliding section and the run-out section on slides).
Table 1 — Minimum angle (α) between the sliding section and the run-out section in relation to the
height of the starting section
Height of the starting section Minimum angle (αααα) between the sliding section
and the run-out section
Less than 600 mm 120°
600 mm or more but less than 1 000 mm 130°
1 000 mm or more but less than 1 800 mm 140°
More than 1 800 mm 150°
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
A length of starting section:
≥ 150 mm for slides with a starting section height of less than 1 000 mm (see 4.5.3 a));
≥ 250 mm for slides with a starting section height of 1 000 mm or more (see 4.5.3 b)).
B height of handrails (see 4.5.3 c)):
≥ 100 mm for slides with a starting section height less than 600 mm;
≥ 150 mm for slides with a starting section height of 600 mm or more but less than 1 000 mm;
≥ 350 mm for slides with a starting section height of 1 000 mm or more but less than 1 800 mm;
≥ 500 mm for slides with a starting section height of 1 800 mm.
α minimum angle between the sliding section and the run-out section
Figure 6 — Requirements for slides
4.6 Swings (see A.10)
4.6.1 Stability of swings and other activity toys with crossbeams
4.6.1.1 General
Swings and other activity toys with crossbeams supplied with anchors which, according to the manufacturer’s
instructions, are intended to be permanently fixed (e.g. in concrete) when in use, shall not be subjected to
stability tests.
Swings and other activity toys with crossbeams supplied with removable ground anchors shall be tested with
anchors fixed to the standing surface according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
SIST EN 71-8
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