ISO/DTS 20183

• Abstract:

  ISO 20183:2015 provides standards writers with guidelines for the inclusion of injury and safety definitions and thresholds to be applied in the development of ISO/TC 83 standards. It is intended to contribute to harmonization of the language and understanding safety of products/procedures as well as to comply with Directive 2001/95/EC on general product safety requirements.

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 01.040.97 - Domestic and commercial equipment. Entertainment. Sports (Vocabularies)
• ICS: 97.220.01 - Sports equipment and facilities in general
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 83 - Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 83 - Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment
• Current Stage: 5000 - FDIS registered for formal approval
• Start Date: 01-Jul-2026
• Completion Date: 19-Sep-2026

• Consolidates: ISO 24656:2022 - Cathodic protection of offshore wind structures
• Effective Date: 16-Dec-2023
• Revises: ISO/TR 20183:2015 - Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment — Injury and safety definitions and thresholds — Guidelines for their inclusion in standards
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2023

Overview

ISO/DTS 20183 is an essential standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the sports and recreational facilities sector. This standard provides a harmonized vocabulary specifically for sports and recreational facilities and equipment. By offering clear definitions and guidance, ISO/DTS 20183 supports consistent terminology use in the development of standards within ISO/TC 83 and helps ensure compliance with general product safety requirements such as those outlined in Directive 2001/95/EC.

A consistent vocabulary is critical for standards developers, product designers, manufacturers, operators, and regulators. ISO/DTS 20183 is intended to foster a shared understanding of safety, injury prevention, equipment features, operational roles, and risk management, thus contributing to safer products and facilities worldwide.

Key Topics

• Common Vocabulary: Standardized terms for sports and recreational equipment and facility safety, ensuring clarity across different documents and contexts.
• Safety Definitions and Thresholds: Guidance for injury severity scales, risk assessment factors, safety equipment, and protective measures relevant to the sector.
• Risk and Benefit-Risk Assessment: Definitions for concepts dealing with risk, residual risk, and benefit-risk analysis to support informed decision-making and design.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Clear definitions of roles such as manufacturer, operator, installer, controller, and competent person to clarify accountability in the lifecycle of sports and recreational products.
• Age and User Suitability: Precise terms stipulating age-appropriateness, user ability, and inclusive design for diverse groups, supporting safe and effective product use for all demographics.
• Equipment Features and Mechanical Functions: Standardized names and definitions for key equipment components, mechanisms, and function descriptions to facilitate communication and compliance in equipment manufacturing and operations.

Applications

ISO/DTS 20183 is widely applicable in areas involving sports and recreational facilities and equipment, including:

• Standards Development: Enables committees and working groups to use precise, agreed-upon terminology, reducing ambiguity in new and revised standards.
• Product Design and Manufacturing: Helps manufacturers design safer and more compliant equipment by aligning development with harmonized definitions and safety requirements.
• Facility Management and Operation: Assists operators and facility managers in adhering to standardized safety and operational terms, improving staff training and communication.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports organizations in meeting international safety obligations, specifically those related to risk mitigation and user protection.
• Education and Training: Provides a reference for developing educational materials, user manuals, safety procedures, and staff training programs.
• Risk Assessment and Injury Prevention: Offers structured terminology for conducting risk assessments, communicating hazards, implementing mitigation measures, and evaluating benefit-risk tradeoffs.

Related Standards

ISO/DTS 20183 is designed to complement and support a range of other international standards in the field of sports and recreational facilities, including:

• ISO 20957 - Stationary training equipment standards
• ISO/TR 20183:2015 - Earlier technical report that is replaced and expanded by this specification
• ISO 17025 - General requirements for competence of testing and calibration laboratories
• ISO 31000 - Risk management guidelines
• Directive 2001/95/EC - General product safety requirements (European Union)
• IEC Electropedia and ISO Online Browsing Platform - Terminology databases for standardized definitions

By using ISO/DTS 20183, organizations ensure a common language for safety and product design, contributing to safer, more effective sports and recreation environments. This not only simplifies standards development and regulatory compliance but also improves user protection and global harmonization.

FINAL DRAFT
Technical
Specification
ISO/TC 83
Sports and other recreational
Secretariat: DIN
facilities and equipment —
Voting begins on:
Vocabulary
2026-10-01
Voting terminates on:
2026-12-24
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
FINAL DRAFT
Technical
Specification
ISO/TC 83
Sports and other recreational
Secretariat: DIN
facilities and equipment —
Voting begins on:
Vocabulary
Voting terminates on:
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2026
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
Index . 19

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 83, Sports and other recreational facilities and
equipment.
This first edition of ISO/TS 20183 cancels and replaces ISO/TR 20183:2015), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— change of deliverable from Technical Report to Technical Specification;
— additional terms included;
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
Introduction
To have ideally constructed products, consideration can be given to reasonably foreseeable misuse
and intended use, as evaluated by the manufacturer. Areas of risk might be identified, and precautions
considered. Usage of equipment or activities related to sports or playgrounds can involve a residual risk
concerning the individual user. Risk assessment may play a role in evaluating and understanding this
risk, with results potentially varying according to age and social grouping. This document is intended to
contribute to harmonization of the language and understanding safety of products and procedures.
Each ISO technical committee is responsible for standard terminology in its area of specialization.
For each term in this document, a definition that is suitable for general application is provided.
Terms have been excluded if they were:
— considered to be unique to one group or organization;
— company proprietary or trademarked;
— multi-word terms whose meaning could be inferred from the definitions of the component words;
— terms whose meaning in the sport and recreation facilities and equipment fields could be directly
inferred from their common English dictionary meaning.
Although primarily intended for such applications, this document may be used in other fields where desired.
NOTE This document does not preclude the use of terms not defined in this document.

v
FINAL DRAFT Technical Specification ISO/DTS 20183:2026(en)
Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment —
Vocabulary
1 Scope
This document provides a common vocabulary of terms applicable to sports and other recreational facilities
and equipment.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
abbreviated injury scale
AIS
numerical rating for quantifying the severity of injury to a human based on body region, anatomic structure,
level of injury, and injury severity that should be used in the scope of standards intended for safety (3.136)
or injury prevention
Note 1 to entry: See Table 1.
Table 1 — Abbreviated injury scale (AIS)
Injury severity Abbreviated injury
score
Minor injury 1
Moderate injury 2
Serious, but not life-threatening 3
Severe, potentially life-threatening, but survival likely 4
Critical with uncertain survival 5
Unsurvivable injury (maximum possible) 6
Severity unknown 9
Note 2 to entry: The AIS system also considers the following:
— different parts of the body: 1 head, 2 face, 3 neck, 4 thorax, 5 abdomen, 6 spine, 7 upper extremities, 8 lower
extremity, and 9 unspecified;
— the type of anatomic structure: 1 whole area, 2 vessels, 3 nerves, 4 organs (including muscles and ligaments), 5
skeletal (including joints), and 6 loss of consciousness;

— head only or the entire body.
3.2
accessible hand and foot area
area accessible to user (3.158) or to third parties when the equipment is in normal use, during setting up,
grasping, adjusting the equipment or the position of the body for exercise
3.3
act of triggering
act of movement from first intended movement of any triggering element and releasing element until the
system releases
3.4
activity
play, recreation or service that engages a user (3.158) and provides benefit (3.18) which can have an
associated risk (3.127)
3.5
activity leader
person assigned by a group or organization to lead an activity (3.4)
EXAMPLE Games leader, orienteering leader, canoe trip leader.
Note 1 to entry: Specific levels of training or competency in leadership and skills may be required by the group or
organization before an individual is permitted to lead an activity.
3.6
adjustable handlebar
handlebars which can be adjusted for different training positions
3.7
adjustable torque
torque that allows the user (3.158) to maintain a pre-determined equipment resistance level
Note 1 to entry: The power is only dependent upon the pedalling revolutions per minute and the chosen resistance
level (M = F · L), where:
M is the torque at the crank axle in newton metres;
F is the linear force applied in newtons;
L is the length of the crank arm in metres.
3.8
age appropriate
specified group of persons defined by chronological age whose physical size, cognitive development, skills,
and abilities are reasonably similar for the purpose of product or equipment design, selection, and use
Note 1 to entry: When selecting or designing a product or equipment, the intended age range of users (3.158) should be
identified, particularly where children are expected to use the product or equipment.
Note 2 to entry: Persons in different age ranges can differ significantly in physical dimensions, strength, coordination,
cognitive abilities, risk perception, and level of development, which can influence the safe use of the product or
equipment.
Note 3 to entry: Age groupings may vary depending on national practices, including differences in educational or
developmental classification systems.
3.9
air supply tube
tube running underground, connected to the blower (3.21) and discharging into the void

3.10
alarm
notification by the computer vision system of a detection (3.43) to the identified trained staff (3.152)
3.11
alarm set off time
time from the moment that a solid mass is fully immersed, on the pool bottom and stationary, until the alarm
(3.10) is activated
3.12
anchorage system
method of fixing an inflatable to the ground using stakes
3.13
as low as reasonably practical
ALARP
level of residual risk (3.125) that has been reduced to a point where further risk (3.127) reduction would
require measures whose cost, time or effort is grossly disproportionate to the safety (3.136)benefit (3.18)
obtained
Note 1 to entry: Demonstrating that a risk is ALARP typically requires showing that reasonable hazard (3.76)
reduction measures have been implemented and that further risk reduction would involve disproportionate additional
resources relative to the safety improvement achieved.
Note 2 to entry: The ALARP principle recognizes that risk cannot always be reduced to zero and that risk reduction
involves balancing the reduction in risk against the resources required to achieve it.
3.14
attendant
person working under the control and direction of an operator (3.109) to assist in the operation of the
equipment
3.15
balance length
LB
distance of the balance point (В) (3.16) from the grip (3.71) end
3.16
balance point
B
location of the centre of mass of a racket or frame measured along its longitudinal axis
Note 1 to entry: When supported at this point, the racket or frame remains in equilibrium.
3.17
ballast system
method of fixing an inflatable to the ground using weights
3.18
benefit
helpful or good effect, or something intended to help
3.19
benefit-risk
concept recognizing that, in sport and recreational activities, there is an inherent trade-off between the
benefits (3.18) of participation and the risks (3.127) associated with the activity (3.4)
Note 1 to entry: In some circumstances, exposure to risk may itself be considered beneficial, for example in the context
of risky play contributing to childhood development.

3.20
benefit-risk assessment
BRA
form of risk assessment (3.129) that considers both risks (3.127) and benefits (3.18) in parallel when making
decisions
Note 1 to entry: Benefit-risk assessment is a balanced approach involving judgment based on clear values and
understandings. Where appropriate it takes account of local circumstances.
Note 2 to entry: Benefit-risk assessment includes an evaluation of the social, physical, and developmental considerations
of a given activity (3.4).
Note 3 to entry: There can be instances where regulators or governing bodies set thresholds that do not have a
rationale with the BRA but are arbitrary and must be adhered to.
Note 4 to entry: The risk is not always apparent to the user (3.158) and should focus on the harm (3.75) that cannot be
evaluated or determined by the user during an activity.
3.21
blower
powered machine used to continuously inflate the structure
3.22
bodymass
maximum specified user (3.158) mass as described in the user's manual or 100 kg, whichever is greater
3.23
catch mechanism
rest or holder for a barbell or for a carriage on guided equipment (3.73), which needs to be engaged by the
user (3.158), from which the user can begin the exercise motion or end at the completion of the exercise
3.24
climber
stationary training equipment that is equipped with feet and hand positions both of which can be moved in
a reciprocating simulated climbing motion
3.25
commissioning
taking the toboggan run into public operation the first time
3.26
competence
ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve expected results
3.27
competent person
designated individual who has acquired through training, qualifications or experience, or a combination of
these, the knowledge and skills enabling that person to perform a specified task
3.28
computer vision system for the detection of drowning accidents
automated system including means for digitizing a series of images of people in the pool basin (3.116), means
for comparing and analysing digitized images, and the decision means for setting off and sending an alarm
(3.10) to trained staff (3.152) when a detection (3.43) occurs
3.29
connecting link
part which allows the rider to stay connected to the kite (3.93) via the disconnecting release system (3.124.2)
after triggering the main release system (3.124.1)
EXAMPLE A leash.
3.30
connection point
equipment on the harness or similar means affixed to the user (3.158) where the main release system
(3.124.1) is attached
3.31
connection tube
part of the inflatable structure to which the blower (3.21) is connected
3.32
constant power mode
programme that allows the user (3.158) to maintain a predetermined equipment power level independent of
pedalling revolutions per minute and can be adjustable to different levels
n
Note 1 to entry: PM2 
where
P is the power in Watts;
M is the torque at the crank axle in newton metres;
n is the crank speed in revolutions per minute.
3.33
context
3.33.1
external context
external environment in which the organization seeks to achieve its objectives
Note 1 to entry: External context can include:
— the cultural, social, political, legal, regulatory, financial, technological, economic, natural and competitive
environment, whether international, national, regional or local;
— key drivers and trends having impact on the objectives of the organization;
— relationships with, and perceptions and values of external stakeholders.
3.33.2
internal context
internal environment in which the organization seeks to achieve its objectives
Note 1 to entry: Internal context can include:
— governance, organizational structure, roles and accountabilities;
— policies, objectives, and the strategies that are in place to achieve them;
— the capabilities, understood in terms of resources and knowledge (e.g. capital, time, people, processes, systems
and technologies);
— information systems, information flows and decision-making processes (both formal and informal);
— relationships with, and perceptions and values of internal stakeholders;
— the organization’s culture;
— standards, guidelines and models adopted by the organization;
— form and extent of contractual relationships.

3.34
control system
sum of the components held in the user’s (3.158) hand that enable the kite (3.93) to turn and the traction
force to be altered
EXAMPLE A bar.
3.35
controller
person, company or hirer (those who hire others), having responsibility for the overall control, inspection
(3.88) and maintenance of the equipment
3.36
crank training equipment
stationary apparatus on which work is carried out by turning a crank mechanism either by using the lower
body, the upper body, or both
3.37
critical fall height
maximum free heights of fall, for which a surface will provide an acceptable level of impact attenuation
3.38
cycle
complete movement of a component through one full operating sequence returning to its initial position
EXAMPLE A typical component can be a pedal, handlebar or seat.
3.39
daily start-up
process of preparing a toboggan run and its technical equipment for operation at the beginning of each day
3.40
dead-weight anchor
ballast body set up on the ground or anchored in the ground
3.41
debilitating injury
injury that diminishes or weakens the human body and has a legacy of greater than one month and that can
be categorized as a 3 on the abbreviated injury scale (AIS) (3.1)
Note 1 to entry: Debilitating injuries would include requiring surgery concussions that require removal from play to
medical attention.
3.42
dependent action
action in which the movement of one foot pedal is linked to the movement of the other foot pedal
3.43
detection
recognition of a total and prolonged immersion at the bottom of the pool basin (3.116) of a stationary solid
mass such as a person or object
3.44
display
device that provides information to the user (3.158)
3.45
driver
user (3.158) who actively operates the toboggan and who is responsible for compliance with the operating
regulations
3.46
drop stop
permanent or adjustable constructive element creating a pre-set minimum stop position that provides the
user (3.158) with clearance to avoid entrapment (3.53) without any further action of the user
3.47
drowning
process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid
Note 1 to entry: Outcomes are classified as death, morbidity, and no morbidity.
3.48
dynamic direction
direction in which the force is applied during a normal exercise as described in the user’s (3.158) manual
3.49
elliptical trainer
stationary training equipment which can produce a continuous closed pattern motion or a reciprocating
motion similar to an elliptical type of foot action, used from a seated or standing position, and can include
upper body training devices
3.50
emergency brake
mechanism designed to stop the movement of the pedals in case of emergency
3.51
emergency dismount
act of the user (3.158) quickly interrupting the exercise by getting off the running surface
Note 1 to entry: Emergency dismount can be done e.g. by grabbing the front handlebar (3.69) or both side handrails
and jumping with both feet on the foot rails (3.63).
3.52
entanglement
type of hazard (3.76) in which a body, part of a body, clothing, hair, or another element on or attached to a
person becomes caught, twisted or wound in moving or rotating parts, creating the potential for injury
Note 1 to entry: The possible consequences and resulting harm (3.75) of entanglement depend in part on the
environment. For example, entanglement in moving components can lead to pulling, crushing or strangulation
hazards.
3.53
entrapment
type of hazard (3.76) in which a body, part of a body, clothing, or another element on or attached to a person
becomes trapped, caught or drawn in, creating the potential for injury
Note 1 to entry: The possible consequences and resulting harm (3.75) of entrapment depend in part on the environment.
For example, underwater entrapment can result in drowning (3.47), while head entrapment in playground equipment
can result in strangulation.
3.54
ergometer
stationary training equipment that measures the input power produced by the user (3.158) in watts
Note 1 to entry: The term “ergometer” is used only for stationary training equipment that measures power with the
accuracy specified in the relevant standard.
3.55
externally loaded equipment
strength training equipment where the main resistance means is a load that is not an integral part of the
device which can be varied by the user (3.158) by adding or removing components to and from the equipment
Note 1 to entry: Components to be added or removed are, for example, weight discs or bands.

3.56
extrinsic loading
load applied to the product from any other source than the body mass
3.57
falling space
space in or around the inflatable that can be passed through by a user (3.158) falling from an elevated part
of the equipment
Note 1 to entry: The falling space commences at the free height of fall (3.66).
3.58
false alarm
alarm (3.10) set off for reasons other than detection (3.43)
3.59
flywheel
rotating mass designed to create inertia
3.60
folding treadmill
treadmill (3.156) designed with some components that can be moved to allow a more compact non-useable
storage position
3.61
foot platform
surface designed to support the foot whilst performing the exercise determined by the manufacturer (3.100)
or for user (3.158) mounting and dismounting
3.62
foot platform guard
rigid part of the structure designed to help prevent the foot from slipping off the foot platform (3.63)
3.63
foot rail
area beside the running surface intended for the user (3.158) to stand on when mounting, dismounting or
during a pause in the exercise
3.64
reasonably foreseeable misuse
foreseeable misuse
use of a product or system in a manner not intended by the supplier, where that manner of misuse can be
anticipated based on predic
...

ISO/CD TS DTS 20183:2026 (E)
ISO/TC 83
Secretariat: DIN
Date: 2026-06-2609-16
Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment —
Vocabulary
CD stage
Warning for WDs and CDs
This document is not an ISO International Standard. It is distributed for review and comment. It is subject to
change without notice and may not be referred to as an International Standard.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of
which they are aware and to provide supporting documentation.

A model document of an International Standard (the Model International Standard) is available at:

This draft is submitted to a parallel vote in ISO, CEN.

ISO #####-#:####(X)
© ISO 226
2 © ISO #### – All rights reserved

ISO/CD TS DTS 20183:2026 (E:(en)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
EmailE-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.orgwww.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
iii
ISO #####-#:####(X/DTS 20183:(en)
Contents
Foreword . v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
Index 21
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
iv
ISO/CD TS DTS 20183:2026 (E:(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO'sISO’s adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 83, Sports and other recreational facilities and
equipment.
This secondfirst edition of ISO/TS 20183 cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO/TR 20183:2015), which
has been technically revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— — change of deliverable from Technical Report to Technical Specification;
— — additional terms included;
— added new clause 4.2 Selection and use of terms
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
v
ISO #####-#:####(X/DTS 20183:(en)
Introduction
To have ideally constructed products, consideration can be given to reasonably foreseeable misuse and
intended use, as evaluated by the manufacturer. Areas of risk might be identified, and precautions considered.
Usage of equipment or activities related to sports or playgrounds can involve a residual risk concerning the
individual user. Risk assessment may play a role in evaluating and understanding this risk, with results
potentially varying according to age and social grouping. This document is intended to contribute to
harmonization of the language and understanding safety of products and procedures.
This document serves as a vocabulary.
Consistent with ISO vocabulary standards, eachEach ISO technical committee is responsible for standard
terminology in its area of specialization. It provides standards writers with guidance for the use of common
terms used in documents developed by ISO/TC 83.
The scope ofFor each term has been chosen to providein this document, a definition that is suitable for general
application. is provided.
Terms have been excluded if they were:
— considered to be unique to one group or organization;
— company proprietary or trademarked;
— multi-word terms whose meaning could be inferred from the definitions of the component words; and
— terms whose meaning in the sport and recreation facilities and equipment fields could be directly inferred
from their common English dictionary meaning.
Although primarily intended for such applications, this document may be used in other fields where desired.
Note: NOTE This document does not preclude the use of terms not defined in this document.
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
vi
Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment – — Vocabulary
and guidance for use
1 Scope
This document provides a common vocabulary of terms applicable to sports and other recreational facilities
and equipment to be applied in the development of ISO/TC 83 standards. It is intended to contribute to
harmonization of the language and understanding safety of products/procedures.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1 3.1
abbreviated injury scale
AIS
numerical rating for quantifying the severity of injury to a human based on body region, anatomic structure,
level of injury, and injury severity that should be used in the scope of standards intended for safety (3.136) or
injury prevention
Note 1 to entry: See Table 1Table 1.

Table 1 — Abbreviated injury scale (AIS)
Injury severity Abbreviated
injury score
Minor injury 1
Moderate injury 2
Serious, but not life-threatening 3
Severe, potentially life-threatening, but survival likely 4
Critical with uncertain survival 5
Unsurvivable injury (maximum possible) 6
Severity unknown 9
Note 2 to entry: The AIS system also considers the following:
— different parts of the body: 1 head, 2 face, 3 neck, 4 thorax, 5 abdomen, 6 spine, 7 upper extremities, 8 lower
extremity, and 9 unspecified;
— the type of anatomic structure: 1 whole area, 2 vessels, 3 nerves, 4 organs (including muscles and ligaments), 5
skeletal (including joints), and 6 loss of consciousness;
— head only or the entire body.
3.2 3.2
accessible hand and foot area
area accessible to user (3.158) or to third parties when the equipment is in normal use, during setting up,
grasping, adjusting the equipment or the position of the body for exercise
3.3 3.3
act of triggering
act of movement from first intended movement of any triggering element and releasing element until the
system releases
3.4 3.4
activity
play, recreation or service that engages a user (3.158) and provides benefit (3.18) which can have an associated
risk (3.127)
3.5 3.5
activity leader
person assigned by a group or organization to lead an activity (3.4)
EXAMPLE Games leader, orienteering leader, canoe trip leader.
Note 1 to entry: Specific levels of training or competency in leadership and skills may be required by the group or
organization before an individual is permitted to lead an activity.
3.6 3.6
adjustable handlebar
handlebars which can be adjusted for different training positions
3.7 3.7
adjustable torque
torque that allows the user (3.158) to maintain a pre-determined equipment resistance level
Note 1 to entry: The power is only dependent upon the pedalling revolutions per minute and the chosen resistance level
(M = F · L), where:
M M is the torque at the crank axle in newton metres;
F is the linear force applied in newtons;
L L is the length of the crank arm in metres.
3.8 3.8
age appropriate
specified group of persons defined by chronological age whose physical size, cognitive development, skills,
and abilities are reasonably similar for the purpose of product or equipment design, selection, and use
Note 1 to entry: When selecting or designing a product or equipment, the intended age range of users (3.158) should be
identified, particularly where children are expected to use the product or equipment.
Note 2 to entry: Persons in different age ranges maycan differ significantly in physical dimensions, strength,
coordination, cognitive abilities, risk perception, and level of development, which maycan influence the safe use of the
product or equipment.
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
Note 3 to entry: Age groupings may vary depending on national practices, including differences in educational or
developmental classification systems.
3.9 3.9
air supply tube
tube running underground, connected to the blower (3.21) and discharging into the void
3.10 3.10
alarm
notification by the computer vision system of a detection (3.43) to the identified trained staff (3.152)
3.11 3.11
alarm set off time
time from the moment that a solid mass is fully immersed, on the pool bottom and stationary, until the alarm
(3.10) is activated
3.12 3.12
anchorage system
method of fixing an inflatable to the ground using stakes
3.13 3.13
as low as reasonably practical
ALARP
level of residual risk (3.125) that has been reduced to a point where further risk (3.127) reduction would
require measures whose cost, time or effort is grossly disproportionate to the safety (3.136)benefit (3.18)
obtained
Note 1 to entry: Demonstrating that a risk is ALARP typically requires showing that reasonable hazard (3.76) reduction
measures have been implemented and that further risk reduction would involve disproportionate additional resources
relative to the safety improvement achieved.
Note 2 to entry: The ALARP principle recognizes that risk cannot always be reduced to zero and that risk reduction
involves balancing the reduction in risk against the resources required to achieve it.
3.14 3.14
attendant
person working under the control and direction of an operator (3.109) to assist in the operation of the
equipment
3.15 3.15
balance length
LB
distance of the balance point (В) (3.16) from the grip (3.71) end
3.16 3.16
balance point
B
location of the centre of mass of a racket or frame measured along its longitudinal axis
Note 1 to entry: When supported at this point, the racket or frame remains in equilibrium.
3.17 3.17
ballast system
method of fixing an inflatable to the ground using weights
3.18 3.18
benefit
helpful or good effect, or something intended to help
3.19 3.19
benefit-risk
concept recognizing that, in sport and recreational activities, there is an inherent trade-off between the
benefits (3.18) of participation and the risks (3.127) associated with the activity (3.4)
Note 1 to entry: In some circumstances, exposure to risk may itself be considered beneficial, for example in the context
of risky play contributing to childhood development.
3.20 3.20
benefit-risk assessment
BRA
form of risk assessment (3.129) that considers both risks (3.127) and benefits (3.18) in parallel when making
decisions
Note 1 to entry: Benefit-risk assessment is a balanced approach involving judgment based on clear values and
understandings. Where appropriate it takes account of local circumstances.
Note 2 to entry: Benefit-risk assessment includes an evaluation of the social, physical, and developmental considerations
of a given activity (3.4.).
Note 3 to entry: There can be instances where regulators or governing bodies set thresholds that do not have a rationale
with the BRA but are arbitrary and must be adhered to.
Note 4 to entry: The risk is not always apparent to the user (3.158) and should focus on the harm (3.75) that cannot be
evaluated or determined by the user during an activity.
3.21 3.21
blower
powered machine used to continuously inflate the structure
3.22 3.22
bodymass
maximum specified user (3.158) mass as described in the user's manual or 100 kg, whichever is greater
3.23 3.23
catch mechanism
rest or holder for a barbell or for a carriage on guided equipment (3.73,), which needs to be engaged by the
user (3.158,), from which the user can begin the exercise motion or end at the completion of the exercise
3.24 3.24
climber
stationary training equipment that is equipped with feet and hand positions both of which can be moved in a
reciprocating simulated climbing motion
3.25 3.25
commissioning
taking the toboggan run into public operation the first time
3.26
3.26
competence
ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve expected results
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
3.27 3.27
competent person
designated individual who has acquired through training, qualifications or experience, or a combination of
these, the knowledge and skills enabling that person to perform a specified task
3.28 3.28
computer vision system for the detection of drowning accidents
automated system, including means for digitizing a series of images of people in the pool basin (3.116,), means
for comparing and analysing digitized images, and the decision means for setting off and sending an alarm
(3.10) to trained staff (3.152) when a detection (3.43) occurs
3.29 3.29
connecting link
part which allows the rider to stay connected to the kite (3.93) via the disconnecting release system (3.124.2)
after triggering the main release system (3.124.1)
EXAMPLE A leash.
3.30 3.30
connection point
)
equipment on the harness or similar means affixed to the user (3.158) where the main release system (3.124.1
is attached
3.31 3.31
connection tube
part of the inflatable structure to which the blower (3.21) is connected
3.32 3.32
constant power mode
programme that allows the user (3.158) to maintain a predetermined equipment power level independent of
pedalling revolutions per minute and can be adjustable to different levels
𝑛𝑛 𝑛𝑛
Note 1 to entry: 𝑃𝑃=2∙⋅𝑀𝑀∙⋅𝜋𝜋∙ ⋅
60 60
where
P is the power in Watts;
M is the torque at the crank axle in newton metres;
n is the crank speed in revolutions per minute.
3.33
context
3.33
Context
—
3.33.1 3.33.1
external context
external environment in which the organization seeks to achieve its objectives
Note 1 to entry: External context can include:
— the cultural, social, political, legal, regulatory, financial, technological, economic, natural and competitive
environment, whether international, national, regional or local;
— key drivers and trends having impact on the objectives of the organization; and
— relationships with, and perceptions and values of external stakeholders.
3.33.2 3.33.2
internal context
internal environment in which the organization seeks to achieve its objectives
Note 1 to entry: Internal context can include:
— governance, organizational structure, roles and accountabilities;
— policies, objectives, and the strategies that are in place to achieve them;
— the capabilities, understood in terms of resources and knowledge (e.g. capital, time, people, processes, systems and
technologies);
— information systems, information flows and decision-making processes (both formal and informal);
— relationships with, and perceptions and values of internal stakeholders;
— the organization'sorganization’s culture;
— standards, guidelines and models adopted by the organization; and
— form and extent of contractual relationships.
3.34 3.34
control system
sum of the components held in the user’s (3.158user's) hand that enable the kite (3.93) to turn and the traction
force to be altered
EXAMPLE A bar.
3.35 3.35
controller
person, company or hirer (those who hire others), having responsibility for the overall control, inspection
(3.88) and maintenance of the equipment
3.36 3.36
crank training equipment
stationary apparatus on which work is carried out by turning a crank mechanism either by using the lower
body, the upper body, or both
3.37 3.37
critical fall height
maximum free heights of fall, for which a surface will provide an acceptable level of impact attenuation
3.38
Cycle
3.38
cycle
complete movement of a component through one full operating sequence returning to its initial position
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
EXAMPLE A typical component couldcan be a pedal, handlebar or seat.
3.383.39 3.39
daily start-up
process of preparing a toboggan run and its technical equipment for operation at the beginning of each day
3.393.40 3.40
dead-weight anchor
ballast body set up on the ground or anchored in the ground
3.403.41 3.41
debilitating injury
injury that diminishes or weakens the human body and has a legacy of greater than one month and that can
be categorized as Abbreviated Injury Scalea 3 on the abbreviated injury scale (AIS) (3.1of 3 )
Note 1 to entry: Debilitating injuries would include requiring surgery concussions that require removal from play to
medical attention.
3.413.42 3.42
dependent action
action in which the movement of one foot pedal is linked to the movement of the other foot pedal
3.423.43 3.43
detection
recognition of a total and prolonged immersion at the bottom of the pool basin (3.116) of a stationary solid
mass such as a person or object
3.433.44 3.44
display
device that provides information to the user (3.158)
3.443.45 3.45
driver
user (3.158) who actively operates the toboggan and who is responsible for compliance with the operating
regulations
3.453.46 3.46
drop stop
permanent or adjustable constructive element creating a pre-set minimum stop position that provides the
user (3.158) with clearance to avoid entrapment (3.53) without any further action of the user
3.463.47 3.47
drowning
process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid
Note 1 to entry: Outcomes are classified as death, morbidity, and no morbidity.
3.473.48 3.48
dynamic direction
direction in which the force is applied during a normal exercise as described in the user’s (3.158user's) manual
3.483.49 3.49
elliptical trainer
stationary training equipment which can produce a continuous closed pattern motion and or both a
reciprocating motion similar to an elliptical type of foot action, used from a seated or standing position, and
can include upper body training devices
3.493.50 3.50
emergency brake
mechanism designed to stop the movement of the pedals in case of emergency
3.503.51 3.51
emergency dismount
act of the user (3.158) quickly interrupting the exercise by getting off the running surface
Note 1 to entry: Emergency dismount can be done e.g. by grabbing the front handlebar (3.69) or both side handrails and
jumping with both feet on the foot rails (3.63.).
3.52
Entanglement
3.52
entanglement
type of hazard (3.76) in which a body, part of a body, clothing, hair, or another element on or attached to a
person becomes caught, twisted or wound in moving or rotating parts, creating the potential for injury
Note 1 to entry: The possible consequences and resulting harm (3.75) of entanglement depend in part on the
environment. For example, entanglement in moving components can lead to pulling, crushing or strangulation hazards.
3.513.53 3.53
entrapment
type of hazard (3.76) in which a body, part of a body, clothing, or another element on or attached to a person
becomes trapped, caught or drawn in, creating the potential for injury
Note 1 to entry: The possible consequences and resulting harm (3.75) of entrapment depend in part on the environment.
For example, underwater entrapment can result in drowning (3.47,), while head entrapment in playground equipment
can result in strangulation.
3.523.54 3.54
ergometer
stationary training equipment that measures the input power produced by the user (3.158) in watts
Note 1 to entry: The term “ergometer” is used only for stationary training equipment that measures power with the
accuracy specified in the relevant standard.
3.533.55 3.55
externally loaded equipment
strength training equipment where the main resistance means is a load that is not an integral part of the device
which can be varied by the user (3.158) by adding or removing components to and from the equipment
Note 1 to entry: Components to be added or removed are, for example, weight discs or bands.
3.543.56 3.56
extrinsic loading
load applied to the product from any other source than the body mass
3.553.57 3.57
falling space
space in or around the inflatable that can be passed through by a user (3.158) falling from an elevated part of
the equipment
Note 1 to entry: The falling space commences at the free height of fall (3.66.).
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
3.563.58 3.58
false alarm
alarm (3.10) set off for reasons other than detection (3.43)
3.573.59 3.59
flywheel
rotating mass designed to create inertia
3.583.60 3.60
folding treadmill
treadmill (3.156) designed with some components that can be moved to allow a more compact non-useable
storage position
3.61
3.61 Foot
foot platform
surface designed to support the foot whilst performing the exercise determined by the manufacturer (3.100)
or for user (3.158) mounting and dismounting
3.593.62 3.62
foot platform guard
rigid part of the structure designed to help prevent the foot from slipping off the foot platform (3.63)
3.603.63 3.63
foot rail
area beside the running surface intended for the user (3.158) to stand on when mounting, dismounting or
during a pause in the exercise
3.64
reasonably foreseeable misuse
3.64
foreseeable misuse
use of a product or system in a manner not intended by the supplier, where that manner of misuse can be
anticipated based on predictable human behaviour
Note 1 to entry: In evaluating readily predictable human behaviours, all relevant demographics should be considered,
including, but not limited to, elderly, children, and persons with disabilities.
Note 2 to entry: In the context of consumer safety, "“reasonably foreseeable use"” is often used to encompass both
intended use (3.91) and reasonably foreseeable misuse.
3.613.65 3.65
free area
area in addition to the training area (3.153) which is required for the user or third party to access the
equipment and or both conduct an emergency dismount (3.51) over and above the full range of movement
(3.122)
3.623.66 3.66
free height of fall
greatest vertical distance from the clearly intended body support to the impact area (3.83) below
3.633.67 3.67
free space
space in on or around the inflatable that can be occupied by a user (3.158) undergoing a movement forced by
the equipment
3.643.68 3.68
freewheel
mechanism which is designed to disengage the flywheel (3.59) from the crank mechanism in one direction
3.653.69 3.69
front handlebar
frontally located bar provided for partially supporting the user’s (3.158) weight with the user’s arm(s) and
enhancing stability whilst exercising and to assist in emergency dismounts (3.51)
EXAMPLE At low speed and high inclines.
3.663.70 3.70
graduated challenge
activity (3.4) that tests users’ (3.158) physical, mental, emotional or social skills to achieve a given, intended
outcome
Note 1 to entry: Based on the ability of the user, there can be circumstances where a user is presented with hazards (3.76)
that shall be eliminated or reduced for the intended user group and unintended users should be warned away. The user
group can be identified by age or ability within the appropriate standard.
3.673.71 3.71
grip
part of the racket where the player holds the racket
3.683.72 3.72
grip size
s
circumference of the grip (3.71)
3.693.73 3.73
guided equipment
equipment where the external load is placed on a weight post (3.161) affixed
...