oSIST prEN 913:2025
(Main)Gymnastic equipment - General safety requirements and test methods
Gymnastic equipment - General safety requirements and test methods
This document specifies general safety requirements and test methods for all pieces of gymnastic and sports equipment and for all pieces of equipment for the use of physical education, training and competition, intended for use supervised by a competent person and not specified in other, individual standards.
Turngeräte - Allgemeine sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
Dieses Dokument legt die allgemeinen Sicherheitsanforderungen und Prüfverfahren für alle Teile von Turn- und Sportgeräten sowie für alle Teile von Geräten fest, die für die Nutzung im Sportunterricht, Ausbildung und Wettkampf unter Aufsicht einer kompetenten Person vorgesehen sind und die nicht in anderen Einzelnormen festgelegt sind.
Matériel de gymnastique - Exigences générales de sécurité et méthodes d'essai
Le présent document spécifie les exigences générales de sécurité et les méthodes d’essai applicables à tout le matériel de gymnastique et de sport, ainsi qu’à tout le matériel conçu dans le cadre de l’éducation physique et sportive, de l’entraînement et de la compétition, destinés à être utilisés sous la surveillance d’une personne compétente et non spécifiés dans d’autres normes individuelles.
Gimnastična oprema - Splošne varnostne zahteve in preskusne metode
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2025
Gimnastična oprema - Splošne varnostne zahteve in preskusne metode
Gymnastic equipment - General safety requirements and test methods
Turngeräte - Allgemeine sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
Matériel de gymnastique - Exigences générales de sécurité et méthodes d'essai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 913
ICS:
97.220.30 Oprema za dvoranske športe Indoor sports equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
July 2025
ICS 97.220.30 Will supersede EN 913:2018+A1:2021
English Version
Gymnastic equipment - General safety requirements and
test methods
Matériel de gymnastique - Exigences générales de Turngeräte - Allgemeine sicherheitstechnische
sécurité et méthodes d'essai Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 136.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, 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.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN 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, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
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.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 913:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Risk assessment . 5
5 General safety requirements . 6
5.1 Materials . 6
5.2 Surface finish . 6
5.3 Safety of openings . 7
5.3.1 Entrapments . 7
5.3.2 Crushing/shearing/pinching points . 9
5.3.3 Transport system . 9
5.3.4 Floor fixings . 9
5.4 Stability and strength . 9
5.4.1 General. 9
5.4.2 Stability . 9
5.4.3 Strength . 10
5.5 Adjustment devices . 10
5.6 Shock absorption of top padding . 10
5.7 Friction and abrasion . 10
5.8 Ergonomics . 10
6 Marking and warning label . 10
6.1 Marking . 10
6.2 Warning label . 10
7 Manufacturer instructions . 11
Annex A (normative) Determination of entrapment . 12
Annex B (normative) Mechanical loading for determination of stability and strength . 25
Annex C (normative) Determination of shock absorption of padding . 30
Annex D (informative) Introduction to risk assessment . 32
Annex E (informative) Inspection and maintenance . 37
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the safety
requirements of Regulation 2023/988/EC aimed to be covered . 39
European foreword
This document (prEN 913:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 136 “Sports,
playground and other recreational facilities and equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 913:2018+A1:2021.
EN 913:2018+A1:2021:
— new Clause 6, “Marking and warning label”;
— update of Annex A;
— update of Annex ZA.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
For the relationship with EU Legislation, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
1 Scope
This document specifies general safety requirements and test methods for all pieces of gymnastic and
sports equipment and for all pieces of equipment for the use of physical education, training and
competition, intended for use supervised by a competent person and not specified in other, individual
standards.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements 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 1991-1-1:2025, Eurocode 1 - Actions on structures - Part 1-1: Specific weight of materials, self-weight
of construction works and imposed loads for buildings
EN 1991-1-3:2025, Eurocode 1 — Actions on structures — Part 1-3: General actions — Snow loads
EN 1991-1-4:2005, Eurocode 1: Actions on structures — Part 1-4: General actions — Wind actions
EN 1991-1-5:2025, Eurocode 1: Actions on structures — Part 1-5: General actions — Thermal actions
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
hazard
potential source of harm
[SOURCE: EN ISO 12100:2010, 3.6]
3.2
risk
combination of probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm
[SOURCE: EN ISO 12100:2010, 3.12]
3.3
body mass
mass of the person(s) using the equipment
3.4
static load
load acting on the equipment due to its structure, added weights and pre-stressed components
As impacted by EN 1991-1-4:2005/A1:2010 and EN 1991-1-4:2005/AC:2010
3.5
dynamic factor
factor to take account of the increase in effective body mass during a dynamic movement
3.6
safety factor
factor intended to cover uncertainties in the body loading and dynamic factor used, and which does not
cover allowance for variations in materials and manufacturing processes
3.7
variable load
load due to factors other than the static and body loads
3.8
ready for use
when the assembly is completed, and the equipment is placed in position
3.9
crushing point
place where parts of the equipment can move against each other, or against a fixed area so that persons,
or parts of their body, can be crushed
3.10
shearing point
place where part of the equipment can move past a fixed or other moving part, or past a fixed area so
that persons, or parts of their body, can be cut
3.11
entrapment
hazard presented by the situation in which a body, or part of a body can become trapped
3.12
V-shape
partially bound opening subject to neck entrapment test regardless to its real shape (V, U, square, etc.)
4 Risk assessment
The assessment of risks has been based on EN ISO 12100:2010. Twelve categories of hazard or sources
of hazard have been considered relevant to gymnastic equipment. These are as follows:
a) crushing;
b) shearing;
c) cutting and severing;
d) entanglement and trapping;
e) impact;
f) stabbing or puncture;
g) friction and abrasion;
h) insufficient mechanical strength;
i) use of unsuitable material;
j) unintended movement, including sliding;
k) unsuitable ergonomic design;
l) wrong or missing information.
NOTE See also Regulation (EU) 2023/988.
5 General safety requirements
5.1 Materials
Materials shall be selected and protected such that the structural integrity of the equipment
manufactured from them is not affected before the next relevant maintenance inspection. For more
information on inspection and maintenance see Annex E.
NOTE 1 The provisions relating to certain materials in this document do not imply that other equivalent
materials are unsuitable in the manufacture of multi-sports equipment.
The selection of materials and their use should be in accordance with the appropriate European
Standards where applicable.
In the choice of a material or substance for equipment, consideration should be given to the eventual
disposal of the material or substance having regard to any possible environmental toxic hazard.
NOTE 2 See also Regulation (EU) 2023/988.
5.2 Surface finish
There shall be no protruding nails, projecting wire rope terminations or pointed or sharp-edged
components. Rough surfaces should not present any risk of injury. All welds shall be smooth. Protruding
bolt threads within any accessible part of the equipment shall be permanently covered, e.g. dome
headed nuts. Nuts and bolt heads that project less than 8 mm are permitted in non-accessible parts,
provided they are free from burrs.
Corners, edges and projecting parts within the space occupied by the user that protrude more than
8 mm, and which are not shielded by adjacent areas that are not more than 25 mm from the end of the
projecting part, shall be rounded off. The minimum radius of the curve shall be 3 mm.
Figure 1 shows examples of protection for nuts and bolts and permissible protruding parts. Figure 2
shows examples of non-permissible protruding parts.
This requirement is intended only to prevent injuries caused by unintended contact with components.
Dimensions in millimetres
a) Examples of protection for nuts and bolts
b) Examples of permissible protruding parts
Figure 1 — Examples of permissible parts
Dimensions in millimetres
a) Uncovered protruding exterior screw thread
b) Unprotected, overhanging sharp-edged (hard) equipment part
Figure 2 — Examples of non-permissible protruding parts
5.3 Safety of openings
5.3.1 Entrapments
5.3.1.1 General
Equipment shall be designed to prevent head, neck and finger entrapments.
NOTE All dimensions given hereafter are copied from EN 1176-1:2017+A1:2023.
5.3.1.2 Head entrapment/strangulation
Completely bound openings with a lower edge more than 600 mm above the floor shall be tested in
accordance with A.1.
E (small head) shall not pass through any opening unless it also allows the passage of the probe D (large
head).
NOTE The two exceptions are given due to practical experience and to align the test closer to the former
EN 913 tests.
5.3.1.3 Neck entrapment
V-shapes in height of 600 mm or more above the floor (see Figure 3) shall be constructed so that one of
the following conditions exist:
1) When tested in accordance with A.4.1.2 first phase, opening does not allow insertion of the
template’s B-portion for its full thickness, width or length.
2) When tested in accordance with A.4.1.2 second phase, the opening shall conform to one of the
following requirements:
— Range 1: When the template apex contacts the bottom, the depth of the V-shape shall either be
less than the length of the template to the underside of the shoulder section or allow insertion of
the whole template, including the shoulder section.
— Range 2: When the template apex contacts the bottom, the depth of the V-shape shall be less
than the ‘A’ portion of the template. If the opening is deeper, the opening above the ‘A’ portion
shall allow insertion of the shoulder section of the template.
— Range 3: No template test requirements.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
A floor
B equipment
arrow points of contact during test’s second phase
Figure 3 — Determining the height of the V-shape
5.3.1.4 Finger entrapment
Openings which are located closer than 90 mm from those parts of the equipment, that the user is
intended to touch with their hands, when tested in accordance with A.4.1.2, shall conform to one of the
following:
1) The 8 mm finger rod does not fit into the opening.
2) The 25 mm finger rod passes through the opening or to the bottom of the recess.
3) If only the 8 mm finger rod fits into the recess, while being at the bottom of the recess, it can be
bended to less than 45° angle from the adjacent surface and moved full circle along conical surface
(see Figure A.4).
NOTE When the user is exercising, the risk of finger entrapment is related to the speed of the user more than
opening’s physical height from the floor. When fast movement does not exist, openings less than 1 000 mm from
the floor are typically of low risk.
5.3.2 Crushing/shearing/pinching points
When the equipment is in use and its parts can move relative to each other or to the floor, either by
design or through deflection or bending under load, there shall be no shearing/crushing/pinching
points that can create a danger for head, neck, or finger.
These requirements shall be assessed by carrying out a visual inspection and probes specified in
Annex A.
5.3.3 Transport system
Where a transport system is used, it shall be considered in the risk assessment. The risk assessment
shall consider disengagement, crushing, shearing and unintentional dropping. Transport systems shall
be marked according to Clause 7. For more information on risk assessment see Annex D.
5.3.4 Floor fixings
Any floor fixings shall be designed in such a way that they will not protrude from the floor level, nor
provide openings equal to or greater than 12 mm in diameter unless they are covered with a flush
fitting cover, when the equipment is not attached to the floor.
NOTE Should a risk be seen through the opening, a cover might be required even at less than 12 mm.
5.4 Stability and strength
5.4.1 General
Unless specified elsewhere in individual equipment standards, verification of the stability and strength
of equipment shall be achieved by engineering calculation or by testing in accordance with the
procedures specified in Annex B.
5.4.2 Stability
For stability testing where the normal action produces a destabilizing force in a horizontal direction, e.g.
vaulting, the theoretical horizontal test force shall be calculated using the formula given in B.1.8. The
calculation shall give a result which is ≥ 35 % of the self-weight of the equipment or 50 N, whichever is
the greater.
Unless specified elsewhere in individual equipment standards, for equipment with unfixed body
sections an actual test shall be carried out with a theoretical horizontal test force of 65 % of the
theoretical test force calculated according to the formula given in B.1.8, or 50 N, whichever is the
greater. Unfixed body sections shall not become separated.
5.4.3 Strength
When tested in accordance with Annex B, equipment shall not collapse or fracture, or show any
permanent deformation that would result in an additional safety hazard as described in the standard.
5.5 Adjustment devices
Any adjustment devices shall prevent accidental changes during use of the device or the equipment.
None of the operating levers shall protrude into the user's free space.
This shall be assessed by carrying out a visual inspection and operation of the adjustment device.
5.6 Shock absorption of top padding
Shock absorption of top padding shall be determined in accordance with Annex C. When tested in
accordance with the method specified in Annex C, the peak acceleration shall not exceed 500 m/s , if
not specified in other, individual equipment standards.
5.7 Friction and abrasion
Requirements are related to the specific gymnastic and sports equipment and dealt within the
appropriate European Standards (where applicable).
5.8 Ergonomics
Requirements are related to the specific gymnastic and sports equipment and dealt within the
appropriate European Standards (where applicable).
6 Marking and warning label
6.1 Marking
All gymnastic equipment shall bear the following marking:
a) number of the relevant European Standard;
b) name, trademark or other means of identification of the producer, retailer or importer;
c) year of manufacture;
d) number of users for which the equipment is intended.
Any other information regarding the intended use is related to the specific gymnastic and sports
equipment and dealt within the appropriate European Standards (where applicable).
Transport systems shall be marked with:
a) safe working loads;
b) identified intended use.
6.2 Warning label
When setting up or transport of equipment there could be risk for shearing or crushing. Those points
shall be highlighted with a warning label.
7 Manufacturer instructions
The producer shall provide written instructions for the safe assembly, installation, transportation,
storage and maintenance in the appropriate language(s) of the country in which the gymnastic and
sports equipment is to be installed and used.
Further requirements are related to the specific gymnastic and sports equipment and dealt within the
appropriate European Standards (where applicable).
Annex A
(normative)
Determination of entrapment
A.1 Principle
Test probes of specified dimensions are offered to potential entrapment points, and a note is made of
whether or not they can be inserted.
In situations of doubt when using the probes relating to the tolerance an accurate measurement should
be made to ensure the opening is in accordance with the nominal dimension.
All tests shall be performed in the most onerous way.
A.2 Apparatus
Test probes of dimensions as described in Figure A.1.
A.3 Conditioning and test temperature
Condition the equipment and test probes for a minimum of 3 h at the test temperature of (23 ± 2) °C.
A.4 Procedure
A.4.1 Head and neck entrapment
A.4.1.1 General
The equipment shall be set up ready for use. The probe shall be applied with its longitudinal axis
perpendicular to the plane of the opening. No rotation of the probe about any axis other than the
longitudinal axis is permitted. Translations perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the probe are
allowed. The longitudinal axis of the probe is considered to coincide with the longest axis of the probe’s
handle.
A.4.1.2 Test procedure
A.4.1.2.1 General
Insert the probe E (small head) and probe D (large head) see Figure A.1 into each opening more than
600 mm above a standing surface. If probe E passes the opening, probe D shall also pass through the
opening.
Insert the probe E (small head) and probe D (large head) see Figure A.2 into each opening more than
600 mm above a standing surface. The probe shall not become stuck. If the probe can enter the opening
it shall touch the bottom of the opening (see Figure A.2 and Figure A.3).
A.4.1.2.2 V-shaped openings and partially bound openings
Insert the probe E (small head) and probe D (large head) see Figure A.1 into each opening more than
600 mm above a standing surface along the direction of its median line. The probe shall not become
stuck. If the probe can enter the opening it shall touch the bottom of the opening (see Figure A.2 and
Figure A.3).
A.4.2 Finger entrapment
Insert the 8 mm diameter finger probe (see Figure A.8) into each relevant opening and, if the probe
does not pass through, rotate it as illustrated in Figure A.9.
Record and report if the probe enters the opening and if it locks in any position when moved through
the conical arc shown in Figure A.9.
If the 8 mm diameter finger probe passes through the opening, apply the 25 mm diameter finger probe
(see Figure A.8).
Record and report if the 25 mm diameter finger probe passes through the opening and, if it does,
whether access is then given to another finger entrapment site.
No opening which presents a risk of finger entrapment is permissible. An opening is considered to
present a risk of finger entrapment if:
— it can accommodate the 8 mm probe but not the 25 mm probe; or
— its profile is such that the 8 mm probe can become locked in position; or
— 25 mm probe cannot be inserted a full 100 mm into the opening and the opening gives access to
another entrapment site.
A.5 Expression of results
A.5.1 General
Report all findings recorded under procedures A.4.1 and A.4.2.
Assess and report whether each opening assessed complied with the requirements of this document.
Unless stated otherwise, tolerances of the probes in this annex are as follows:
a) ± 1 mm for dimensions; and
b) ± 1° for angles.
In situations of doubt when using the probes relating to the tolerance an accurate measurement should
be made to ensure the opening is in accordance with the nominal dimension of the probe.
All tests shall be performed in the most onerous way.
A.5.2 Head and neck entrapment
A.5.2.1 Completely bound openings
A.5.2.1.1 Apparatus
Probes, as illustrated in Figure A.1.
Dimensions in millimetres
a) Probe E (small head)
b) Probe D (large head)
Key
1 handle
Figure A.1 — Probes for determination of head and neck entrapment in completely bound
openings
A.5.2.2 Procedure
Apply successively the probes as illustrated in Figure A.2 to each relevant opening. Record and report
the passage of any probe through the opening. If any of the probes are not freely passing through the
opening apply a force of (222 ± 5) N to the probe. Apply the probe with the axis perpendicular to the
plane of the opening.
or Pass
Pass
Fail
or
Key
1 probe E (small head)
2 probe D (large head)
Figure A.2 — Examples of procedures
A.5.3 Partially bound and V-shaped openings
A.5.3.1 Apparatus
Test template, as illustrated in Figure A.3.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
A “A” portion of probe
B “B” portion of probe
B1 shoulder section
Figure A.3 — Test template for assessment of head and neck entrapment in partially bound and
V-shaped openings
A.5.3.2 Procedure
Position the ‘B’ portion of the test template between and perpendicular to the boundaries of the
opening, as shown in Figure A.2. Record and report whether the template fits within the boundaries of
the opening or, if it cannot be inserted to its full thickness.
If the test template can be inserted to a depth greater than the thickness of the template (45 mm), apply
the ‘A’ portion of the test template, so that its centre line is orientated to check the extremities of the
opening as well as the centreline.
Ensure that the plane of the test template is parallel and applied in line with the opening, as shown in
Figure A.2.
Insert the test template along the opening until its motion is arrested by contact with the boundaries of
the opening. Record and report the results including the angle of the template centreline relative to the
vertical and horizontal axes (see Figure A.2 as this will determine the pass/fail requirements given in
5.3.1. See Figure A.5, Figure A.6 and Figure A.7 for examples of the assessment for the different angular
ranges.
a)
b)
Key
1 accessible
2 not accessible
Figure A.4 — Method of insertion of the “B” portion of the test template
a)
b)
c)
Key
1 range 1
2 range 2
3 range 3
a
insertion angle for assessing the range
b
template centre line
c
check all insertion angles
A A-portion (see Figure A.3)
B B-portion (see Figure A.3)
Figure A.5 — Checking all insertion angles to determine range
Dimensions in millimetres
a) Passes if front section fully enters aperture to a maximum depth of (template shoulder depth)
265 mm
b) Fail
c) Pass
Key
> 600 mm more than 600 mm above the playing sur
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