SIST EN 1176-4:2018+AC:2019

• Abstract:

  This European Standard is applicable to cableways whereby children travel along a cable by the use of gravity. This standard specifies additional safety requirements for cableways intended for permanent installation for use by children.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Mar-2019
• ICS: 97.200.40 - Playgrounds
• Technical Committee: SPO - Sports
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 18-Jan-2019
• Due Date: 25-Mar-2019
• Completion Date: 15-Mar-2019
• Ref Project: EN 1176-4:2017+AC:2019 - Playground equipment and surfacing - Part 4: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for cableways

• Refers: SIST EN 1176-6:2018 - Playground equipment and surfacing - Part 6: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for rocking equipment
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 1176-1:2018 - Playground equipment and surfacing - Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST-V CEN/CLC Guide 14:2009 - Child safety - Guidance for its inclusion in standards
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 13814-1:2019+A1:2024 - Safety of amusement rides and amusement devices - Part 1: Design and manufacture
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST-TP CEN/TR 16598:2023 - Collection of rationales for EN 1176 - Requirements
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST-TP CEN/TR 16598:2014 - Collection of rationales for EN 1176 - Requirements
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 13814:2005 - Fairground and amusement park machinery and structures - Safety
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 17232:2020 - Water play equipment and features - Safety requirements, test methods and operational requirements
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST-TP CEN/TR 17207:2018 - Playground and recreational areas - Framework for the competence of playground inspectors
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 13814-1:2019 - Safety of amusement rides and amusement devices - Part 1: Design and manufacture
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 1176-10:2023 - Playground equipment and surfacing - Part 10: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for fully enclosed play equipment
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Corrects: SIST EN 1176-4:2018 - Playground equipment and surfacing - Part 4: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for cableways
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019

Overview

EN 1176-4:2017+AC:2019 - “Playground equipment and surfacing - Part 4: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for cableways” (CEN) sets additional safety requirements and test methods for playground cableways where children travel along a cable under gravity. This European Standard applies to permanently installed cableways intended for children and complements the general EN 1176 series (notably EN 1176-1, EN 1176-7 and EN 1177). The 2019 corrigendum is included.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & linkage: Designed to be used in conjunction with EN 1176-1 (general safety) and other relevant parts - not as a standalone document.
• Structure & loads: Framework and cable fixing points must withstand computed static and dynamic loads and include an adjustment device to maintain correct sag. Cable design must follow the force calculations in EN 1176-1:2017 (Annex A).
• Stops: Terminal stops must progressively slow the traveller; suspension must not swing more than 45° during stop tests (Annex A).
• Traveller design: Only one traveller per cable; travellers must not slip or expose moving parts laterally; openings may permit the 8 mm finger rod test but must not pinch for 70 mm insertion.
• Suspension assembly: Seating cableways must not use rigid suspension elements; flexible elements must prevent strangulation risks.
• Grips & seats:
  • Hanging grips must allow easy release and must not tighten around the hand; enclosed loops must meet entrapment requirements of EN 1176-1.
  • Seats must allow quick exit and must not be loop/circular; dynamic tests require peak accelerations ≤ 50 g and average surface compression ≤ 90 N/cm² (EN 1176-2, Annex C).
• Speeds & tests: Maximum traveller speed ≤ 7 m/s when tested per Annex B.
• Clearances & dimensions:
  • Free height of fall (unloaded measures) - seating position H2 ≤ 2 000 mm; hanging H2 ≤ 1 500 mm.
  • Ground clearance: seating ≥ 350 mm measured loaded (69.5 kg); hanging types generally ≥ 1 500 mm unloaded at start and ≥ 2 000 mm loaded in running position.
  • Cable lengths: from seat ≥ 2 100 mm (can be 1 800 mm if moving parts fully enclosed); from grip ≥ 300 mm.
  • Parallel cable spacing ≥ 2 000 mm.
• Falling space & impact area: Minimum 2 000 mm lateral clearance from the cable center and 2 000 mm beyond end of swinging travel; impact attenuation at least equivalent to 1 000 mm free height of fall (increasing proportionally for higher falls).

Applications and users

This standard is essential for:

• Playground equipment manufacturers designing cableways
• Engineers and structural designers specifying supports, cable tension and sag
• Installers and site contractors ensuring correct assembly and clearances
• Inspectors, maintenance teams and local authorities assessing safety compliance
• Procurement officers and playground planners specifying standards-compliant equipment

Related standards

• EN 1176-1:2017 - General safety requirements and test methods
• EN 1176-2:2017 - Swings (referenced for seat dynamic tests)
• EN 1176-6:2017 - Rocking equipment (grip end requirements)
• EN 1176-7 / EN 1177 - Installation, maintenance and surfacing guidance

Keywords: EN 1176-4:2017+AC:2019, playground cableways, cableway safety, test methods, free height of fall, ground clearance, traveller speed, CEN.