SIST EN 71-8:2018

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

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 the EN 1176 series;
-   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;
NOTE 1   For information regarding the classification of pools as toys see European Commission guidance document No. 8 from Bibliographical Entry [1].
-   pools with maximum depth of water over 400 mm measured, between the overflow level and the deepest point within the pool, without play elements covered e.g. by the EN 16582 series or EN 16927.
NOTE 2   There is an enhanced risk of drowning in toy pools where the depth of water is in excess of 400 mm.
-   trampolines for domestic use dealt with in EN 71 14.
-   inflatable activity toys (except paddling pools).
See also A.1.

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 Aktivitäts-spielzeug sind;
-   Bausätze für Aktivitätsspielzeug einschließlich Bauteile, die verwendet werden, um Aktivitäts-spielzeug nach einer vorgegebenen Konstruktionsanweisung zusammenzubauen.
Vom Anwendungsbereich dieser Europäischen Norm ausgeschlossen sind:
-   Spielplatzgeräte, die für den öffentlichen Gebrauch bestimmt sind und in der Normenreihe 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, zwischen Überlauf und dem tiefsten Punkt innerhalb des Beckens gemessen;
ANMERKUNG 1   Für Informationen bezüglich der Klassifikation von Spielbecken siehe Leitlinie Nr. 8 der Europäischen Kommission aus Literaturhinweis [1].
-   Becken mit einer Höchstwassertiefe von über 400 mm, zwischen Überlauf und dem tiefsten Punkt innerhalb des Beckens gemessen, ohne Spielelemente, die z. B. in der Normenreihe EN 16582 oder in EN 16927 behandelt werden;
ANMERKUNG 2   Bei Spielbecken mit einer Wassertiefe größer als 400 mm besteht ein erhöhtes Risiko des Ertrinkens.
-   Trampoline für den häuslichen Gebrauch, die in EN 71 14 behandelt werden;
-   aufblasbares Aktivitätsspielzeug (mit Ausnahme von Planschbecken).
Siehe auch A.1.

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 :
—   les accessoires de jouets d’activité vendus séparément et les composants de jouets d’activité ;
—   les éléments de balançoire vendus séparément, prêts à être utilisés sur un jouet d’activité ou avec celui-ci ;
—   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 :
—   les équipements d’aires de jeux destinés à un usage public traités dans la série EN 1176 ;
—   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 ;
—   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 ;
NOTE 1   Pour plus d’information sur la classification des piscines comme jouets, voir le document d’orientation n° 8 de la Commission européenne en entrée [1] de la bibliographie.
—   les bassins 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, sans éléments de jeu couverts par exemple par la série EN 16582 ou l’EN 16927 ;
NOTE 2   Le risque de noyade dans les bassins de jeu augmente lorsque la profondeur d’eau dépasse 400 mm.
—   les trampolines à usage familial traités dans l’EN 71 14 ;
—   les jouets d’activité gonflables (à l’exception des pataugettes).
Voir également A.1.

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

Ta evropski standard določa zahteve in metode preskušanja za igrače za prostočasne aktivnosti, ki so pogosto vezane ali vključujejo prečnik, ter podobne igrače, namenjene otrokom pod 14 leti, na ali v katerih se igrajo in ki pogosto nosijo težo enega ali več otrok. Ta evropski standard določa tudi zahteve za: –    pripomočke in komponente igrač za prostočasne aktivnosti, ki se prodajajo posebej; –    elemente gugalnic, ki so pripravljeni za uporabo na ali v kombinaciji z igračo za prostočasne aktivnosti; –   konstrukcijski paketi za igrače za prostočasne aktivnosti, vključno s komponentami, ki se uporabljajo za gradnjo igrač za prostočasne aktivnosti, v skladu za načrtovano gradnjo stavbe. Področje uporabe tega evropskega standarda ne zajema: –    opreme za igrišča, ki je namenjena javni rabi, opisana v standardu EN 1176; –   zibalnih igrač za prostočasne aktivnosti, ki so pritrjene na lok, kot so zibalni konji in podobne igrače, zajete v standardu EN 71-1; –    igralnih bazenov z največjo izmerjeno globino vode preko 400 mm med ravnjo preplavljanja in najglobljo točko v bazenu; -    trampolinov za igro. OPOMBA 1    Zahteve za trampoline za igro in napihljive igrače, ki niso za v vodo, so v izdelavi. OPOMBA 2    Obstaja večje tveganje za utopitve v bazenih za igro, kjer globina vode presega 400 mm.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 06-Nov-2016
• Publication Date: 03-Apr-2018
• ICS: 97.200.50 - Toys
• Technical Committee: OTR - Child use and care article
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 09-Mar-2018
• Due Date: 14-May-2018
• Completion Date: 04-Apr-2018
• 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: EUR-PUB - European Union - Public Standards
• 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: EN 71-8:2018 - Safety of toys - Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use

Relations

• Replaces: SIST EN 71-8:2011 - Safety of toys - Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Revised: kSIST FprEN 71-8:2025 - Safety of toys - Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2024

Overview

SIST EN 71-8:2018 (EN 71-8) - "Safety of toys - Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use" - is a European standard that sets safety requirements and test methods for activity toys intended for children under 14 years. It covers domestic-use equipment such as swings, slides, see‑saws, carousels, paddling pools and other toys that may bear the mass of one or more children, including separately sold accessories, swing elements and construction packages.

The standard was approved by CEN in 2017 and supersedes EN 71-8:2011. Annex ZA in the document describes the relationship with the essential requirements of Directive 2009/48/EC (Toy Safety Directive).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and exclusions: Excludes public playground equipment (EN 1176), bow‑mounted rocking toys covered by EN 71-1, trampolines (EN 71-14), most inflatable activity toys (except paddling pools), and pools deeper than 400 mm (see safety notes).
• Construction and assembly: Requirements for safe assembly, installation instructions and maintenance information.
• Strength and stability tests: Static and dynamic strength testing, stability tests for various free‑fall heights and configurations (slides, swings, see‑saws, crossbeams).
• Entrapment prevention: Tests and dimensions addressing head/neck, clothing, hair, foot and finger entrapment (including toggle tests).
• Component and accessory requirements: Safety rules for separately sold swing elements, connectors, ropes and construction packages.
• Specific elements: Detailed requirements and tests for slides (sliding/run‑out geometry), swings (clearances, suspension, impact assessment), paddling pools (wall strength, warnings) and rocking toys.
• Warnings, markings and instructions: Labeling, warning texts and instruction content to support safe use and compliance.
• Test methods referenced: Stability, static/dynamic strength, entrapment tests, impact tests for swing elements, measurement protocols for slides and suspensions.

Practical applications - who uses EN 71-8

• Toy manufacturers and product designers - to design safer activity toys and select compliant materials, components and geometries.
• Test laboratories and conformity assessors - to perform required stability, strength and entrapment tests and produce certification evidence.
• Retailers and importers - to verify supplier compliance and prepare product documentation and warnings.
• Safety engineers and product managers - to develop assembly and maintenance instructions and risk assessments.
• Regulatory bodies - to evaluate conformity with the Toy Safety Directive’s essential requirements (see Annex ZA).

Related standards

• EN 71-1 (mechanical/physical hazards) - e.g., bow‑mounted rocking toys
• EN 1176 (public playground equipment)
• EN 71-14 (trampolines)
• EN 16582 / EN 16927 (play elements and pools)
• European Commission guidance (bibliographical references provided in the standard)

Keywords: EN 71-8, SIST EN 71-8:2018, safety of toys, activity toys, domestic use, toy testing, entrapment, stability, swings, slides, paddling pools.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2018
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 71-8:2011
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 71-8:2018
ICS:
97.200.50 ,JUDþH Toys
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 71-8
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
January 2018
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 97.200.50 Supersedes EN 71-8:2011
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
familial für den häuslichen Gebrauch
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 15 October 2017.

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, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2018 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 71-8:2018 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Requirements . 11
4.1 General (see A.2) . 11
4.1.1 Assembly . 11
4.1.2 Static strength . 11
4.1.3 Maximum height (see A.3) . 11
4.1.4 Corners and edges (see A.4) . 11
4.1.5 Protruding parts . 11
4.1.6 Diameter of ropes and other means of suspension . 12
4.1.7 Water accumulation (see A.14) . 12
4.2 Barriers, handrails and ladders and similar means of access to activity toys . 12
4.2.1 Barriers and handrails preventing a child from falling down (see 6.5.1, A.5) . 12
4.2.2 Ladders and similar means of access to activity toys (see A.6) . 12
4.3 Entrapment (see A.7) . 14
4.3.1 Entrapment of head and neck . 14
4.3.2 Entrapment of clothing and hair . 15
4.3.3 Entrapment of feet . 16
4.3.4 Entrapment of fingers . 16
4.4 Stability of activity toys other than slides, swings and activity toys with crossbeams,
and see-saws . 16
4.4.1 General . 16
4.4.2 Stability of activity toys with a free height of fall of 600 mm or less . 17
4.4.3 Stability of activity toys with a free height of fall of more than 600 mm . 17
4.5 Slides (see A.8) . 17
4.5.1 General . 17
4.5.2 Stability of slides . 17
4.5.3 Retaining sides for slides (see A.9) . 17
4.5.4 Starting, sliding and run-out sections on slides . 18
4.6 Swings (see A.10) . 21
4.6.1 Stability of swings and other activity toys with crossbeams . 21
4.6.2 Static strength of crossbeams, swing devices and suspension connectors . 22
4.6.3 Swings intended for children under 36 months . 22
4.6.4 Minimum clearance between adjacent swing elements, and adjacent structures . 22
4.6.5 Lateral stability of swing elements . 23
4.6.6 Minimum clearance between swing elements and the ground (see A.11) . 24
4.6.7 Suspension connectors and swing devices . 24
4.6.8 Impact, geometry and design of swing elements . 25
4.7 See-saws . 26
4.7.1 Stability of see-saws . 26
4.7.2 Seat/stand height . 26
4.7.3 Restraint of motion . 26
4.7.4 Pinching and crushing of fingers and toes . 26
4.7.5 Hand supports . 26
4.8 Carousels and rocking activity toys (see A.12) . 27
4.9 Paddling pools . 27
4.9.1 Static strength of paddling pools with non-inflatable walls . 27
4.9.2 Paddling pools with inflatable walls . 27
5 Warnings, markings, and instructions . 27
5.1 Warnings and markings . 27
5.1.1 General . 27
5.1.2 Paddling pools . 27
5.2 Assembly and installation instructions . 28
5.3 Maintenance . 29
6 Test methods . 29
6.1 General . 29
6.2 Stability . 30
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) . 30
6.2.2 Stability of activity toys with a free height of fall of more than 600 mm (see 4.4.3) . 32
6.2.3 Stability of slides (see 4.5.2) . 32
6.2.4 Stability of swings and other activity toys with crossbeams (see 4.6.1) . 33
6.2.5 Stability of see-saws (see 4.7.1) . 34
6.3 Static strength . 35
6.3.1 General . 35
6.3.2 Strength of activity toys other than swings and paddling pools (see 4.1.2 and 4.8) . 35
6.3.3 Strength of swings (see 4.6.2) . 37
6.4 Dynamic strength of barriers and handrails (see 4.2.1) . 37
6.4.1 Principle . 37
6.4.2 Apparatus . 37
6.4.3 Procedure . 38
6.5 Test for head and neck entrapment (see 4.3.1) . 38
6.5.1 Head and neck entrapment in accessible completely bound openings (see 4.2.1, 4.3.1
a) and 4.3.1 c)) . 38
6.5.2 Head and neck entrapment in partially bound and V-shaped openings (see 4.3.1 d)) . 42
6.6 Toggle test (see 4.3.2) . 47
6.6.1 Principle . 47
6.6.2 Apparatus . 47
6.6.3 Procedure . 48
6.7 Measurements of sliding and run-out sections on slides (see 4.5.4) . 50
6.7.1 Measurement of inclination of the sliding section on slides (see 4.5.4 f)) . 50
6.7.2 Measurement of the minimum angle along the sliding section and the run-out
section on slides (see 4.5.4 g)) . 50
6.8 Diameter of ropes and other means of suspension (see 4.1.6) . 51
6.9 Determination of impact from swing elements (see 4.6.8.2) . 52
6.9.1 Principle . 52
6.9.2 Apparatus . 52
6.9.3 Preparations . 54
6.9.4 Testing . 54
6.10 Static load test for paddling pools with non-inflatable walls (see 4.9.1) . 56
6.11 Measurement of the height of falling protection of swings with double seats and
examination of gaps between the swing seat and the falling protection . 56
Annex A (informative) Rationale . 58
A.1 Activity toys (see scope) . 58
A.2 General requirements (see 4.1) . 58
A.3 Maximum height (see 4.1.3) . 58
A.4 Corners and edges (see 4.1.4) . 58
A.5 Barriers (see 4.2) . 58
A.6 Ladders and similar means of access to activity toys (see 4.2.2) . 59
A.7 Entrapment (see 4.3) . 59
A.8 Slides (see 4.5) . 59
A.9 Retaining sides for slides (see 4.5.3). 60
A.10 Swings (see 4.6) . 60
A.11 Clearance between swing elements and the ground for crossbeams with a maximum
height of 1 200 mm (see 4.6.6) . 61
A.12 Rocking activity toys and similar toys (see 4.8) . 61
A.13 Stability of swings and other activity toys with crossbeams (see 6.2.4.1.1) . 61
A.14 Drowning hazards (see 4.1.7) . 61
A.15 Warnings (see Clause 5) . 62
Annex B (informative) Significant technical changes between this European Standard and
the previous version . 63
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Directive 2009/48/EC aimed to be covered . 65
Bibliography . 66

European foreword
This document (EN 71-8:2018) 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 July 2018, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by July 2018.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 71-8:2011.
This European Standard has been prepared under a standardization request M/445 given to CEN by the
European Commission and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements
of EU Directive 2009/48/EC.
For relationship with EU Directive 2009/48/EC, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of
this European Standard.
Annex B provides details of significant technical changes between this European Standard and the
previous edition.
This European Standard constitutes the eighth part of the European Standard on safety of toys. It
should be read in conjunction with Part 1.
This European Standard, 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;
— Part 12: N-Nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances;
— Part 13: Olfactory board games, cosmetic kits and gustative games;
— Part 14: Trampolines for domestic use.
NOTE 1 In addition to the above parts of EN 71, the following guidance documents have been published:
CEN Technical Report CEN/TR 15071, Safety of toys — National translations of warnings and instructions for use in
the EN 71 series, and CEN Technical Report CEN/TR 15371 (all parts), Safety of toys — Interpretations.
NOTE 2 Different legal requirements may exist in non-EU countries.
NOTE 3 Words in italics are defined in Clause 3 (Terms and definitions).
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
1 Scope
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 the EN 1176 series;
— 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;
NOTE 1 For information regarding the classification of pools as toys see European Commission guidance
document No. 8 from Bibliographical Entry [1].
— pools with maximum depth of water over 400 mm measured, between the overflow level and the
deepest point within the pool, without play elements covered e.g. by the EN 16582 series or
EN 16927.
NOTE 2 There is an enhanced risk of drowning in toy pools where the depth of water is in excess of
400 mm.
— trampolines for domestic use dealt with in EN 71-14.
— inflatable activity toys (except paddling pools).
See also A.1.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 71-1:2014, Safety of toys - Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties
EN ISO 4287:1998, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) - Surface texture: Profile method - Terms,
definitions and surface texture parameters (ISO 4287:1997)

As impacted by EN ISO 4287:1998/A1:2009 and EN ISO 4287:1998/AC:2008.
ISO 20712-1:2008, Water safety signs and beach safety flags — Part 1: Specifications for water safety
signs used in workplaces and public areas
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 1 to entry: Examples of such toys are swings, slides, carousels, climbing frames, rigid playhouses, paddling
pools. 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
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.24]
3.4
crossbeam
bar or beam which forms a main load bearing part of certain activity toys (see Figure 1)
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 1 to entry: Exposed edges are commonly found on doors, windows, shutters, ladders, steps, handrails,
retaining sides for slides and seats.
3.7
forced movement
movement of the user caused by the equipment (e.g. swinging, sliding, carousel rotation etc.) which,
once started, cannot be totally controlled by the user
Note 1 to entry: Falls are not considered forced movement as they are not imposed on the user by the
equipment but occur for other reasons.
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.34, modified — An original Note 2 to entry is not reproduced here.]
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 1 to entry: 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
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.22]
3.11
platform
raised surface where one or more users can stand without the need of hand support
Note 1 to entry: 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.
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.21, modified — The wording of the Note 1 to entry was modified.]
3.12
slide
structure with inclined surface(s) on which the user slides in a defined track
Note 1 to entry: Inclined planes, designed primarily for other purposes, such as roofs, do not constitute slides.
3.13
suspension connector
device which forms the direct contact between a crossbeam and the means of suspension (see Figure 1)
3.14
swing
structure incorporating a crossbeam, suspension connectors and a swing device with swing element,
suspension coupling and means of suspension
Note 1 to entry: Examples of swings are shown in Figure 1.
a) Example of a flat seat b) Example of a gondola
Key
1 swing device
2 crossbeam
3 upper suspension connector
4 upper suspension coupling
5 lower suspension connector
6 lower suspension coupling
7 means of suspension
8 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 1 — 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 1 to entry: 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).
3.16
resilient material
material which is capable of regaining its original shape, position or absorbing shock after bending,
stretching, compression, impact or others actions
3.17
attachment slide
slide for which access to the starting section is possible only by passing via other equipment or parts of
equipment
Note 1 to entry: Such equipment includes climbing nets, bridges, platforms, inclined planes, other climbing
devices.
[SOURCE: EN 1176-3:2017, 3.3]
3.18
declined plane
surface, which might be used for gliding downward in a sitting or lying position
3.19
collapse
sudden or unexpected folding of a structure
[SOURCE: EN 71-1:2014, 3.11]
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 6.3.2 (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 diameters according to Table 1.
Table 1 — Diameter of ropes and other means of suspension
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
4.1.7 Water accumulation (see A.14)
Except when intended for water play, all parts of activity toys should be designed so that they do not
accumulate water which could produce drowning hazard.
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 6.5.1, 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.
The openings between the surface of the platform and the lower edge of the barrier, and the openings in
the barrier, shall not allow the passage of probe C (see Figure 17) and probe E (see Figure 19), except
for entrance and exit openings necessary for each play element. Probe C and probe E shall be applied
according to 6.5.1, (head and neck entrapment in accessible completely bound openings).
Openings 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 4.5.3 retaining sides for slides and 4.5.4 starting, sliding and
run-out sections on slides).
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 2 a, dimensions of ladders));
c) the distance between the upper surfaces of the treads or rungs shall not exceed 310 mm when
measured vertically as indicated in Figure 2 b, details of a step ladder). 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 2 a)). This requirement does not apply to ladders with rungs.
Dimensions in millimetres
a) Dimensions of ladders
b) Details of a step ladder
Figure 2 — Ladders
4.3 Entrapment (see A.7)
4.3.1 Entrapment of head and neck
Activity toys shall be constructed so that any openings do not create head and neck entrapment hazards
either by head first or feet first passage.
Hazardous situations in which this type of entrapment can be encountered include the following:
— completely bound openings through which a user may slide feet first or head first;
— partially bound or V-shaped openings;
— other openings (e.g. shearing or moving openings).
a) Accessible completely bound openings with a lower edge more than 600 mm above ground, or
above any other surface which is of such a size that it will support a child, shall be tested in
accordance with 6.5.1 (head and neck entrapment in accessible completely bound openings).
Probes C (see Figure 17) or E (see Figure 19) shall not pass through any opening unless it also
allows the passage of the large head probe D (see Figure 18).
b) Accessible completely bound openings, that allow the free passage of probe C (see Figure 17), when
tested according to 6.5.1 (head and neck entrapment in accessible completely bound openings)
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).
c) Partially bound and V-shaped openings with an entrance at 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 22 (method of insertion of the "B" portion of
probe F), when tested according to 6.5.2.3 a) (head and neck entrapment in partially bound
and V-shaped openings); or
2) if the opening is accessible at a position of 600 mm or more above ground when tested in
accordance with 6.5.2.3 a) (head and neck entrapment in partially bound and V-shaped
openings), depending on the angular orientation range of the opening (see Figure 20, checking
all insertion angles to determine range), it shall conform to the following:
i) Range 1: (probe F (see Figure 21) centre line ± 45° from vertical); when the probe F apex
contacts the base of the opening, the depth of the opening shall be less than the length of
probe F to the underside of the shoulder section.
ii) Range 2: (probe F centre line from horizontal to + 45°); when the probe F apex contacts the
base of the opening, the depth of the opening shall be less than the ‘A’ portion of probe F. If
the depth of the opening is greater than the ‘A’ portion of probe F all parts of the opening
above the ‘A’ portion shall also allow insertion of the shoulder section of probe F or
probe D (see Figure 18).
iii) Range 3: No probe test requirements.
d) Non-rigid members (for example ropes) shall not overlap if, by doing so, they create openings that
do not conform to the requirements for completely bound openings.
e) 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;
f) Swing devices with suspension ropes hanging from a crossbeam shall not create a head and neck
entrapment in the area of the starting and sliding sections of slides. For adjustable means of
suspension, the most onerous length shall be used.
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.
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 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 3,
measurement of surface gap on running and walking levels).
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 3 — 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.
Circular holes at a height of more than 1 000 mm from the supporting surface in any rigid material that
are within the reach of a child during use of the toy, when there is a risk of finger entrapment combined
with the risk of falling down, 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.
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 use a rod of 5 mm diameter instead of a rod
with 7 mm diameter. 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 4.5.2; 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 General
The requirements in 4.5 do not apply to declined planes, which meet the following requirements:
— the free height of fall is less than 600 mm and the overall declination of the declined section is less
than 30° from the horizontal; or
— the free height of fall is less than 400 mm.
4.5.2 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 a
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