EN 1176-11:2014

Overview

EN 1176-11:2014 (CEN) - "Playground equipment and surfacing - Part 11" - specifies additional safety requirements and test methods for spatial networks (three‑dimensional climbing nets) permanently installed for use by children. It complements the general requirements in EN 1176-1 and is not applicable to artificial climbing structures used for sports training (e.g., alpinism). The standard focuses on preventing falls and entrapment and on defining test/reporting and marking requirements for spatial network installations.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Protection against falling
  • Meshes must be small enough that an imaginary vertical cylinder (diameter 650 mm × height 1 800 mm) cannot be passed through the net structure. If it passes through, the free fall and surfacing must meet EN 1176-1 requirements. (Cylinder dimensions are anthropometrically derived to ensure secure grip.)
• Mesh size for 3‑dimensional arranged planar nets
  • For stacked planar nets with vertical separation > 1 000 mm, the largest circle that fits into any net opening shall have a diameter ≤ 420 mm (unloaded).
  • If lower nets have openings > 420 mm, the impact‑attenuating surface below must provide a critical fall height suitable for the highest net with openings > 420 mm.
• Falling space and free height of fall
  • Free height of fall (h) is measured per EN 1176-1; for spatial networks this is the highest foot position that allows an unimpeded vertical fall.
  • Where non‑flexible, slanted support elements reduce impact energy, Table 1 of the standard provides factors to increase permissible internal height of fall (examples: 30° → factor 1.15 → equivalent 700 mm; 60° → factor 2.00 → equivalent 1 200 mm; 80° → factor 5.76 → equivalent 3 000 mm).
• Converging parts
  • Two converging linear elements are exempt from EN 1176-1:2008 clause 4.2.7.2 b) if at least one element is flexible.
  • Where the lower edge is above 600 mm, the angle between converging parts must exceed 55°. Measurement may use a test template with an applied force of (222 ± 5) N if direct insertion is not possible.
• Testing, reporting and marking
  • Test reports must document compliance with EN 1176-11 and include certification of conformity and the standard reference (EN 1176-11:2014). Marking follows EN 1176-1.

Applications

• Design, manufacture and certification of playground climbing nets, rope pyramids and other spatial network structures.
• Specification writing for procurement of safe playground equipment.
• Site inspection, risk assessment and surfacing selection to meet required critical fall heights.
• Product testing laboratories and conformity assessment for CE/national approvals.

Who should use this standard

• Playground designers and manufacturers
• Safety inspectors, maintenance teams and installation contractors
• Local authorities, schools and playground owners
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies

Related standards

• EN 1176-1 (General safety requirements and test methods) - mandatory companion standard
• EN 1176-7 (Guidance on installation, inspection, maintenance and operation)
• EN 1177 (Impact‑attenuating surfaces)

Keywords: EN 1176-11:2014, spatial network, playground equipment, safety requirements, mesh size, free height of fall, test methods, impact-absorbing surface, converging parts, CEN.