Inflatable play equipment - Safety requirements and test methods

ISO 20187:2016 is applicable to inflatable play equipment intended for use by children up to 14 years of age individually and as a group activity. ISO 20187:2016 specifies safety requirements for inflatable play equipment for which the primary activities are bouncing and sliding. It sets measures to address risks and also to minimize accidents to users for those involved in the design, manufacture, and supply of inflatable play equipment. It specifies information to be supplied with the equipment. The requirements have been laid down bearing in mind the risk factor based on available data. ISO 20187:2016 specifies the requirements that will protect a child from hazards that he or she may be unable to foresee when using the equipment as intended or in a manner that can be reasonably anticipated. ISO 20187:2016 is not applicable to inflatable water-borne play and leisure equipment, domestic inflatable toys, air-supported buildings, inflatables used solely for protection, inflatables used for rescue, or other types of inflatable toys where the primary activity is not bouncing or sliding.

Équipements de jeux gonflables — Exigences de sécurité et méthodes d'essai

General Information

Status
Withdrawn
Publication Date
10-Feb-2016
Current Stage
9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
Start Date
28-Nov-2022
Completion Date
13-Dec-2025
Ref Project

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ISO 20187:2016 - Inflatable play equipment -- Safety requirements and test methods
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ISO 20187:2016 - Inflatable play equipment -- Safety requirements and test methods
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Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 20187:2016 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Inflatable play equipment - Safety requirements and test methods". This standard covers: ISO 20187:2016 is applicable to inflatable play equipment intended for use by children up to 14 years of age individually and as a group activity. ISO 20187:2016 specifies safety requirements for inflatable play equipment for which the primary activities are bouncing and sliding. It sets measures to address risks and also to minimize accidents to users for those involved in the design, manufacture, and supply of inflatable play equipment. It specifies information to be supplied with the equipment. The requirements have been laid down bearing in mind the risk factor based on available data. ISO 20187:2016 specifies the requirements that will protect a child from hazards that he or she may be unable to foresee when using the equipment as intended or in a manner that can be reasonably anticipated. ISO 20187:2016 is not applicable to inflatable water-borne play and leisure equipment, domestic inflatable toys, air-supported buildings, inflatables used solely for protection, inflatables used for rescue, or other types of inflatable toys where the primary activity is not bouncing or sliding.

ISO 20187:2016 is applicable to inflatable play equipment intended for use by children up to 14 years of age individually and as a group activity. ISO 20187:2016 specifies safety requirements for inflatable play equipment for which the primary activities are bouncing and sliding. It sets measures to address risks and also to minimize accidents to users for those involved in the design, manufacture, and supply of inflatable play equipment. It specifies information to be supplied with the equipment. The requirements have been laid down bearing in mind the risk factor based on available data. ISO 20187:2016 specifies the requirements that will protect a child from hazards that he or she may be unable to foresee when using the equipment as intended or in a manner that can be reasonably anticipated. ISO 20187:2016 is not applicable to inflatable water-borne play and leisure equipment, domestic inflatable toys, air-supported buildings, inflatables used solely for protection, inflatables used for rescue, or other types of inflatable toys where the primary activity is not bouncing or sliding.

ISO 20187:2016 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.220.01 - Sports equipment and facilities in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ISO 20187:2016 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 20187-3:2022, ISO 20187-2:2022, ISO 20187-1:2022. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

You can purchase ISO 20187:2016 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of ISO standards.

Standards Content (Sample)


FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 20187
ISO/TC 83
Inflatable play equipment — Safety
Secretariat: DIN
requirements and test methods
Voting begins on:
2015­10­01
Équipements de jeux gonflables — Exigences de sécurité et méthodes
d’essai
Voting terminates on:
2015­12­01
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
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
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. ISO 2015

ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
© ISO 2015, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, 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
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH­1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. +41 22 749 01 11
Fax +41 22 749 09 47
copyright@iso.org
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references .1
3 Terms and definitions .1
4 Safety requirements .4
4.1 Materials . 4
4.1.1 Fabrics . 4
4.1.2 Thread . 4
4.1.3 Netting . 4
4.1.4 Ropes . 5
4.1.5 Zips . 5
4.1.6 Dangerous substances and decorative finishes . 5
4.2 Design . 5
4.2.1 Anchorage . 5
4.2.2 Structural Integrity . 6
4.2.3 Access/Egress. 7
4.2.4 Blowers .10
4.2.5 Entrapment .10
4.2.6 Hard objects, sharp angles, and edges .15
4.2.7 Electrical installations .15
4.2.8 Siting .15
4.2.9 Containment .17
4.2.10 Wall heights on slopes .18
4.2.11 Run­out.19
4.2.12 Ventilation .19
4.3 Number of users .19
4.4 Supervision .20
5 Test methods and reports .20
6 Information to be provided by the supplier/manufacturer .20
6.1 General product information .20
6.2 Pre­information .20
6.3 Installation information .21
6.4 Operating information .21
6.5 Inspection and maintenance information .22
7 Inspection, maintenance, and alteration .22
7.1 Inspection .22
7.1.1 Routine Inspection .22
7.1.2 Annual inspection .22
7.2 Maintenance .23
7.2.1 General.23
7.2.2 Routine maintenance .23
7.2.3 Corrective maintenance .23
7.3 Alteration .23
8 Marking .23
9 Documentation .24
Annex A (normative) Calculation of number of anchor-points .25
Annex B (informative) Beaufort Scale of wind force .26
Annex C (normative) Test method for grounding .27
ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
Annex D (normative) Test methods for entrapment .28
Annex E (normative) Test method for tear strength .38
Bibliography .43
iv © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
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 non­governmental, 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).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 83, Sports and other recreational facilities and
equipment.
ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
Introduction
Play is the means by which children discover and understand the world in which they live and is an
essential element in a child’s physical and mental growth.
It is important for children’s rounded development that, through play, they arrive at an understanding
of danger which provides a basis for assessing safety in a variety of situations. The balance between
challenge and safety is an important consideration.
The inflatable play equipment referred to in this International Standard can provide different levels
of challenge and recreation. This International Standard aims to minimize the level of risk and the
possibility of serious injury while allowing children to enjoy themselves when playing in or on inflatable
equipment.
This International Standard acknowledges the difficulties of addressing safety issues by age criteria
alone because the ability to handle risk is based on the individual user’s level of skill and not age.
Moreover, users other than the intended age range will make use of the inflatable equipment, in which
case, the provisions of this International Standard still apply.
It is not the purpose of the requirements of this International Standard to affect a child’s need to play,
nor to lessen the contribution that inflatable play equipment makes either to the child’s development or
meaningful play from an educational point of view.
Where inflatable play equipment is combined with other items of children’s playground equipment, the
relevant standards applying to the other items of equipment is to also be consulted.
vi © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
Inflatable play equipment — Safety requirements and test
methods
1 Scope
This International Standard is applicable to inflatable play equipment intended for use by children up
to 14 years of age individually and as a group activity.
This International Standard specifies safety requirements for inflatable play equipment for which the
primary activities are bouncing and sliding. It sets measures to address risks and also to minimize
accidents to users for those involved in the design, manufacture, and supply of inflatable play
equipment. It specifies information to be supplied with the equipment. The requirements have been
laid down bearing in mind the risk factor based on available data.
This International Standard specifies the requirements that will protect a child from hazards that he
or she may be unable to foresee when using the equipment as intended or in a manner that can be
reasonably anticipated.
This International Standard is not applicable to inflatable water-borne play and leisure equipment,
domestic inflatable toys, air-supported buildings, inflatables used solely for protection, inflatables used
for rescue, or other types of inflatable toys where the primary activity is not bouncing or sliding.
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.
ISO 2307, Fibre ropes — Determination of certain physical and mechanical properties
ISO 9554, Fibre ropes — General specifications
ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
EN 71­3, Safety of toys — Part 3: Migration of certain elements
EN 1177, Impact attenuating playground surfacing — Determination of critical fall height
EN 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code) (IEC 60529/A1)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
NOTE In order not to confine the application of this International Standard to those items of equipment
currently in use, and hence, allow freedom of design for the manufacture of new equipment, only the fundamental
forms of equipment and motion are listed.
3.1
inflatable play equipment
structure relying on a continuous supply of air to maintain its shape on or in which users may play,
bounce, and/or slide
Note 1 to entry: Also referred to as an/the inflatable.
ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
a) Flat-bed b) Castle (3 walled sides, c) A-frame inflatable
(4 open sides) 1 open side) (3 walled sides, 1 open side)
d) Bounce/Slide combination e) Multi-play centre f) Obstacle course
g) Inflatable slide h) Enclosed inflatable i) Soft mountain
Figure 1 — Examples of inflatable play equipment
3.2
blower
powered machine used to continuously inflate the structure
3.3
connection tube
part of the inflatable structure to which the blower (3.2) is connected
3.4
controller
person, company, or hirer (those who hire to others) having responsibility for the overall control,
inspection, and maintenance of the equipment
3.5
operator
person appointed by a controller (3.4) to be in charge of the operation of the equipment at any time
when it is available for use by the public
3.6
attendant
person working under the control and direction of an operator (3.5) to assist in the operation of the
equipment
2 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
3.7
inspection body
organization, part of an organization or individual with the appropriate competence to carry out one or
more of the following inspections:
— design review;
— assessment of conformity to design;
— initial testing;
— annual main inspection
3.8
free height of fall
greatest vertical distance from the clearly intended body support to the impact area (3.16) below
[SOURCE: ISO 8124-4:2014, 3.8, modified]
3.9
critical fall height
maximum free heights of fall for which a surface will provide an acceptable level of impact attenuation
3.10
open side
any external side of an inflatable with no containing wall
3.11
step
step to aid the access/egress of users into and out of the playing area (3.22) of the inflatable making the
transition between the height of the playing area and the ground
3.12
ramp
ramp to aid the access/egress of users into and out of the playing area (3.22) of the inflatable making
the transition between the height of the playing area and the ground
3.13
platform
surface on which a user may stand
3.14
squeeze
play item which is often attached to and forms part of inflatable play equipment (3.1), the purpose of
which is to squeeze the user whilst not entrapping them while allowing the user to pass through a gap
with a degree of difficulty
3.15
entrapment
hazard in which a body, or part of a body, or clothing, can become trapped
3.16
impact area
area surrounding the open side(s) (3.10) of an inflatable
3.17
run-out
intended deceleration zone at the bottom of a slide
3.18
anchorage system
method of fixing an inflatable to the ground using stakes
ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
3.19
ballast system
method of fixing an inflatable to the ground using weights
3.20
user height
maximum height of persons allowed to use the inflatable
3.21
free space
space in, on, or around the inflatable that can be occupied by a user undergoing a movement forced by
the equipment (for example, sliding, bouncing)
3.22
playing area
space in or on the inflatable intended for play
3.23
falling space
space in or around the inflatable that can be passed through by a user falling from an elevated part of
the equipment
Note 1 to entry: The falling space commences at the free height of fall (3.8).
4 Safety requirements
4.1 Materials
4.1.1 Fabrics
Fabrics shall be flame retardant.
Fabrics and joints in fabrics shall be of adequate tear and tensile strength for the weight of the intended
user and have sufficient air retention to enable the inflatable, when pressurized to the level specified in
the operations manual, to resume its shape after distortion under load.
The following fabrics shall be used in those structural parts of the inflatable where force or stress is
applied by the user:
a) minimum tear strength 350 N (see test method Annex E);
b) minimum tensile strength 1 850 N (see ISO 1421);
c) minimum coating adhesion 100 N (see ISO 2411).
4.1.2 Thread
Threads shall be non-rotting yarn and at least 88 N tensile strength. Stitching shall be lock-stitch. The
length of individual stitches shall be a minimum of 3 mm and a maximum of 8 mm.
4.1.3 Netting
Retention netting is commonly used to define the playing area to contain the users and to retain items
of mobile play equipment, such as balls. Retention netting shall not significantly impair visibility.
Retention netting shall be strong enough to contain the largest/heaviest user for whom the inflatable
is designed.
In order to prevent users from climbing retention netting the mesh size, where the netting is more than
1 m vertical height and accessible to the user, shall be 30 mm or less to exclude users’ feet.
4 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
Where netting is used for roofs and is accessible to the user, the mesh size shall be small enough to
prevent the 8 mm finger rod from passing through (see Figure 2).
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 2 — 8 mm finger rod
Clamber netting (commonly laid on slopes to form foot and hand holds) shall be securely fixed to
prevent lifting by the user. The rope from which it is made shall be at least 12 mm in diameter and shall
be securely knotted. Strand ends shall be treated to prevent fraying. Care shall be taken when heat
sealing so as not to form hard or sharp edges.
4.1.4 Ropes
Ropes shall be fixed at both ends and the total amplitude of swing shall not exceed 20 % of the distance
between the fixing points, such that it shall not be possible to make a loop in the rope of large enough
diameter to allow probe E to pass through (see Figure D.1).
NOTE This requirement is intended to remove the risk of strangulation.
The rope diameter shall be between 18 mm and 45 mm.
Fibre ropes (textile type) shall conform to ISO 9554 or ISO 2307. Alternatively, a works certificate shall
be supplied stating the material used and the safe working load. Monofilament plastics ropes shall not
be used.
4.1.5 Zips
Zips shall withstand air pressures and tension generated within the structure. Zips used for entrances
and exits shall be reliable, easy to use, able to open from both sides, and shall allow access and egress by
adults. Zips used for deflation purposes shall have the puller hidden from view (e.g. by a flap or pocket).
4.1.6 Dangerous substances and decorative finishes
Dangerous substances shall not be used for inflatable play equipment in such a way that they can cause
adverse health effects to the user. Paints and other decorative finishes shall conform to EN 71-3.
[4]
NOTE Attention is drawn to the provisions of European Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. Such materials
include, for example, asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, coal tar oils, carbolineums, and polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs).
4.2 Design
4.2.1 Anchorage
The inflatable shall be provided with an anchorage and/or ballast system and any necessary
accessories enabling the inflatable to be securely fixed to the ground. Each inflatable shall have at least
six anchorage points.
The number of anchorage points shall be calculated in accordance with Annex A. They shall be
distributed around the perimeter of the inflatable (see also 4.2.3) and shall be fitted with metal ends.
ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
The maximum wind-speed in which inflatables shall be used outdoors is 38 km/h (Force 5 on the
Beaufort Scale; see Annex B).
When used outdoors, the inflatable shall be secured to the ground, preferably with ground stakes
where the ground is suitable. Each anchorage point on the inflatable and all of the components of the
anchorage and/or ballast system, e.g. ropes, webbings, metal attachments, stakes, and weights shall
withstand a force of 1 600 N. The direction of the exerted force shall be at an angle to the ground of 30°
to 45°. Ground stakes shall incline away from the direction of the exerted force. Ground stakes shall be
a minimum of 380 mm in length and a minimum of 16 mm in diameter and their tops shall be rounded.
The system shall expose no more than 25 mm of the stake above ground level (see Figure 3).
When the inflatable is used indoors, the anchorage and/or ballast system should be used, when
necessary, to maintain stability.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 direction of force
2 rounded tops
3 ground level
Figure 3 — Examples of ground stakes
On hard standing where ground stakes cannot be used, the inflatable shall be secured to the ground by
equally effective method, e.g. attaching each of the anchorage points to fittings already in the ground,
or to sandbags or other weights, if these are capable of supporting the 1 600 N load. If the inflatable is
secured to a vehicle or other movable machinery, such vehicles or machinery shall be immobilized and
be under the control of an operator.
4.2.2 Structural Integrity
The minimum air pressure inside the structural parts of the inflatable shall be 1 kPa (100 mm water
gauge). Inflated chambers that are entered by the user are not considered to be structural parts of
the inflatable, e.g. enclosed dome type inflatables. Pressure in the playing area of soft mountains shall
be no greater than 0,25 kPa (25 mm water gauge), but shall maintain a pressure sufficient to prevent
grounding. Pressure in the surrounding safety apron of soft mountains shall be at least 1 kPa (100 mm
water gauge; see Figure 4).
The depth of the trough on the surface of any platform shall be a maximum of 33 % of the width of the
adjacent panel measured when inflated (see Figure 5).
Containing walls shall be vertical (90 ± 5)°. Towers that support containing walls shall be in the same
plane. Containing walls and towers shall be strong enough to contain the largest and/or heaviest user
for whom the inflatable is designed.
Playing areas, surrounding safety aprons, steps, and/or ramps shall support the weight of the largest
and/or heaviest user for whom the inflatable is designed without grounding (see Annex C for the test
method).
6 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
Key
1 surrounding safety apron
2 tread depth
3 playing area
Figure 4 — Section through a soft mountain
Key
a depth of trough — measured when inflated
b width of adjacent panel
Figure 5 — Trough depth
4.2.3 Access/Egress
A step or ramp shall be wide enough to cover the entire access/egress aperture with overlap according
to Figure 6.
A step or ramp shall have a tread depth of a minimum of 1,5 times the height of the adjacent playing
area platform to which it is attached (see Figure 6).
The playing area of soft mountains shall be completely surrounded by an inflated safety apron. This
safety apron shall have a minimum tread depth of 1,6 m times or 0,5 times the height of the playing area
measured from the ground when inflated and in the unloaded condition, whichever is greater.
In the event of air supply failure, the deflation time shall be sufficient to allow users of the inflatable to
be evacuated safely.
NOTE Deflation time can be considerably lengthened by inserting a non-return flap in the outlet nozzle of
the blower or at the joint of the connection tube and structure.
Inflatables shall be designed to ensure that adults are able to gain access in order to assist users.
On any open side, the free height of fall shall be no greater than 630 mm from the ground in the unloaded
condition (600 mm in the loaded condition).
On any open side, the extent of the impact area shall be at least 1,2 m. The surface in the impact area
shall meet the requirements for impact attenuation so that the critical fall height of the surfacing,
according to EN 1177 or National equivalent impact attenuation test method, is at least 630 mm. The
ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
impact areas of adjacent inflatables and/or other play equipment shall not overlap. Materials such as
soil, turf, and sand have some impact-attenuating properties. Impact-absorbing mats may be used (see
Figure 7).
a) step detail
b) ramp detail
Key
1 overlap 4 tread depth
2 open side 5 step
3 height of adjacent playing area platform 6 ramp
Figure 6 — Step or ramp detail
8 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
a) Castle type b) Flat-bed
c) Up and over slide
Key
1 walled side 4 impact area
2 at least 1,2 m 5 exit
3 open side 6 entrance
Figure 7 — Impact area
Anchorage points in impact areas shall be avoided if possible, but where necessary, anchorage points
shall be connected to the bottom perimeter edge or seam of the inflatable and shall extend as short a
distance as practicable from the inflatable (see Figure 8).
ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
Key
1 side of inflatable
2 impact area
3 anchorage stake as close as practicable to the side of the inflatable
4 ground level
Figure 8 — Anchorage in an impact area
Totally enclosed inflatables shall have signs indicating exits which shall be visible in all circumstances.
When designed for more than 15 users, there shall be more than one exit and users shall never be more
than 5 m from an exit.
4.2.4 Blowers
Blowers shall be protected to a minimum of IP23B as defined in EN 60529, except that the 8 mm finger
rod, as illustrated in Figure 2, shall be used instead of the jointed 12 mm test finger.
The 8 mm finger rod may pass through the guard mesh, but shall not, in any position, come into contact
with any moving part, hot surface, or exposed electrical connections.
The blower shall be positioned at least 1,2 m from a walled side and 2,5 m from an open side. The
connection tube shall be long enough to allow this.
If a blower is sited inside the inflatable structure, it shall be at least 2,5 m from the playing area, safety
apron, step, and/or ramp.
The blower, including cabling and controls, shall not be readily accessible to the public.
NOTE See also 4.2.7.
4.2.5 Entrapment
4.2.5.1 General
Test probes shall be applied with a force of 222 N, unless otherwise stated in the text.
4.2.5.2 Entrapment of the head and neck
Inflatables shall be constructed so that any openings do not create head and neck entrapment hazards
by either 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;
10 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
— partially bound or V-shaped openings;
— other openings (e.g. shearing or moving openings).
a) Completely bound openings
Accessible completely bound openings with a lower edge more than 600 mm above a platform shall
be tested in accordance with D.2.1.
Probes C or E shall not pass through any opening, unless it also allows the passage of the large head
probe D.
b) Partially bound and V-shaped openings
Partially bound and V-shaped openings with an entrance at 600 mm or more above a platform shall
be constructed so that either
1) the opening is not accessible when tested in accordance with D.2.2, or
2) if accessible at a position of 600 mm or more above a platform when tested in accordance
with D.2.2, depending on the angular orientation range of the opening (see Figure D.4), shall
conform to the following:
Range 1: (Template centre line ±45° from vertical) When the template apex contacts the base of the
opening, the depth of the opening shall be less than the length of the template to the underside of
the shoulder section;
Range 2: (Template centre line from horizontal to +45°) When the template apex contacts the base
of the opening, the depth of the opening shall be less than the “A” portion of the template. If the
depth of the opening is greater than the ”A” portion of the template, all parts of the opening above
the ”A” portion shall also allow insertion of the shoulder section of the template or probe D;
Range 3: No template test requirements.
c) Other openings (e.g. shearing or moving openings)
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.
4.2.5.3 Entrapment of clothing/hair
Inflatables shall be constructed for hazardous situations including the following:
a) gaps or V-shaped openings, in which a part of clothing can become trapped while, or immediately
before the user is undergoing a forced movement;
b) protrusions, in which clothing entrapment can be encountered are not created.
Slides shall be constructed so that openings located within the free space (see Figure 9) do not trap the
toggle when tested in accordance with D.3.
The cylindrical space is shown in Figure 9 and its dimensions are given in Table 1. In determining the
free space, the possible movements of the equipment and the user shall be taken into account.
NOTE 1 The toggle test (see D.3) is restricted to the free space, as practical experience has shown that natural
materials and connections between different parts can vary over time. The definition of free space (see 3.21)
does not include the three­dimensional area in which the falling movement takes place.
Special consideration should be given when using elements of circular cross­section, e.g. round tubes or
poles, to avoid clothing entanglement within the falling space.
Roofs shall be constructed so that they do not trap the toggle when tested in accordance with D.3.
ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
Spindles and rotating parts shall be constructed so as to prevent entanglement of clothing or hair.
NOTE 2 This can be achieved by use of suitable covering or shields.
a) Standing user
b) Example of a slide
Figure 9 — Free space
Table 1 — Dimensions of the cylinder for the determination of the free space
Dimensions in millimetres
Type of use Radius (α) Height (h)
Standing 1 000 1 800
Sitting 1 000 1 500
Hanging 500 300
NOTE 1 In case of hanging, h = 300 because of the possibility that the user pulls himself or herself up.
NOTE 2 In certain cases, the dimensions of the free space can be altered. In some cases, these will be given in the parts of
this International Standard covering individual types of equipment.
12 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
4.2.5.4 Fingers entrapment
Inflatables shall be constructed so that there are no hazardous gaps in which fingers can be trapped
while the rest of the body is moving or continuing in motion involuntarily, e.g. sliding, bouncing.
Openings within the free space, where the user is subjected to forced movement, and holes which have
a lower edge more than 1,0 m above the platform, when tested in accordance with Annex D (D.4), shall
conform to one of the following requirements:
a) 8 mm finger rod (see Figure 2), when applied with a force of 30 N, shall not pass through the
minimum cross section of the opening and the profile of the opening shall be such that the rod
cannot be locked in any position when set in motion as given in Figure D.10;
b) if the 8 mm finger rod passes through the opening, the 25 mm finger rod (see Figure 10), when
applied with a force of 30 N, shall also pass though the opening provided that the opening does not
permit access to another finger entrapment site.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 10 — 25 mm finger rod
ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
4.2.5.5 Body entrapment
Adjacent inflated surfaces shall be more than 120 mm apart if the aperture formed is more than 200 mm
deep (see Figure 11).
a) Wall to tower attachment at A forms an entrapment point; wall to tower attachment at B
does not form an entrapment point
b) Large slide at B forms an entrapment point; the ball fixed at A does not form an
entrapment point
Key
1 walled castle viewed from above 5 less than 120 mm
2 section across playing area 6 wall to tower attachment point
3 wall to tower attachment point 7 less than 200 mm
4 more than 200 mm 8 8 more than 120 mm
Figure 11 — Entrapment
Inflatable tunnels
— An inflatable tunnel of 75 cm length or less shall, for the purposes of this International Standard, be
regarded as a squeeze.
— A tunnel of between 75 cm and 2,0 m length shall be of at least 50 cm internal diameter.
— A tunnel of more than 2,0 m length shall be of at least 75 cm internal diameter.
14 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
Inflatable squeeze
— A squeeze shall not be longer than 75 cm.
— The diameter of the initial opening shall be at least 40 cm.
— The smallest aperture of the squeeze shall allow the large head probe to pass through with the
application of a force of 222 N.
— The entire length of the inner squeeze panel shall be capable of being expanded to at least 40 cm
diameter.
4.2.6 Hard objects, sharp angles, and edges
There shall be no hard and/or sharp angles or edges in any part of the inflatable accessible to the users
(e.g. outside seams with a raw edge, square inflated corners, sharp-pointed cones).
Users shall not be able to come into contact with any hard object placed inside or adjacent to the inflated
structure while it is in use or during accidental deflation.
Any hard object positioned over the playing area and supported by air pressure shall have an additional
independent support system.
4.2.7 Electrical installations
Electrical installations shall conform to applicable national standards/regulations.
Controls of electrical installations shall not be readily accessible to the public.
Electrical cables shall be secured away from users and the public.
4.2.8 Siting
The inflatable shall be sited well away from possible hazards, such as overhead power lines or other
obstacles with hazardous projections (e.g. fences and/or trees).
The inflatable shall not be erected on a site with more than a 5 % slope in any direction.
The site shall be cleared of debris and/or sharp objects on, or embedded in, the surface.
If, for crowd­control purposes, a perimeter fence is used, it shall be at least 1,8 m from walled sides and
at least 3,5 m from open sides. A gateway shall be 1,0 m wide (see Figure 12).
ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
Key
1 at least 1,8 m
2 walled side
3 at least 3,5 m
4 open side
5 1 m gateway
Figure 12 — Positioning of perimeter fence
A clear area, free of any obstacle that could cause injury, shall be maintained around the inflatable. The
extent of this clear area shall be established by dividing the height of the highest platform by two. The
minimum clear area shall be 1,8 m on walled sides and 3,5 m on open sides (see Figure 13).
An exception to this rule is when an inflatable, with inflated walls, is sited directly against a solid wall
or walls, for example, the walls of a building. In such a case, the solid wall(s) shall be 2,0 m higher than
the highest platform height, unless the platform has a permanent roof. Use of this exception shall not
result in the creation of additional hazards.
16 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
Dimensions in metres
Key
x height of highest platform
y extent of clear area
Figure 13 — Clear area around inflatable
4.2.9 Containment
Containing wall height shall be measured from the surface of the platform to the top of the wall at 90°
to the platform.
Walls for containing users, known as outside walls, are required where the platform height is greater
than 0,6 m.
Inflatables with a platform height between 0,6 m and 3,0 m shall have a containing wall height equal
to at least the height of the user. Containing walls of 1,8 m height are sufficient for users of any height.
Inflatables with a platform height between 3,0 m and 6,0 m shall have a containing wall height at least
1,25 times the height of the user, or the platform area shall be permanently roofed to contain the user.
Inflatables with a platform height over 6,0 m shall have containing walls and a permanent roof fitted
(see Figure 14).
The minimum internal height of such containing walls and permanent roof, measured from the surface
of the platform to the under­side of the roof, shall be at least 0,75 m.
ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 no containing walls required
2 containing walls required of user height
3 containing walls required 1,25 times user height
4 alternative to 3, add a permanent roof
5 both containing walls and permanent roof required
Figure 14 — Containing wall heights on platforms
4.2.10 Wall heights on slopes
Slopes of less than 30° shall be treated as a platform.
Containing wall heights on slopes shall be measured from the surface of the slope to the top of the wall
at 90° to the slope.
The height of the containing walls on the slope of a slide or climbing ramp of more than 30° inclination
shall be, for the first meter at the top, at least the height of the user and for the remainder, at least 50 %
of the height of the user (see Figure 15).
On a slope or climbing ramp over 6,0 m high, containing walls and a permanent roof shall be fitted. The
minimum internal height of such containing walls and roof, measured from the surface of the slope to
the under­side of the roof, shall be 75 cm.
On bounce/slide combinations, where the highest platform height is 1,5 m or lower (measured from the
ground) and provided that users are forced to sit or crouch on entering the slide, containing walls for
the highest 750 mm of the slope shall be at least 50 % of user height and for the remainder of the slope,
at least 300 mm.
18 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO/FDIS 20187:2015(E)
Key
1 first metre of slope 6 more than 30°
2 wall height 7 wal
...


INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 20187
First edition
2016-02-15
Inflatable play equipment — Safety
requirements and test methods
Équipements de jeux gonflables — Exigences de sécurité et
méthodes d’essai
Reference number
©
ISO 2016
© ISO 2016, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, 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
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. +41 22 749 01 11
Fax +41 22 749 09 47
copyright@iso.org
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references .1
3 Terms and definitions .1
4 Safety requirements .4
4.1 Materials . 4
4.1.1 Fabrics . 4
4.1.2 Thread . 4
4.1.3 Netting . 4
4.1.4 Ropes . 5
4.1.5 Zips . 5
4.1.6 Dangerous substances and decorative finishes . 5
4.2 Design . 5
4.2.1 Anchorage . 5
4.2.2 Structural Integrity . 6
4.2.3 Access/Egress. 7
4.2.4 Blowers .10
4.2.5 Entrapment .10
4.2.6 Hard objects, sharp angles, and edges .14
4.2.7 Electrical installations .14
4.2.8 Siting .14
4.2.9 Containment .16
4.2.10 Wall heights on slopes .17
4.2.11 Run-out.18
4.2.12 Ventilation .18
4.3 Number of users .18
4.4 Supervision .19
5 Test methods and reports .19
6 Information to be provided by the supplier/manufacturer .19
6.1 General product information .19
6.2 Pre-information .19
6.3 Installation information .20
6.4 Operating information .20
6.5 Inspection and maintenance information .21
7 Inspection, maintenance, and alteration .21
7.1 Inspection .21
7.1.1 Routine Inspection .21
7.1.2 Annual inspection .21
7.2 Maintenance .22
7.2.1 General.22
7.2.2 Routine maintenance .22
7.2.3 Corrective maintenance .22
7.3 Alteration .22
8 Marking .22
9 Documentation .23
Annex A (normative) Calculation of number of anchor-points .24
Annex B (informative) Beaufort Scale of wind force .25
Annex C (normative) Test method for grounding .26
Annex D (normative) Test methods for entrapment .27
Annex E (normative) Test method for tear strength .37
Bibliography .42
iv © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

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).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 83, Sports and other recreational facilities
and equipment.
Introduction
Play is the means by which children discover and understand the world in which they live and is an
essential element in a child’s physical and mental growth.
It is important for children’s rounded development that, through play, they arrive at an understanding
of danger which provides a basis for assessing safety in a variety of situations. The balance between
challenge and safety is an important consideration.
The inflatable play equipment referred to in this International Standard can provide different levels of
challenge and recreation. This International Standard aims to minimize the level of risk and the possibility
of serious injury while allowing children to enjoy themselves when playing in or on inflatable equipment.
This International Standard acknowledges the difficulties of addressing safety issues by age criteria
alone because the ability to handle risk is based on the individual user’s level of skill and not age.
Moreover, users other than the intended age range will make use of the inflatable equipment, in which
case, the provisions of this International Standard still apply.
It is not the purpose of the requirements of this International Standard to affect a child’s need to play,
nor to lessen the contribution that inflatable play equipment makes either to the child’s development or
meaningful play from an educational point of view.
Where inflatable play equipment is combined with other items of children’s playground equipment, the
relevant standards applying to the other items of equipment is to also be consulted.
vi © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 20187:2016(E)
Inflatable play equipment — Safety requirements and test
methods
1 Scope
This International Standard is applicable to inflatable play equipment intended for use by children up
to 14 years of age individually and as a group activity.
This International Standard specifies safety requirements for inflatable play equipment for which the
primary activities are bouncing and sliding. It sets measures to address risks and also to minimize
accidents to users for those involved in the design, manufacture, and supply of inflatable play
equipment. It specifies information to be supplied with the equipment. The requirements have been
laid down bearing in mind the risk factor based on available data.
This International Standard specifies the requirements that will protect a child from hazards that he
or she may be unable to foresee when using the equipment as intended or in a manner that can be
reasonably anticipated.
This International Standard is not applicable to inflatable water-borne play and leisure equipment,
domestic inflatable toys, air-supported buildings, inflatables used solely for protection, inflatables used
for rescue, or other types of inflatable toys where the primary activity is not bouncing or sliding.
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.
ISO 2307, Fibre ropes — Determination of certain physical and mechanical properties
ISO 8124-3, Safety of toys — Part 3: Migration of certain elements
ISO 9554, Fibre ropes — General specifications
ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
EN 1177, Impact attenuating playground surfacing — Determination of critical fall height
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
NOTE In order not to confine the application of this International Standard to those items of equipment
currently in use, and hence, allow freedom of design for the manufacture of new equipment, only the fundamental
forms of equipment and motion are listed.
3.1
inflatable play equipment
structure relying on a continuous supply of air to maintain its shape on or in which users may play,
bounce, and/or slide
Note 1 to entry: Also referred to as an/the inflatable.
a) Flat-bed b) Castle (3 walled sides, c) A-frame inflatable
(4 open sides) 1 open side) (3 walled sides, 1 open side)
d) Bounce/Slide combination e) Multi-play centre f) Obstacle course
g) Inflatable slide h) Enclosed inflatable i) Soft mountain
Figure 1 — Examples of inflatable play equipment
3.2
blower
powered machine used to continuously inflate the structure
3.3
connection tube
part of the inflatable structure to which the blower (3.2) is connected
3.4
controller
person, company, or hirer (those who hire to others) having responsibility for the overall control,
inspection, and maintenance of the equipment
3.5
operator
person appointed by a controller (3.4) to be in charge of the operation of the equipment at any time
when it is available for use by the public
3.6
attendant
person working under the control and direction of an operator (3.5) to assist in the operation of the
equipment
2 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

3.7
inspection body
organization, part of an organization or individual with the appropriate competence to carry out one or
more of the following inspections:
— design review;
— assessment of conformity to design;
— initial testing;
— annual main inspection
3.8
free height of fall
greatest vertical distance from the clearly intended body support to the impact area (3.16) below
[SOURCE: ISO 8124-4:2014, 3.8, modified]
3.9
critical fall height
maximum free heights of fall for which a surface will provide an acceptable level of impact attenuation
3.10
open side
any external side of an inflatable with no containing wall
3.11
step
step to aid the access/egress of users into and out of the playing area (3.22) of the inflatable making the
transition between the height of the playing area and the ground
3.12
ramp
ramp to aid the access/egress of users into and out of the playing area (3.22) of the inflatable making
the transition between the height of the playing area and the ground
3.13
platform
surface on which a user may stand
3.14
squeeze
play item which is often attached to and forms part of inflatable play equipment (3.1), the purpose of
which is to squeeze the user whilst not entrapping them while allowing the user to pass through a gap
with a degree of difficulty
3.15
entrapment
hazard in which a body, or part of a body, or clothing, can become trapped
3.16
impact area
area surrounding the open side(s) (3.10) of an inflatable
3.17
run-out
intended deceleration zone at the bottom of a slide
3.18
anchorage system
method of fixing an inflatable to the ground using stakes
3.19
ballast system
method of fixing an inflatable to the ground using weights
3.20
user height
maximum height of persons allowed to use the inflatable
3.21
free space
space in, on, or around the inflatable that can be occupied by a user undergoing a movement forced by
the equipment (for example, sliding, bouncing)
3.22
playing area
space in or on the inflatable intended for play
3.23
falling space
space in or around the inflatable that can be passed through by a user falling from an elevated part of
the equipment
Note 1 to entry: The falling space commences at the free height of fall (3.8).
4 Safety requirements
4.1 Materials
4.1.1 Fabrics
Fabrics shall be flame retardant.
Fabrics and joints in fabrics shall be of adequate tear and tensile strength for the weight of the intended
user and have sufficient air retention to enable the inflatable, when pressurized to the level specified in
the operations manual, to resume its shape after distortion under load.
The following fabrics shall be used in those structural parts of the inflatable where force or stress is
applied by the user:
a) minimum tear strength 350 N (see test method Annex E);
b) minimum tensile strength 1 850 N (see ISO 1421);
c) minimum coating adhesion 100 N (see ISO 2411).
4.1.2 Thread
Threads shall be non-rotting yarn and at least 88 N tensile strength. Stitching shall be lock-stitch. The
length of individual stitches shall be a minimum of 3 mm and a maximum of 8 mm.
4.1.3 Netting
Retention netting is commonly used to define the playing area to contain the users and to retain items of
mobile play equipment, such as balls. Retention netting shall not significantly impair visibility. Retention
netting shall be strong enough to contain the largest/heaviest user for whom the inflatable is designed.
In order to prevent users from climbing retention netting the mesh size, where the netting is more than
1 m vertical height and accessible to the user, shall be 30 mm or less to exclude users’ feet.
4 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Where netting is used for roofs and is accessible to the user, the mesh size shall be small enough to
prevent the 8 mm finger rod from passing through (see Figure 2).
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 2 — 8 mm finger rod
Clamber netting (commonly laid on slopes to form foot and hand holds) shall be securely fixed to
prevent lifting by the user. The rope from which it is made shall be at least 12 mm in diameter and shall
be securely knotted. Strand ends shall be treated to prevent fraying. Care shall be taken when heat
sealing so as not to form hard or sharp edges.
4.1.4 Ropes
Ropes shall be fixed at both ends and the total amplitude of swing shall not exceed 20 % of the distance
between the fixing points, such that it shall not be possible to make a loop in the rope of large enough
diameter to allow probe E to pass through (see Figure D.1).
NOTE This requirement is intended to remove the risk of strangulation.
The rope diameter shall be between 18 mm and 45 mm.
Fibre ropes (textile type) shall conform to ISO 9554 or ISO 2307. Alternatively, a works certificate
shall be supplied stating the material used and the safe working load. Monofilament plastics ropes
shall not be used.
4.1.5 Zips
Zips shall withstand air pressures and tension generated within the structure. Zips used for entrances
and exits shall be reliable, easy to use, able to open from both sides, and shall allow access and egress by
adults. Zips used for deflation purposes shall have the puller hidden from view (e.g. by a flap or pocket).
4.1.6 Dangerous substances and decorative finishes
Dangerous substances shall not be used for inflatable play equipment in such a way that they can cause
adverse health effects to the user. Paints and other decorative finishes shall conform to ISO 8124-3.
[4]
NOTE Attention is drawn to the provisions of European Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. Such
materials include, for example, asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, coal tar oils, carbolineums, and polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs).
4.2 Design
4.2.1 Anchorage
The inflatable shall be provided with an anchorage and/or ballast system and any necessary
accessories enabling the inflatable to be securely fixed to the ground. Each inflatable shall have at least
six anchorage points.
The number of anchorage points shall be calculated in accordance with Annex A. They shall be
distributed around the perimeter of the inflatable (see also 4.2.3) and shall be fitted with metal ends.
The maximum wind-speed in which inflatables shall be used outdoors is 38 km/h (Force 5 on the
Beaufort Scale; see Annex B).
When used outdoors, the inflatable shall be secured to the ground, preferably with ground stakes
where the ground is suitable. Each anchorage point on the inflatable and all of the components of the
anchorage and/or ballast system, e.g. ropes, webbings, metal attachments, stakes, and weights shall
withstand a force of 1 600 N. The direction of the exerted force shall be at an angle to the ground of 30°
to 45°. Ground stakes shall incline away from the direction of the exerted force. Ground stakes shall be
a minimum of 380 mm in length and a minimum of 16 mm in diameter and their tops shall be rounded.
The system shall expose no more than 25 mm of the stake above ground level (see Figure 3).
When the inflatable is used indoors, the anchorage and/or ballast system should be used, when
necessary, to maintain stability.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 direction of force
2 rounded tops
3 ground level
Figure 3 — Examples of ground stakes
On hard standing where ground stakes cannot be used, the inflatable shall be secured to the ground by
equally effective method, e.g. attaching each of the anchorage points to fittings already in the ground,
or to sandbags or other weights, if these are capable of supporting the 1 600 N load. If the inflatable is
secured to a vehicle or other movable machinery, such vehicles or machinery shall be immobilized and
be under the control of an operator.
4.2.2 Structural Integrity
The minimum air pressure inside the structural parts of the inflatable shall be 1 kPa (100 mm water
gauge). Inflated chambers that are entered by the user are not considered to be structural parts of
the inflatable, e.g. enclosed dome type inflatables. Pressure in the playing area of soft mountains shall
be no greater than 0,25 kPa (25 mm water gauge), but shall maintain a pressure sufficient to prevent
grounding. Pressure in the surrounding safety apron of soft mountains shall be at least 1 kPa (100 mm
water gauge; see Figure 4).
The depth of the trough on the surface of any platform shall be a maximum of 33 % of the width of the
adjacent panel measured when inflated (see Figure 5).
Containing walls shall be vertical (90 ± 5)°. Towers that support containing walls shall be in the same
plane. Containing walls and towers shall be strong enough to contain the largest and/or heaviest user
for whom the inflatable is designed.
Playing areas, surrounding safety aprons, steps, and/or ramps shall support the weight of the largest
and/or heaviest user for whom the inflatable is designed without grounding (see Annex C for the
test method).
6 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Key
1 surrounding safety apron
2 tread depth
3 playing area
Figure 4 — Section through a soft mountain
Key
a depth of trough — measured when inflated
b width of adjacent panel
Figure 5 — Trough depth
4.2.3 Access/Egress
A step or ramp shall be wide enough to cover the entire access/egress aperture with overlap
according to Figure 6.
A step or ramp shall have a tread depth of a minimum of 1,5 times the height of the adjacent playing
area platform to which it is attached (see Figure 6).
The playing area of soft mountains shall be completely surrounded by an inflated safety apron. This
safety apron shall have a minimum tread depth of 1,6 m times or 0,5 times the height of the playing area
measured from the ground when inflated and in the unloaded condition, whichever is greater.
In the event of air supply failure, the deflation time shall be sufficient to allow users of the inflatable to
be evacuated safely.
NOTE Deflation time can be considerably lengthened by inserting a non-return flap in the outlet nozzle of
the blower or at the joint of the connection tube and structure.
Inflatables shall be designed to ensure that adults are able to gain access in order to assist users.
On any open side, the free height of fall shall be no greater than 630 mm from the ground in the unloaded
condition (600 mm in the loaded condition).
On any open side, the extent of the impact area shall be at least 1,2 m. The surface in the impact area shall
meet the requirements for impact attenuation so that the critical fall height of the surfacing, according
to EN 1177 or National equivalent impact attenuation test method, is at least 630 mm. The impact areas
of adjacent inflatables and/or other play equipment shall not overlap. Materials such as soil, turf, and
sand have some impact-attenuating properties. Impact-absorbing mats may be used (see Figure 7).
a) step detail
b) ramp detail
Key
1 overlap 4 tread depth
2 open side 5 step
3 height of adjacent playing area platform 6 ramp
Figure 6 — Step or ramp detail
a) Castle type b) Flat-bed
8 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

c) Up and over slide
Key
1 walled side 4 impact area
2 at least 1,2 m 5 exit
3 open side 6 entrance
Figure 7 — Impact area
Anchorage points in impact areas shall be avoided if possible, but where necessary, anchorage points
shall be connected to the bottom perimeter edge or seam of the inflatable and shall extend as short a
distance as practicable from the inflatable (see Figure 8).
Key
1 side of inflatable
2 impact area
3 anchorage stake as close as practicable to the side of the inflatable
4 ground level
Figure 8 — Anchorage in an impact area
Totally enclosed inflatables shall have signs indicating exits which shall be visible in all circumstances.
When designed for more than 15 users, there shall be more than one exit and users shall never be more
than 5 m from an exit.
4.2.4 Blowers
Blowers shall be protected to a minimum of IP23B as defined in IEC 60529, except that the 8 mm finger
rod, as illustrated in Figure 2, shall be used instead of the jointed 12 mm test finger.
The 8 mm finger rod may pass through the guard mesh, but shall not, in any position, come into contact
with any moving part, hot surface, or exposed electrical connections.
The blower shall be positioned at least 1,2 m from a walled side and 2,5 m from an open side. The
connection tube shall be long enough to allow this.
If a blower is sited inside the inflatable structure, it shall be at least 2,5 m from the playing area, safety
apron, step, and/or ramp.
The blower, including cabling and controls, shall not be readily accessible to the public.
NOTE See also 4.2.7.
4.2.5 Entrapment
4.2.5.1 General
Test probes shall be applied with a force of 222 N, unless otherwise stated in the text.
4.2.5.2 Entrapment of the head and neck
Inflatables shall be constructed so that any openings do not create head and neck entrapment hazards
by either 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) Completely bound openings
Accessible completely bound openings with a lower edge more than 600 mm above a platform shall
be tested in accordance with D.2.1.
Probes C or E shall not pass through any opening, unless it also allows the passage of the large
head probe D.
b) Partially bound and V-shaped openings
Partially bound and V-shaped openings with an entrance at 600 mm or more above a platform shall
be constructed so that either
1) the opening is not accessible when tested in accordance with D.2.2, or
2) if accessible at a position of 600 mm or more above a platform when tested in accordance
with D.2.2, depending on the angular orientation range of the opening (see Figure D.4), shall
conform to the following:
Range 1: (Template centre line ±45° from vertical) When the template apex contacts the base
of the opening, the depth of the opening shall be less than the length of the template to the
underside of the shoulder section;
Range 2: (Template centre line from horizontal to +45°) When the template apex contacts the
base of the opening, the depth of the opening shall be less than the “A” portion of the template. If
10 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

the depth of the opening is greater than the ”A” portion of the template, all parts of the opening
above the ”A” portion shall also allow insertion of the shoulder section of the template or probe D;
Range 3: No template test requirements.
c) Other openings (e.g. shearing or moving openings)
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.
4.2.5.3 Entrapment of clothing/hair
Inflatables shall be constructed for hazardous situations including the following:
a) gaps or V-shaped openings, in which a part of clothing can become trapped while, or immediately
before the user is undergoing a forced movement;
b) protrusions, in which clothing entrapment can be encountered are not created.
Slides shall be constructed so that openings located within the free space (see Figure 9) do not trap the
toggle when tested in accordance with D.3.
The cylindrical space is shown in Figure 9 and its dimensions are given in Table 1. In determining the
free space, the possible movements of the equipment and the user shall be taken into account.
NOTE 1 The toggle test (see D.3) is restricted to the free space, as practical experience has shown that natural
materials and connections between different parts can vary over time. The definition of free space (see 3.21)
does not include the three-dimensional area in which the falling movement takes place.
Special consideration should be given when using elements of circular cross-section, e.g. round tubes or
poles, to avoid clothing entanglement within the falling space.
Roofs shall be constructed so that they do not trap the toggle when tested in accordance with D.3.
Spindles and rotating parts shall be constructed so as to prevent entanglement of clothing or hair.
NOTE 2 This can be achieved by use of suitable covering or shields.
a) Standing user
b) Example of a slide
Figure 9 — Free space
Table 1 — Dimensions of the cylinder for the determination of the free space
Dimensions in millimetres
Type of use Radius (α) Height (h)
Standing 1 000 1 800
Sitting 1 000 1 500
Hanging 500 300
NOTE 1 In case of hanging, h = 300 because of the possibility that the user pulls himself or herself up.
NOTE 2 In certain cases, the dimensions of the free space can be altered. In some cases, these will be given in the parts of
this International Standard covering individual types of equipment.
4.2.5.4 Fingers entrapment
Inflatables shall be constructed so that there are no hazardous gaps in which fingers can be trapped
while the rest of the body is moving or continuing in motion involuntarily, e.g. sliding, bouncing.
Openings within the free space, where the user is subjected to forced movement, and holes which have
a lower edge more than 1,0 m above the platform, when tested in accordance with Annex D (D.4), shall
conform to one of the following requirements:
a) 8 mm finger rod (see Figure 2), when applied with a force of 30 N, shall not pass through the
minimum cross section of the opening and the profile of the opening shall be such that the rod
cannot be locked in any position when set in motion as given in Figure D.10;
b) if the 8 mm finger rod passes through the opening, the 25 mm finger rod (see Figure 10), when
applied with a force of 30 N, shall also pass though the opening provided that the opening does not
permit access to another finger entrapment site.
12 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 10 — 25 mm finger rod
4.2.5.5 Body entrapment
Adjacent inflated surfaces shall be more than 120 mm apart if the aperture formed is more than 200 mm
deep (see Figure 11).
a) Wall to tower attachment at A forms an entrapment point; wall to tower attachment at B
does not form an entrapment point
b) Large slide at B forms an entrapment point; the ball fixed at A does not form an
entrapment point
Key
1 walled castle viewed from above 5 less than 120 mm
2 section across playing area 6 wall to tower attachment point
3 wall to tower attachment point 7 less than 200 mm
4 more than 200 mm 8 8 more than 120 mm
Figure 11 — Entrapment
Inflatable tunnels
— An inflatable tunnel of 75 cm length or less shall, for the purposes of this International Standard, be
regarded as a squeeze.
— A tunnel of between 75 cm and 2,0 m length shall be of at least 50 cm internal diameter.
— A tunnel of more than 2,0 m length shall be of at least 75 cm internal diameter.
Inflatable squeeze
— A squeeze shall not be longer than 75 cm.
— The diameter of the initial opening shall be at least 40 cm.
— The smallest aperture of the squeeze shall allow the large head probe to pass through with the
application of a force of 222 N.
— The entire length of the inner squeeze panel shall be capable of being expanded to at least 40 cm
diameter.
4.2.6 Hard objects, sharp angles, and edges
There shall be no hard and/or sharp angles or edges in any part of the inflatable accessible to the users
(e.g. outside seams with a raw edge, square inflated corners, sharp-pointed cones).
Users shall not be able to come into contact with any hard object placed inside or adjacent to the inflated
structure while it is in use or during accidental deflation.
Any hard object positioned over the playing area and supported by air pressure shall have an additional
independent support system.
4.2.7 Electrical installations
Electrical installations shall conform to applicable national standards/regulations.
Controls of electrical installations shall not be readily accessible to the public.
Electrical cables shall be secured away from users and the public.
4.2.8 Siting
The inflatable shall be sited well away from possible hazards, such as overhead power lines or other
obstacles with hazardous projections (e.g. fences and/or trees).
The inflatable shall not be erected on a site with more than a 5 % slope in any direction.
The site shall be cleared of debris and/or sharp objects on, or embedded in, the surface.
If, for crowd-control purposes, a perimeter fence is used, it shall be at least 1,8 m from walled sides and
at least 3,5 m from open sides. A gateway shall be 1,0 m wide (see Figure 12).
14 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Key
1 at least 1,8 m
2 walled side
3 at least 3,5 m
4 open side
5 1 m gateway
Figure 12 — Positioning of perimeter fence
A clear area, free of any obstacle that could cause injury, shall be maintained around the inflatable. The
extent of this clear area shall be established by dividing the height of the highest platform by two. The
minimum clear area shall be 1,8 m on walled sides and 3,5 m on open sides (see Figure 13).
An exception to this rule is when an inflatable, with inflated walls, is sited directly against a solid wall
or walls, for example, the walls of a building. In such a case, the solid wall(s) shall be 2,0 m higher than
the highest platform height, unless the platform has a permanent roof. Use of this exception shall not
result in the creation of additional hazards.
Dimensions in metres
Key
x height of highest platform
y extent of clear area
Figure 13 — Clear area around inflatable
4.2.9 Containment
Containing wall height shall be measured from the surface of the platform to the top of the wall at 90°
to the platform.
Walls for containing users, known as outside walls, are required where the platform height is
greater than 0,6 m.
Inflatables with a platform height between 0,6 m and 3,0 m shall have a containing wall height equal
to at least the height of the user. Containing walls of 1,8 m height are sufficient for users of any height.
Inflatables with a platform height between 3,0 m and 6,0 m shall have a containing wall height at least
1,25 times the height of the user, or the platform area shall be permanently roofed to contain the user.
Inflatables with a platform height over 6,0 m shall have containing walls and a permanent roof fitted
(see Figure 14).
The minimum internal height of such containing walls and permanent roof, measured from the surface
of the platform to the under-side of the roof, shall be at least 0,75 m.
16 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 no containing walls required
2 containing walls required of user height
3 containing walls required 1,25 times user height
4 alternative to 3, add a permanent roof
5 both containing walls and permanent roof required
Figure 14 — Containing wall heights on platforms
4.2.10 Wall heights on slopes
Slopes of less than 30° shall be treated as a platform.
Containing wall heights on slopes shall be measured from the surface of the slope to the top of the wall
at 90° to the slope.
The height of the containing walls on the slope of a slide or climbing ramp of more than 30° inclination
shall be, for the first meter at the top, at least the height of the user and for the remainder, at least 50 %
of the height of the user (see Figure 15).
On a slope or climbing ramp over 6,0 m high, containing walls and a permanent roof shall be fitted. The
minimum internal height of such containing walls and roof, measured from the surface of the slope to
the under-side of the roof, shall be 75 cm.
On bounce/slide combinations, where the highest platform height is 1,5 m or lower (measured from the
ground) and provided that users are forced to sit or crouch on entering the slide, containing walls for
the highest 750 mm of the slope shall be at least 50 % of user height and for the remainder of the slope,
at least 300 mm.
Key
1 first metre of slope 6 more than 30°
2 wall height 7 wall
3 user height 8 platform surface
4 50 % of user height 9 sliding surface
5 platform height 10 run-out
Figure 15 — Containing wall heights on slopes
4.2.11 Run-out
All slides shall include a run-out section at the bottom which shall have an average inclination of not
more than 10°.
The length of the run-out section, measured from the end of the radius or angle at the bottom of the
sliding section, shall be a minimum of 50 % of the height of the highest platform of the slide measured
from the ground and in any case, a minimum of 300 mm.
When a stop-wall is fitted at the end of the run-out section, 50 cm shall be added to the length of the
run-out. The height of a stop-wall shall be at least user height. The height of the containing walls on the
sides of a run-out section, if fitted, shall be at least 50 %
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