Comparison and explanation of the DIN EN 16630. and DIN EN 1176.
The DIN EN 16630. and DIN EN 1176. are central standards that significantly determine the safety and planning of outdoor equipment.
They ensure that both children and adults are protected and that devices meet the respective requirements of the target groups.
While they share some similarities, they differ in their areas of application and specific requirements.
- DIN EN 16630: This standard focuses on fitness equipment for adolescents and adults.
- DIN EN 1176: This standard is specifically designed for play equipment for children.
Attention*: Calisthenics and fitness equipment are also considered DIN EN 1176. as playground equipment if children under 14 years of age have access to this equipment.
TOLYMP products meet the requirements of both standards and can be flexibly adapted to the target group and area of application.
We will be happy to advise you without obligation and support you with planning and design in order to meet all safety standards and ensure a smooth acceptance.
DIN EN 16630 – Fitness equipment for outdoor use
Application areas
The DIN EN 16630. defines security requirements for location-based outdoor fitness equipmentwhich may only be used by young people aged 14 years and over and adults with a height of at least 1,40 m.
Excluded from this standard are special regulations for:
- Electrically powered devices
- facilities for functional training
- Military obstacle courses
requirements for application
This standard applies when the design of the location makes it impossible for children under 14 years of age to use the equipment. This is the case, for example, when:
- The devices are separated by fences, paths or other barriers
- There is no playground nearby
safety requirements (DIN EN 16630)
- Free fall heights:
The fall height is measured from the highest user point (e.g. gymnastic bar), minus 1 meter (arm length).
Exception: For climbing areas (e.g. wall bars), the entire height is calculated without deduction. - Case areas:
The fall area is calculated according to the formula X = ⅔Y + 0,5 where Y is the free fall height. The maximum fall height is 3 meters.
Important: A special feature of the standard is that for free fall heights of less than or equal to 1,50 m, a fall range of 1,50 m in each direction is always prescribed.Example without climbing section:
- Gymnastic bar height: 2,35 m
- Free fall height: 2,35 m – 1 m = 1,35 m
- Fall range: ⅔ × 1,35 m + 0,5 m = 1,4 m in each direction.
Since this value is smaller than the minimum size of 1,50 m The required fall range in this example is 1,50 m.
climbing spots (in DIN EN 16630)
If, for example, there is a climbing point in the form of a climbing net or a rung ladder on a gymnastic bar/hanging ladder, the highest point to be climbed is assumed, as in DIN EN 1176, without deducting 1 m of arm length. This results in larger fall areas and the fall protection area must be adapted accordingly.
Example with climbing section
Our gymnastic bar hangs at a height of 2,35 m, so we have a free fall height of 2,35 m. The special feature here is the climbing area, here as an example a wall bar. Two thirds of this is 1,57 m + 0,5 gives a fall area of 2,07 m in each direction.
This results in a fall area of a single gymnastics bar of 6,24 m (2,07 m fall area + 0,06 m post + 1,40 m gymnastics bar + 0,06 m post + 0,52 m wall bars + 0,06 m post + 2,07 m fall area) x 4,22 m (2,07 m fall area + 0,08 m post + 2,07 m fall area).
DIN EN 1176 – Playground equipment*
Application areas
DIN EN 1176 sets out requirements for playground equipment to ensure the safety of children in public and semi-public playgrounds. It covers aspects such as design, materials, safety distances and maintenance. This standard explicitly takes children under 14 years of age into account, which leads to stricter safety requirements.
*Important: Calisthenics and fitness equipment are also considered DIN EN 1176. as playground equipment if children under 14 years of age have access to this equipment.
requirements for application
DIN EN 1176 applies when devices are located in places accessible to children, such as:
- Schools
- Public parks
- Playgrounds near Calisthenics stations
Security requirements (DIN EN 1176)
- Free fall heights:
The fall height is always measured from the highest user point – regardless of whether it is a climbing point or not.
In contrast to 16630, the deduction of an arm's length (1,0 m) is not permitted here. - Case areas:
Here too, the fall area is determined according to the formula X = ⅔Y + 0,5 calculated. The maximum fall height is also 3 meters.
For example:- Gymnastic bar height: 2,35 m
- Free fall height: 2,35 m
- Fall range: ⅔ × 2,35 m + 0,5 m = 2,07 m in each direction.
similarities and differences
| DIN EN 16630. | DIN EN 1176. | |
|---|---|---|
| target audience | Teenagers from 14 years, adults | Children and adolescents under the age of 14 |
| Application areas | outdoor fitness equipment | Playground Equipment Calisthenics and fitness equipment are also considered DIN EN 1176. as playground equipment if children under 14 years of age have access to this equipment. |
| fall height calculation | Highest user point, minus 1 m arm length (exception: climbing points) | Highest user position, no deductions |
| Maximum fall height | 3 Meters | 3 Meters |
| fall protection materials | bulk material, fall protection panels, EPDM floors | Identical to 16630 |
fall protection
Required materials depend on the fall height and other factors (see: Information about fall protection) away:
- Bulk goods: At least 30 cm layer thickness for fall heights up to 2 m, 40 cm for fall heights over 2 m
- fall protection panels: Graded by strength:
- 45 mm for fall heights up to 1,60 m
- 60 mm for fall heights up to 2,10 m
- 80 mm for fall heights up to 2,80 m
- Cast EPDM floor: Usable up to 3 m fall height
fall protection plates
Gymnasium in Duisburg
EPDM
Hagen aTW
wood chips
Physiopraxis in Versmold
For more information click here: Information about fall protection
Conclusion
The choice between DIN EN 16630. and DIN EN 1176. depends on the specific location and target group. DIN EN 16630 is suitable for fitness equipment in areas that are clearly separated from children's playgrounds.
DIN EN 1176. should be used where children under 14 years of age could have access to the equipment, such as in schools or public places with nearby play equipment. Higher safety requirements apply here. This is particularly reflected in the different calculations of fall heights and areas.
The TOLYMP systems are versatile and can be customized to meet the requirements of DIN EN 16630. as well as the DIN EN 1176. We therefore offer solutions that are individually tailored to the respective target group and location.
The TOLYMP recommendation
We recommend planning and constructing the systems according to DIN EN 1176., as it is often not possible to ensure that children do not have access to the devices. By complying with this standard, operators are always on the safe side.
Exceptions apply in areas that are clearly separated from children, for example by fences, physical barriers or when use is explicitly restricted to adults and young people aged 14 and over. In such cases, the application of the DIN EN 16630. because there is no danger of use by children.
Our product experts will be happy to advise you and work with you to find the right solution for your application.
FAQs
Do TOLYMP systems support both standards?
The TOLYMP systems can be designed according to the requirements of DIN EN 16630. as well as the DIN EN 1176. be laid out.
Which types of fall protection are suitable for standards 1176 and 16630?
There is a small clear demarcation here as all common types of fall protection such as bulk material, fall protection slabs and cast seamless EPDM floor can generally be used. The appropriate design of the material thickness and compliance with the required fall heights are crucial.
When can the arm length of 1 meter be deducted from the fall height?
Only for DIN EN 16630: The arm length of 1 meter may be deducted from the fall height if it is not a climbing area.
For climbing areas, such as wall bars, the total height of the highest user point is calculated as the fall height, i.e. without deducting the arm length.
Which DIN EN standard is associated with higher costs?
The costs are identical if the facility includes a climbing area, for example a continuous rung ladder as a climbing aid. In this case, DIN EN 16630. The arm length of 1 meter cannot be deducted from the fall height, so that both fall areas must be designed to be the same size.
In contrast, the DIN EN 16630. cheaper if there is no climbing area, since the deduction of the arm length allows for a smaller and therefore cheaper fall protection area.
Can TOLYMP support the TÜV approval of the system?
Yes, TOLYMP supports you in the preparation and implementation of the TÜV inspection. We ensure that the system complies with the relevant safety standards and, if requested, organize the initial inspection by certified TÜV inspectors.
Are calisthenics and fitness equipment also considered playground equipment within the meaning of DIN EN 1176?
Yes, calisthenics and fitness equipment can be used in accordance with DIN EN 1176. be considered as playground equipment as they can be used by children. As soon as children under 14 years of age have access to these devices, the more stringent requirements of the DIN EN 1176. applied to ensure their safety.
Do you have questions about the required DIN standard for your project?
Request advice now - we will be happy to help you.
