How do I make the ground under a climbing frame safe?

If you're installing a climbing frame in a garden or playground, it’s essential to provide a surface that reduces the risk of injury in the event of a fall. From a fall height of 60 cm, impact protection is required according to EN 1176 – for both private and public use. The following steps help to create a safe ground surface around the structure:

Install impact-absorbing surfacing

Depending on the fall height, various materials can be used. Loose-fill surfaces like bark mulch, wood chips, sand or play gravel (2–8 mm) may offer temporary protection but require constant maintenance. For a long-term and certified solution, rubber impact protection tiles are ideal – such as those offered by WARCO. These are weather-resistant, non-slip, low-maintenance and tested to EN 1177 standards.

Ensure the correct safety zone

The required fall zone depends on the height of the equipment. As a general rule: from a free fall height of 1.5 metres, the impact area must equal 2/3 of the fall height plus 0.5 m. The total safety surface should extend at least 1.5 metres beyond the outermost edge of the climbing frame.

Eliminate hazards in the surroundings

Before installation, remove any objects that may cause injury – such as sharp stones, glass, hard slabs or metal parts. The surface should be level and free from obstacles.

Lay safety tiles correctly

Rubber safety tiles are easy to install without concrete foundations – for example, on a stable sub-base of plastic grid panels. WARCO offers certified interlocking systems to connect the tiles securely. The result is a permanently stable, slip-resistant surface.

Carry out regular maintenance

Loose-fill materials require frequent raking and refilling to remain effective. Safety tiles should also be inspected regularly for damage, loose connections or debris. Damaged tiles can be replaced individually without affecting the rest of the surface.