Let the water flow! In playgrounds? Safety guaranteed? For sure!
Friedrich Blume (Dipl.-Ing.) (SV Spielplätze, DEULA Westfalen Lippe)
Everybody knows the reservations of operators, landscape architects and, finally, parents. Yes, water entails risks. However, ultimately there are standards and regulations that govern the use and handling of water as a potential play element.
But how has the standard actually evolved? If you consult one of the first versions of DIN18034, the then version provided that a maximum water depth of 40 cm is permissible for artificially created waters. It was also possible to provide water troughs and mobile water basins if they could be emptied daily. One requirement for water basins was that the floor slope must not exceed 6% and that the floor area must be slip-resistant and easy to clean (DIN 18034 of October 1988).
And what about today? In principle, the old regulations remain in force. There have only been amendments with regard to water quality to the effect that the requirements of the Bathing Water Regulations apply to standing water bodies and that testing in accordance with the Drinking Water Ordinance is recommended for wells and water taps. In the latter example, the standard even allows deviations from the drinking water quality, provided that the competent health authority approves of this.
Just show me health authorities that are prepared to actually take on this responsibility!
Consequently, drinking water inevitably will have to be supplied. However, the question arises as to whether the drinking water fed into the pump actually does come out again in the same quality.
In summary, it can be said that the safety requirements for the use of water in playgrounds have not changed significantly in the last 30 years.
Why? Why has nothing changed? Because the experts of the Working Committee on DIN 18034 only make amendments to the standard if critical situations or accidents have occurred, which require an adaptation of the standard or justify a tightening of the safety requirements.
Yes, there have certainly been accidents related to this subject in the last 30 years. The question arises, however, if these could have been prevented by stricter standards. This may reasonably be doubted for most drowning accidents have occurred at bathing waters or pool complexes.
Furthermore, throughout my professional life as an expert I have not learned of any situation in which playing children have been harmed by poor water hygiene.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the current provisions of DIN 18034 are perfectly adequate. I would, however, like playground operators and planners to use water much more often in playgrounds and leisure facilities, as it still offers fascinating play opportunities for children. However, for that you must have the necessary courage and standing.
Photo: ESF Emsland Spiel- und Freizeitgeräte GmbH & Co KG
Fall protection surfaces vary in terms of cost, minimum installation thickness and cleaning and care requirements. It should be noted that the most important property of these surfaces is the safety-related shock absorption. This is the surface's ability to reduce the impact energy that occurs when a child falls from a piece of play equipment. It prevents a critical, even life-threatening, injury.
DIN 18034 9/2012 "Playgrounds and Open Play Spaces" is now being revised, mainly as a result of the regular review and revision process for standardisation.
