The hard truth about outdoor gym equipment and why safety must come first in our playgrounds
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
At Academic Facilities Services, our mission is to create environments where children can thrive, learn and - most importantly - stay safe. Sometimes, fulfilling that mission means making difficult decisions.
This week, our teams have been working across several primary schools in Cornwall to decommission and remove outdoor gym equipment. We know how disappointing this can be for students who enjoy these facilities, and it’s never easy for us to take away resources from a playground. However, a significant safety issue has come to light that we simply cannot ignore.
The Compliance Gap: BS EN 16630
Many schools purchase equipment under the impression it is suitable for primary-aged children. Unfortunately, much of the outdoor gym gear currently on the market is manufactured to meet BS EN 16630.
While that sounds like a good thing, there is a catch: BS EN 16630 is the safety standard specifically for permanently installed outdoor fitness equipment intended for users over 1.4 meters in height.
Why this matters for primary schools
The average height of a child in a UK primary school ranges significantly, but many students fall well below the 1.4m threshold. When children use equipment designed for adults or taller children, the risks increase:
Incorrect ergonomics: Limbs can be overstretched, leading to strain
Entrapment risks: Gaps designed for adult bodies can pose a 'head and neck' entrapment risk for smaller children
Fall heights: The scale of the equipment often exceeds safe fall heights for younger children
Our commitment to Cornish schools
It is heartbreaking to see school funds spent on equipment that ultimately isn't fit for purpose. However, 'compliance' isn't just a buzzword for us - it’s a promise to protect the children in our care.
We are currently working closely with the affected schools to audit their remaining play spaces and discuss compliant, age-appropriate alternatives that meet the BS EN 1176 standard (the correct standard for children's playground equipment).
Safety isn't an elective; it’s the foundation of every play area we manage.
