Water play equipment and features - Safety requirements, test methods and operational requirements

This standard specifies safety requirements, test methods and operational requirements for non-floating water play equipment, features and structures in areas intended for water activities for public use (non-domestic). Water is an integral part in the use of the play equipment/feature/structures covered in this standard.
The purpose of this standard is to ensure a proper level of safety when playing in, on or around water play equipment/feature(s), and at the same time to promote activities and features known to benefit children because they provide valuable experiences that will enable them to cope with situations outside the water play equipment/feature(s).
This standard also applies for spray parks.
The following are excluded:
a)   floating leisure articles according to EN ISO 25649;
b)   artificial climbing walls according to EN 12572;
c)   toys according to EN 71;
d)   Water slides according to EN 1069;
e)   climbing walls used in the swimming pool surround according to prEN 17164.
f)   Water equipment/features (e.g. fountains) not intended for playing.

Wasserspielgeräte und ‑merkmale - Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen, Prüfverfahren und betriebliche Anforderungen

Dieses Dokument legt sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen, Prüfverfahren und Anforderungen an den Betrieb für nichtschwimmende Wasserspielgeräte,  elemente und  konstruktionen in Bereichen fest, die für Wasser¬aktivitäten zur öffentlichen (nichtprivaten) Nutzung bestimmt sind. Wasser ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil bei der Nutzung der Spielgeräte/ elemente/ konstruktionen, die Gegenstand des vorliegenden Dokuments sind.
Der Zweck dieses Dokuments besteht darin, ein geeignetes Sicherheitsniveau beim Spielen in, an oder um Wasserspielgeräte/ elemente herum sicherzustellen und gleichzeitig Aktivitäten und Eigenschaften zu fördern, die bekanntermaßen den Kindern nützen, da sie wertvolle Erfahrungen liefern, die sie in die Lage versetzen, Situationen außerhalb der Wasserspielgeräte/ elemente zu bewältigen.
Dieses Dokument gilt auch für Sprühparks.
Folgendes wird ausgeschlossen:
a)   schwimmende Freizeitartikel nach der Normenreihe EN ISO 25649;
b)   künstliche Kletterwände nach der Normenreihe EN 12572;
c)   Spielzeug nach der Normenreihe EN 71;
d)   Wasserrutschen nach der Normenreihe EN 1069;
e)   im Wasserbereich von Schwimmbadanlagen genutzte Kletterwände nach prEN 17164;
f)   Wasseranlagen/ elemente (z. B. Wasserspeier), die nicht zum Spielen bestimmt sind.

Équipements et éléments de jeux aquatiques - Exigences de sécurité, méthodes d’essai et exigences de fonctionnement

La présente norme spécifie les exigences de sécurité, les méthodes d’essai et les exigences de fonctionnement des équipements, éléments et structures de jeux aquatiques non flottants, dans des zones prévues pour les activités aquatiques à usage public (non domestique). L’eau fait partie intégrante de l’utilisation des équipements/éléments/structures de jeux qui sont couverts par la présente norme.
L’objet de la présente norme est d’assurer un niveau de sécurité approprié lors des jeux dans, sur ou autour des équipements/éléments de jeux aquatiques et, en même temps, de promouvoir les activités et les éléments connus pour être bénéfiques pour les enfants, du fait qu’ils fournissent des expériences intéressantes qui leur permettront de faire face à certaines situations à l’extérieur des équipements/éléments de jeux aquatiques.
La présente norme s’applique également aux aires de jeux aquatiques.
Les points suivants sont exclus :
a)   les articles de loisirs flottants conformes à l’EN ISO 25649 ;
b)   les structures artificielles d’escalade conformes à l’EN 12572 ;
c)   les jouets conformes à l’EN 71 ;
d)   les toboggans aquatiques conformes à l’EN 1069 ;
e)   les murs d’escalade destinés aux bassins des piscines conformes au prEN 17164 ;
f)   les équipements/éléments aquatiques (par exemple fontaines) non prévus pour le jeu.

Vodna igralna oprema - Varnostne zahteve, preskusne metode in zahteve za obratovanje

General Information

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
24-Apr-2018
Publication Date
20-Apr-2020
Technical Committee
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
02-Apr-2020
Due Date
07-Jun-2020
Completion Date
21-Apr-2020

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SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN 17232:2020
01-maj-2020
Vodna igralna oprema - Varnostne zahteve, preskusne metode in zahteve za
obratovanje
Water play equipment and features - Safety requirements, test methods and operational
requirements
Wasserspielgeräte und ‑merkmale - Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen,
Prüfverfahren und betriebliche Anforderungen
Équipements et éléments de jeux aquatiques - Exigences de sécurité, méthodes d’essai
et exigences de fonctionnement
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 17232:2020
ICS:
97.220.40 Oprema za športe na Outdoor and water sports
prostem in vodne športe equipment
SIST EN 17232:2020 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST EN 17232:2020

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SIST EN 17232:2020


EN 17232
EUROPEAN STANDARD

NORME EUROPÉENNE

March 2020
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 97.220.40
English Version

Water play equipment and features - Safety requirements,
test methods and operational requirements
Équipements et éléments de jeux aquatiques - Wasserspielgeräte und -merkmale -
Exigences de sécurité, méthodes d'essai et exigences de Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen, Prüfverfahren
fonctionnement und betriebliche Anforderungen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 5 January 2020.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.





EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 17232:2020 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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SIST EN 17232:2020
EN 17232:2020 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Safety requirements . 11
4.1 General . 11
4.2 Structural integrity . 11
4.2.1 General . 11
4.2.2 Materials . 11
4.3 Climbability . 12
4.4 Spaces . 12
4.4.1 General . 12
4.4.2 Impact area . 13
4.4.3 Falling space . 16
4.5 Handrails, barriers, safety barriers . 16
4.6 Surfaces . 16
4.7 Protrusions . 16
4.8 Edges and corners . 16
4.9 Entrapment, crushing and shearing points . 16
4.9.1 General . 16
4.9.2 Swimming under water play equipment/feature . 16
4.9.3 Diving under water play equipment/feature . 18
4.10 Slip resistance . 19
4.11 Safety of wet barefoot areas . 19
4.12 Fittings . 19
4.13 Removable protection devices . 19
4.14 Alteration of existing equipment. 19
4.15 Water inlets and water outlets . 20
4.16 Forced movement . 20
5 Electricity . 20
6 Water quality . 20
7 Test methods . 20
8 Test report . 20
9 Installation and general instructions . 21
9.1 General . 21
9.2 Pre-information . 21
9.3 Installation . 21
9.4 General Information . 22
10 Operational and safety instructions . 23
10.1 General . 23
10.2 Operational instructions . 23
10.3 Signage . 23
2

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EN 17232:2020 (E)
11 Inspection and maintenance instructions . 24
11.1 General . 24
11.2 Inspections . 24
11.2.1 Commissioning inspection . 24
11.2.2 Routine visual inspection . 25
11.2.3 Periodic inspection . 25
11.2.4 Periodic thorough inspection. 25
11.3 Maintenance instructions . 26
11.3.1 General . 26
11.3.2 Servicing. 26
11.3.3 Repair . 27
11.3.4 Modifications . 27
12 Marking . 27
12.1 General . 27
12.2 Water level . 27
Annex A (informative) Signs . 28
A.1 Prohibition signs . 28
A.2 Mandatory signs . 29
A.3 Information sign . 30
Bibliography . 31

3

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SIST EN 17232:2020
EN 17232:2020 (E)
European foreword
This document (EN 17232:2020) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 136 “Sports,
playground and other recreational facilities and equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text
or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2020, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by September 2020.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
4

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SIST EN 17232:2020
EN 17232:2020 (E)
Introduction
For the quality of reading and understanding this document, the following wording is used:
— shall = requirement;
— should = recommendation;
— may = permission;
— can = possibility.
It is not the purpose of the requirements of this document to lessen the contribution that water play
equipment/feature makes to the child's development and/or play, which is meaningful from an
educational point of view.
Risk-taking is an essential feature of play provision and of all environments in which children
legitimately spend time playing. Play provision aims to offer children the chance to encounter
acceptable risks as part of a stimulating, challenging and controlled learning environment. Play
provision should aim at managing the balance between the need to offer risk and the need to keep
children safe from serious harm.
The principles of safety management are applicable both to workplaces in general as well as to play
provision. However, the balance between safety and benefits is likely to be different in the two
environments. In play provision, exposure to some degree of risk could be of benefit because it satisfies
a basic human need and gives children the chance to learn about risk and consequences in a controlled
environment.
The purpose of this document is to ensure a proper level of safety when playing in, on or around water
play equipment/feature(s), and at the same time to promote activities and features known to benefit
children because they provide valuable experiences that will enable them to cope with situations
outside the water play equipment/feature(s).
Respecting the characteristics of children's play and the way children benefit from playing in a water
environment with regard to development, children need to learn to cope with risk and this can lead to
bumps and bruises and even occasionally a broken limb. The aim of this document is first and foremost
to prevent accidents with a disabling or fatal consequence, and secondly to lessen serious consequences
caused by the occasional mishap that inevitably will occur in children's pursuit of expanding their level
of competence, be it socially, intellectually or physically.
Without striving for completeness, among others the following features could be considered when
designing, installing and using water play equipment/feature:
a) Water (and air) emitting - as described in EN 13451-3;
b) Without water (or air) emitting - e.g. a playground feature installed in water play installation;
c) Solo features - e.g. one step stone;
d) Groups of features - e.g. a group of step stones;
e) Normally dry features but with wetted surface by e.g. water cannons, sprays etc.;
f) Climbable features (intended to be climbed);
g) Non-climbable features (and not intended to be climbed) - e.g. an elevated spray park structure;
h) Additional features not intended to be climbed but with the possibility - e.g. artificial rocks,
supporting constructions;
i) Raised and (often) combined features (spray park) with waterslides connected - e.g. a raised spray
ground structure;
j) Raised and (often) combined features (spray park) without waterslides connected - e.g. a raised
spray park structure.
5

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SIST EN 17232:2020
EN 17232:2020 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies safety requirements, test methods and operational requirements for installed
water play equipment, features and structures:
— intended for playing, and
— in areas intended for water activities for public use (non-domestic), typically in swimming pool
facilities, and
— where water is an integral part in the use of the play equipment/feature/structures.
This document also applies for spray parks.
This document does not apply to:
a) floating leisure articles according to EN ISO 25649 series;
b) artificial climbing walls according to EN 12572 series;
c) toys according to EN 71 series;
d) water slides according to EN 1069 series;
e) climbing/bouldering walls used in the swimming pool surround according to EN 17164;
f) water equipment/features (e.g. ornamental fountains) not intended for playing;
g) water play equipment/features installed in swimming pools for domestic use;
h) playground equipment according to EN 1176 series.
6

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SIST EN 17232:2020
EN 17232:2020 (E)
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1069 (all parts), Water slides
EN 1176 (all parts), Playground equipment and surfacing
EN 1177, Impact attenuating playground surfacing — Methods of test for determination of impact
attenuation
EN 13451 (all parts), Swimming pool equipment
EN 15288-1, Swimming pools for public use — Part 1: Safety requirements for design
EN 15288-2, Swimming pools for public use — Part 2: Safety requirements for operation
EN ISO 3834 (all parts), Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials
(ISO 3834 (all parts))
EN ISO 14732:2013, Welding personnel — Qualification testing of welding operators and weld setters for
mechanized and automatic welding of metallic materials (ISO 14732:2013)
EN ISO 15607, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials — General
rules (ISO 15607)
HD 60364-7-702, Low-voltage electrical installations — Part 7-702: Requirements for special installations
or locations — Swimming pools and fountains (IEC 60364-7-702)
ISO 3864-1, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Part 1: Design principles for safety
signs and safety markings
ISO 3864-3, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Part 3: Design principles for graphical
symbols for use in safety signs
ISO 7001, Graphical symbols — Public information symbols
ISO 7010, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety signs
ISO 20712-3, Water safety signs and beach safety flags — Part 3: Guidance for use
ISO 22727, Graphical symbols — Creation and design of public information symbols — Requirements
7

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SIST EN 17232:2020
EN 17232:2020 (E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 15288-1 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
water play equipment/feature
equipment/feature including components and constructional elements that incorporate water as an
element intended for playing
3.2
spray park
specific barefoot recreational area installed with water play equipment/features without water
retention accessible to the users
3.3
swimming pool equipment
components installed in and around a basin, designated:
— to operate the basin and its functionally adjoining areas;
— to use it and its functionally adjoining areas
Note 1 to entry: These components can be part of the swimming pool technology (e.g. water inlets or outlets), to
assist the users (e.g. ladders), for competitive and training use (e.g. starting platforms), for leisure (e.g. fountains).
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.1]
3.4
falling space
space in, on or around the equipment that can be passed through by a user falling from an elevated part
of the water play equipment/feature
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.8, modified - Specified for water play equipment/features]
3.5
elevated playing surface
accessible area on a water play equipment/feature where the play occurs and where the user can fall or
jump off
Note 1 to entry: This can e.g. be a platform, a slope, a ladder, a ramp or steps.
3.6
playing surface
surface within the falling space, including the water play
equipment/feature, where the play occurs and which comprises at least the impact area
8

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SIST EN 17232:2020
EN 17232:2020 (E)
3.7
minimum space
smallest space required for the safe use of the water play equipment/feature
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.10, modified - “Installation” deleted and adapted to water play
equipment/feature.]
3.8
impact area
area that can be hit by a user after falling through the falling space
Note 1 to entry: The water surface is not considered as an impact area.
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, modified - Note 1 to entry added]
3.9
fall height to water surface
FHW
maximum vertical distance from the elevated play surface to the underlying water surface
3.10
total fall height
TFH
maximum vertical distance from elevated play surface to the impact area below
3.11
diving
active movement from outside the water into the water with head and arms forward
3.12
jumping
active movement from outside the water into the water with feet forward
3.13
handrail
rail intended to assist the user to balance
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.21]
3.14
barrier
means of segregation to prevent movement or access
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.14]
3.15
safety barrier
barrier designed to prevent users from falling over, through or beneath
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.15]
9

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SIST EN 17232:2020
EN 17232:2020 (E)
3.16
protrusion
object, or a portion of an object, that stands or protrudes in/into the falling space
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.12, modified - Specified to “falling space”.]
3.17
edge
line being formed by two surfaces of something solid which meet one another
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.8]
3.18
corner
point being formed by two or more edges which meet one another
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.9]
3.19
shearing point
place where part of the equipment can move past a fixed or other moving part, or past a fixed area so
that persons, or parts of their body, can be cut
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.11]
3.20
entrapment
hazard presented by the situation in which a body, or part of a body, the hair or clothing can become
trapped
Note 1 to entry: Entrapment hazards can arise from situations where the body, its parts, etc. get trapped, but
also from situations where the body of the user has no complete freedom to emerge from the water, e.g. when
swimming underneath a stepladder.
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.7]
3.21
free area
unobstructed area in front of an entrance to the swim-under area for facilitating rescue activities
3.22
forced movement
movement of the user caused by the equipment (e.g. swinging, sliding, carousel rotation etc.) which,
once started, cannot be totally controlled by the user
Note 1 to entry: Rationale — falls are not considered forced movement as they are not imposed on the user by
the equipment but occur for other reasons.
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.34 - modified by deleting Note 2 to entry]
10

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EN 17232:2020 (E)
3.23
crushing point
place where parts of the equipment can move against each other, or against a fixed area so that persons,
or parts of their body, can be crushed
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.10]
3.24
grid
component to cover an overflow channel or an opening, designed to allow the passage of water
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.17]
4 Safety requirements
4.1 General
Water play equipment/feature for public use shall comply with EN 1176-1 for playground equipment as
well as with EN 13451-1, EN 13451-2 and EN 13451-3 for swimming pool equipment, if their
requirements are not modified by this document.
When requirements overlap, EN 1176 series applies with equipment-specific requirements.
EN 13451 series applies with swimming-pool-specific requirements as well as for effects in connection
with water and EN 1069 series for waterslides.
The respective requirements shall be adhered to with combined water play equipment/features.
Additional hazards can arise from combining the equipment. These shall be assessed individually.
Manufacturers shall give minimum water depths and/or impact-area requirements and required size of
falling space and minimum zone for use as minimum data for planning.
4.2 Structural integrity
4.2.1 General
Structural integrity, including stability, of the equipment shall be according to
EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 4.1.1.
4.2.2 Materials
4.2.2.1 General
Materials should be selected so that they:
— meet the requirements of the national applicable regulations/guidelines;
— shall meet the requirements of the EN 1176 (all parts);
— shall meet the requirements of the EN 13451 (all parts);
— are suitable for a wet environment;
— shall be able to withstand corrosion in the intended environment;
— shall not promote bacterial growth;
11

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SIST EN 17232:2020
EN 17232:2020 (E)
— should not release substances as required by current relevant European and/or National
regulations;
— shall not negatively influence the water quality.
4.2.2.2 Use of stainless steel
Stress-crack-corrosion can affect stainless steel in a corrosive atmosphere. Wherever the use of
stainless steel is considered, a design risk assessment shall be carried out.
For the selection and use of stainless steel for structural parts in a corrosive atmosphere, EN 13451-1
applies.
4.3 Climbability
Water play equipment/features are considered climbable if at least one of the following principles
applies:
a) water play equipment/feature with a designated elevated playing surface in a height of < 600 mm
above the impact area;
b) foot step in a height < 400 mm above the impact area;
c) hand grip or object for climbing ≤ 1 800 mm above the impact area;
d) slanted elements, walkable by the user, with a slope of ≤ 30° from the horizontal;
e) slots and protrusions that encourage climbing.
4.4 Spaces
4.4.1 General
Falling spaces and impact areas shall be implemented in accordance with EN 1176 (all parts) unless
otherwise stated in this document.
The manufacturer/supplier shall state the dimensions of the minimum space, the minimum zone for use
and the falling space of the equipment (see Figure 1).
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SIST EN 17232:2020
EN 17232:2020 (E)

Key
1 falling space
2 impact area
3 fall height to water surface (FHW)
4 water depth (WD)
5 total fall height (TFH, see 4.4.2)
6 water play equipment/feature
7 water level
8 extent of the impact area (X, see 4.4.2.2)
Figure 1 — Different areas of water play equipment/feature
4.4.2 Impact area
4.4.2.1 General
The impact area includes surfaces of the water play equipment/feature and the surfaces below the
water play equipment/feature if they can be hit by the user.
If a
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 17232:2018
01-april-2018
Vodna igralna oprema - Varnostne zahteve, preskusne metode in zahteve za
obratovanje
Water play equipment and features - Safety requirements, test methods and operational
requirements
Wasserspielgeräte - Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen, Prüfverfahren und
betriebliche Anforderungen
Équipements et éléments de jeux aquatiques - Exigences de sécurité, méthodes d’essai
et exigences de fonctionnement
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 17232
ICS:
97.220.40 Oprema za športe na Outdoor and water sports
prostem in vodne športe equipment
oSIST prEN 17232:2018 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 17232:2018

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oSIST prEN 17232:2018


DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 17232
NORME EUROPÉENNE

EUROPÄISCHE NORM

February 2018
ICS 97.220.40
English Version

Water play equipment and features - Safety requirements,
test methods and operational requirements
Équipements et éléments de jeux aquatiques - Wasserspielgeräte - Sicherheitstechnische
Exigences de sécurité, méthodes d'essai et exigences de Anforderungen, Prüfverfahren und betriebliche
fonctionnement Anforderungen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 136.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.

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 supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.


EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2018 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 17232:2018 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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Contents
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Safety requirements . 12
4.1 General . 12
4.2 Structural integrity . 12
4.2.1 General . 12
4.2.2 Materials . 12
4.3 Climb ability . 13
4.4 Spaces . 13
4.4.1 General . 13
4.4.2 Minimum zone for falling spaces . 13
4.4.3 Falling space . 14
4.5 Handrails, barriers, safety barriers . 16
4.6 Surfaces . 16
4.7 Protrusions . 16
4.8 Edges and corners . 16
4.9 Entrapment, crushing and shearing points . 16
4.9.1 General . 16
4.9.2 Swim-underneath . 16
4.10 Slip resistance . 19
4.11 Safety of barefoot areas . 19
4.12 Fixings . 19
4.13 Removable protection devices . 19
4.14 Alteration of existing equipment . 19
4.15 Inlets and outlets . 20
4.16 Forced movement . 20
5 Electricity . 20
6 Water quality . 20
7 Test methods and reports . 20
8 Instruction and information . 20
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8.1 General . 20
8.2 Pre-information . 21
8.3 Installation . 21
8.4 General Information . 22
9 Operational and Safety Instructions . 22
9.1 General . 22
9.2 Technical operation . 23
9.3 Signage . 23
10 Inspection and maintenance instructions . 23
10.1 General . 23
10.2 Inspections . 24
10.2.1 Commissioning inspection. 24
10.2.2 Routine visual inspection . 24
10.2.3 In-house periodic inspection . 24
10.2.4 Periodic thorough inspection . 24
10.3 Maintenance instructions . 25
10.3.1 General . 25
10.3.2 Servicing . 26
10.3.3 Repair . 26
10.3.4 Modifications . 26
11 Marking . 26
11.1 General . 26
11.2 Water level . 26
Annex A (normative) Signs . 27
A.1 Prohibition signs . 27
A.2 Mandatory signs . 28
A.3 Information sign. 29
Bibliography . 30

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European foreword
This document (prEN 17232:2018) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 136 “Sports,
playground and other recreational facilities and equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
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Introduction
For the quality of reading and understanding this document, the following wording is used:
— shall = requirement;
— should = recommendation;
— may = permission;
— can = possibility.
It is not the purpose of the requirements of this document to lessen the contribution that water play
equipment/feature makes to the child's development and/or play, which is meaningful from an
educational point of view.
Risk-taking is an essential feature of play provision and of all environments in which children
legitimately spend time playing. Play provision aims to offer children the chance to encounter
acceptable risks as part of a stimulating, challenging and controlled learning environment. Play
provision should aim at managing the balance between the need to offer risk and the need to keep
children safe from serious harm.
The principles of safety management are applicable both to workplaces in general as well as to play
provision. However, the balance between safety and benefits is likely to be different in the two
environments. In play provision, exposure to some degree of risk might be of benefit because it satisfies
a basic human need and gives children the chance to learn about risk and consequences in a controlled
environment.
Respecting the characteristics of children's play and the way children benefit from playing in a water
environment with regard to development, children need to learn to cope with risk and this can lead to
bumps and bruises and even occasionally a broken limb. The aim of this document is first and foremost
to prevent accidents with a disabling or fatal consequence, and secondly to lessen serious consequences
caused by the occasional mishap that inevitably will occur in children's pursuit of expanding their level
of competence, be it socially, intellectually or physically.
Without striving for completeness, among others the following features could be considered when
designing, installing and using water play equipment/feature:
a) Water (and air) emitting - as described in EN 13451-3;
b) Without water (or air) emitting - e.g. a playground feature;
c) Solo features - e.g. one step stone;
d) Groups of features - e.g. a group of step stones;
e) Normally dry features but with wetted surface by e.g. water cannons, sprays etc.;
f) Climbable features (intended to);
g) Not climbable features (and not intended to) - e.g. an elevated spray park structure;
h) Additional features not intended to be climbed but with the possibility - e.g. artificial rocks,
supporting constructions;
i) Raised and (often) combined features (spray park) with also waterslides connected - e.g. a raised
spray ground structure;
j) Raised and (often) combined features (spray park) without waterslides connected - e.g. a raised
spray park structure.
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1 Scope
This document specifies safety requirements, test methods and operational requirements for non-
floating water play equipment, features and structures in areas intended for water activities for public
use (non-domestic). Water is an integral part in the use of the play equipment/feature/structures
covered in this document.
The purpose of this document is to ensure a proper level of safety when playing in, on or around water
play equipment/feature(s), and at the same time to promote activities and features known to benefit
children because they provide valuable experiences that will enable them to cope with situations
outside the water play equipment/feature(s).
This document also applies for spray parks.
The following are excluded:
a) floating leisure articles according to EN ISO 25649 series;
b) artificial climbing walls according to EN 12572 series;
c) toys according to EN 71 series;
d) Water slides according to EN 1069 series;
e) climbing walls used in the swimming pool surround according to prEN 17164.
f) Water equipment/features (e.g. fountains) not intended for playing.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1069 (all parts), Water slides
EN 1176 (all parts), Playground equipment and surfacing
EN 1177, Impact attenuating playground surfacing - Determination of critical fall height
EN 13451 (all parts), Swimming pool equipment
EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, Swimming pool equipment - Part 1: General safety requirements and test
methods
EN 15288-2, Swimming pools - Part 2: Safety requirements for operation
EN ISO 3834 (all parts), Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials
(ISO 3834 (all parts)
EN ISO 14732:2013, Welding personnel - Qualification testing of welding operators and weld setters for
mechanized and automatic welding of metallic materials (ISO 14732:2013)
EN ISO 15607, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials - General rules
(ISO 15607)
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HD 60364-7-702, Low-voltage electrical installations - Part 7-702: Requirements for special installations
or locations - Swimming pools and fountains (IEC 60364-7-702, modified)
ISO 3864-1, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Part 1: Design principles for safety
signs and safety markings
ISO 3864-3, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Part 3: Design principles for graphical
symbols for use in safety signs
ISO 7001, Graphical symbols — Public information symbols
ISO 20712-1, Water safety signs and beach safety flags — Part 1: Specifications for water safety signs used
in workplaces and public areas
ISO 22727, Graphical symbols — Creation and design of public information symbols — Requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 15288-1 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
water play equipment/feature
equipment and features including components and constructional elements that incorporate water as
an element intended for playing
3.2
spray park
specific barefoot recreational area installed with water play equipment/features without water
retention accessible to the users
3.3
pool, swimming and bathing pool
artificial structure for swimming and/or bathing purposes continuously flooded with treated water in
which several persons can be present either simultaneously or in temporal succession
3.4
climbable features
water play equipment/feature that allows the user to move on it or in it by the use of a hand and
foot/leg support
3.5
public use
use of an installation open to everyone or to a defined group of users, not designated solely for the
owner's/proprietor's/operator's family and guests independently from paying an entrance fee
[SOURCE: EN 15288-1:2008+A1:2010, 3.5]
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3.6
swimming pool equipment
components installed in and around a basin, designated:
— to operate the basin and its functionally adjoining areas;
— to use it and its functionally adjoining areas
Note 1 to entry: These components can be part of the swimming pool technology (e.g. water inlets or outlets), to
assist the users (e.g. ladders), for competitive and training use (e.g. starting platforms), for leisure (e.g. fountains).
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.1]
3.7
minimum zone for use
minimum space required for anyone who may come into contact with equipment
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.11]
3.8
falling space
space in, on or around the equipment that can be passed through by a user falling from an elevated part
of the equipment
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.7]
3.9
elevated playing surface
accessible area on a play equipment/feature where the play occurs and where the user can fall or jump
off
3.10
playing surface
surface of a water play equipment/feature from which the use of the playground equipment
commences and which comprises at least the impact area
3.11
minimum space
smallest space required for the safe installation and use of the equipment
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.10]
3.12
impact area
area that can be hit by a user after falling through the falling space
Note 1 to entry: The water surface is not considered as an impact area.
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017 - modified: Note 1 to entry added]
3.13
fall height to water surface
maximum vertical distance from the elevated play surface to the underlying water surface
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3.14
total fall height
maximum vertical distance from elevated play surface to the impact area below
3.15
diving
active movement from outside the water into the water head and arms forward
3.16
jumping
active movement from outside the water into the water feet forward
3.17
handrail
rail intended to assist the user to balance
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.21]
3.18
barrier
means of segregation to prevent movement or access
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.14]
3.19
safety barrier
barrier designed to prevent users from falling over, through or beneath
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.15]
3.20
protrusion
object, or a portion of an object, that stands or protrudes in/into the minimum zone for use
3.21
edge
line being formed by two surfaces of something solid which meet one another
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.8]
3.22
corner
point being formed by two or more edges which meet one another
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.9]
3.23
shearing point
place where part of the equipment can move past a fixed or other moving part, or past a fixed area so
that persons, or parts of their body, can be cut
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.11]
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3.24
entrapment
hazard presented by the situation in which a body, or part of a body, the hair or clothing can become
trapped
Note 1 to entry: Entrapment hazard can arise from situations where the body, its parts, etc. get trapped, but also
from situations where the body of the user has no complete freedom to emerge from the water, e.g. when
swimming underneath a stepladder.
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.7]
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.12]
3.25
free area
unobstructed area in front of an entrance to the swim-under area for facilitating rescue activities
3.26
forced movement
movement of the user caused by the equipment (e.g. swinging, sliding, carousel rotation etc.) which,
once started, cannot be totally controlled by the user
Note 1 to entry: Rationale — falls are not considered forced movement as they are not imposed on the user by the
equipment but occur for other reasons.
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.34 - modified by deleting Note 2 to entry]
3.27
crushing point
place where parts of the equipment can move against each other, or against a fixed area so that persons,
or parts of their body, can be crushed
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.10]
3.28
grid
component to cover an overflow channel or an opening, designed to allow the passage of water
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.17]
3.29
grip
holding of the hand around the entire circumference of a support
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 1.
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Figure 1 — Grip
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.15]
3.30
grasp
holding of the hand around part of the circumference of a support
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.

Figure 2 — Grasp
[SOURCE: EN 1176-1:2017, 3.16]
3.31
finger hold
holding which is found with hand, at least with the finger head by hooking in
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.6]
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 3.

Figure 3 — Finger hold
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3.32
slit
small opening < 8 mm, where entrapment is possible, which can cause a risk of drowning
[SOURCE: EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 3.16]
4 Safety requirements
4.1 General
Water play equipment/feature for public use shall in principle comply with EN 1176-1 for playground
equipment, EN 13451-1 for swimming pool equipment, EN 13451-2 for swimming pool equipment and
EN 13451-3 for swimming pool equipment, if their requirements are not modified by this document.
When requirements overlap, EN 1176 series applies with equipment-specific requirements.
EN 13451 series applies with swimming-pool-specific requirements as well as for effects in connection
with water and EN 1069 series for waterslides.
The respective requirements shall be adhered to with combined water play equipment/feature.
Additional hazards can arise from combining the equipment. These shall be assessed individually.
Manufacturers shall give minimum water depths and/or impact-area requirements and required size of
falling space and minimum zone for use as minimum data for planning.
4.2 Structural integrity
4.2.1 General
Structural integrity, including stability, of the equipment shall be according to
EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, 4.1.1.
4.2.2 Materials
4.2.2.1 General
Materials shall be selected so that they:
— meet the requirements of the national applicable regulations/guidelines;
— meet the requirements of the EN 1176 series;
— meet the requirements of the EN 13451 series;
— are suitable for wet environment;
— shall be able to withstand corrosion;
— shall not promote bacterial growth;
— shall release no substances;
— shall not negatively influence the water's properties.
4.2.2.2 Use of stainless steel
As stress-crack-corrosion can affect stainless steel in a corrosive atmosphere, wherever the use of
stainless steel is considered a design risk assessment shall be carried out.
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For the selection and use of stainless steel for structural parts in a corrosive atmosphere
EN 13451-1:2011+A1:2016, Annex F applies.
4.3 Climb ability
Water play equipment/feature is considered climbable if at least one of the following principles apply:
a) water play equipment/feature with a designated elevated playing surface in a height of less than
600 mm from the playing surface;
b) foot step in a height of less than 400 mm from the playing surface;
c) hand grip or object for climbing ≤ 1 800 mm from the playing surface;
d) slanted elements with a maximum slope of 30° from horizontal;
e) slots that encourage climbing.
4.4 Spaces
4.4.1 General
Falling spaces and impact areas shall be implemented in accordance with EN 1176 series unless
otherwise stated in this document.
The manufacturer/supplier shall state the dimensions of the minimum space, the minimum zone for use
and the falling space of the equipment.
4.4.2 Minimum zone for falling spaces

Key
1 falling space
2 impact area
3 fall height to water surface
4 water depth
5 total fall height = Y (see 4.4.3)
6 water play equipment/feature
7 water level
8 distance from play equipment/feature to outer edge of impact area = X (see 4.4.3.1)
Figure 4 — Different areas of water play equipment/feature
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The falling space shall be free of obstacles (e.g. pool wall).
4.4.3 Falling space
4.4.3.1 Dimension of impact areas
The extent of the impact area is calculated as the distance from the edge of the Elevated play surface to
the
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