Certified Impact Testing for Playground Surfacing
At NPGI, we provide independent HIC testing in accordance with EN 1177:2018, the European Standard for measuring the impact attenuation of playground surfacing. Our service helps ensure your surfacing is fit for purpose, compliant, and provides the necessary protection against serious head injuries in the event of a fall.
HIC testing is an essential component of safety compliance, particularly for new installations, high-risk sites, or during periodic inspection of critical fall zones.
What Is HIC Testing?
HIC (Head Injury Criterion) is a scientifically validated method used to measure how effectively a playground surface absorbs impact. Under EN 1177:2018, surfacing is tested to assess two key safety thresholds:
- HIC ≤ 1,000
- gmax ≤ 200 g (peak acceleration)
These thresholds indicate a surface’s ability to reduce the risk of life-threatening head injuries from falls. Surfacing that fails these benchmarks may not provide adequate protection and must be remediated.
When Is HIC Testing Required?
You should consider HIC testing:
- Before opening a new playground to the public
- As part of a post-installation inspection
- During annual inspections for compliance and performance monitoring
- When surfacing has been replaced, repaired, or shows signs of deterioration
- In response to a serious incident or injury
- To confirm compliance for insurance or legal purposes
Our Testing Methods
We use both laboratory and on-site drop testing, as defined in EN 1177:2018:
Method 1 – Critical Fall Height (CFH) Determination
Used in the lab or controlled environments to determine the maximum fall height a surface can safely support.
Method 2 – On-Site Performance Testing
Tests the actual performance of the surfacing in situ, under current weather, wear, and installation conditions. Ideal for validating existing installations or assessing ongoing suitability.
What’s Involved?
Our certified HIC testing includes:
- Selection of worst-case test zones (e.g., areas of high wear or minimum thickness)
- Drop testing using EN 1177-compliant equipment
- Measurement of both HIC and gmax values
- Assessment of Critical Fall Height where applicable
- Full report with results, graphs, and expert interpretation
- Professional recommendations for repair or replacement if standards are not met
We also check for moisture effects, compaction issues, and material inconsistencies that may compromise surfacing performance.
Surfaces We Test
We can test all types of impact-attenuating surfacing, including:
- Wet pour and bonded rubber
- Rubber tiles and slabs
- Engineered wood fibre
- Bark, mulch, and wood chip
- Sand, gravel, and natural soils
- Hybrid and modular systems
Why Choose NPGI?
With advanced test equipment and full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration protocols, NPGI delivers accurate, repeatable HIC results that stand up to scrutiny from insurers, regulators, and courts.
Whether you’re a local authority, school, installer, or play equipment manufacturer, we provide clear, independent validation of your surfacing’s safety performance.
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