Critical Fall Height Test: Ensuring Playground Safety Standards | Soft Surfaces Saudi Arabia.
- marketing department
- Sep 2, 2025
- 3 min read
Introduction
Playground safety is a top priority in schools, nurseries, and public parks across the world. One of the most important safety measures is the Critical Fall Height (CFH) test, which determines whether a playground surface can protect children from serious injuries in case of a fall.
At Soft Surfaces, we specialize in providing safe and durable playground flooring solutions that comply with international safety standards, including critical fall height testing.
Table of Contents
1. What is a Critical Fall Height Test?
2. Why is the Critical Fall Height Test Important?
3. How is the Critical Fall Height Test Performed?
4. Playground Surfaces That Require Testing
5. International Standards for Critical Fall Height
6. Benefits of Conducting a Critical Fall Height Test
7. Why Choose Soft Surfaces for Playground Safety
8. FAQs: Critical Fall Height Test
9. Conclusion
What is a critical fall height test?
The Critical Fall Height (CFH) refers to the maximum height from which a child can fall onto a surface without sustaining a life-threatening head injury.
A critical fall height test is conducted to measure the impact attenuation (shock absorption) of playground surfaces such as EPDM rubber, artificial turf, and safety tiles. Explore our playground flooring installation services for safety-compliant solutions.
Why Is the Critical Fall Height Test Important?
Safety Assurance: Ensures playground surfaces reduce head injury risks.
Compliance with Standards: Meets EN 1177 and ASTM F1292 international safety
standards. Risk Management: Helps schools, parks, and contractors avoid liability.
Durability Check: Confirms that flooring materials maintain safety over time.
How is the critical fall height test performed?
The test involves using a Head Injury Criterion (HIC) sensor that measures impact when dropped
from different heights onto the playground surface.
Step-by-step process:
1. A triaxial accelerometer is placed inside a test headform.
2. The device is dropped from increasing heights.
3. Data is recorded to calculate the HIC value.
4. The critical fall height is the maximum safe drop height at which HIC remains within the
acceptable limit (≤1000).
Learn more about our safety testing and certification services.
Playground Surfaces That Require Critical Fall Height Testing
EPDM Rubber Flooring
Wet Pour Rubber Surfaces
Artificial Turf with Shock Pads
Rubber Tiles & Safety Mats
Wood Mulch & Sand Surfaces
See our EPDM surfacing solutions designed to pass CFH tests.
International Standards for Critical Fall Height
EN 1177 (Europe): Specifies methods of impact attenuation testing.
ASTM F1292 (USA): Standard for playground surfacing shock absorption.
Benefits of Conducting a Critical Fall Height Test
Protects children from serious head injuries.
Ensures legal compliance with playground regulations.
Increases trust among parents and communities.
Verifies the quality of surfacing materials.
Partner with Soft Surfaces for playground flooring that meets CFH safety standards.
Why Choose Soft Surfaces for Playground Safety in Saudi Arabia & MENA
As a leading sports and playground contractor in Saudi Arabia, we provide:
Safety-certified playground flooring.
Compliance with EN 1177 and ASTM F1292 standards.
Professional testing and installation.
Long-term support and maintenance.
Discover more about Soft Surfaces and our expertise in safe playground construction.
FAQs: Critical Fall Height Test
It determines the maximum height from which a child can fall safely onto a playground surface.
2. Which playground surfaces require CFH testing?
Rubber flooring, EPDM, artificial turf with shock pads, and safety tiles must undergo CFH testing.
3. What are the standards for critical fall height?
The main standards are EN 1177 (Europe) and ASTM F1292 (USA).
4. How often should playground surfaces be tested?
Surfaces should be tested during installation and periodically during maintenance.
Conclusion
The critical fall height test is a crucial safety measure that ensures playground flooring can protect children from serious injuries. By choosing certified playground surfaces and working with experienced suppliers like Soft Surfaces, schools, nurseries, and public parks can provide safe, enjoyable play environments for children.
Ready to install safety-certified playground flooring? Contact Soft Surfaces today for expert consultation.
Head Office
Office #01 (Ground Floor) - Building #10, Tariq Bin Ziad St, Al Rakah Al Janubiyah, Al Khobar - 34227, Saudi Arabia
sales@softsurfacess.com +966 54 178 7485 +966 0 13 843 8881
UAE Office
Blue Wave Tower, second floor office no. 43, Dubai Land, Blue Wave Tower, Dubai, Wadi Al Safa 5 United Arab Emirates
+971 58 845 8379 uae.sales@softsurfacess.com
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