Specific standards for climbing walls and their accessories

Stability and resistance of the climbing structure

• resistance of components:
  • in addition to the structure’s own load, it is necessary to add the fall load of a climber = break: 20.0 kN / service: 6.6 kN.
• impact resistance of surface elements (panels):
  • drop three times a 22 Kg sledgehammer from a distance of 1.50 m in the centre of the 1 m2 surface sample, without observing any rupture or crack.
• resistance of the climbing hold insert:
  • pulling on the hold (progressive load up to 12 kN), without observing any rupture or release.

LANDING TESTs

• application of a test load of 6,6 kN (angle 12,5°) for 10 s on the following:
  • the first 3 individual belay points of each section 
  • the highest belay point of each section 
  • all relay belay points
• drop zone :
  • no obstacle or edge that could seriously injure the user in a volume 2 m deep, 3 m wide and 8 m high (above wall/floor) in front of a belay point.

Marking

• manufacturer’s contact information
• contact details of the importer/supplier.
• standard references (EN 12572-1:2017)
• installation date
• date of the next main inspection

Notice 

• Repetition of marking information
• location + type of belay points
• maximum number of belay lines
• list of specific requirements for use, maintenance and inspection

CoMPLIANCE

• verification by calculation note
• testing (first install only)
• marking
• user manual and maintenance instructions

EN 12572-2 – approved standard (2017)

Artificial Climbing Structures (ACS) – Part 2: Safety Requirements and Test Methods for Bouldering Walls.

requirements

• maximum height:
  • 4.00 m if standing possible at the top.
  • 4.50 m without standing possible.
• Cushioning of falls :
  • mats with straps
  • gravel possible if the height of the bouldering wall does not exceed 3 m or individual mats for walls greater than 3 m
  • water / air cushion / net / rubber / cork
• landing surface :
  • in front of the wall: between 2.00 m and 2.50 m from the overhang to the foot of bouldering wall.
  • on the sides: 1.50 m or 50% of the height depending on the case.
• stability and strength of the structure, calculation method:
  • resistance of the components and fixed and variable loads on the bouldering wall: weight of the structure + 0.8 kN per climber + 0.4 kN / m2 or 1.6 kN / m2 if standing possible + other loads (snow, wind etc.)
  • Ultimate limit state
• impact resistance of surface elements:
  • drop three times a 22 Kg sledgehammer from a distance of 1.50 m in the centre of the surface sample, without observing any rupture or crack.
• resistance of the climbing hold insert:
  • pulling on the insert (progressive, up to 12 kN), without observing any rupture or release.
• drop zone :
  • there must be no potentially dangerous obstacles

EN 12572-3 – APPROVED STANDARD (2017)

Artificial Climbing Structures (ACS) – Part 3: Safety requirements and test methods for climbing holds.

REQUIREMENTS

• material :
  • no hazardous substances
• ergonomic :
  • no possibility of sticking
  • no sharp edges
• resistance :
  • heat/cold/humidity tests
  • tightening test
• rupture resistance :
  • 2,4 kN for 1 minute
• dimensions
  • ratio of the attachment hole to the placement of application of the load < 3:1
• hold size:
  • from 0 to 50 mm = XS
  • from 51 to 80 mm = S
  • from 81 to 130 mm = M
  • from 131 to 210 mm = L
  • from 211 to 340 mm = XL
  • from 341 to 500 mm = XXL
  • > 551 mm                    = “macro”

manufacturer information 

• instructions for use, repair, disposal
• maximum tightening torque
• tips for use

Marking

• individual marking (manufacturer/supplier logo) and identification system.

NF S52-400 – approved standard (2005)

Play equipment – Attachment points of sports equipment to its supports – Functional and safety requirements, test methods

requirements

• general requirements:
  • no permanent deformation during use
  • no displacement of the support or attachment at the end of the tests
  • no dangerous protrusion
• specific requirements:
  • calculations or tests
• support requirements:
  • must be capable of receiving the attachment points and the transmitted forces
  • the owner and/or contracting authority of the support is the only one entitled to authorise the installation of the attachment points and the tests
• verification and maintenance recommendations:
  • frequent routine visual inspection
  • functional checks every 1 to 3 months
  • main annual inspection
  • inspection procedure
• modifications and safety of users

NF S72-701 – approved standard (2008)

Procedures for the inspection and monitoring of PPE and similar equipment

• methods of inspection of materials:
  • lifespan and history
  • causes of withdrawal after a routine check
  • causes of disposal after further inspection
  • list of controls, by type of PPE
• frequency of inspections:
  • routine check 
    • before and after each use
  • complete inspection :
    • at least every twelve months
    • after an exceptional event
    • after a removal following a routine check
• maintenance and storage
• register
  • life record:
    • it must follow each material or batch and indicate the exceptional events and inspections undergone
  • identification of materials
• competency of inspectors:
  • know the current standard, know how to check, use and operate the PPE
  • hold a State Certificate in climbing, mountaineering, caving
  • be certified or qualified specifically for PPE
  • other
• informations to be provided to the user