SIST-TP CEN/TR 16396:2020

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST-TP CEN/TR 16396:2020
01-marec-2020
Nadomešča:
SIST-TP CEN/TR 16396:2013
Oprema otroških igrišč - Odgovori na zahteve za razlago EN 1176 in njegovih delov
Playground equipment for children - Replies to requests for interpretation of EN 1176
and its parts.
Spielplatzgeräte für Kinder - Antworten auf Interpretationsanfragen zu EN 1176 und
dazugehörigen Teilen
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 16396:2020
ICS:
97.200.40 Igrišča Playgrounds
SIST-TP CEN/TR 16396:2020 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST-TP CEN/TR 16396:2020


CEN/TR 16396
TECHNICAL REPORT

RAPPORT TECHNIQUE

January 2020
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
ICS 97.200.40 Supersedes CEN/TR 16396:2012
English Version

Playground equipment for children - Replies to requests
for interpretation of EN 1176 and its parts.
 Spielplatzgeräte für Kinder - Antworten auf
Interpretationsanfragen zu EN 1176 und
dazugehörigen Teilen


This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 25 November 2019. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC
136.

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. CEN/TR 16396:2020 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative References . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 EN 1176-1:1 2008, Playground equipment — Part 1: General safety requirements and
test method . 8
4.1 General (interpretation request 2010-09 — SII) . 8
4.2 Scope (interpretation request 2010-04 SFS) . 9
4.3 Clause 3.5 (interpretation request 2010-02 SFS) . 10
4.4 Clause 4.2 (interpretation request 2011-02 TSI) . 11
4.5 Clauses 4.2.4; 4.2.4.4 (interpretation request 2011-04 SNV) . 13
4.6 Clause 4.2.4.4 (interpretation request 2010-01 SFS) . 14
4.7 Clause 4.2.9.2 (Interpretation request 2011-07 — DS) . 14
4.8 Clause 3.1.9 Cluster (EN 1176-1), Clause 4.2.8.3 Free Space (EN 1176-1) and
EN 1176-3, 4.7 (interpretation request 2011-10 ASI) . 15
4.9 Clause 4.2.7.2 (interpretation request 2011-11 DS) . 17
4.10 Clause 4.2.7.2 a) and b) and Annex D (interpretation request 2009-09 SN) . 18
4.11 Clause 4.2.7.3 (interpretation request 2011-03 – SNV) . 20
4.12 Clause 4.2.8.1 Table 2 (interpretation request 2009-04 AFNOR) . 20
4.13 Clause 4.2.8.1 Figure 14 (interpretation request 2009-05 AFNOR) . 21
4.14 Clause 4.2.8.4 (interpretation request 2009-06 DS) . 22
4.15 Clause 4.2.8.5.2 (interpretation request 2011-12 DIN) . 22
4.16 Clause 4.2.8.5.2 (interpretation request 2010-07 DIN) . 24
4.17 Clause 4.2.8.5.3 (interpretation request 2010-03 SFS) . 25
4.18 Clause 4.2.7.1 and 4.2.7.2 (interpretation request 2011-13 DS) . 25
4.19 Clauses 3.29, 4.2.8.4 and 4.2.8.5.4 (interpretation request 2012-01 BSI) . 26
4.20 Clause 4.2.7.2 (interpretation request 2012-02 SFS) . 27
4.21 Clause 4.2.7.2 a) and b) and Annex D (interpretation request 2009-09 SN) . 28
4.22 Part 1 Clause 4.2.7.2 and Part 2 Clause 4.5(interpretation request 2014-06 DS) . 30
4.23 Clause 4.2.7.3 (interpretation request 2011-03 SNV) . 32
4.24 Clause 4.2.8.1, Table 2 (interpretation request 2009-04 AFNOR) . 32
4.25 Clause 4.2.8.1, Figure 14 (interpretation request 2009-05 AFNOR) . 33
4.26 Clause 4.2.8.1 and 4.3 + EN 1176-11 (interpretation request 2014-03 NL) . 34
4.27 Clause 4.2.8.4 (interpretation request 2009-06 DS) . 38
4.28 Clause D.2.2 (interpretation request 2016-01 CEN/TC52) . 38
4.29 Clause 4.2.8.1, EN 1176-1 (interpretation request 2016-03 NEN) . 41
4.30 Clause 4.2.4.4 (Interpretation request 2016-04 SK) . 44
4.31 EN 1176-1 + EN 1176-2 (interpretation request 2016-07 DS) . 47
4.32 Clause 4.2.3 (interpretation request 2016-08 DS) . 48
4.33 Clause 4.2.3 EN 1176-2 (interpretation request 2016-09 DS) . 48
4.34 Clause 4.2.7.2 (interpretation request 2017-01 BSI) . 49
4.35 Clause 4.2.6 and 4.2.7.4 (interpretation request 2017-03 SN) . 50
4.36 Clause 4.2.8.1 (interpretation request 2017-05 SN) . 53
4.37 Clause 4.2.7.2 and EN 1176-5, 4.4 (interpretation request 2017-07 LVS). 55
4.38 Clause 4.2.2.8.2.5 (interpretation request 2017-08 NEN) . 56
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4.39 Clause 4.2.3 s (interpretation request 2017-09 NEN) . 57
5 EN 1176-2:2008, Playground equipment and surfacing — Part 2: Additional specific
safety requirements and test methods for swings . 58
5.1 Clause 4.2 (interpretation request 2010-06 DS) . 58
5.2 Clause 4.9 Framework (interpretation request 2011-08 DS) . 59
5.3 Clause 4.10.1 (interpretation request 2010-05 DS) . 60
5.4 Clause 4.10.2.1 (interpretation request 2011-09 DS) . 60
5.5 Clause 4.10.2 (interpretation request 2017-02 BSI) . 61
5.6 Clause 3.9 and Figure 6 (interpretation request 2017-06 CEN/TC/SC 1/TG 1
“Rationales Group”) . 62
5.7 Annex B (interpretation request 2011-06 DS) . 63
6 EN 1176-3:2008, Playground equipment — Part 3: Additional specific safety
requirements and test methods for slides . 64
6.1 Clause 4.2 (interpretation request 2011-05 SIS) . 64
6.2 Clause 4.2 and 4.3.4, Figure 1 (interpretation request 2014-04 SIST) . 65
6.3 Clause 4.9.2 (interpretation request 2016-10 DS) . 66
7 EN 1176-4:2008, Playground equipment — Part 4: Additional specific safety
requirements and test methods for cableways . 68
7.1 Clause 4.5 (interpretation request 2009-01 DS) . 68
8 EN 1176-6:2008, Playground equipment — Part 6: Additional specific safety
requirements and test methods for rocking equipment . 68
8.1 Clause 4.9 (interpretation request 2014-05 NBN) . 68
8.2 Clause 4.10 (interpretation request 2016-02 NEN) . 69
8.3 Clause 4.6 (interpretation request 2009-07 DS) . 70
8.4 Clause 4.10 (interpretation request 2009-08 DS) . 71
8.5 Table 1 (interpretation request 2010-08 CEN/TC 136/SC 1/TG 1 “Rationales Group”) . 71
9 EN 1176-10:2008, Playground equipment — Part 10: Additional specific safety
requirements and test methods for fully enclosed play equipment . 71
9.1 Clause 4.3.7 (interpretation request 2009-02 DS) . 71
9.2 Clause 4.3.7 (interpretation request 2014-01 NL) . 72
9.3 Clause 4.4.2.4 (interpretation request 2009-03 DS) . 73
9.4 Clause 7 + EN 1176-1 (interpretation request 2014-02 NL) . 74
9.5 Clause 4.2.7.6 (interpretation request 2016-05 CYS) . 75
10 EN 1176-11:2008, Playground equipment and surfacing — Part 11: Additional
specific safety requirements and test methods for spatial network . 76
10.1 Scope, signage (interpretation request 2011-01 ASI) . 76

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European foreword
This document (CEN/TR 16396:2020) 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.
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.
This document supersedes CEN/TR 16396:2012.
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Introduction
Interpretations and no-action decisions
This document contains all interpretation of TR 16396 to the end of 2017. It should bring a close to all
interpretations made to the 2008 version of EN 1176 and all of its specific parts that were also revised
in 2017. It contains replies to requests for interpretations concerning the understanding of clauses in
the 2008 edition of EN 1176 series. The replies concern those requests that have resulted in an
interpretation or a decision that no action is required as the standard is sufficiently clear.
An interpretation does not have the same status as the text of the standard. However, following an
interpretation gives assurance that the relevant clause of the standard has been correctly applied. An
interpretation is a clarification of the meaning of the standard. This TR covers requests from 2011 to
the end of 2017.
Disclaimer
The interpretations have been prepared by the interpretation panel of CEN/TC 136/SC1 committee
according to agreed process and finally confirmed by the whole SC1 committee prior to responding
back to the enquiring National Standard Body. The information contained herein should always be
considered in association with the original2008 edition of EN 1176 series published text.
Requests for interpretations may be submitted by a CEN member body through its national committee
or by a CEN/TC 136 liaison (but not directly by an individual or a company) – in accordance with the
interpretation protocols agreed by CEN/TC 136/SC 1. The requests are then channelled to the
CEN/TC 136/SC 1interpretation panel, which will then deal with the request.
A request for an interpretation may lead to:
a) an interpretation of the standard with no action to the standard (no revision and no amendment)
This should reflect a reasonable interpretation of how the standard should be used, taking into
account:
1) the wording of the standard;
2) the rationale of the standard;
3) the history of the standard.
This is also applicable when it is agreed that the standard appropriately specifies how playground
equipment shall be assessed.
b) a proposal for an amendment of the standard
This is applicable when it is agreed that the standard is deficient in some way.
NOTE Interpretation and no-action decisions are published in CEN/TR 16396 which will be updated on a
regular basis. Proposals for amendments will be progressed as new work item proposals in accordance with
CEN rules.
c) a future revision
It is not within the interpretation protocol to carry out new work that was not previously covered
within the published EN 1176 series parts and clauses. Future work requests should always be
raised by National Standard Bodies using the “Future work request template” to ensure full
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consideration is given to the necessity and possible consequences, before starting any new work on
EN 1176 series.
Answers to requests for interpretations
Since requests for interpretations are submitted through a CEN member body, it is assumed that the
member body will keep itself informed about decisions concerning the request and its progress and will
itself inform the originator of the request as appropriate.
The following information requests have been included in this Technical Report:
2009
2009-01 DS — Part 4 — 4.5
2009-02 DS — Part 10 — 4.3.7
2009-03 DS — Part 10 — 4.4.2.4
2009-04 AFNOR — Part 1 — 4.2.8.1 Table 2
2009-05 AFNOR — Part 1 — 4.2.8.1 Figure 14
2009-06 DS — Part 1 — 4.2.8.4
2009-07 DS — Part 6 — 4.6
2009-08 DS — Part 6 — 4.10
2009-09 SN — Part 1 — 4.2.7.2 a) and b) and Annex D
2010
2010-01 SFS — Part 1 — 4.2.4.4
2010-02 SFS — Part 1 — 3.5
2010-03 SFS —Part 1 — 4.2.8.5.3
2010-04 SFS — Part 1 — Scope
2010-05 DS — Part 2 — 4.10.1
2010-06 DS — Part 2 — 4.2
2010-07 DIN — Part 1 — 4.2.8.5.2
2010-08 CEN/TC 136/SC 1/TG 1 “Rationales group” — Part 6 — Table 1
2010-09 SII — Part 1 — General
2011
2011-01 ASI— Part 11 — Scope Signage
2011-02 TSI — Part 1 — 4.2
2011-03 SNV— Part 1 — 4.2.7.3
2011-04 SNV— Part 1 — 4.2.4 and 4.2.4.4
2011-05 SIS — Part 3 — 4.2
2011-06 DS — Part 2 — Annex B
2011-07 DS — Part 1 — 4.2.9.2
2011-08 DS — Part 2 — 4.9
2011-09 DS — Part 1 — 4.10.2.1
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2011-10 ASI —Part 1 — 3.19, 4.2.8.3 + Part 3 Clause 4.7
2011-11 DS — Part 1 — 4.2.7.2
2011-12 DIN —Part 1 — 4.2.8.5.2
2011-13 DS — Part 1 — 4.2.7.1, 4.2.7.2
2012
2012-01 GB — Part 1 — 3.29, 4.2.8.4, 4.2.8.5.4
2012-02 SFS — Part 1 — 4.2.7.2
2014
2014-02 — NEN — Part 1 7.1 + Part 10 Clause 7
2014-03 — NEN — Part 1-4.2.8.1 and Part 11 Clause 4.3
2014-04 — SIST — Part 3 −4.2, 4.3.4 Figure 1
2014-05 — NBN — Part 6, 4.9
2014-06 — DS — Part 1- 4.2.7.2 + Part 2 — 4.5
2016
2016-01 — CEN/TC52
2016-02 — NEN — Part 6
2016-03 — NEN — Part 1 and Part 3
2016-04 — SK — Part 1
2016-05 — CYS — Part 10
2016-06 — was cancelled and updated as 2016-09
2016-07 — DS — Part 1and Part 2
2016-08 — DS — Part 1
2016-09 — DS — Part 1 and Part 2
2016-10 — DS Part 3
2017
2017-01 GB — Part 1
2017-02 GB — Part 2
2017-03 SN — Part 1
2017-04 SN — Part 1
2017-05 SN — Part 1
2017-06 CEN/TC 136/SC 1/ TG 1 “Rationales group” — Part 2
2017-07 LVS — Part 1
2017-08 NEN — Part 1
2017-09 NEN — Part 1
NOTE ASI - Austria, DS - Denmark, SFS - Finland, AFNOR - France, DIN - Germany, SII - Israel, LVS - Latvia,
NBN - Belgium, NEN - Netherlands, SN - Norway, SIS - Sweden, SIST - Slovakia, SN - Switzerland, TSI - Turkey, GB -
United Kingdom.
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1 Scope
The purpose of this document is to publish replies to requests for interpretations, to all parts of
EN 1176 series, which have been drafted by the interpretation panel and confirmed by
CEN/TC 136/S C1 “Playground equipment for children”.
2 Normative References
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
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
4 EN 1176-1:2008, Playground equipment and surfacing — Part 1: General safety
requirements and test method
4.1 General (interpretation request 2010-09 — SII)
Question
1. We would appreciate a formal answer from the TC 136/WG in relation to how to test the “rope
carousel” and to provide an explanation for the rationale for testing them only according to
EN 1176-1 and not according to EN 1176-5?
2. During that period our WG discussed the EN 1176-1:2008 standard and now have a few questions:
a) We need to obtain the position regarding the criteria for fire resistance of playground
equipment placed mainly in open areas.
b) We need to obtain an explanation as to why the instructions for tests of playground equipment
in accordance with EN 1021 series have been deleted.
c) Why are there no clear instructions besides the regulations of the countries as to where the
equipment is assembled?
3. We are also involved with musical playground equipment (see attached photographs). Would the
requirements of EN 1176-1 be applicable to some of them? Which types would be covered by
EN 1176-1 and which would not? Is there any restriction to placing them in an area together with
other playground equipment?
Reply
No action/interpretation
1. A picture of the specific product would be required to make a formal judgement.
EN 1176-1, 4.2.1 confirms; “Equipment where the primary play function is augmented by a
secondary motion, e.g. rocking and/or rotating, shall conform to the additional parts of EN 1176
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relating to both play functions, as appropriate, unless the equipment is specifically covered in just
one of the additional parts of EN 1176.”
EN 1176-5, scope confirms; “This document is not applicable to equipment where the main play
function in not rotating”.
2. Contained Playground Equipment has the greatest risk and these requirements are now covered in
the new EN 1176-10. Other than this the greatest risk is from materials that produce a surface flash
effect and would not give time for users to leave the area.
a) EN 1021 series was no longer thought to be necessary as a general requirement but is still
referred to in EN 1176-10.
b) All countries have different National Regulations, from which no universal requirements could
be identified.
3. There are no specific requirements in EN 1176 series for “Musical” Playground Equipment.
However, EN 1176-1 provides a basis for assessing all types of Playground Equipment. The
judgement of when and how much of this specification to apply not only relates to the type of
product, but also to where it is provided. In an unsupervised/free access situation, together with
other Playground Equipment items, then some assessment to EN 1176 series may be helpful.
Comments:
Question 1: Future work required to determine what is relevant for this specific type of product. This
would need to be determined by risk assessment.
Questions 2 and 3: No further action required.
4.2 Scope (interpretation request 2010-04 SFS)
Question
Question 1: How high should the fence be, if it is used as the sole means of separating the playground
from the exercise area?
Question 2: If distance alone is used as means of separating the playground from the exercise area, how
long should this distance be?
Question 3: Can you give any other example of what other means of separating these areas there could
be?
Reply
No action/interpretation
The interpretation panel recommend work is started, as a priority, for exercise equipment of this type
as it is now being specified in most European countries, in association with children’s playground
equipment.
The panel advises that when products of this type are installed in association with children’s
playground equipment it will get used by children, whether intentional or not, because segregating by
fencing, for example, does not work as a solution. Therefore, this type of equipment should be designed
and provided without unacceptable risks to these children, and comply with relevant requirements in
EN 1176 series, e.g. according to test protocols from accredited test houses, until a new standard is
developed.
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4.3 Clause 3.5 (interpretation request 2010-02 SFS)
Question
3.5 explains that forced movement is “e.g. sliding, swinging, rocking”. Different rocking equipment
provides different types of movement. This is expressed in the table below:
 Type 1 and 6 Type 2–4 Type
Product example



Slow and short Rotation with vertical
Movement type Up-down
horizontal movement movement
Length of movement 60 cm - 130 cm 20 cm - 40 cm infinite
Free fall down is
Movement speed Slow Potentially fast
possible
It is obvious that there is a distinction between different “rocking” movements.
Question 1: Are types 2–4 rocking equipment intended to require free space like in 3.5?
4.2.8.2.5, third paragraph: “In most cases there may be overlapping of falling spaces including impact
areas. Unless specified in other parts of this standard, overlapping of the falling space where forced
movement exists should not occur.”
Question 2: Are types 2–4 rocking equipment intended to be installed without overlapping falling
space as in 4.2.8.2.5?
Reply
No action/interpretation
Answer to the question 1:
The definition for Free Space in EN 1176-1:2008 point 3.5 refers to “Rocking Equipment”.
In addition, in 4.2.8.5.2, first paragraph, there is a clear reference to rocking equipment as having forced
movement (thus free space).
As no exceptions are given in EN 1176-6 it applies to all types of rocking items.
Additionally during the 2008 revision, changes were made to the requirements for a tested surface to
be provided. Part of these discussions assumed that small rocking items, such as type 2a, had a forced
movement/free space to ensure they were required to have an impact attenuating surface in
accordance with EN 1176-1.
Answer to the question 2:
Yes, types 2 – 4 rocking equipment are intended to be installed without overlapping falling space
according to EN 1176-1, 4.2.8.2.5, third paragraph, as there is no exception in Part 6.
However, please also see EN 1176-6, 4.10; This allows the Falling Space for rocking equipment types 1,
2, 3 and 4, to be reduced to a minimum of 1m, from the general requirements in EN 1176-1.
Comments:
Risks associated with a closer separation/proximity of single-user rockers, such as type 2a, are much
less than for multiuser types as that single user has a far higher level of control. A closer separation
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distance for Rocking Equipment, of this type, could be considered, as an exemption, as future work. This
would need to be carefully considered to the existing requirements of EN 1176-1, 4.2.8.2.
We would recommend that specific types of Rocking Equipment complying with EN 1176-6 should be
exempt from the restriction in EN 1176-1, not to overlap Falling Spaces (should be confirmed by risk
assessment). This would still enforce that they include some forced movement, but acknowledges it to
be of a small, lower risk, amplitude.
4.4 Clause 4.2 (interpretation request 2011-02 TSI)
Question
Is the product seen in the photos suitable for 4.2 of EN 1176-1?
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a)

b)
Figure 1
Reply
No action/interpretation
EN 1176-2 does not contain any specific requirements for the stiffness of swing seats.
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EN 1176-1, 4.2.1 requires that: “The dimensions and degree of difficulty… is apparent and foreseeable
by the child”. Some of these judgements will be subjective and it is not possible for this committee to
comment on specific products and circumstances.
However, the panel is aware that “belt seats” are common in some markets, for use on swings,
and we are not aware of any reason why this type of seat should not be accepted in principle.
4.5 Clauses 4.2.4; 4.2.4.4 (interpretation request 2011-04 SNV)
Question
How are the requirements for protection against falling on easily accessible suspension bridges?

Figure 2
Reply
Future Revision
There are no specific requirements for protection against falling on easily accessible suspension bridges
(see comments below).
Suspension bridges offer much higher levels of challenge than rigid platforms. The movement of the
walkway and the construction of the side elements will provide encouragement to users to hold on. This
is different to a “platform”, which is defined in EN 1176-1, 3.20, where barriers or guardrails are
required.
In the case of suspension bridges, which include handhold supports to the side, the free height of fall
should be measured from the walkway.
EN 1176-1, 4.2.1, states that “the dimensions and degree of difficulty of the equipment should be
suitable for the intended user group”. In the case of access, this would include an assessment to ensure
any access provided is not “easily accessible” to those users who may not be able to cope with the
expected risk factors.
Comment:
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The proposal to introduce new requirements including protection against falling and limiting the height
of “easily accessible” suspension bridges may be helpful to allow better supervision of less able users.
We recommend that this is considered as future work.
4.6 Clause 4.2.4.4 (interpretation request 2010-01 SFS)
Question
It is not clear how the width of the opening should be measured. Text speaks about “clear opening” and
even Figure 10a indicates that opening is measured from narrowest point. Still some clarifying
information in text would be nice as well a figure showing how the width of the opening should be
measured.
Reply
No action/interpretation
Agreed this could be clarified:
Propose to amend 4.2.4.3, second Paragraph, second sentence;
“The width of
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
kSIST-TP FprCEN/TR 16396:2019
01-oktober-2019
Oprema otroških igrišč - Odgovori na zahteve za razlago EN 1176 in njegovih delov
Playground equipment for children - Replies to requests for interpretation of EN 1176
and its parts.
Spielplatzgeräte für Kinder - Antworten auf Interpretationsanfragen zu EN 1176 und
dazugehörigen Teilen
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: FprCEN/TR 16396
ICS:
97.200.40 Igrišča Playgrounds
kSIST-TP FprCEN/TR 16396:2019 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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FINAL DRAFT
TECHNICAL REPORT
FprCEN/TR 16396
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE

TECHNISCHER BERICHT

August 2019
ICS Will supersede CEN/TR 16396:2012
English Version

Playground equipment for children - Replies to requests
for interpretation of EN 1176 and its parts.
 Spielplatzgeräte für Kinder - Antworten auf
Interpretationsanfragen zu EN 1176 und
dazugehörigen Teilen


This draft Technical Report is submitted to CEN members for Vote. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC
136.

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.

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 Technical Report. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a Technical Report.


EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2019 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. FprCEN/TR 16396:2019 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative References . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 EN 1176-1:1 2008, Playground equipment — Part 1: General safety requirements and
test method . 8
4.1 General (interpretation request 2010-09 — SII) . 8
4.2 Scope (interpretation request 2010-04 SFS) . 9
4.3 Clause 3.5 (interpretation request 2010-02 SFS) . 10
4.4 Clause 4.2 (interpretation request 2011-02 TSI) . 11
4.5 Clauses 4.2.4; 4.2.4.4 (interpretation request 2011-04 SNV) . 12
4.6 Clause 4.2.4.4 (interpretation request 2010-01 SFS) . 13
4.7 Clause 4.2.9.2 (Interpretation request 2011-07 — DS) . 14
4.8 Clause 3.1.9 Cluster (EN 1176-1), Clause 4.2.8.3 Free Space (EN 1176-1) and
EN 1176-3, 4.7 (interpretation request 2011-10 ASI) . 15
4.9 Clause 4.2.7.2 (interpretation request 2011-11 DS) . 17
4.10 Clause 4.2.7.2 a) and b) and Annex D (interpretation request 2009-09 SN) . 18
4.11 Clause 4.2.7.3 (interpretation request 2011-03 – SNV) . 20
4.12 Clause 4.2.8.1 Table 2 (interpretation request 2009-04 AFNOR) . 20
4.13 Clause 4.2.8.1 Figure 14 (interpretation request 2009-05 AFNOR) . 21
4.14 Clause 4.2.8.4 (interpretation request 2009-06 DS) . 22
4.15 Clause 4.2.8.5.2 (interpretation request 2011-12 DIN) . 22
4.16 Clause 4.2.8.5.2 (interpretation request 2010-07 DIN) . 24
4.17 Clause 4.2.8.5.3 (interpretation request 2010-03 SFS) . 25
4.18 Clause 4.2.7.1 and 4.2.7.2 (interpretation request 2011-13 DS) . 25
4.19 Clauses 3.29, 4.2.8.4 and 4.2.8.5.4 (interpretation request 2012-01 BSI) . 26
4.20 Clause 4.2.7.2 (interpretation request 2012-02 SFS) . 27
4.21 Clause 4.2.7.2 a) and b) and Annex D (interpretation request 2009-09 SN) . 28
4.22 Part 1 Clause 4.2.7.2 and Part 2 Clause 4.5(interpretation request 2014-06 DS) . 30
4.23 Clause 4.2.7.3 (interpretation request 2011-03 SNV) . 32
4.24 Clause 4.2.8.1, Table 2 (interpretation request 2009-04 AFNOR) . 32
4.25 Clause 4.2.8.1, Figure 14 (interpretation request 2009-05 AFNOR) . 33
4.26 Clause 4.2.8.1 and 4.3 + EN 1176-11 (interpretation request 2014-03 NL) . 34
4.27 Clause 4.2.8.4 (interpretation request 2009-06 DS) . 38
4.28 Clause D.2.2 (interpretation request 2016-01 CEN/TC52) . 38
4.29 Clause 4.2.8.1, EN 1176-1 (interpretation request 2016-03 NEN) . 41
4.30 Clause 4.2.4.4 (Interpretation request 2016-04 SK) . 44
4.31 EN 1176-1 + EN 1176-2 (interpretation request 2016-07 DS) . 47
4.32 Clause 4.2.3 (interpretation request 2016-08 DS) . 48
4.33 Clause 4.2.3 EN 1176-2 (interpretation request 2016-09 DS) . 48
4.34 Clause 4.2.7.2 (interpretation request 2017-01 BSI) . 49
4.35 Clause 4.2.6 and 4.2.7.4 (interpretation request 2017-03 SN) . 50
4.36 Clause 4.2.8.1 (interpretation request 2017-05 SN) . 53
4.37 Clause 4.2.7.2 and EN 1176-5, 4.4 (interpretation request 2017-07 LVS). 55
4.38 Clause 4.2.2.8.2.5 (interpretation request 2017-08 NEN) . 56
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4.39 Clause 4.2.3 s (interpretation request 2017-09 NEN) . 57
5 EN 1176-2:2008, Playground equipment and surfacing — Part 2: Additional specific
safety requirements and test methods for swings . 58
5.1 Clause 4.2 (interpretation request 2010-06 DS) . 58
5.2 Clause 4.9 Framework (interpretation request 2011-08 DS) . 59
5.3 Clause 4.10.1 (interpretation request 2010-05 DS) . 60
5.4 Clause 4.10.2.1 (interpretation request 2011-09 DS) . 60
5.5 Clause 4.10.2 (interpretation request 2017-02 BSI) . 61
5.6 Clause 3.9 and Figure 6 (interpretation request 2017-06 CEN/TC/SC 1/TG 1
“Rationales Group”) . 62
5.7 Annex B (interpretation request 2011-06 DS) . 63
6 EN 1176-3:2008, Playground equipment — Part 3: Additional specific safety
requirements and test methods for slides . 64
6.1 Clause 4.2 (interpretation request 2011-05 SIS) . 64
6.2 Clause 4.2 and 4.3.4, Figure 1 (interpretation request 2014-04 SIST) . 65
6.3 Clause 4.9.2 (interpretation request 2016-10 DS) . 66
7 EN 1176-4:2008, Playground equipment — Part 4: Additional specific safety
requirements and test methods for cableways . 68
7.1 Clause 4.5 (interpretation request 2009-01 DS) . 68
8 EN 1176-6:2008, Playground equipment — Part 6: Additional specific safety
requirements and test methods for rocking equipment . 68
8.1 Clause 4.9 (interpretation request 2014-05 NBN) . 68
8.2 Clause 4.10 (interpretation request 2016-02 NEN) . 69
8.3 Clause 4.6 (interpretation request 2009-07 DS) . 70
8.4 Clause 4.10 (interpretation request 2009-08 DS) . 71
8.5 Table 1 (interpretation request 2010-08 CEN/TC 136/SC 1/TG 1 “Rationales Group”) . 71
9 EN 1176-10:2008, Playground equipment — Part 10: Additional specific safety
requirements and test methods for fully enclosed play equipment . 71
9.1 Clause 4.3.7 (interpretation request 2009-02 DS) . 71
9.2 Clause 4.3.7 (interpretation request 2014-01 NL) . 72
9.3 Clause 4.4.2.4 (interpretation request 2009-03 DS) . 73
9.4 Clause 7 + EN 1176-1 (interpretation request 2014-02 NL) . 74
9.5 Clause 4.2.7.6 (interpretation request 2016-05 CYS) . 75
10 EN 1176-11:2008, Playground equipment and surfacing — Part 11: Additional
specific safety requirements and test methods for spatial network . 76
10.1 Scope, signage (interpretation request 2011-01 ASI) . 76

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European foreword
This document (FprCEN/TR 16396:2019) 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 Vote on TR.
This document will supersede CEN/TR 16396:2012.
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Introduction
Interpretations and no-action decisions
This document contains all interpretation of TR 16396 to the end of 2017. It should bring a close to all
interpretations made to the 2008 version of EN 1176 and all of its specific parts that were also revised
in 2017. It contains replies to requests for interpretations concerning the understanding of clauses in
the 2008 edition of EN 1176 series. The replies concern those requests that have resulted in an
interpretation or a decision that no action is required as the standard is sufficiently clear.
An interpretation does not have the same status as the text of the standard. However, following an
interpretation gives assurance that the relevant clause of the standard has been correctly applied. An
interpretation is a clarification of the meaning of the standard. This TR covers requests from 2011 to
the end of 2017.
Disclaimer
The interpretations have been prepared by the interpretation panel of CEN/TC 136/SC1 committee
according to agreed process and finally confirmed by the whole SC1 committee prior to responding
back to the enquiring National Standard Body. The information contained herein should always be
considered in association with the original2008 edition of EN 1176 series published text.
Requests for interpretations may be submitted by a CEN member body through its national committee
or by a CEN/TC 136 liaison (but not directly by an individual or a company) – in accordance with the
interpretation protocols agreed by CEN/TC 136/SC 1. The requests are then channelled to the
CEN/TC 136/SC 1interpretation panel, which will then deal with the request.
A request for an interpretation may lead to:
a) an interpretation of the standard with no action to the standard (no revision and no amendment)
This should reflect a reasonable interpretation of how the standard should be used, taking into
account:
1) the wording of the standard;
2) the rationale of the standard;
3) the history of the standard.
This is also applicable when it is agreed that the standard appropriately specifies how playground
equipment shall be assessed.
b) a proposal for an amendment of the standard
This is applicable when it is agreed that the standard is deficient in some way.
NOTE Interpretation and no-action decisions are published in CEN/TR 16396 which will be updated on a
regular basis. Proposals for amendments will be progressed as new work item proposals in accordance with
CEN rules.
c) a future revision
It is not within the interpretation protocol to carry out new work that was not previously covered
within the published EN 1176 series parts and clauses. Future work requests should always be
raised by National Standard Bodies using the “Future work request template” to ensure full
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consideration is given to the necessity and possible consequences, before starting any new work on
EN 1176 series.
Answers to requests for interpretations
Since requests for interpretations are submitted through a CEN member body, it is assumed that the
member body will keep itself informed about decisions concerning the request and its progress and will
itself inform the originator of the request as appropriate.
The following information requests have been included in this Technical Report:
2009
2009-01 DS — Part 4 — 4.5
2009-02 DS — Part 10 — 4.3.7
2009-03 DS — Part 10 — 4.4.2.4
2009-04 AFNOR — Part 1 — 4.2.8.1 Table 2
2009-05 AFNOR — Part 1 — 4.2.8.1 Figure 14
2009-06 DS — Part 1 — 4.2.8.4
2009-07 DS — Part 6 — 4.6
2009-08 DS — Part 6 — 4.10
2009-09 SN — Part 1 — 4.2.7.2 a) and b) and Annex D
2010
2010-01 SFS — Part 1 — 4.2.4.4
2010-02 SFS — Part 1 — 3.5
2010-03 SFS —Part 1 — 4.2.8.5.3
2010-04 SFS — Part 1 — Scope
2010-05 DS — Part 2 — 4.10.1
2010-06 DS — Part 2 — 4.2
2010-07 DIN — Part 1 — 4.2.8.5.2
2010-08 CEN/TC 136/SC 1/TG 1 “Rationales group” — Part 6 — Table 1
2010-09 SII — Part 1 — General
2011
2011-01 ASI— Part 11 — Scope Signage
2011-02 TSI — Part 1 — 4.2
2011-03 SNV— Part 1 — 4.2.7.3
2011-04 SNV— Part 1 — 4.2.4 and 4.2.4.4
2011-05 SIS — Part 3 — 4.2
2011-06 DS — Part 2 — Annex B
2011-07 DS — Part 1 — 4.2.9.2
2011-08 DS — Part 2 — 4.9
2011-09 DS — Part 1 — 4.10.2.1
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2011-10 ASI —Part 1 — 3.19, 4.2.8.3 + Part 3 Clause 4.7
2011-11 DS — Part 1 — 4.2.7.2
2011-12 DIN —Part 1 — 4.2.8.5.2
2011-13 DS — Part 1 — 4.2.7.1, 4.2.7.2
2012
2012-01 GB — Part 1 — 3.29, 4.2.8.4, 4.2.8.5.4
2012-02 SFS — Part 1 — 4.2.7.2
2014
2014-02 — NEN — Part 1 7.1 + Part 10 Clause 7
2014-03 — NEN — Part 1-4.2.8.1 and Part 11 Clause 4.3
2014-04 — SIST — Part 3 −4.2, 4.3.4 Figure 1
2014-05 — NBN — Part 6, 4.9
2014-06 — DS — Part 1- 4.2.7.2 + Part 2 — 4.5
2016
2016-01 — CEN/TC52
2016-02 — NEN — Part 6
2016-03 — NEN — Part 1 and Part 3
2016-04 — SK — Part 1
2016-05 — CYS — Part 10
2016-06 — was cancelled and updated as 2016-09
2016-07 — DS — Part 1and Part 2
2016-08 — DS — Part 1
2016-09 — DS — Part 1 and Part 2
2016-10 — DS Part 3
2017
2017-01 GB — Part 1
2017-02 GB — Part 2
2017-03 SN — Part 1
2017-04 SN — Part 1
2017-05 SN — Part 1
2017-06 CEN/TC 136/SC 1/ TG 1 “Rationales group” — Part 2
2017-07 LVS — Part 1
2017-08 NEN — Part 1
2017-09 NEN — Part 1
NOTE ASI - Austria, DS - Denmark, SFS - Finland, AFNOR - France, DIN - Germany, SII - Israel, LVS - Latvia,
NBN - Belgium, NEN - Netherlands, SN - Norway, SIS - Sweden, SIST - Slovakia, SN - Switzerland, TSI - Turkey, GB -
United Kingdom.
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1 Scope
The purpose of this document is to publish replies to requests for interpretations, to all parts of
EN 1176 series, which have been drafted by the interpretation panel and confirmed by
CEN/TC 136/S C1 “Playground equipment for children”.
2 Normative References
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
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
4 EN 1176-1:2008, Playground equipment — Part 1: General safety requirements
and test method
4.1 General (interpretation request 2010-09 — SII)
Question
1. We would appreciate a formal answer from the TC 136/WG in relation to how to test the “rope
carousel” and to provide an explanation for the rationale for testing them only according to
EN 1176-1 and not according to EN 1176-5?
2. During that period our WG discussed the EN 1176-1:2008 standard and now have a few questions:
a) We need to obtain the position regarding the criteria for fire resistance of playground
equipment placed mainly in open areas.
b) We need to obtain an explanation as to why the instructions for tests of playground equipment
in accordance with EN 1021 series have been deleted.
c) Why are there no clear instructions besides the regulations of the countries as to where the
equipment is assembled?
3. We are also involved with musical playground equipment (see attached photographs). Would the
requirements of EN 1176-1 be applicable to some of them? Which types would be covered by
EN 1176-1 and which would not? Is there any restriction to placing them in an area together with
other playground equipment?
Reply
No action/interpretation
1. A picture of the specific product would be required to make a formal judgement.
EN 1176-1, 4.2.1 confirms; “Equipment where the primary play function is augmented by a
secondary motion, e.g. rocking and/or rotating, shall conform to the additional parts of EN 1176
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relating to both play functions, as appropriate, unless the equipment is specifically covered in just
one of the additional parts of EN 1176.”
EN 1176-5, scope confirms; “This document is not applicable to equipment where the main play
function in not rotating”.
2. Contained Playground Equipment has the greatest risk and these requirements are now covered in
the new EN 1176-10. Other than this the greatest risk is from materials that produce a surface flash
effect and would not give time for users to leave the area.
a) EN 1021 series was no longer thought to be necessary as a general requirement but is still
referred to in EN 1176-10.
b) All countries have different National Regulations, from which no universal requirements could
be identified.
3. There are no specific requirements in EN 1176 series for “Musical” Playground Equipment.
However, EN 1176-1 provides a basis for assessing all types of Playground Equipment. The
judgement of when and how much of this specification to apply not only relates to the type of
product, but also to where it is provided. In an unsupervised/free access situation, together with
other Playground Equipment items, then some assessment to EN 1176 series may be helpful.
Comments:
Question 1: Future work required to determine what is relevant for this specific type of product. This
would need to be determined by risk assessment.
Questions 2 and 3: No further action required.
4.2 Scope (interpretation request 2010-04 SFS)
Question
Question 1: How high should the fence be, if it is used as the sole means of separating the playground
from the exercise area?
Question 2: If distance alone is used as means of separating the playground from the exercise area, how
long should this distance be?
Question 3: Can you give any other example of what other means of separating these areas there could
be?
Reply
No action/interpretation
The interpretation panel recommend work is started, as a priority, for exercise equipment of this type
as it is now being specified in most European countries, in association with children’s playground
equipment.
The panel advises that when products of this type are installed in association with children’s
playground equipment it will get used by children, whether intentional or not, because segregating by
fencing, for example, does not work as a solution. Therefore, this type of equipment should be designed
and provided without unacceptable risks to these children, and comply with relevant requirements in
EN 1176 series, e.g. according to test protocols from accredited test houses, until a new standard is
developed.
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4.3 Clause 3.5 (interpretation request 2010-02 SFS)
Question
3.5 explains that forced movement is “e.g. sliding, swinging, rocking”. Different rocking equipment
provides different types of movement. This is expressed in the table below:
 Type 1 and 6 Type 2–4 Type
Product example



Slow and short Rotation with vertical
Movement type Up-down
horizontal movement movement
Length of movement 60 cm - 130 cm 20 cm - 40 cm infinite
Free fall down is
Movement speed Slow Potentially fast
possible
It is obvious that there is a distinction between different “rocking” movements.
Question 1: Are types 2–4 rocking equipment intended to require free space like in 3.5?
4.2.8.2.5, third paragraph: “In most cases there may be overlapping of falling spaces including impact
areas. Unless specified in other parts of this standard, overlapping of the falling space where forced
movement exists should not occur.”
Question 2: Are types 2–4 rocking equipment intended to be installed without overlapping falling
space as in 4.2.8.2.5?
Reply
No action/interpretation
Answer to the question 1:
The definition for Free Space in EN 1176-1:2008 point 3.5 refers to “Rocking Equipment”.
In addition, in 4.2.8.5.2, first paragraph, there is a clear reference to rocking equipment as having forced
movement (thus free space).
As no exceptions are given in EN 1176-6 it applies to all types of rocking items.
Additionally during the 2008 revision, changes were made to the requirements for a tested surface to
be provided. Part of these discussions assumed that small rocking items, such as type 2a, had a forced
movement/free space to ensure they were required to have an impact attenuating surface in
accordance with EN 1176-1.
Answer to the question 2:
Yes, types 2 – 4 rocking equipment are intended to be installed without overlapping falling space
according to EN 1176-1, 4.2.8.2.5, third paragraph, as there is no exception in Part 6.
However, please also see EN 1176-6, 4.10; This allows the Falling Space for rocking equipment types 1,
2, 3 and 4, to be reduced to a minimum of 1m, from the general requirements in EN 1176-1.
Comments:
Risks associated with a closer separation/proximity of single-user rockers, such as type 2a, are much
less than for multiuser types as that single user has a far higher level of control. A closer separation
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distance for Rocking Equipment, of this type, could be considered, as an exemption, as future work. This
would need to be carefully considered to the existing requirements of EN 1176-1, 4.2.8.2.
We would recommend that specific types of Rocking Equipment complying with EN 1176-6 should be
exempt from the restriction in EN 1176-1, not to overlap Falling Spaces (should be confirmed by risk
assessment). This would still enforce that they include some forced movement, but acknowledges it to
be of a small, lower risk, amplitude.
4.4 Clause 4.2 (interpretation request 2011-02 TSI)
Question
Is the product seen in the photos suitable for 4.2 of EN 1176-1?

a)
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b)
Figure 1
Reply
No action/interpretation
EN 1176-2 does not contain any specific requirements for the stiffness of swing seats.
EN 1176-1, 4.2.1 requires that: “The dimensions and degree of difficulty… is apparent and foreseeable
by the child”. Some of these judgements will be subjective and it is not possible for this committee to
comment on specific products and circumstances.
However, the panel is aware that “belt seats” are common in some markets, for use on swings,
and we are not aware of any reason why this type of seat should not be accepted in principle.
4.5 Clauses 4.2.4; 4.2.4.4 (interpretation request 2011-04 SNV)
Question
How are the requirements for protection against falling on easily accessible suspension bridges?
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Figure 2
Reply
Future Revision
There are no specific requirements for protection against falling on easily accessible suspension bridges
(see comments below).
Suspension bridges offer much higher levels of challenge than rigid platforms. The movement of the
walkway and the construction of the side elements will provide encouragement to users to hold on. This
is different to a “platform”, which is defined in EN 1176-1, 3.20, where barriers or guardrails are
required.
In the case of suspension bridges, which include handhold supports to the side, the free height of fall
should be measured from the walkway.
EN 1176-1, 4.2.1, states that “the dimensions and degree of difficulty of the equipment should be
suitable for the intended user group”. In the case of access, this would include an assessment to ensure
any access provided is not “easily accessible” to those users who may not be able to cope with the
expected risk factors.
Comment:
The proposal to introduce new requirements including protection against falling and limiting the height
of “easily accessible” suspension bridges may be helpful to allow better supervision of less able users.
We recommend that this is considered as future work.
4.6 Clause 4.2.4.4 (interpretation request 2010-01 SFS)
Question
It is not clear how the width of the opening should be measured. Text speaks about “clear opening” and
even Figure 10a indicates that opening is measured from narrowest point. Still some clarifying
information in text would be nice as well
...