5 Reasons not to use uncertified wood or bark chippings in children's play areas.

1) Critical Fall heights have been measured, tested and approved following strict british standards set out in BS:EN 1177. Safe measurements are available on request, but our play area surfaces have been tested to 100, 200 and 300mm depths and pass safety criteria. This means that should you child fall off the equipment and hit their heads, critical harm can be avoided by laying the woodchip to a suitable depth.

2) CPA Horticulture sells to councils and public play areas across the country, and have for 20 years. These installations are regularly inspected by RoSPA and approved as a suitable material for play areas.

3) Sawmill or arboricultural woodchip is a waste product and often does not go through a screening and quality assurance process, meaning it often contains sharp and unsafe shards.

4) Failing to purchase a wood or bark chippings that follows British Standards regulations could invalidate your insurance policies and make you publicly liable for injuries caused. If it is a public play area, RoSPA recommend having your equipment tested bi-annually by an approved agent. 

5) Barks obtained from saw-mills and arboricultural sources may cause skin rashes and irritations. Our play area bark is a pure pine product and has been composted for a suitable time to soften the bark chippings, maximising the critical fall heights making for a safe and suitable play area surface for little ones to play on.

Below are some RoSPA links that you may find useful:

Annual Inspections by RoSPA Play Safety

RoSPA EN1176 / 1177 Standards information sheet

Wicksteed guide to BSEN 1176 and 1177