What is BS EN 16899 about?
BS EN 16899 discusses sports and recreational facilities with a focus on parkour equipment and safety requirements and test methods. BS EN 16899 specifies requirements for parkour equipment for use mainly by users starting from 8 years of age. BS EN 16899 recognizes that parkour movement is personally determined by users, using controlled physical exertion from, to, and through equipment elements and structures; both permanently installed and portable.
The requirements are intended to protect users from hazards that they might be unable to foresee when using the equipment as intended, or in a manner that can be reasonably anticipated.
BS EN 16899 specifies requirements for the installation and maintenance of parkour equipment, including area, height, flow, location, and separation from other facilities, including children’s playgrounds and multi-use games areas (free access multi-sports equipment).
Note: BS EN 16899 is not expected that every scenario has been addressed. Where new designs or concepts are delivered, a risk-benefit assessment should be completed by a competent person.
Who is BS EN 16899 for?
BS EN 16899 on sports and recreational facilities is useful for:
- Manufacturers of sports goods
- Operators of sports equipment
- Safety and regulatory authorities
Why should you use BS EN 16899?
BS EN 16899 is primarily intended for manufacturers of parkour equipment, operators and designers of parkour parks, and supervisors of parkour lessons who are appropriately qualified and experienced and have sufficient knowledge on parkour as sports.
The design and layout of parkour facilities require a good understanding of the sport and the interrelationship of equipment and “flow” routes. To ensure the safety of equipment it is recommended that design advice is obtained from a competent person and that appropriate risk-benefit assessment are carried out.
BS EN 16899 covers the design of equipment for the practice and development of the principle techniques/movements of the sport of parkour by those new to parkour and by experienced practitioners, known as traceurs (or free runners).
