Speeltuin
HIC meters for safe playing surfaces

Play surfaces must protect children in the event of a fall. Wireless Value develops HIC meters that test and certify fall protection surfaces according to the EN1177-A1 2024 standard. So children can play without worry.

Why test play surfaces?

Safe play surfaces give children the freedom to play, climb, and jump without falls immediately leading to serious injury. The EN1177-A1 2024 standard sets clear requirements for the shock absorption of fall protection surfaces.

Play surfaces must protect children in the event of a fall. Wireless Value develops HIC meters that test and certify fall protection surfaces according to the EN1177:2018 standard. So children can play without worry.

Kinderen spelen op een speeltoestel in de speeltuin

Challenges in playground management

Stricter safety standards

The EN1177-A1 2024 standard has tightened the requirements. Annual inspections are becoming increasingly mandatory. Demonstrating that playgrounds are safe requires professional measuring equipment.

Wear and tear

Play surfaces change with use and weather. Rubber hardens, wood chips migrate, and sand compacts. Regular measurements enable timely maintenance.

Manage many locations

Municipalities sometimes have hundreds of playgrounds. Schools and childcare facilities have multiple playgrounds. Efficient inspection is essential.

Professional responsibility

As a manager, you are responsible for the safety of playgrounds. Documented measurements using certified equipment help fulfill this responsibility.

Who are our HIC Meters for?

Municipality

What they need:
Municipalities often manage dozens to hundreds of playgrounds. Efficient inspections with reliable equipment are essential to regularly monitor all locations.

How we help:

  • User-friendly meters that work quickly
  • Direct reporting for decision-making
  • GPS recording per measuring location
  • Training and support available

Who uses our meters:
More than 10 Dutch municipalities use our HIC meters for regular playground monitoring.

Inspection companies and testing institutes

What they need:
Professional inspectors perform dozens of measurements daily and need equipment that is reliable, fast, and generates reports that meet all certification requirements.

How we help:

  • Meters fully compliant with EN1177-A1 2024
  • Calibrated sensors with certificates
  • Professional PDF reports with your own logo
  • Up to 6 meters in use per company

Who uses our meters:
TÜV Nederland, TÜV Süd, Kiwa ISA Sport, Keurmerkinstituut, MME, and dozens of other inspection companies.

Schools and childcare

What they need:
Between official inspections, schools and childcare facilities can check for themselves whether their play surfaces are still safe. This is especially important after intensive use or extreme weather conditions.

How we help:

  • Easy to use (even without a technical background)
  • Instant insight into whether the surface is safe
  • Affordable option available (Single Drop)
  • Instructions and manual included
Playground manufacturers and installers

What they need:
After installing a new play surface, be able to immediately demonstrate that the work complies with the EN1177-A1 2024 standard. This gives customers confidence and prevents subsequent disputes.

How we help:

  • Testing immediately after installation
  • Proof of proper execution
  • Professional reporting to the customer
  • Build reputation with reliable data
Operators of indoor play facilities

What they need:
Trampoline parks, climbing gyms, and indoor play paradises often have extreme drop heights of up to 6 meters. This requires specialized testing equipment that can handle these heights.

How we help:

  • HiHeight HIC for drop heights up to 6 meters
  • Suitable for intensive use
  • Regular inspection possible
  • Meets the strictest safety requirements
Product and material developers

What they need:
Developers of new fall protection materials, rubber products, or shock pads must be able to test whether their product will comply with EN1177-A1 2024 during development.

How we help:

  • Test prototypes early in the process
  • Data for R&D optimization
  • Avoid costly redevelopment
  • Faster time-to-market
Our HIC meters
HIC-premium

Platinum HIC-meter

HIC single drop

HIC Single Drop

For quick checks of existing playing fields

IMG 1460

HIC SWING & HiHeight HIC

For specific applications

How does a HIC measurement work?

01.

Preparation
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Open the app (Platinum) or turn on the display (Single Drop). The system is ready to use in seconds. No complex settings required.

02.

Placement
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Place the HIC meter at the location to be tested. If using a tripod, position it directly above the measuring point for precise measurement. The sensor ensures free fall according to the standard.

03.

Releasing
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Activate the trap via the app or the mechanism. The sensor falls and measures all relevant parameters within milliseconds during impact.

04.

Results immediately visible
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Platinum HIC (via app):

  • HIC value
  • G-value (peak deceleration in g)
  • Fall height (automatically calculated)
  • Fall time (dT in milliseconds)
  • Critical fall height (from the second measurement)

Single Drop (on display):

  • HIC value
  • G-value
  • Fall height
  • dT

05.

Assessment
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Immediately visible whether the surface complies:

  • Green/Pass: HIC < 1000, safe for the measured height
  • Red/Fail: HIC > 1000, unsafe

06.

Documentation (Platinum HIC)
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  • Add GPS location
  • Take photos of the measurement location
  • Add comments
  • Generate PDF report
  • Send directly to customer
The science behind HIC

What is HIC?

The Head Injury Criterion (HIC) is an internationally recognized measure of the risk of head injury in a fall. The HIC value combines two factors:

  1. Peak deceleration (the force of the impact)
  2. Impact duration (the duration of the impact)

By combining both factors, HIC predicts the risk of head injury better than peak deceleration alone.

Safe HIC values

According to EN1177-A1 2024

  • HIC < 1000: Safe for the measured fall height ✓
  • HIC > 1000: Unsafe - risk of serious head injury ✗

Critical drop height

The critical fall height is the maximum height from which a child can safely fall on the measured surface. By taking multiple measurements from different heights, the app automatically calculates this critical fall height.

Example:

  • Measurement from 1 meter: HIC 650 (safe)
  • Measurement from 1.5 meters: HIC 980 (safe)
  • Measurement from 2 meters: HIC 1240 (unsafe)
  • Critical fall height: approximately 1.8 meters

Factors influencing HIC

Substrate type: Rubber tiles, wood chips, sand, artificial grass – each material has different properties.

Thickness/height: A thicker substrate usually means better shock absorption, but not always linearly.

Compaction: A compact substrate absorbs less impact. Regular inspection is necessary during intensive use.

Moisture content: Moisture affects measurement results, especially with natural materials like wood chips and sand.

Temperature: Rubber hardens in cold weather and softens in heat. This affects the HIC value.

Aging: UV radiation and weather cause materials to age. Rubber hardens, plastic becomes brittle.

Therefore measure regularly

Play surfaces change over time. What was safe when installed can become unsafe after years of use or extreme weather conditions. Regular measurements ensure you detect this early.

Dutch development since 2008
HIC single drop

2008

First wireless HIC meter introduced
Veiligheidsinspecteur gebruikt HIC meter bij speeltoestel in speeltuin

2015

Launch of AAA meter for sports fields
HIC app starting drop test

2018

Update for new EN1177:2018 standard
20140603 102012 (1)

2025

Latest technology

From the first version in 2008 to now: continuous improvements in sensors, Bluetooth technology, battery life and software.

User feedback

Developed based on feedback from inspectors, municipalities, and inspection bodies. What began as a single HIC meter has grown into a complete product line.

Standard compliance

Stay ahead of the curve with instant updates whenever a standard changes (such as the EN1177-A1 2024). Our free software updates give you peace of mind, ensuring your devices always comply with the very latest requirements.

Dutch quality

Development and production in the Netherlands. Short lines, fast service, technical support in Dutch.

Service and support

Technical support

Dutch support via phone and email. Response within 24 hours on weekdays. Assistance with practical questions.

Calibration services

Annual calibration with certificates according to EN ISO/IEC 17025. Fast turnaround time. Worldwide service available.

Instruction and training

Comprehensive instructions upon purchase. Team training. Online manuals and videos available.

Spare parts

Sensors, batteries, and other parts immediately available. Fast delivery within the Netherlands.

Software updates

Free updates for new regulations. Automatic notifications via app. Wireless installation.

Technical advice

Vragen over testprotocollen? Hulp nodig bij interpretatie? We denken graag mee.

Questions about test protocols? Need help with interpretation? We're happy to help.
Our HIC meters in practice
20140603 102012 (1)

Municipal playground supervision

More than 10 Dutch municipalities use our HIC meters for regular inspections of play surfaces. From small neighborhood squares to large playgrounds, efficient management of hundreds of locations requires reliable, fast measuring equipment.

"We can now inspect 15-20 play areas in a single day. The GPS recording helps us keep track of everything and prioritize locations that require extra attention."

HIC single drop

Professional inspections

TÜV Nederland, Kiwa ISA Sport, and other inspection bodies use our meters for official certifications. The Platinum HIC with comprehensive reporting meets all requirements for professional inspection reports.

Inspection companies sometimes use up to six HIC meters—reliability and speed are essential for their daily work.

Kinderen spelen op een speeltoestel in de speeltuin

Schools and childcare

Schools and childcare facilities use the HIC Single Drop for their own safety checks between official inspections. During intensive use or after extreme weather conditions, they can quickly check whether the surface is still safe.

Indoor klimwand voor klimsport en training

Trampoline parks

The HiHeight HIC was developed for trampoline parks and climbing gyms with extreme drop heights of up to 6 meters. These locations require intensive supervision – regular measurements ensure they can remain open safely.

Frequently Asked Questions
About the meters

The Platinum HIC meter is for measurement method 1 (new installations and official certification) with app control and comprehensive reporting. The Single Drop is for measurement method 2 (existing playing fields and regular inspections), has a display, and is simpler and more affordable. Both are fully compliant with EN1177-A1 2024.

Can I test different surfaces?

Yes, our HIC meters are suitable for all types of impact surfaces: rubber tiles, wood chips, sand, artificial grass, gravel, and combined systems.

How long does a battery last?

Depending on usage, typically several days of intensive use. The battery is rechargeable (3.7V, 2200mAh). Charging takes several hours.

Does the HIC meter need to be calibrated?

Yes, annual calibration is recommended. We provide calibration services including certifications according to EN ISO/IEC 17025. Sensors remain accurate after calibration.

About measurements
How often should playing surfaces be tested?

At least annually, according to most guidelines and insurance policies. Interim inspections are recommended during intensive use (schools, childcare) or after extreme weather conditions (frost, heat, storms).

Does the meter work in the rain?

The meters are weatherproof. However, measuring in rain is not recommended because moisture affects results, especially with natural materials like wood chips and sand. Test in dry weather for the most reliable results.

How fast are the measurements?

A single measurement takes just seconds (place, drop, result). For a complete playing field with multiple measuring points: usually 30-60 minutes, including documentation and reporting.

How many measuring points are needed?

This depends on the measurement method, the size of the playing field, and the type of equipment. EN1177-A1 2024 provides guidelines for each situation. New installations (measurement method 1) require more points than existing playing fields (measurement method 2).

What to do with results
What if the playing surface is not suitable?

Then action is needed to protect children:

  • Short term: Temporarily close the playground equipment or reduce the fall height.
  • Medium term: Add additional materials, replace the surface, or perform maintenance.
  • Documentation: Record measurements and actions for liability purposes.
Can I create and test a surface myself?

Yes, many contractors and playground manufacturers use our meters to check their work immediately after installation. This immediately demonstrates that the installation complies with the standard – this prevents disputes and gives customers confidence.

Are the reports legally valid?

Yes, our meters are fully compliant with EN1177-A1 2024. The reports contain all the information required for official documentation: measured values, test protocol, calibration status, GPS locations, and photos.

Practical
Is training available?

Yes, comprehensive instructions are provided upon purchase. We also provide training for municipal and inspection company teams. Online manuals and videos are available.

Can meetings be used for research?

Yes, universities and research institutes use our meters for studies on fall surfaces, material behavior, and safety standards. The measurement data can be exported for analysis.

Can I rent the meter?

Contact us for information about rental or leasing options, especially interesting for short-term projects or seasonal use.

Would you like to know which HIC meter suits your situation?

Or contact us directly for personal advice.

Related
Speeltuin

Municipal applications

Read how municipalities use our meters