CEN’s standardization of sports equipment and bicycles addresses mainly the need for a common terminology, safety requirements, operational requirements, performance requirements, test methods, marking, information for consumers and users, installation and maintenance.
CEN/TC 136 'Sports, playground and other recreational facilities and equipment' develops standards for a wide range of products and facilities for various sports and recreational activities, including playground equipment for children, while standards for bicycles are developed by CEN/TC 333 'Cycles'. Most sports, recreational and playground facilities and equipment come under the scope of the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR EU 2023/988) , while helmets and other personal protective equipment are covered by the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
The main players involved in European standardization in this field are manufacturers of sports equipment and bicycles, testing laboratories, consumer representatives and public authorities responsible for market surveillance. CEN cooperates with various European associations representing key stakeholders. CEN also collaborates with ISO/TC 83 (Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment) and ISO/TC 149 (Cycles) and offers European Standards to be considered for adoption as international standards.
Highlights
Guidelines for fitness centres during infectious outbreak: CEN just released new technical specification CEN/TS 17676:2022 which provides guidelines and recommendations for the safe operation of fitness centres during any future infectious outbreaks. Read the EN in the Spotlight article to know more.
