De NEN-EN 14974 standard is a European safety standard specifically applicable to pump tracks, skate parks, and similar sports and recreational facilities. This standard sets strict requirements for the design, construction, materials, and safety of pump tracks. In the Netherlands, all pump tracks must comply with both NEN-EN 14974 certification and the WAS legislation (Attraction and Playground Equipment Act) to be legally used.
What does the NEN-EN 14974 standard mean for pump tracks?
De NEN-EN 14974 standard is a European safety standard specifically developed for skateboarding, skating, and cycling facilities, including pump tracks. This standard replaces older national standards and ensures uniform safety requirements within Europe.
The standard differs from general playground equipment standards because pump tracks have different risks and use patterns than traditional playgrounds. While conventional playground equipment is primarily aimed at children, pump tracks are used by all ages and various vehicles, such as bicycles, skateboards, and scooters.
In the Netherlands, this European standard has been implemented as NEN-EN 14974, with the Netherlands Standardization Institute (NEN) adopting the standard. This means that all asphalt pump tracks in the Netherlands must meet these specific requirements before they can be put into use.
What safety requirements does NEN-EN 14974 impose on pump tracks?
The NEN-EN 14974 standard states concrete technical requirements These requirements apply to the use of materials, construction, track design, and safety distances. These requirements are specifically tailored to the dynamic movements and speeds that users make on pump tracks.
The most important safety criteria are:
| Safety aspect | Requirement according to NEN-EN 14974 |
|---|---|
| Material specifications | Durable, weather-resistant materials with good grip |
| Track design | Gradual transitions, safe slopes and bends |
| Safety distances | At least 2 meters of free space around the track |
| Accessibility | Clear entrances and exits, clear track layout |
| Signaling | Rules of use and warnings in visible places |
These requirements ensure that pump tracks can be used safely by different target groups, from children on balance bikes to experienced BMX riders. View our completed projects to see how these safety requirements are applied in practice.
What is the certification process for pump tracks?
The program certification process The process for pump tracks according to NEN-EN 14974 consists of several steps, from design to final inspection. This process takes an average of 2 to 3 months and requires collaboration between various parties.
The process is as follows:
- Design phase: Technical drawings according to NEN-EN 14974 specifications
- Design approval: Assessment by a certified inspection body
- Construction phase: Implementation according to the approved design with quality controls
- Final approval: Inspection of the completed pump track by an independent inspector
- Certificate Issuing: Official certificate of commissioning
Various parties are involved in this process: the designer, the contractor, the inspection body, and often the municipality as the client. All documents, such as technical drawings, material certificates, and inspection reports, must be carefully preserved for future inspections.
What is the difference between WAS legislation and NEN-EN 14974?
De WAS legislation (Attraction and Playground Equipment Act) is Dutch legislation that determines which facilities must be inspected, while NEN-EN 14974 is the technical standard that prescribes how pump tracks should be designed and built.
The difference is in the function:
- WAS legislation: Determines the legal obligation for inspection and maintenance
- NEN-EN 14974: Provides the technical specifications for safe design and construction
In practice, both work together. The WAS legislation requires municipalities to have pump tracks inspected, while NEN-EN 14974 is the standard by which inspections are conducted. Without a valid certificate according to both regulations, a pump track may not be used.
For municipalities, this means they must not only ensure a pump track complies with NEN-EN 14974, but also ensure regular inspections and maintenance, as prescribed in the WAS legislation. This includes annual visual inspections and more extensive inspections every three years.
How Velosolutions helps with NEN-EN 14974 certification
We guide the full certification process From start to finish, we take care of everything for you as a municipality or recreation park. From the initial design to the final inspection and annual maintenance, we handle everything in accordance with applicable standards.
Our support includes:
- Design according to NEN-EN 14974 specifications by certified specialists
- Support for the inspection process with permanent inspection partners
- Implementation by experienced teams familiar with the standard
- Complete documentation and certification for commissioning
- Annual maintenance and periodic inspections in accordance with WAS legislation
- Five-year warranty on all pump tracks supplied
Thanks to our years of experience, we understand exactly what municipalities and recreation parks face when it comes to certification. We ensure that your pump track not only meets all requirements but also functions optimally for your users.
Read more about us and discover why more than a hundred municipalities trust us for their pump track. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation about certification according to NEN-EN 14974.
