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 EU Directive on General Product Safety (2001/95/EC), 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/TC 136 is working on a Technical Specification (FprCEN/TS 17676) that specifies guidelines and recommendations for the safe operation of fitness centres during an infectious outbreak – now and during future pandemics. Its development is meant to support Europeans in maintaining their health and guide the fitness sector in their decision-making so that its facilities are safe to use by customers and staff.
