Fall height is the maximum vertical distance a child can fall from a play structure to the surface below. Every playground surface must be tested to meet or exceed this height.

Example: A 6 ft platform requires a surface tested to a 6 ft critical fall height.

HIC measures the likelihood of head injury during a fall. Lower numbers = safer surfaces.

• HIC 1000 is the maximum allowed threshold
• Most premium systems test between 450–750 HIC

Testing is performed using a weighted hemispherical headform dropped from increasing heights onto the turf system.

• Drop height increases until HIC approaches 1000
• The highest safe height becomes the critical fall height
• Testing is done on the full system: base + pad + turf

Safety pads — not infill — provide fall protection. Your system uses engineered pads that:

• Absorb impact
• Maintain performance for 10–15+ years
• Perform in all weather conditions
• Are tested for multiple fall heights (4 ft, 6 ft, 8 ft, 10 ft+)